Status Updates From Beyond the Ruby Veil (Beyon...

Emmanuela is... interesting. I don't love how she's written, but her desperate need to be liked and special and powerful is intriguing in character.

"I preferred to keep those feelings locked up. I could let them out in my bedroom, late at night, not around a real girl—a girl who could betray me or discover my omen or, worst of all, decide I was unremarkable and treat me just like everyone else."

the writing itself is very... simplistic. barebones descriptions that lack depth. that's not to say I'm looking for purple prose, but I sometimes feel like I'm reading a screenplay.

I want explanations for many things. the veil. the lack of water. the omens.

Ok, I like Verene, I’m beginning to like this...

The way Ale tells Emanuela that he’s gay is a little... trite? Trope-y? Stereotypical? Fanficcy?

“Paola,” I said. “Yes?” she said slowly. “I’m not going to die,” I said. “Do you know why?” “Why?” Her voice was quiet. “Because I don’t want to,” I said.

Christ Emanuela stop being so mean

Sike Ale you're chill

I take it back I don't like Alessandro anymore

You know, I don't know that I buy people running out into the street to sacrifice themselves when they find they've been marked. If the pandemic has taught us anything it's that people lie and don't care about the greater good.

I think I'm fine with Emanuela's character. I like that's she's lying to herself and thus the reader. I just find her voice a tad juvenile, which is what turned me off earlier

I think I like Alessandro better ngl

On the one hand, a protagonist who knows her constructed world is bullshit is annoying (no mystery? No growth?) On the other hand, a totally ignorant protagonist can be annoying too (i.e. Poppy)

Why are the aesthetics so goth lmao

I'm not overly enamored with Emanuela's voice or attitude so far, but this book is short, so in we go!

Emmanuela you’re not so special, ur very annoying and very freaking rude to Ale... I can’t feel bad for her, she’s stubborn and thinks she’s the center of the universe, get a grip.