#random opinion

1. Contrary to other gwynriels and Eluciens, I don’t think the 3 brother x 3 sisters pair off is cliche. For a fated mates authors, breaking from fated mates formula would be unexpected. For me, there’s just way more substantial reasons as to why Elain and Azriel don’t make sense together, and Archeron x Batboy isn’t one of them. The only reason I would say I don’t like the 3 brothers x 3 sisters concept is because, in this case, they all look alike and I’m frankly and tired and bored by constantly having to picture the under-30-yo brunette x centuries-old racially-ambiguous shadow daddy, not just in this series but in this genre. I only understand this specific argument for not liking the ship as aesthetic fatigue.

2. I don’t understand how you can criticize people for hating on Gwyn or Elain, and then go and do the same thing. I don’t understand how people are still saying Gwyn “acts/is too young” for Azriel, claiming her excitement and the whole friendship bracelet and ribbon thing is a sign of immaturity, I’ve even seen some go as far as to say she doesn’t even have a personality or is a real character, but then also call it misogynistic when people say anything about Elain’s baking or flowers. Both these characters are feminine in their own way, and it’s hypocritical to criticize the infantilization of one and then go and infantilize the other just because it works for your ship. They’re both literally the same age, both fae, both feminine and strong characters, so why is age and maturity being brought up as a reasoning for why they can’t be with Azriel. Actually, why are any of their hobbies and personality being attributed solely to what they can contribute to Azriel?

3. There’s been a consistent devaluing of Lucien in this ship war to the point that I think a people forget how important he is to the series. One of the first characters in the series we ever meet, son of Autumn and Day, former emissary to Spring, Band of Exile member, (former?)friend to the High Lady of Night whose sister is his mate. He connects at least four courts and the human lands, and you’re telling me he’s going to be thrown away to have three books for a “forbidden romance”?? Absolutely not. A lot of other characters no doubt have a lot going on, but I do think there’s a tendency to forget how many loose threads are tied to Lucien specifically.

Like no I don’t think yang acts like that but DAMN do I respect that you let her act like something!! And not as like just a bounce off character for someone else’s growth or character (not that that’s evil either, it’s a fic, you should do literally WHATEVER you want)