Vagabond

by Mary A.J.

After I ruled for a century with my father, I grew tired of the pointless wars. I abandoned everything I was accustomed to, everything I used to believe in, and rebelled against the Morning Star.

A lot of telling not showing

I suppressed the hunger and bloodlust that itched deep within me. The souls were a sight to behold.

How is she tired of the violence but has an innate craving for it?

My pale skin and lean physique were all exceptional, yes, but everything about me was breathtaking. I was perfect

So pale skin is perfect?

Oh, what a fool I was.

We never saw this change or even her time as Princess, so this means nothing to me

To kill more innocent humans was something I couldn’t stomach doing. Not anymore.

Means nothingggg

It was time I fought for the wellbeing of humans, instead of contributing to their destruction.

Okay but WHY

I don’t buy this obsession

moral compass. Call it what you want to, but the Princess of Hell acquired a conscience.

Again, this means nothing to me

“That’s suspicious behavior.”

Super on the nose writer, this book reads young

If only I’d changed sooner.

But why did you change

I would have given anything to go to Merchant’s Square with him instead of Alexander.

Not a fan of love triangles

It bewildered me how deep my fondness for him was, given that I knew little to nothing about him.

Just because you point it out, doesn’t excuse the fact that it makes no sense

“It’s not that big of a secret, Harrow.”

This line is so obvious how does she not get it

The emerald nightgown framed my body, but it showed too much skin.

What a useless comment Oh no, I sure hope she doesn’t wind up in somebody else’s company tonight 🥱

I peered through Jasper’s mind, assuming that it was his lot causing all the chaos.

So she can read people’s minds when they’re not in the room or in her sight?? Oh it’s not even reading minds, she can eavesdrop through someone’s mind and see what they see. Why was t this better established ?

Damn it. I should’ve changed before I left my room. But how was I supposed to know someone would be here? It’s almost three in the morning, for crying out loud.

Well what do you know, I was right 🙄

Surprisingly, soft, warm fingers brushed the hair off my face. He stroked my cheek and traced his thumb along my lower lip.

Yeah, him just caressing her in her sleep isn’t creepy at all

Was it possible that he had a good side? After all, if I, the once mistress of evil, could change, maybe he could, too?

Superrrr on the nose

His essay was odd, as if he was trying to convey something else entirely.

Uh, how? Just because you say so? You’re not SHOWING me that this is the case

Cleopatra, you should have been better than this.

It’s… just a play

Their love was unconventional and full of betrayals, but it was indeed love, for they believed it was.

This is such a DUMB TAKE Just because you believe it’s love means it actually is love and that’s all that matters??? So if there’s a psycho boyfriend who’s possessive and stalks his girlfriend, if he believes it’s because he loves her that means it’s truly love????

You can hate the characters all you want, Harrow, but you can’t deny the gravity of the feelings they had for one another. After the battle, the chaos, and treachery, what’s left of the foundation of their relationship? Love.”

Deep, thorough analyses of classics and plays in books reminds me of fanfiction. It also takes up valuable time. I’m not here to read about essays and thoughtful conversations about another book

If that was the case, if demons didn’t believe in love…what did I feel for Sebastian?

Pfttt Insta-love is in the building

Then he would know that I’d go to the ends of the earth with him.

That’s exaggerative

skimmed my hand along his chest and felt the expensive cloth underneath my skin.

Um??? Boundaries??? This is just normal???

We had grown much closer in the months that had passed, and our connection had only deepened.

Telling, not showing

He glanced at me before turning his attention back to the road. “I guess you’re not that perfect.”

So her not knowing how to drive means she’s not perfect? Lmao what are these standards

well, I can’t seem to get enough of you.” I folded and unfolded my hands on my lap, trying to push down the lump that pressed on my throat. “It’s the same for me,” I whispered, afraid my voice conveyed too many emotions. “You should know, Sebastian…you are very important to me.”

This is so rushed

they left a valuable piece of artifact behind. This thing can supposedly increase a demon’s strength, tenfold. It can make one so strong that they didn’t want to leave it in the wrong hands.

1: info dump 2: conveniently they have this artifact? No explanation as to why?

I never had a choice.

But you clearly didn’t care about not having a choice until now

wound my ego.”

Aw poor male can’t pay for the dinner, his ego is now wounded

“Oh, okay. I see. Only Draven can touch you.” He stormed off, leaving me stunned.

This is so STUPID It’s childish

“What’s going to happen if you touch me, Cecilia? Am I that revolting?” God, no! I shook my head. “No, Sebastian. And don’t even say that.” You’re the most wonderful person I know. “Then what? What’s holding you back?” “I—” Sebastian towered over me as I stepped backward and collided with the tree trunk. He placed his hands on either side of my face.

The progression of action makes no sense and just jumps around bc the author demands certain moments that reek of fanfiction tropes

I gulped as Sebastian closed his eyes. But I didn’t dare blink.

You’re so mad just because she wouldn’t kiss you? Please

“I’m not sorry. Does this mean I can touch you now?”

So he’s a demon now? Just like that? And he knows she’s one? And doesn’t care or mention it just because he wants to kiss her? This book hasn’t define the rules at all and if it does it’s just confusing. And the writing is so juvenile and disconnected

There’s electricity. My smile grew wider. Sebastian Nox was human.

I’m SO confused

Alexander Draven hid in the shadows, his brown eyes enraged.

Blah 🙄

He was my friend.

Friends don’t kiss but okay U can date but not be in love

As the fire died down, the demon snapped his fingers, and my dress ripped into tiny pieces. My jaw dropped, while he tried to hide his wicked smile. Pervert. I hissed, and repaired it in a second. “You’re prettier when you’re angry.”

Yes because sexual harassment is funny

If I ever released the Princess of Hell, the person who had kings and queens cowering for their lives, Alexander would be dead in mere seconds.

Telling, not showing

everything. You can have me.” His voice was strained. The exhaustion was getting to him. I contorted my face. Did Alexander declare his feelings for me while he was trying to kill me? How romantic.

Makes no sense. Super rushed

“Harrow, when are you going to admit your feelings for me?

Um tf

the Alexander I knew had disappeared. Someone else replaced him. Someone more atrocious.

But… you’ve always say Alexander is evil??

In a last attempt at reconciliation, he pushed us both against a wall, one of the few that survived our wrath. “I won’t let you walk away from me,” he snarled, voice anxious. I raised an eyebrow. “And how are you going to stop me?” He slammed his lips down to mine.

I’m rolling my eyes

What did he expect? That I would be hopping around in joy? I glared at him, but I also couldn’t help glancing down at his open lips, something he didn’t fail to catch. God, those lips. They were inviting.

ROLLING MY EYES

This time around, I didn’t push him away. This time, I reciprocated, threading my fingers through his hair and pulling him closer. Our kiss was hot, fiery, passionate, demanding. It

Blegh 🥴

emotions I felt for him. All this time, I had denied ever having them.

SINCE WHEN I cannot emphasize how Insta love this is, how false it rings, how bizarre this situation is, and how dumb this explanation is

“Stop.” I finally found my voice, but it was faint and as weak as my will. Even I wasn’t convinced. “No.” He replied, between my lips.

Consent is out the window

For a while, we were both lost in thought, baffled as to what had occurred. We’d nearly killed each other an hour ago, and now we were kissing?

Yes, because this crap only happens in YA books that read like fanfiction where violence is sexy

Draven couldn’t possibly want me. Who would want me?

This is seriously the question you’re pondering rn?