The Grishaverse discussion
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The Prince
Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "WinterRose wrote: "Carina wrote: "I am a bit sick and tired of you all ALWAYS talking bad about Mal and saying he doesn't fit with Alina. As I see that as..."Hih, that is good :) This is true. Yeah, I'm trying not to let it get to me. But it is hard sometimes, as I love Mal so so so so much. It always hurts a bit when you see other people talking BAD about someone/thing you love :p
(Update: I did not see that I wrote a little mistake, hih (A) fixed it to big letters above. :))
Carina wrote: "Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "WinterRose wrote: "Carina wrote: "I am a bit sick and tired of you all ALWAYS talking bad about Mal and saying he doesn't fit with Alina. As ..."I KNOW. It makes me cry sometimes how frustrating it is
Carina wrote: "Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "WinterRose wrote: "Carina wrote: "I am a bit sick and tired of you all ALWAYS talking bad about Mal and saying he doesn't fit with Alina. As ..."Ooh I'm used to that, being so much in love with a hot evil character and knowing many negative comments about him. Yes I understand it is indeed hard to be the only one who understands something in someone other people dislike or even hate.
However, I just consider all of this as an amusing entertainment so I don't let it really2 get to me.
Meida wrote: "Carina wrote: "Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "WinterRose wrote: "Carina wrote: "I am a bit sick and tired of you all ALWAYS talking bad about Mal and saying he doesn't fit ..."Hih, I'm not that used to it; as this is probably the first time I have entered a discussion about books that I love :) Yeah, it is a bit hard.
Agh, if only I could do that :D You are awesome for not letting it get to you.
haha thank you, Carina. Yeah Grisha trilogy is the 2nd book that makes me crazy actually, and the Darkling is no.2 on my favourite villain list in novel. And trust me, the bad comments about him are still kind enough compared to those for my no.1 from other book.
Meida wrote: "haha thank you, Carina. Yeah Grisha trilogy is the 2nd book that makes me crazy actually, and the Darkling is no.2 on my favourite villain list in novel. And trust me, the bad comments about him ..."
What is this other book that makes you crazy and who is this no.1 villain you love? Maybe I need to read this book too)))
@ Carina: I haven't noticed people saying BAD things about Mal. While most people seem to think that he is not the one for Alina in a romantic sense, they also say that he can be her friend and he is still a decent guy.
Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "Lois wrote: "Carina wrote: "WinterRose wrote: "Carina wrote: "I am a bit sick and tired of you all ALWAYS talking bad about Mal and saying he doesn't fit with Alina. As I see that as..."Thanks for putting that up. Everybody gets a little book boy crazy sometimes :)
Natalia wrote: "Meida wrote: "haha thank you, Carina. Yeah Grisha trilogy is the 2nd book that makes me crazy actually, and the Darkling is no.2 on my favourite villain list in novel. And trust me, the bad comme..."
This is true, but I have also seen a lot of people hating on him because of the things he did in S&S. I don't get it. And I see people saying they don't want them together because Mal is holding her back or whatever. I feel that as hate, as I don't think that is the case at all, hih. :) I just have a lot of feelings about it.
Carina wrote: "hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih ..."Haha I'm sorry, you just use it in all your posts and I don't know if you are trying to abbreviate something or if....you actually are saying "hih". Either way, can you explain what it means?
Maddi wrote: "Carina wrote: "hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hi..."I think this looks really cute, if your excited about the Darkling as I am. :D
Maddi wrote: "Carina wrote: "hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hi..."lol :D Hih is my version of a smaller lol. Sort of. Or a milder version of hihi. But to be honest, I'm mostly just used to writing it :) write it sometimes when I'm a bit unsure. I think.
Marianna wrote: "Maddi wrote: "Carina wrote: "hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih hih ..."Huh? What do you mean? :) Also, I am only excited about Mal. <3
Natalia wrote: "Meida wrote: "haha thank you, Carina. Yeah Grisha trilogy is the 2nd book that makes me crazy actually, and the Darkling is no.2 on my favourite villain list in novel. And trust me, the bad comme..."
The Mortal Instruments series, and the villain is the one who stay alive and make things very complicated haha
Meida wrote: "The Mortal Instruments series, and the villain is the one who stay alive and make things very complicated haha "Got you! I love TMI series, but this particular villain is not my type. Probably because he threatens so many of my favorite characters. But being the person that I am, I always want everyone to live, even the villains. No need to kill them when they can be reformed.
Natalia wrote: "Meida wrote: "The Mortal Instruments series, and the villain is the one who stay alive and make things very complicated haha "Got you! I love TMI series, but this particular villain is not my typ..."
That's because those he threatens also want him to be dead, so it's no different, right? even though he is not as charismatic and elegant as the Darkling, but he still has his own charm. Well yeah I think it's my weakness to quickly sympathize (and later fall in love usually) with villains who have a soft spot with the heroine
I love the Mortal Instruments, even though the movie wasn't that great, I still liked it. :D It was really funny. :D @Meida
Meida wrote: "Natalia wrote: "Meida wrote: "The Mortal Instruments series, and the villain is the one who stay alive and make things very complicated haha "Got you! I love TMI series, but this particular villa..."
Me too !!! Do you know other books with this kind of villain who has a soft spot with the heroine ?
Léna wrote: "Meida wrote: "Natalia wrote: "Meida wrote: "The Mortal Instruments series, and the villain is the one who stay alive and make things very complicated haha "Got you! I love TMI series, but this pa..."
Well.. you know.. The Shatter Me trilogy :) (Which I'm going to ignore forever. Loved book one, though.)
I tried to read it but the writing and I didn't get along :p
Léna wrote: "I tried to read it but the writing and I didn't get along :p"Ah, I don't blame you for that. Might be an issue for me today as well. (Been 3 years soon since I read Shatter Me o.O)
I wanted to read Shatter Me because I know a lot of people love Warner, but I couldn't get into it because of the writing either. Just not my cup of tea.@ Lena. Try Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning. I don't even know how to explain Barrons and V'Lane without spoilers, but they are inhuman, ancient, cold, ruthless, and yet the heroine gets to them. That's all I'll say..give it a read. :)
I've also heard J.R. Ward's books feature similar antagonist like main male characters.
Alina and Nikolai are at most a brotp for me. They lack the chemistry, and so far, Nikolai was totally on the nose about her attraction to him, she was trying to forget Mal, and in the worst of times, the Darkling. I felt like they never kept up with each other, Nikolai never shared his plans with Alina and was clearly scheming behind her back. Can I be controversial and say I loved Sturmhond, but did not care for Nikolai nearly as much? I liked him, but he had so much more personality and spark as Sturmhond. Strurmhond didn't scheme, he had no fucks to give about anybody else's drama, where when he was Nikolai he was very manipulative. He's a fixer, and he wanted to use Alina just as much as the Darkling did.
"Can I be controversial and say I loved Sturmhond, but did not care for Nikolai nearly as much?"I felt the same way and I thought I was crazy. I loved the pirate swashbuckling cutthroat persona more than the prince persona.
I think Nikolai was more upfront about using Alina. When he threw out the idea of marrying her, she knew it was for political reasons. And really, she could use him as much as he could use her. (She'd need some tips from Margaery Tyrell. GAH Nikolai could not handle her, haha.)
Oddly, I think the Darkling doesn't want to use her as much as Nikolai. I think he wants an EQUAL, not someone he can control and manipulate. As we saw, he respects her ruthlessness and her strength. He was jealous and angry after she left him and "chose Mal" and I wonder if that played a huge role in why he took her power in S&B.
He sort of implied that it did in the excerpt. I think what he wanted was for Alina to WANT to use the fold as a potential weapon, to agree with his plan, but then he got so angry/jealous that instead of getting her on board with his plan he forced it on her and used her power himself.
Léna wrote: "Meida wrote: "Natalia wrote: "Meida wrote: "The Mortal Instruments series, and the villain is the one who stay alive and make things very complicated haha "Got you! I love TMI series, but this pa..."
looks like the Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole also has the same type of villain but ... when I read the synopsis of the 3rd book.. I don't know looks like he turns to be like Warner.
Meida wrote: "looks like the Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole also has the same type of villain but ... when I read the synopsis of the 3rd book.. I don't know looks like he turns to be like Warner."Sorry for off topic, but: NOOO! I want Jackson and Evie to be endgame!!!
I LOVE the Darkling, but I'm so not team Aric. I don't think they are the same at all. Just read the synopsis too, and... what makes you think it will be like Ignite Me?
Natalia wrote: "Meida wrote: "looks like the Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole also has the same type of villain but ... when I read the synopsis of the 3rd book.. I don't know looks like he turns to be like Warne..."hahaha this is already off topic since I mentioned other villain. Everyone sorry for this.
Well I don't know it's just a feeling. SInce I haven't read the Poison Princess or even Ignite Me hehe
WinterRose wrote: ""Can I be controversial and say I loved Sturmhond, but did not care for Nikolai nearly as much?"I felt the same way and I thought I was crazy. I loved the pirate swashbuckling cutthroat persona m..."
whoa whoa I think I have to re-read S&S bc you guys implied that Nikolai is more than meets the eye. So I'll re-read and find something that might imply or even explain Nikolai's true motive. Although I still think he's the better suitor for Alina if Darklina is not the endgame.
He's my second choice, after the Darkling of course, haha.
So, Nikolai...he's a doozy, huh? How bout that thing he pulled with Sturmhond? He was a pirate (privateer), then a prince. Craaaaaaazy.
I like that Nikolai is so blunt and evasive at the same time. Just like the way he's a prince and a privateer at the same time. Many, many talents.
My God, leave it to Nikolai to have the best damn entrance in the history of entrances to battle :))He was just too funny!! Who knew he also had comedic timing?! I'm starting to think there's nothing he can't do.
Sometimes I resent his perfection but humor always wins me over. The way he laughs about himself and is just so good at things, I have to admit that's attractive to me.
Oh well, if Alina ends up with him, there will never be a dull day.
(But I don't think he'll get the throne and the girl. Actually I think no one will get both. Anyone in this book will be lucky if they can get one thing they like.)
Every time Nikolai is on the pages I find myself smiling while reading. Even if he isn't being particularly funny. :) I loved that new excerpt. I know this is definitely wishful thinking, but do you think the fact that nikolai's excerpt was saved til last says anything? I know that some people use the lack of mention of him in things like the book flap and other promotional material as reason to believe he isn't even in the race, but I kind of wonder if she isn't just trying to stay mum on the issue BECAUSE she will end up with him.
Again... I'm sure that's wishful thinking.
Nikolai is not out of the race by any means. The arguments in his favor are so logical that for like 2 weeks I was angry with the certainty he would be her guy in the end.Here's a recap-
1. He is certainly the "happy medium" between Mal and the Darkling. In fact, Alina keeps comparing him to the Darkling in S&S. With him, Alina seems happier than with the other 2. He neither tries to control her nor suppress her. However, there's no doubt he finds her useful too.
2. He is politically the best option for Ravka, people and Grisha alike. The Darkling really distrusts technology and this has put Ravka at a disadvantage. Nikolai has successfully proven grisha can work with technology, instead of being rendered obsolete by it. He is good at "international affairs" and a master engineer. He's a consummate politician and he knows grisha too. He's trained and studied and learned EVERYTHING there is yo know in order to be a good ruler.
So even if they end up working side by side as friends, in the end, he could be a great companion to Alina. Someone to help her grow and possibly heal of the bitter mess that she will surely go through before this story us over.
Plus, Alina is starting to care for him. Mal noticed and he's never wrong about these things when it comes to her.
Cari wrote: "Nikolai is not out of the race by any means. The arguments in his favor are so logical that for like 2 weeks I was angry with the certainty he would be her guy in the end.Here's a recap-
1. He is ..."
Okay you have me convinced that Nikolai is in the GAME! good arguments!
Good points Cari. "He neither tries to control her nor suppress her. However, there's no doubt he finds her useful too." Yes to this. I always say he's the middle of the two extremes (Mal and the Darkling). And who is to say that Alina and Nikolai can't have a relationship AND take advantage of the way they can use each other? (In a political way that is.)I also feel like showing how Nikolai had Grisha AND non-Grisha in his crew is telling that he represents the modern and traditional.
Every time Nikolai is on the pages I find myself smiling while reading
I agree. His scenes always make me smile. I swear he's the love child of Adrian Ivashkov and Will Herondale.
I was so happy when I read the last excerpt. I literally started singing when Nikolai made his entrance I was so happy. To me this was sign. Every time Nikolai is on the pages I find myself smiling while reading.
I also agree with this! and
@ WinterRose
I swear he's the love child of Adrian Ivashkov and Will Herondale.
This basically just made my day :)
I am also a big fan of Will Herondale, but who is Adrian Ivakshov? If he's anything like Nikolai I know I will love him :)
Marinaserina wrote: "I am also a big fan of Will Herondale, but who is Adrian Ivakshov? If he's anything like Nikolai I know I will love him :)"
Adrian is from Vampire Academy. :) Which I HIGHLY recommend, even if you don't care for vampires. It's also influenced by Russian culture and elemental manipulation is involved. Not your typical vampire story--plot first, and a strong emphasis on a sister friendship.
Here are just some of Adrian's witty quirks:
“You've asked me out tons of times."
"Not really. I've made inappropriate suggestions and frequently pushed for nudity. But I've never asked you out on a real date.”
--
“Takes a lot of tries before you hit perfection." He paused to reconsider that. "Well, except for my parents. They got it on the first try."
--
“My cigarettes and I are going outside. At least they show me respect.”
--
“I just rely on natural talent," said Adrian, strolling up to the start of the Dragon's Lair. "When you have such a wealth of it to draw from, the danger comes from having too much.”
I'm re-reading the second book and I'm eager to see if I end up liking Nikolai more this time around lolIt's not that I didn't like him, he just left me cold. In a way, it may be 'cause it seems to me he tries too hard about being this awesome, witty, loved by all guy and I'm always a bit suspicious about that.
I had sort of forgotten about the crossing of the Fold and it's curious how he just ends up using Alina power like the Darkling did (of course, different circumstances and different use of the power, but both of them put - or at least tried to put - Alina in a position where she had to do what they wanted there). I also forgotten how much Mal is all hunting mode there and fails to notice how distressed Alina is (even before seeing the Darkling).
I liked the Sturmhond persona more than the Nikolai one to be honest. (And part of Nikolai did remind me of other characters I've read before. Which isn't a bad thing per say, but it does leave you with a "been there done that" sort of feeling especially if you don't have more than two books with that character. Even Dimitri Belikov who I ADORE took me a few books to really love.)
Lys wrote: "I'm re-reading the second book and I'm eager to see if I end up liking Nikolai more this time around lolIt's not that I didn't like him, he just left me cold. In a way, it may be 'cause it seems ..."
lol, fingers crossed :D Ohh, but yes. I didn't fully love him. I thought Nikolai was an interesting character, but I liked him most BEFORE he became Nikolai.. sigh. I just didn't like that he has interested in Alina :p hoping it was just.. like, a trick, or something, lol. But yess. He do try very hard, doesn't he?
Oh yes. The crossing of the fold. Hmm. I do think both Nikolai and the Darkling wants Alina for her powers. They do both use her powers for something. (And I very much think that they want to use it for more and even worse. Hmm.) But sniffs. Mal. Yes. I can't fully blame him for not noticing Alina. As he was doing the thing he does best; hunting/tracking. He haven't been able to do that for so long. Sigh. And ohh. I can just imagine how happy he was about it :) Especially hunting the Volcra, which almost killed him in the beginning of S&B. And then again at the ending.
I feel like people assume only black or white.White: Nikolai ONLY wants Alina for her powers.
Black: Nikolai ONLY wants Alina because of who she is.
Why not both? Why not want Alina for her powers AND for who she is? I mean maybe I'd want Nikolai because I'd be a queen AND because of his personality and what he stands for, you know?
WinterRose wrote: "I feel like people assume only black or white.White: Nikolai ONLY wants Alina for her powers.
Black: Nikolai ONLY wants Alina because of who she is.
Why not both? Why not want Alina for her pow..."
It isn't assuming only black or white. I assume it this way because this is how I feel about it. Nothing wrong with that :) Or must I always agree with everyone else?
Oh I meant that generally--that's why I said people. :P I've seen a lot of people say it can only be one or the other--Nikolai can ONLY want her power or he can ONLY want her for who she is. I just meant there is also the all of the above option to consider. That he could want both.
Oh, okay :D Was thinking you meant just me, lol. But yes. I see what you mean. He could want both. (I doubt it, but it is possible.)
I get why you'd say that, WinterRose. I think Nikolai probably likes Stormhond more too, truth he told. He didn't seem to be super excited to leave his ship when they reentered Ravka. One of my favorite scenes with Nikolai-- he and Alina are sitting alone in the war room. In response to something he says, she remarks that he sounds like the darkling. He replies, "well if you ever confuse the two of us I'm the one not trying to torture you and kill mal." And she responds, "are you sure you wouldn't? If it got you closer to what you want?"
He sat for a moment and said, "saints. I don't know."
You could tell that he was shaken, but he refused to not be honest with himself and with her. After he thought about it for a while he told her that he would still be true to his word. If she wanted to leave, he'd help her escape to safety, but he'd be sad to see her go.
That one scene made me trust him... Almost completely. Nikolai is, in his own extremely unique way, a man of character. He has a convoluted way of going about things, but he really does want what is best for everyone.
I think he did, but still he will always be Stormhond. He is awesome prince....
guys, have you read the surprising excerpt here?http://www.grishatrilogy.com/
I wager it got something to do with our witty prince hehe
Someone told me that Prince Nikolai is dead. I don't think the surprising excerpt says he died. I don't want him dead!!!!!
Carina wrote: "Meida wrote: "Carina wrote: "I am a bit sick and tired of you all ALWAYS talking bad about Mal and saying he doesn't fit with Alina. As I see that as lies :D In my eyes, Mal is the only one who act..."
yes I would love to find out her final decision in Ruin & Rising too. OOhh wish I could jump to time where R&R is already released