Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥’s Reviews > Defy the Night > Status Update

"She reaches for me, and I jerk away. My boot catches on that rock I dropped, and I stumble back, tripping over a splintered beam of wood. My shoulders slam into the wall, and my fingers curl into fists. I'm breathing hard like a cornered animal."

I'm a fan of the "he takes a step back because he's afraid of what loving her/him/them is going to do to him" tope. Poor Corrick is having a hard time right now.

"It's easy to love your king when everyone is well fed and healthy," he says. "A bit harder when everyone is ... not."
He doesn't say this in an arrogant way. More ... contemplative. He's so severe that sentimentality takes me by surprise.

I think Harristan might be a better King than people give him credit for. He truly seems to care about his people and Corrick.

"Be careful," says Corrick. "She hits."
I narrow my eyes at him. "Only liars and villains."
He lifts his glass to me. "Cheers."

This had no business amusing me that much but I kinda love Corrick's deadpan humour and aloof comebacks. His character is so much fun already. <3

"They'll make an example of anyone they catch."
"They always do."
He snorts. "I don't think we've seen the worst they can do."
"You're afraid." I breathe.
His eyes skip away, and his jaw tightens. "I'm not afraid for me."

Someone is clearly in love with Tessa. Oh, Wes! <3

"Behind my back, I'm called worse. Much worse. So is Harristan.
We don't mind. Our parents were loved - and they were loving in return. It led to betrayal and death.
Fear works better."

So far this is off to a good start! Let's hope it continues that way! =)