In this fan fiction, we get to dive into the new story arc of tensions between the humans and faeries. We get to slip inside the mind of our new favorite red head and lightsinger, plus we get a little bit of Azriel’s POV as well!
The author writes this story from Gwyn’s perspective, which I wasn’t expecting but I absolutely loved. I have a feeling SJM will write her next book from Azriel’s perspective or Elain’s, but I wouldn’t mind her surprising us by giving Gwyn’s POV!
Enough about SJM and onto my review of this masterpiece!
I am giving this story 3 stars for many reasons. This story reads like a fan fiction (because it is one) and I don’t think they’d be a fair critique of this book, but it’s more of a warning to people who might consider giving this story a lower rating because of how it reads. The author did a really good job following SJM’s voice, and I felt like I was back reading the characters we’ve all fallen in love with! Did Azriel feel a bit more emotional than he actually is in SJM’s books? Yes, but I loved it!
The story moves a bit slow at first despite the short chapters. It’s definitely binge-worthy, and I found myself losing motivation to keep reading the first 20-ish chapters. The action, romance and overall plot really picks up after this point and then I couldn’t put it down!
I really admire the way the author addresses SA survivors personal journeys. This is a VERY sensitive topic, and a lot of authors don’t handle it correctly. I believe even SJM struggles with being sensitive of this topic from time to time, but the author of this fic is respectful and realistic with trauma bonding and how different mental health journeys can be.
The action scenes were incredible, I was on the edge of my seat during battle scenes. Gwyn is such a badass. I love that we are with her through every terrifying moment and she’s still kicking ass. She fights through her flight response and does what’s right. I am very hopeful that SJM will write her this way in the next book.
Last but not least, there really isn’t much spice in this book…but it’s GOOD. Like… REALLY GOOD. The tension between Azriel and Gwyn is so gripping and finally when they allow themselves to fall (and they DO) it is so satisfying. Azriel is so respectful of Gwyn’s past when it comes to sex and being intimate together. Gwyn’s character development with physical touch and allowing herself freedom in sex is really beautiful. It’s very much a “i won’t touch anyone but you, shadowsinger” vibe and I was here for it.
Personally, I’m all about dialogue in spicy scenes and this one did not disappoint. Azriel…god damn🥵 that’s all I’ll say.
sjm has yet to confirm az’ endgame and if it’s not gwyn, i’m just going to live in my delusion and assume that this is real, and sjm ordered daeva to write gwynriel on her behalf.
I read this fanfiction so fast, and not because of short chapters, but because it is so addicting and so good. I absolutely love the writing and how all the events were shown to the reader. These two together are so cute and adorable and strong and I absolutely love them. I just wanted more chapters!!
This is my favorite thing I have read so far this entire year. Being back in this world following the characters I already love, with an exciting new plot and romance was 10/10. Everything that happens in this book I will be considering canon, so if Azriel ends up with Elain at any point in the future, its a prank. Gwyn was a character I loved when reading ACOSF, and I loved her so much in this story. Seeing her and Azriel both grow in their relationship together was great, and I loved how even though they knew they were mates early on in the book, they decided to take it slow and actually date each other. The 12 bonus chapters at the end were such a great surprise, and I loved seeing their relationship 40 years in the future. All the characters felt so real. I wish this story never ended!
This fanfic is now canon for me; beautifully written (grammatically, plot-wise, and in prose) and a Gwynriel fic so well-developed it makes sense given what SJM has already written and folds right into her plotlines. I love Gwynn’s development as well as Azriel’s, and the author’s navigation of SA trauma is very well done.
The spice is well-motivated by the plot and really makes sense! Slow burn.
This was incredible! One of the best fanfics I've read. I went into this just looking for a Gwinriel story and I got so much more.
Not only did it capture Gwynriel beautifully, but it also had a good plot, involving many other characters in the series. It's well-written and action-packed, I enjoyed it a lot. Gwynriel was very angsty at first, which I looooove, and the progression of their relationship is so well done.
Also, as someone who doesn't despise Tamlin, it was lovely to see this author give him grace without cutting him slack. It would be wonderful to see something like that in the books, so he can have a chance at redemption by working on himself. But, alas, I don't have much faith in SJM when it comes to Tamlin.
The way Gwyn was portrayed in this was amazing! She wasn’t a meek, shy female. She was a hilarious, smart, brave woman! I love Azriel too, he’s so funny and gods. He’s just so special.
Azriels POV when Gwyn was taken was fucking phenomenal! And the bonus chapters made my heart soar. I thought I was going to cry when it was revealed that they named their daughter Catrin.
The tension between Gwyn and Az throughout the book has me feeling like I was about to erupt!
It’s currently 4.17AM- I’ll come back and leave a better review once I’m coherent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
WOW!😭 when i read this fanfic i feel like i'm reading Sara J. Maas book. In this ff are perfect plot, characters, love line. There were no inconsistencies and plot holes, autor thought out every detail. I got a lot of emotions, I even cried sometimes. And I love the end with all my heart ✨THEY NAMED THE DAUGHTER KATRIN ✨ do you understand what I mean??! It's amazing!! 😍
I think I can't stand it and will soon re-read this masterpiece. Looking forward to immersing myself in this atmosphere again💓🙏🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The things that annoyed me about the original acotar books were solved with this fantastic fan fiction.
The pacing was always feeling off in the original. Not in this. It flowed so wonderfully. The main relationship was not the same old holding back story. It was new and exciting.
I loved this so much! The relationship this author has shown between the characters is truly amazing. It felt like a book that was apart of the series. The final parts were amazing and made my happily ever after sole incredibly happy. This is definitly on my list for a re read when I re read the series again.
The BEST canon-compliant Gwynriel fanfic I have ever read. The storyline/plot was amazing and wrapped up so well and the personalities of the characters were portrayed so well in my opinion. There’s also plenty of smut as well 😈 If you’re a Gwynriel shipper, highly recommend it ✨❤️
This was beyond everything I could have hoped for in a Gwynriel ff. It was full of tender and beautiful moments for Az and Gwyn together and as individuals, we got so many scenes of them singing and it was so beautifully written. I was so impressed with how well the author tackled the serious subjects as well as Gwyn’s suspected light singer abilities. A solid 5-star fanfic.