#sam temple

Alright, im going to say it.. I dont like Sam x Astrid. They, in my opinion, are both toxic in their own way. Most of the 'bad' Astrid did was reflected on in Plauge, however the same couldn't be said about Sam.

Astrids wrong isn't the worst, but I do want to discuss it. Its stated that—IN HER WORDS—she had manipulated Sam. She had mostly 'used' him as protection for both her and LP (at least in the early books.) So that was the main motive for dating him?? I suppose. I do think she genuinely loved him, which is especially seen in the Monster series, as instead of Sam protecting her she's attempting to protect both herself and Sam, which was shown in her conversation with Dekka. Astrid in general has manipulative tendencies, though its never her intention to actually hurt someone. I haven't read the series in a while so I probably have information mixed up, which is why im not going to deep into Astrids wrongs until I re-read and am able to gather more information.

Sams wrongs... oh boy 😐 I can't even defend Sam on this one, and this is coming from someone who likes Sam (dont attack me). In the series he started talking about wanting sex with Astrid, which Astrid kept saying no to due to her faith and probably other personal reasons. But Sam didn't want no as an answer. And after getting "no" to in constantly, he kissed Taylor. He did feel immediately guilty about doing so, but still.. Sam, buddy, just keep your hands to yourself 😭

Then, later once Astrid comes back from the woods, hes almost rewarded for his actions? He gets what he wanted and they seemingly discuss it off-screen. I understand Sam is a 15 year old boy in a situation where adults aren't there, ofc hes going to want stuff like that, but if MG wanted to make Sam less toxic then this definitely would've been changed. But it wasn't.

I do like how in the monster series they seemed to have matured and talked about it all, especially after Sam getting clean, but of course it was off-screen. And maybe this is just my inner hatred for Astrid x Sam but I dont think they were always destined to be together 😭 They definitely only got together and stayed together because of the FAYZ. I do like the AU where they break up after the FAYZ but stay close friends. Imo I like Orc x Astrid better but 🤷‍♀️

Also I mightve gotten my facts wrong, or just didnt say something that's very important in the toxicity of their relationship! Again, I need to re-read the series desperately. This was just my opinion and you're welcome to think whatever you like!