leigh bardugo | Ad Librum Aeternam

Tag Archives: leigh bardugo

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Time Travel, Romance
Number of pages: 416
ISBN: 9780063024748

ASIN: 0063024748

Format: Hardcover, eBook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook), Audiobook (Audible, Kobo, B&N)
Publication date: August 19, 2025
Publisher: HarperTeen
Type: Novel, Series

Series: Trilogy

Previous books: Once a Villain (#1), Never a Hero (#2)

Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for giving me an e-ARC of Once a Villain by Vanessa Len. I receive no compensation whatsoever, and I write this review willingly.

This adventure all started when I read the first book of the Monsters trilogy: Only a Monster. I must say, it had the best world-building and time travel and angst I had seen in a long while. I became hooked. So much so I’d pre-ordered the second one, Never a Hero, with ALL the goodies (this included a gorgeous bookmark and a few postcards of a few scenes in the book), which I still cherish. Of course, I HAD to pre-order the last one, Once a Villain. But, little did I know that my enthusiastic request for an ARC on Edelweiss+ would be kindly granted by HarperCollins.

Here I am, reviewing the last volume of a trilogy that means so much to me, thanks to HarperCollins giving me the e-ARC of Once a Villain. I can’t thank them enough!

Once a Villain was the book I was most anticipating this whole year!!

Spoiler? It did NOT disappoint. At all. It succeeded my expectations (and trust me, they were high due to my love for this series expertly crafted by Vanessa Len).

How about jumping through book traveling with me to learn about all the ways this book (and trilogy) is really worth your time?

Here we go!

(I swear, you’ll wonder how you didn’t pick it up sooner!)

Blurb

The finale in the contemporary fantasy Only a Monster trilogy from Vanessa Len—which New York Times bestselling authors Holly Black, Chloe Gong, and Stephanie Garber called “delightful," "captivating,” and “unputdownable”—will take Joan into the darkest timeline in the monster world, as she fights to restore the world she remembers.

Joan has failed to stop Eleanor.

Now, Eleanor rules ruthlessly over a new London in which monsters live openly among humans, preying on them and subjugating them.

Only Joan, Aaron and Nick remember that there was once a better timeline. And now, wrenched between love and rivalry, they must negotiate their fractured pasts as they fight to survive the new world and fix the broken timeline.

But how will they defeat a whole world of monsters with power over time itself?

The sweeping love and high stakes of Divine Rivals meets the intricate worldbuilding and propulsive thrills of This Savage Song in this high-octane, cross-genre finale to the Only a Monster trilogy—where a breathless race against time is the only chance for Joan, Aaron, and Nick to restore the world they love.

The Positive Points

For starters, I really love that all this series is about a mismatched team pulled together due to circumstances. Plus, they all become friends, some warier than others, but the banter is fun and their friendship shows despite their intentions. They clearly care about one another and their team’s survival, although a few of them won’t admit this. It’s cute and much like a found family. It pleases me greatly and reminds me of the lovely Six of Crows gang by Leigh Bardugo (a high compliment on my part). Also, it’s worth noting how each character brings their own skills and thoughts, ideas, and opinions to the gang. Like, they’re ALL useful and interesting in so many different ways. They’re not just… filling up the space, which is usually the case in most stories.

Plus, Tom and Jamie?! DAWWWWW, they’re so freakin’ cute, I love and ship them so much. They remind me of Malec in Shadowhunters by Cassandra Clare, and there’s no gay couple I love more than Malec, so it’s a compliment right here. But wow, the heartache poor Jamie goes through (I love this character so much, he’s sweet, intelligent, caring, and poised)… and what about their marriage?! Ugh, anyways, I loved going on a roller-coaster ride with Tom and Jamie, they’re so sweet and loving.

On a another romantic note, the intensity of Nick and Joan’s love is something I love and crave, while the softness, kindness and loyalty of Aaron’s love is so beautiful I could cry.

I have to agree with Joan on a point: Nick is an excellent hero. (But so is Aaron; I always believed he was and could.) I hurt when something happened to Nick… because I might side with Aaron on their love triangle, I still really love Nick’s character. And Nick’s love, devotion, passion and intensity for Joan is unmistakable.

The fact the new horrible timeline and all the other timelines function as characters and worlds of their own. It’s amazing, impressive, and so immersive. It makes me giddy.

Also, this story took a dark turn and kept turning. It’s very good though, but yewwwww, it was nauseating at some point, yep, poor them.

Ah why not kill me again?! THAT’s when Aaron gets his chance?! Aaron is so achingly good and pained and sensible in this desperate situation. Why now, why why why?! Aaron deserves better. But now Aaron’s pain hurts me, so just kill me again yeah?! And wow, finally, for fuck’s sake she admits she’s got feelings for him. I’ve been waiting for three books. She’s not quick on that when it’s not Nick, is she? I know she tried to never think about difficult feelings, pushing it all down, but wow… Aaron really does get the shit end of her thoughts and feelings, right? Also, is she a player?! Because minutes ago she swore her life to Nick and kissed him, and then something really bad happens and she seeks solace with Aaron. And then, ONLY then, does she realize she loves him too and wants him right after that?! She sounds like a cheat to me or just a fucking player. I hated her for most of the book because of this. She does seem to play with Aaron… and I hate it. Gurl, give him to me! I’ll treat him well, like he deserves.

However, Aaron is the first to get a go at something important for her? Sounds about right. That’s redeemable for her. And iiiiiih, I bit my nail and squealed. Yes! Maybe my ship will sail! I spent most of the book being angry at Joan though, while hoping she wouldn’t just go back to Nick like “yeah, it was nice Aaron, but Nick’s back now, so ok bye?” It would have broken Aaron. And NO ONE hurts my baby!

I could ship Nick and Aaron in this new dark timeline, and I kept thinking that (and developing fanfic ideas of them together) while reading a specific chapter. I mean, they were close somehow, and Joan died as an infant there. And also the first word of the cipher is one of their names? Please, babe, we all know you’re in love. And OMG, my SURPRISE. I almost cried with tears of joy and iiiiiih cute feels. It’s beautiful and heart-wrenching. Heeeeeeeeeeeelp! This is glorious! My feels. I ship it. I can smell the fanfics!!! I already have two ideas for fanfics with that Nick and that Aaron, so, yep, I’m ready! All of this is pure gold, thank you very much, Miss Len!

A fun thing is I love that somehow, the dead Nick and Aaron in this dark timeline will help save our beloved gang via what’s left of them. Their messages, plan, etc. It’s awesome, like two timelines helping each other out. It’s brilliant. Plus, I love how neatly the author ties the first volume and timeline to this dark one in ways we hadn’t thought of and which seem so subtle or useless until they matter a lot. Like a certain accessory… What is fun about this series is that the information from the other books is well interwoven into the story. It’s not overwhelming, nor delivered through info dumps. And it’s so lovely to see how actions or details from past events and characters really come through and back in ingenious ways and uses in each sequel, and mostly the last one. There’s an impressive progression for the characters (all of them) as well as the events and possibilities.

Honestly, it’s really fun and satisfying to see Joan get more and more comfortable and at ease with her Grave power. A lovely arc progression. The need to feel the emotions to better control one’s power reminds me so much of a writer who needs to feel in order to write. It’s a crucial part. Power in the monster world and art are so similar. And feeling one’s emotions is at their center.

I love that there was some kind of arc with the Curia Monstrorum (the Monster Court) where we learned of them in the first book, got a glimpse of them. Then, the second volume was more involved with them, but still we couldn’t really see them. And in Once a Villain, THEN we see them. It felt satisfying, like a natural progression and curiosity of “when will we really get to see them and all their powers?” The title, Once a villain, is very fitting to a certain someone. Poor her, though. I understand her suffering and her deep love for her family and how she wanted to bring them back and protect them at all costs. I believe she is the child from the myths of the end of all times who tears into the void looking for their parents, dooming all of the timelines and people… She worked so hard to save her family that she is destroying the timeline, everything.

As for the villain herself, Eleanor is so powerful and so brilliant. She’s a genius strategist; a scary and intimidating villain. One who makes you believe Joan’s gang won’t win against her… It’s perfect. She’s an excellent villain. One of the best I’ve seen. Motivated by love, family, and ego, yet exceedingly cruel and ruthless and brilliant. Plus, I love Eleanor’s plan with Nick’s unpredictability. It adds even more substance to the timelines, and an element of surprise, like and that anything can happen at any moment with and around him.

It’s great that we get to see the Graves’ house. When we first saw it in this new, dark timeline, I hoooooped we’d get to go inside, or at least meet other Graves. Plus, I’m so glad Gran was in this volume too. She’s always been so awesome and kickass. I love her so much. I feared we wouldn’t see her again, but oh yes, we do, thank you! Annnnnd there’s a sweet Grave surprise, which is quite touching. Speaking of which, the “windows” part (you’ll see) just got me going awwwwwww so many times, my mom looked up at me quizzically from her phone. This scene is so touching and sweet. And omg, we do learn why Joan has always had the worst fadeouts ever out of the whole gang. So many explanations now, it feels rewarding as a reader. There are so many surprises, I love it!

A detail I’m so happy about is that this series has parents and grandparents and cousins… Like they matter, like they’re active parts of the story. So beautiful and so rare. Somehow, it’s always teenagers and, at rare moments or in rare series like Shadowhunters, it’s the parents too. But grandparents and other relatives? Fucking rare and I love to see it here. It’s utterly lacking in YA. Just like in movies and TV shows…

And awwwww yes, Aaron is me and I am Aaron. We’re always everyone’s second choice; I’ve been proved it, too. So, I feel him, deeply. His doubts, his jealousy, his low self-esteem of how much he matters to Joan… It’s so sad, yet relatable. And yet again Aaron is me and I am Aaron. I, too, believe I am a piece of shit. Sad truth. I felt for him so much throughout the whole series, but this book almost killed me with feels and emotions for him. I almost couldn’t stand it.

Honestly, the romantic development of this trio is really interesting. I won’t spoil it for you because it’s so worth it, and it satisfies me. It’s unusual, but great to see. And there’s no tearing apart between the two of them… I sided with my favorite (Aaron) all along, but you know what? I’m glad of this ending, of this resolution of their love triangle. I was ready to be mad, hurt, or whatever… (I honestly didn’t believe she would choose Aaron, because he DOES seem like a second choice to her, always beneath Nick…, but in a way, a big one, I was pleasantly surprised!) In the previous books, I had wondered sometimes whether this could happen, and I am so glad the author took that road for her main trio. I support! This endgame is the best Miss Len could ever have written for these beloved characters.

The paaaaaaain near the end, though. I screamed in silence with a hand over my mouth and tears in my eyes (I read the ending in bed at night). I knew he could save the whole world, but no please, no, not him! Not there in the void. No no no, there won’t be another version of him ever. Awwwwwwww, it’s making me nauseous, my feelings. No, why my favorite? Why why why? + Honestly, the emotional pain of what happens to my favorite is so paaaaainful, it’s similar to what I feel in real life when this happens to people I love. This fucking hurts. On a later side note (let’s call it this), the fucking RELIEF I felt. My heart just swelled and I squeezed my eyes shut, tears rolled down my cheeks, and I grimaced a smile. Thank you! The timeline reacted exactly as I thought it would, which is super duper appreciated on my part. And it was rather cute.

Speaking of the timeline itself, Joan did the right thing at the end with it. I hoped she would do exactly that. The good heart of my baby Joan didn’t fail—it never does, and I love her for it. 🙂

Also, the fact that Joan’s power awakened in its worst and most powerful iteration when a specific tragedy happened towards the end makes me really happy. She reacted most violently and heartbreakingly with him than in all the previous times where she used her powers involuntarily whenever she lost someone dear to her. Yes, I took a side, and that makes me pretty happy to see her react this way for him.

Look, this was the culmination of a FANTASTIC story. I devoured all of it. I had so many emotions and feelings (I still do, and always will). I loved the Monsters series SO MUCH so that it now stands beside my favorite series, which is Shadowhunters by Cassandra Clare (all of them). I mean it in a metaphorical way—no series could ever surpass Shadowhunters to me, I never even thought one would sit beside it in my heart, but here we are with the Monsters series by Vanessa Len. I talked to my people SO MUCH about it, and cared and loved and hoped and… felt deeply personal with these characters. I love that world. I love them. So, yeah, that’s how much that trilogy is amazing. Now, I’ve got two series I adore and which mean so much to me: Shadowhunters by Cassandra Clare and Monsters by Vanessa Len. This is NOT an easy feat. I’m very, veeeeeery picky with favorites. But Monsters just blew my mind, awed me, grabbed my heart, wrenched it, put it back, made it melt, and more. So, it’s won its spot fairly.

On top of that, this Monsters series is SO thrilling and emotionally loaded, and it has so much potential to explore other stories from both the monsters and humans’ point of views, along with historical events in that world, that I would take AT LEAST 15 books of this world! I NEVER say this about any series, except for Shadowhunters (and I’ve been lucky with that one, because Cassandra Clare DID explore a lot of stories within her Shadowhunter world); yet, this series by Vanessa Len deserves the same opportunity. I WANT to know what happened before, what happens next, what happens to that side character or another I haven’t met yet… Please, give me 15 more books of Monsters! Usually, I find most series end where they should, that there isn’t much potential for other stories within that world… But Monsters? Please, YES! I NEED MORE!

Speaking of ending, I love the very end of Once a Villain; it’s like it echoes the “true timeline” (the very first, the OG timeline), and it’s beautiful. Almost poetic.

Lastly, this book (and series) was filled with lovely and crucial themes: Hope, love, family, friends, fairness, sacrifices, grief, survival, despair, evil vs good isn’t black and white, courage, and coming into oneself. What more can you ask for?

The Negative Points

Surprisingly, there are negative points, but they are very few and do not impact my rating.

First, I noticed a big inconsistency: At some point, Jamie was out walking the dog, Frankie, but then he’s back without any notice or mention of his return, and he’s suddenly close to Joan and talking like he never left; he’s way too aware of the conversation going on for someone who was out a minute ago. We didn’t even know he’d been back.

Second, and this one is rather funny, it’s something that the author does in all three books… but in this one, she really went all in with “she released the breath she didn’t know she was holding”, with a variation for Nick at some point. I counted at least three occurrences throughout the book. I mean, it’s not bad, it’s just a tiny bit annoying and so tropey.

I thought it was still worth mentioning, although like I said, they don’t impact the rating.

In Conclusion

Overall, Once a Villain by Vanessa Len mesmerized me (the whole trilogy in fact!), and caught me so tight by my feels. For all the emotions, the awe, the thrills, the amazing world-building, the angst, and the perfect resolution, I give this fantastic book a rating of 5 stars out of 5. I would give it much more, but, well, I can’t go higher. So, a perfect rating it is for a much beloved adventure!

On a side note, I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning (you can start with Only a Monster, then go to Never a Hero, and finally Once a Villain). Otherwise, it could be confusing—very confusing. However, if you’re not too much into series, keep in mind it’s only three books, and it’s sooooo amazing, I urge you to read it!

If you want to learn more about the author, Vanessa Len, you can head over to her website. She also has an Instagram account. You can also follow her Author Page on Goodreads. Don't forget to add Once a Villain–and the whole trilogy while you're at it!–to your cart, your bookshelves, or your wishlist!

The Darkling: A Character Analysis (Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo)

Hello, loves!

This analysis of the Darkling/Aleksander Morozova is based ONLY on the Shadow and Bone book series by Leigh Bardugo! I did not include King of Scars nor Rule of Wolves (also by Leigh Bardugo), nor the Netflix series. I wanted to stay true to what we’d first seen of him and how we got to love-and-hate him at first.

With that in mind, are you curious to discover perspectives or aspects you perhaps hadn’t thought about? And to delve deeper into understanding this essential and beloved (sometimes hated) character?

Then, read right on!

(In case you're trying to figure out how to read the Grishaverse in the correct order, I've got you!)

His Beginning

Aleksander Morozova wasn't always a villain. Okay, he was born with the Shadow Summoning ability, just like his mother, Baghra, but he wasn't heartless nor mean. In the short story and graphic novel Demon in the Wood, he was just a young man of 15, like any other teenager, and he dreamed of having friends and a steady place he could call "home". He rejoices at the idea of staying a few months in the same place, despite being hunted as a rare Grisha (and an amplifier!) with his mother. And when he started to befriend a girl, who seemed to like him, and he liked her back, ordinary adolescence stages came through: he fancied her, and he wanted friends. Does that sound mean to you? No.

He also entertained his friend's littler sister with his powers; and defended them from the village's bullies. He just yearned for a safe place. For himself, his mother, and the Grisha who had to live in desolate places and ruins, or secluded because of their powers. And they were hunted, constantly, every one of them.

It's quite reminiscent of the witches and witch hunts. Were the witches bad? No. But the hunters and the Inquisition sure were, burning and killing people (and even cats!) without an ounce of remorse. Most of the time, witches often helped people in the villages with their remedies… and they got killed for it. Which is similar to the Grisha, albeit their powers are more demonstrative.

When Aleksander saw his life being dealt between two Grisha teens to become more powerful and have a chance at survival (since he's an amplifier, and if they wear his bones, their powers will increase), he understood there was no safe place for people like them. They were driven to despair. His mother wasn’t even angry that these children tried to kill her son for it–she understood them because it's such a rough life. And so, Aleksander realized that someone needed to create this safe place for his own kind–and he vowed to be the one to do it. Because he’d experienced first-hand how despair drives the Grisha to do horrible things to each other, and how much they’re hunted and must live in fear.

So far, so (not) good.

Merzost and Losing Himself

However, he did spend centuries learning and climbing the social ranks, faking his death here and there to be born anew so no one would suspect him. He vouched for this safe place, and put all his knowledge and power and social ranking to this purpose that drove him. Sadly, the Darkling turned to merzost, which is the magic at the basis of all things, and forbidden because the cost is high. Using it, he created the Fold, a long and wide space full of people-turned-monsters, all darkness. He'd started losing his way by looking for such desperate means such as merzost from Morozova's books, but his intention was good. He wanted to help and protect his people, who were still hunted and despised.

But after the creation of the Fold, he became a general to the king of Ravka, where Grisha serve in the Second Army (the army of those with powers), where it's a bit more acceptable to be a Grisha, though still not entirely accepted. And he started losing himself quite a lot, by offering a preteen girl to the queen knowing full well how the king was dirty… by killing people and other Grisha, by manipulating his own and lying his way to power.

His Hope and Love for Alina (and His Mother, Baghra)

Then, Alina arrived.

He viewed her both as a hope, a grand hope for the Grisha, and a threat. Because if she was not on his side, she could fight him and that would be disastrous as it would threaten everything he ever fought for. And as a grand hope, because she could help him with the Fold, help him make it greater so he could create a haven for Grisha. Also, he saw her as an equal. Because besides his mother who also wielded the shadows, Alina was the only other like him, she’s a Sun Summoner, a rarity, like he was the only Shadow Summoner with merzost command. They were the strongest and the rarest of the Grisha.

The worst part is she was with an otkazats'ya, a commoner with no power. Exactly the kind of people who hunted and killed The Darkling's Grisha throughout the centuries, and why Grisha have been pushed to despair. So this was not only insulting, but a thorn on his side.

Another point that made it difficult for Darkling to bond with Alina was how reluctant she was about the whole Sun Summoner ordeal that befell her. I mean, I get her, she wanted a normal life making maps and being with her childhood friend, ok. But she was something else–she was a rare Grisha, viewed as a saint. Although, I admit, it's never easy to embrace one's destiny when it doesn't fit with what you wanted in the first place. Nevertheless, Darkling had to work harder to make her see she was truly that important. Just like when the Darkling told Genya to withhold Mal's letters to Alina, because she hoped for him to write to her… Why? Because the Darkling said Mal, an otkazats'ya, was part of an old life, one where Alina wasn't that important nor Grisha. In truth, he was not so wrong, because oftentimes Mal didn't understand how the people relied on her and looked up to her, nor how being Grisha means to love one's powers and be attracted to said power. Mal often tormented her by being untruthful, moody, lashing out at her, when all she needed was comfort and to be asked "why" she said that or acted this way. But he didn't, he just assumed things, bad things about her. When she was traumatized. Boo hoo, poor guy feels forgotten and useless… Alina was experiencing hell in Ravka and her mind, but sure, pout about it and make her feel worse. That's the way to go.

At least the Darkling always saw her. For her potential, yes, but also as an equal, another Grisha. Not one to be scared of, not like Mal. Mal doubted Alina here and there, and thought Grisha were scary and dangerous… But the worst part of his character was that he alienated Alina often, almost every time they talked. Why? Because he went with other women, and suddenly when Alina was important, AH, now he'd always wanted her. He also left her alone, not really worrying about her. And when the Darkling played with Alina's mind in quite direct ways, Mal pouted, snapped at her, stayed by her side as a guard but clearly resented her with his silence AND he kissed Zoya even though he was dating Alina. Just to get back at her, because Mister is so forgotten. But Alina lived through being the Chosen One, being played with, and was still being played with in her mind and she thought she was going mad, and she was afraid and traumatized. She needed support. And who wanted to be there for her? Albeit in a weird way, yet with open arms? The Darkling. He knew how lonely it can get, being this powerful.

But then after the Darkling's plan of which Alina escaped (thanks, Baghra!), Alina just wanted to defeat him. Yet, the Darkling was mad at her, but he wanted to force her into his arms and vicinity, until there was no shelter but him. That was not healthy affection, but he still reached out to her. But he also became angry and more violent, more desperate, because she wasn't on his side anymore, the right side, to help Grisha. This made her an enemy, and yet he tried to make her see that Mal wasn't good for her, nor common people. That she was siding with those who burned Grisha at the stakes for centuries and more. He was just trying to make her understand he was trying to help them, but since she didn't want to hurt people, and was hurt by his betrayal of his plan, she didn't give him reason. Sometimes, she felt attracted to him and his ideas, the power of it, but she fought against it. I love this side of Alina, which gives her a greater tangibility and reality. She's mostly white, but a lot of grey too. She, just like the Darkling, went to great lengths to protect those she loved. And that makes her more than his match in all the ways. She even lost her own power to end his reign. He made a lot of sacrifices, of people, of opportunities, of parts of himself, too… Just like her. And he was right, the only person to truly understand her was him, and she'd be left alone if she killed him.

I think the way Mal brooded against her didn't help her inclination to the Darkling. Because when she was at her most vulnerable, Mal was mean to her, and the Darkling came to discuss and somehow make her see how wrong she was about all of them. Darkling probably did this for himself, for somewhere he knew what it was to be reviled and wanted for something you were, like the girl he liked who tried to kill him to survive. With otkazats'ya, once more. Always the normal ones against the Grisha.

Despite all of this spite and fight between Darkling and Alina, in the end, the Darkling wanted her to be close as he was dying, and he offered her a piece of himself he held secret for centuries: his true name. That cannot mean that she was unimportant. He kept his real name secret for centuries, only to say it to one person only, the one rival he esteemed, the one woman he truly desired. And if he hadn't lost himself along the path to saving the Grisha by creating a haven for them, the one woman he'd have loved.

His mother, Baghra, when Aleksander was only 15 years old, had warned him to disclose his true name only to someone who was very meaningful to him. Because since they changed places often, he had to change names as well. And he felt like his true name, Aleksander, was getting lost among all those changes… But his mother told him his name was engraved on his heart. So, logically, only someone who was important to him or that he loved or both would get to learn his real name.

On a side note, which is essential to his character, Aleksander loved his mother, Baghra. He did mistreat her by making her blind, true, yet he always kept her by his side despite their differences on his grand plan for Grisha. When he was at the Little Palace, she was there. When she betrayed him by helping Alina, he made her blind to punish her, yet he did not kill her. He wanted his mother close and alive. They had lived so many centuries and survivre so many dangers together, this clearly meant something to him. And when Baghra jumped to her death, Aleksander rushed after her body, instantly focusing on her while not caring about Alina anymore. He became more vile and unstable after Baghra’s death. Although he was was dangerous and seemingly heartless, he deemed his mother important enough to keep her close and go after her as she fell to her death. Aleksander is complex, and he kills in the name of making a safe haven for Grisha—he sacrifices a few of their own as well, like poor Genya, giving her as a child to a mean queen with a dirty king he was well aware would take advantage of Genya—but part of that comes from having followed his mother around younger, when they had to hide their identities, lie their way through an ounce of safety at a time, and fighting anyone to stay alive. He grew up suspicious, terrorized. But he knew Baghra was reliable and trustworthy, and that she loved him enough to teach him how to survive against all odds. So losing her was like losing an old and steady pillar of his life—the only one to stand the test of time. Aleksander needed her; the boy within loved his mother to the end. Her death made an impact on him, and that’s part of what’s love’s about. And monsters can’t love. But Aleksander did.

Upon dying, he disclosed his true name to Alina, asking her to say it one last time. He wanted to hear his true self reflected back to him upon dying. It seems like he suffered from having to hide constantly and being this all-powerful tyrant, when his basis was just a young man who wanted friends and a steady life. And he wanted to hear it said back to him, by someone he (probably) loved and who was meaningful to him. I think it's quite significative that he chose to tell it to Alina out of all people; he had collaborators, henchmen, and lovers… but never anyone who mattered enough to him to disclose his real name. Except Alina Starkov. Because she was like him, in a way. A soul lost in a world she just wanted to stop and live her life ordinarily. But she was nothing ordinary, she was the Sun Summoner. Thrust into the Grisha world, Aleksander had to win her over, otherwise she threatened all the order and safety he had earned for the Grisha. But she was of his own kind, an equal. Someone who could understand him.

No, he wasn't always fair nor kind to her. Like the letters from Mal he kept… to make Alina learn she wasn't "common" and that her place was among the Grisha, not those without powers. He viewed this relationship as dangerous because "common people" had been killing his kind for centuries, so it was a bit like a treason to see Alina with an otkaza'tsya.

Also, he did manipulate Alina to fall in love with him. But he did also try to protect her from others (and mostly from Mal and the otkazats’ya) here and there, and he gave her a few chances to join him instead of outright killing her. He liked her. Which is even further proven with the fact he took Mal's appearance to make out with her in bed. He wanted her, and that made him weak.

Even at the end, he wanted her to say his true name. When it comes to the Darkling, this is a big mark of respect and affection. Also, it means that just like the girl he liked when younger, he liked Alina enough to disclose secret parts of himself to her–because, in the end, he resorted back to his true self. A young boy scared of the world and in need of friends and in his own identity quest.

Perhaps he didn't love her, but he sure was sometimes protective, kind, honest, and he did not just want her but liked her. If he weren't so lost in his quest or his madness, he would have loved her for sure. If he'd stayed the good boy he once was. I think that that part of him loved Alina truly. But the rest wanted her powers for himself. But since he was so lost in his quest, he forgot how to love properly and loved her wrong. He lost himself on the way to protect his kind, is that truly evil? His intention was to help all of them… he got lost, ok, but he tried when no one else did. I think that makes him more of a morally grey character pushed to the extreme than a real villain or mean.

In the End

Taking all of this into account, of course, when put up against Alina, the Darkling does seem villainous. But hell is paved with good intentions… and he sure had one. Imagine a witch trying to create a haven for others like her. Would you say she's evil? No, of course not. She's just trying to save her kind. But if she began killing others and turning to black magic for this, then she'd have lost her righteous way… But the intention would stay the same, albeit more violent and desperate. That's what happened to him. His ways were too drastic, but his idea and intention and will were admirable. And at least, he tried when no one else would. In my opinion, this all doesn't make him evil; it makes him human, a human who suffered from his own kind's pain to a terrible level, and who tried and failed with the best of intentions.

What do you think? Does he make you think of a morally grey character? Do comment your opinion, and share this character analysis with someone who might enjoy it!

See you next post, lovelies!

Reading the Grishaverse: The Correct Reading Order

chit-chatting with Cat, Reader Edition August 2, 2024 Leave a comment

The Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo includes novels (one trilogy and two duologies), a comic book, two short story collections as well as individual short stories. It can be confusing when one wants to start reading in the Grishaverse, but fear not—I have been there, and I’m bringing you the reading order, and answers to some of the most common questions about the Grishaverse! Let’s demystify this together, then you’ll be ready to delve into those books confidently and with much pleasure!

The Most Crucial Question: Can I Read the Six of Crows duology before the Shadow and Bone trilogy?

Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Because the powers, the Grisha, the legends and the world are established and described in the Shadow and Bone trilogy. You would miss out on basics such as how the powers and Grisha work, and where is what, and what happened to the Fold…

In other words, you’d be confused.

I get that you want to reach Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa (or any other of the Crows, but let’s be real, Kanej—the ship’s name), but it’s best for immersion and comprehension, and your whole experience to start with Shadow and Bone.

Last thing on this question, too: You won’t get the insane fun and thrill when encountering the cameos in SoC (Six of Crows) from the SaB (Shadow and Bone) trilogy. And that would be a shame because it made me giddy to see them again, and I hope you get the same delight.

So, I urge you to read Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising before Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom.

The Other Most Crucial Question: Can I Jump in Right into the King of Scars duology without Having Read the Six of Crows duology nor the Shadow and Bone trilogy?

That would be like jumping straight into Doctor Who with the latest Doctor (I did that many years ago and loved it, but that’s another story)—it’s mind-bogglingly confusing! Or any other series, really! Let’s say you catch a movie at the last 20 minutes; good, you’re there for the conclusion. Of what? With whom? Why? What for?

If you start with the King of Scars duology, it’s the very same—you’ll read the conclusion of the big Grishaverse before knowing anyone or what it’s even about.

So, don’t do that please, you’ll miss out on everything. The references, the characters, the backstory, the purpose of the story, the cameos, the relationships…. You won’t understand much about the characters and their situations, nor be thrilled to see them “again”—because it’s the first time you see them for you. And spoilers! Huge spoilers.

Honestly, be kind to yourself and start by the very beginning, Shadow and Bone.

What about the Short Story Collections and Individual Short Stories?

The two short story collections are The Lives of Saints and The Language of Thorns.

Personally, I jumped into the Grishaverse by checking out the only book available in the series at my library (all the others were checked out!): The Language of Thorns. It’s such a magnificent collection of stories about Grishaverse legends and myths! It was a fantastic introduction to that world. And while I couldn’t get all the little references, it didn’t hinder my reading—they’re not necessary to understand the stories and immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of this book. Besides Shadow and Bone, this collection, The Language of Thorns, would be another good way to enter the Grishaverse.

The Lives of Saints is quite special. It’s a reproduction of the Grishaverse’s book of Sains for uyour pleasure to read. It’s like holding a piece of their world in your hands. However, since it features saints (i. e. Grisha) found in the first trilogy of Shadow and Bone, and that they’re quite important spoilers about who they are and other references, I would suggest to wait before reading this collection. Read the first trilogy, then venture into The Lives of Saints safely.

As for the short stories, The Demon in the Wood, The Tailor, and The Witch of Duva, they’re available both as ebooks or with certain editions of the books.

For full effect, I recommend reading The Demon in the Wood after the Shadow and Bone trilogy for a maximum of feels and realizations. Otherwise, The Tailor can be read after the first SaB book, and The Witch of Duva is a companion to the first SaB so I suggest reading it after the first book as well.

Speaking of The Demon in the Wood, it’s also available as a comic book!

The Correct Reading Order of the Grishaverse

Now, with all we’ve learned about the Grishaverse, here is the correct order for reading the books (according to yours truly):

(The Language of Thorns, to your choice, or start with:)

1- Shadow and Bone

1.2 – The Witch of Duva

1.3 – The Tailor

2- Siege and Storm

3- Rise and Ruin

3.1 – The Demon in the Wood

4- The Lives of Saints

5- Six of Crows

6- Crooked Kingdom

7- King of Scars

8- Rule of Wolves

(And you can end with The Language of Thorns, if ever you didn’t start with it.)

In Conclusion

Phew! That was quite the adventure, right? But fear not, Grisha, you’re now ready and set to explore the Grishaverse. In the end, it’s best to start at the beginning and follow the order of the major novels, with the short story collections and individual short stories interspersed between them.

Are you looking forward to a particular book or character in the series? Did you find this article useful for your reading experience?

Leave a comment and share this post please!

See you next post, lovelies!

How to Decorate Your Kindle eReader

Bookish DIY, chit-chatting with Cat April 16, 2024 Leave a comment

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across many Instagram reels and Youtube videos (such as this one by ItsRissa and that one from asmr rifa) about ladies who'd decorated their Kindles. How amazed I was! While I did like my pale pink flap case, I thought it lacked images and theme. And here was the solution!

So, how about we decorate your Kindle eReader together?

Materials

This project doesn't require many tools nor materials, but it does need for you to make a certain purchase (a transparent case).

Here's the stuff you'll need:

A transparent case for your kindle (I bought a purple-flapped with the back transparent by Moko because I want the front to be protected as well)
Images (from a fandom like mine from the Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo, or thematic like nature, preferably something literature-related since it's for a Kindle eReader)
A sticker machine (like mine, which is a Xyron Create-A-Sticker Mini) or glue
Various cute stickers
Thin carton of your style
Pair of scissors

The Steps

First, I looked up images (pictures, illustrations, collages) I liked on Pinterest. Two of my stickers are made by Casthavian, No Mourners No Funerals and Na Rasrusha'ya E'ya Razrushost (which is a favorite of mine!) Then, I printed and cut them.

If you've got a sticker machine like I do, just pass them through the process right now. If you don't, we'll use glue a bit later.

I recommend trying out different compositions with the images on the carton before applying the glue or turning them into stickers.

Now, with our images printed and cut, we take the pair of scissors and the thin carton you chose to your liking.

Next, we do a superpositioned fitting of the cardboard into the case, then we cut according to said dimensions so it fits inside. As you can see, I cut the thin carton according to the size of the Kindle case (I left a bit of room so you could see what I did), approximately to the correct size. You can use a ruler if you want to be more precise than me.

Once that's done, that's where the glue comes in and you stick your images in a pattern that suits your taste. If you have the stickers made with the machine, you just use those.

Lastly, you add small stickers you like such as stars, plants, cats… And you insert the carton into the case, then put your Kindle on it. Et voilà!

Summary of the steps:

1- Look up images you like on Pinterest and other such sites

2- Print the images and cut them

3- Try out different compositions with the images over the transparent case

4- Superposition the carton to the Kindle case and cut according to its dimensions

5- Make the stickers with the Sticker machine

6- Stick your images

7- Use your cute stickers

8- Insert the thematic carton in the case, face towards the plastic case.

9- Put your Kindle on it

10- YAY! 😀 You've got yourself a decorated Kindle case to your liking!

The Result

Now, you should have a sweet (or fire!)-looking Kindle eReader! Mine is Grishaverse-themed with pairings, characters, quotes, and colours I like.

You can also see it in the background of my Crooked Kingdom (by Leigh Bardugo) bookstagram. I think it came out quite pretty and exactly like I wanted for a thematic case!

What's yours? What theme or book did you choose to display?

Tell me how it went. Did you have trouble decorating your Kindle or was it a breeze?

See you next post, lovelies!