SYNOPSIS: Some stories about the lives of Mirabella, Arsinoe, and Kat before the start of the Three Dark Crown series.
RATING: 4/5
NON-SPOILERY REVIEW:
It was really interesting to see the backstory of the three queens. It was devastating to see some scenes especially before they were separated. They seem to be pretty close to each other and it's heartbreaking to think about the fact that they had to kill each other now. It was interesting to see how different their environments were from each other and that resulted to how they were brought up. This was a nice companion to the series and it gave a whole knew perspective to the three queens. It was also very heartbreaking.
Aw King Philippe never even got to see his daughters but you can understand Queen Camille's reasoning why she didn't want him to see the girls. I liked knowing more about Queen Camille's intention especially the confirmation that she's the one who switched the babies. We still don't know if Kat is really a naturalist since we haven't seen her power yet at all.
It was terrible that Queen Camille put Kat with the Arrons especially since she knew what they would do to Kat. She was a terrible mother but I think she did the switching purely out of revenge.
It was nice to see that Queen Camille and King Philippe really did love each other. Especially since Camille grew up with the Arrons and knowing what they do to their candidates, it was adorable to see that she had someone who made her happy now.
It was heartbreaking to see Willa's point of view. She took of the queens, gets to see them separated and kill each other.
It was heartbreaking to see how protective Mira was to her sisters in the beginning. I misjudged her. She never forgot to her sisters and has to live with the pain that they forgot her.
It was heartbreaking to see Matthew and Caragh together. She had to sacrifice her happiness with Matthew in order to protect Jules and then Jules' mother, Madrigal, went and stole Matthew from her. I feel so bad for Caragh.
It broke my heart to see Nat and Kat. They were so close here and Nat really did bring up Kat like her daughter. She helped Kat so much and it hurts to know that she's dead in the series. Damn it, Billy's father.
"Light a candle and step close to the looking glass. Time is short, and we cannot delay."
PAGES: 242 (Ebook) SYNOPSIS: The Redding family betrayed a demon named, Alastor, and he's back to try to get his revenge. RATING: 4.25/5
NON-SPOILERY REVIEW:
This is the first book by Alexandra Bracken that I've read and I enjoyed it. It was such a fun and interesting story about the Reddings and their ties with a demon. The start kind of reminded me of the anime Ayashi no Ceres but less harsh. The characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Prosper was such an active child and I love his interactions with Alastair. Alastair is not really that bad at that point. His reason for his anger was justified for me. I really didn't see the twist in the end coming. It shocked me and made me want for more. I really thought this was a solo book at first which made me kind of mad after I read it.
I really liked the interactions between Alastor and Prosper. Even though they were supposed to be enemies, they kind of annoyed each other more than they made each other fun. It was fun.
I really did not see the twist coming. Sure, I suspected something would happen but I didn't expect that the main villain would be Alastor's sister. The one he cared about most. It broke my heart that she betrayed him and he really couldn't believe it.
I really want the next book now. The ending was so exciting and I want to see them in the demon realm now.
It shocked me that the secret that Nell and Barnabas was keeping was that they weren't related to Prosper at all. They were enemies. How did Henry survive the massacre? I felt bad that Nell was forced to join Barnabas in his evil plan. I'm glad that she changed her mind in the end and helped Prosper.
I loved the part where the students had a contest about Greek Myth. I love Greek Myth and I love the reaction of Prosper's team when they won. Also, great teacher! Free pizza is one of the best things in life.
I love the bond that developed between Nell and Prosper. He really did care about making her happy even if they weren't really relatives at all. It seems a bit weird to ship them together because they were supposedly relatives but hey, they were adorable together.
FAVORITE QUOTES
It wasn't that me and Prue hated our grandmother. It was just we thought she might be the Devil in a dress suit. "Ooooh, children!" she sang out. "Hurry, won't you? We've been waiting for you." That was it. I whirled around with only one goal: to run back up that hill, through the creepy forest, and straight out of Redhood. If she was giving us sweets and talking in that strange drippy voice, it could only be for one reason. She was going to poison me.
He was missing his left eye, which Grandmother swore was because he had an "unfortunate run-in" with a fireplace poker. Personally, I think she was aiming for his heart, and had missed. "With stories like these, it's best to start at the very beginning," Uncle Barnabas said. "Tell me, Prosperity, what do you know about the family curse?" "Why is he talking like that?" I asked Uncle Barnabas. "It sounds like he swallowed a Pilgrim." "We don't suck! We don't suck!" Blake's friend began to chant. What foul treachery is this? Alastor wailed. By the realms, you smell of roses and spring. Find mud, Maggot, and quickly rid yourself of this rotten stench. Human "junior high". as it were, was an excellent breeding ground for misery. Alastor had feasted on the feelings of frustration, anger, and hopelessness he'd felt there. Nightlock pounced on the stuffed animals before they even hit the ground. He scooped them up and cuddled them close to his chest, rocking them back and forth even though they were almost as big as him. Stop pretending to feel sorry! Al hissed. Stop pretending to be anything other than another Redding wretch.
The boy's heart, it would seem, was a rare sort: incorruptible by greed, incompatible with jealousy.
"Power can be a wonderful thing, Violet, a wonderful, terrible thing."
PAGES: 311 (Ebook) SYNOPSIS: A modern retelling of Snow White. RATING: 3.7/5 NON-SPOILERY REVIEW:
I can see why this had many negative reviews. The characters portrayal had issues and how it kept pointing out how beauty is important got kind of annoying. Plus, it was kind of slow paced. However, I still enjoyed it. It was just a simple retelling of Snow White. I still like Alex Flinn's writing and the way she adapted Snow White was interesting to read. I really liked Celine and Goose. Especially Goose. He was such a fun and precious character. I loved reading in his perspective and seeing how much he cared for Celine.
Unlike other Snow White retellings I've read and watched, Snow White's father (Celine's) was partially to blame for everything. He broke Violet.
It was harsh that Violet, the bullied character, became the villain. It just goes to show that not all people cope up in a way positive way to bullies. Rather than overcome the bullies, she became one herself which was devastating for me. She didn't deserve the things that happened to her in the beginning. She should have made different choices but under that circumstances it was hard not to. I hope that she will be able to change for the better since she survived the fire.
The plot point with the Prince dude was kind of stupid to me. Like, he was just there to bring a twist and it kind of failed. Still, I liked that he was the one who pointed out to Goose who's too in denial to see things and that he was the one who was supposed to kiss Celine.
I was glad that Celine and Goose got together in the end. They became an example for Violet that being beautiful will not mean that you are a bitch. They helped her realize that she was wrong.
I loved reading how much Goose was willing to sacrifice in order to save Celine. He was such a wonderful person and I liked that the dwarves and the prince character was mixed together.
I wonder when Kendra will finally found someone for her. She tried to help a fellow witch which ended up backfiring. I think she just felt lonely and didn't want the one person like her to leave her and that's why she let Violet be.
I loved Goose's family. Even though they could end up being in danger, they still helped Celine and hid her.
FAVORITE QUOTES
"Okay. I love a good makeover." "Girl, there is nothing to make over about you." "Can we just sit here and watch SpongeBob for the rest of the day?" "Absolutely. Sometimes, watching SpongeBob is the best thing. SpongeBob never disappoints." "You're a beautiful woman, and it hasn't helped you. Your beauty is nothing, worthless." "It would be so cool to be friends with you." "That's me, every girl's BFF." And no one's true love. No one can hurt me, not with love and magic on my side.
I really thought the best book I read in 2017 would be Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare but when I read Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor I changed my mind.
2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
Sea Breeze Meets Rosemary Beach series by Abbi Glines. I was really disappointed about the circumstances that Abbi Glines put her characters on. It wasn't as believable and it wasn't the same as the books in the Sea Breeze and Rosemary Beach series. Most of the characters in this series just annoyed me. The only parts I loved were the cameos of the original characters.
3. Most surprising (in a good or bad way) book you read?
In a good way - Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake. The story and the way it unfolded was surprising. The plot was really interesting and it was intriguing to know what would happen to the three queens.
4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
I think this would go to the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. I didn't really push much books to people recently (only to my boyfriend) and some of my friends. My boyfriend read it so yay!
5. Best series you started in 2017? Best Sequel of 2017? Best Series Ender of 2017?
Started - Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor.
Sequel - Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare.
Ender - A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab.
6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2017?
Seanan McGuire! I don't know much about her other books except for the Wayward Children series but I really did love her writing there.
7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?
I didn't read much that wasn't in my comfort zone. The closest thing outside of my comfort zone is The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. I don't read much Historical Fiction.
8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
Vicious by VE Schwab. I couldn't put it down (though I did) because I really wanted to know more about what happened between Victor and Eli.
9. Book You Read In 2017 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
I don't reread much lately but I guess it would have to be Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor or The Dark Artifices series by Cassandra Clare.
10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2017?
Our Dark Duet by VE Schwab. I was disappointed by this book but I really did the cover. I love the color and the design.
11. Most memorable character of 2017?
Lazlo Strange from Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor - I love him because he was such an interesting character. He loved books and he said beautiful things. He understood people well. He's kind and caring. I love the twist his character had and I want to know what would happen to him in the next book.
12. Most beautifully written book read in 2017?
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. I've used this book a lot but god. Laini Taylor's writing is one of the most beautiful writings I've read.
13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2017?
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. Oh my God. This book had so much gray areas. The plot was heartbreaking and thought provoking because if you were in the same situation as Lily, what would you do? It makes you understand the point of view that some people had who's under that situation.
14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2017 to finally read?
A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab. I survived 2 years of waiting for the sequel and the series ender and it's worth it!
15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2017?
"It was impossible, of course. But when did that ever stop any dreamer from dreaming?" - Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
People were messy. They were defined not only by what they'd done, but by what they would have done, under different circumstances, molded as much by their regrets as their actions, choices they stood by and those they wished they could undo. Of course, there was no going back - time only moved forward - but people changed. For worse. And for better. It wasn't easy. The world was complicated. Life was hard. And so often, living hurt. So make it worth the pain. - Our Dark Duet by VE Schwab
16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2017?
SHORTEST - Once She Dreamed Part Two by Abbi Glines (99 Pages)
LONGEST - Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare (701 Pages)
17. Book That Shocked You The Most
I would probably put Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor again (because that freakin' ending) but no I'll put Our Dark Duet by VE Schwab. I was really shocked because it ended in a way that I did not expect. It seemed unnecessary to end it that way and I disliked that twist so much.
18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)
Magnus and Alex from Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series by Rick Riordan. They were so adorable. I love them together!
19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year
Apollo and Meg from the Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan. I love how much they care about each other.
20. Favorite Book You Read in 2017 From An Author You’ve Read Previously
Hey hey guess it's time to put Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor again!
21. Best Book You Read In 2017 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. I only read this because my boyfriend kept suggesting it to me. Still, it was fun and adorable.
22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2017?
Victor Vale from Vicious by VE Schwab. Sure, he seems to have issues with morality but he's charming, smart, and interesting.
23. Best 2017 debut you read?
I'm pretty sure I haven't read any debut books on 2017.
24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. This is getting old but this is really the book that's most appropriate for this question. Laini Taylor's writing about Weep was so descriptive that you could really imagine the world she created. It was beautiful and interesting.
25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan. Although I did not love this book, I still had fun reading it. Magnus' lines made me laugh a lot.
26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2017?
So much heartbreak and crying while reading It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. Even the QA in the end made me cry. God that story.
27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman. I've been wanting to read a mythology about Norse and Neil Gaiman wrote such a fun book about it. This gave me gain more knowledge about the Norse gods which helped me a lot in reading the Magnus Chase series by Rick Riordan.
28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor was depressing as hell but nothing could defeat It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. That book was so good but very heartbreaking.
29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2017?
I was about to say It Ends With Us again but I'll give this to Because You Love to Hate Me. That compilation of short stories was interesting because it's supposed to be in the point of view of the villains. It's unique to me because of it. Not all of the stories were great but some were (Read my review for more details)
30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?
Argh this still belong to the Sea Breeze Meets Rosemary Beach series by Abbi Glines. I really really hate how the stories went. God.
Your Blogging/Bookish Life
1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2017?
I don't think that I discovered a new book blog that I like last year.
2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2017?
I still think it's my review for the TV Series Confess based on the book by Colleen Hoover. I put so much effort editing the way the posts would appear. Click here to see the review.
3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?
I can't seem to think of a proper answer to this because I mostly posted anime, movie, books, and kdrama reviews. I'd probably put one of the T5W posts or the list of most awaited books of 2017.
4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Did not participate in any event last year.
5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2017?
I managed to reach 55 posts by the end of the year which is an achievement for me while balancing it with school work. Also, it's double the amount of my 2016 posts.
6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?
I was kind of in a reading slump and was only able to read 24 books. I decided to add other reviews for things I like doing but it was hard to fight laziness against editing and posting those reviews.
7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
Not that I can think of at this moment.
10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
The only goal I reached was to read 20 books last year. This was devastating for me because it was such a low amount of books but hey, at least I reached it.
Looking Ahead
1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2017 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2018?
This was a topic in #T5W in January but I'd like to say Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. I really love John Green so I want to read this as soon as possible.
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2018 (non-debut)?
Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare. I really love Cassandra Clare's books and since this is the series ending for the Dark Artifice Series, I want it now! Especially things ended in chaos. I want to know what happens next and how things are going to be wrapped up in this series.
3. 2018 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
I don't know if it's a debut but I haven't read any books by this author - Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Choksi. This is one of the books from Rick Riordan Presents. I'm really interested because I want to know more about a story that uses Hindu Mythology.
4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2018?
The Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor. I don't know if it's really going to be publish this year but I want it now!
5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2018?
Probably read more than 20 books or publish more than 55 posts.
6. A 2018 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone (if applicable):
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire. This is the only book I've read atm that's a 2018 release. Did not love it but would still suggest it to everyone because it's a fun book from the Wayward Children series. Full review here.
Top 5 Wednesday is group that was created by Lainey and is currently hosted by Samantha. A topic is posted every month wherein if you want to, you can post about your top 5 picks for said topics.
The topic for February 7th is "Favorite M/M Couples" - Who are your favorite dudes loving other dudes? (Note: this isn't specifically cis gay couples, but also applies to couples that include bi men, trans men, pan men, ace men, etc.)
Since I only have one pair for the February 14th topic "Favorite F/F Couples" - Who are your favorite ladies loving other ladies? (Note: this isn't specifically cis lesbian couples, but also applies to couples that include bi women, trans women, pan women, ace women, etc.) - I'll include it here.
NOTE: There are many spoilery things in this T5W. Watch out!
1. Magnus Bane and Alexander Lightwood from the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Malec is a very wonderful couple. I loved reading about their relationship. They had many issues in the beginning but they managed to sort it out. They were very adorable and I love Magnus so much. They are my favorite couple among the couples in the Mortal Instrument series.
2. Nico di Angelo and Will Solace from Heroes of the Olympus by Rick Riordan
I really didn't love the last book of the Heroes of Olympus but I love that Rick Riordan brought Will and Nico together. Nico had to endure so much tragedy in his life and I love that he got together with the very bright and cheery Will Solace. I love their relationship so much and I wish that they would be mentioned more in the spin-off series.
3. Alucard Emery and Rhy Maresh from Shades of Magic by Victoria Schwab
I really loved Alucard and Rhy separately from the series. I was shocked when it was mentioned that they used to be together. It broke my heart when I found out the reason why they got separated. I loved that they managed to fix their issues and they still got together in the end.
4. Magnus Chase and Alex Fierro from Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan
I love how subtle their relationship is. They were very adorable because even the very minor events made Magnus very happy. I love how they got together. How Magnus openly admitted that he thought Alex was a wonderful person. They were very cute in the ship of the dead. It was also pretty funny that their names are like Magnus and Alec from the Mortal Instruments series.
5. Mark Blackthorn and Kieran from The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare
I almost forgot about this one. I really loved this two together even if I also love Mark and Cristina together. Mark and Kieran had to endure so much in the hunt and I loved that they were able to comfort each other. Kieran did bad things to get Mark back and it broke my heart that it ruined their relationship. Even if as friends, I'd like them to resolve their relationship.
And, the only F/F Couple I know - Helen Blackthorn and Aline Penhallow
They are the only F/F Couple that I remember I liked. Their relationship wasn't discussed much if I remember correctly but I like them together. It was too bad that Helen was exiled to Wrangel Island but I'm glad that Aline went with her.
"There is kindness in the world, if we know how to look for it. If we never start denying it the door."
PAGES: 128 (Ebook) SYNOPSIS: Rini tries to save her mother, Sumi, who is dead. RATING: 4/5 NON-SPOILERY REVIEW:
This was a fun book. I really loved the previous books of this series but this one I just liked. It was full of adventure but I felt that it wasn't as amazing as the other books. I didn't feel much attachments to the characters because everything happened immediately. They found things and then went to the next one to find like some sort of checklist. The adventure didn't seem as exciting. Some of the scenes were also predictable. Plus, I didn't find Seanan McGuire's writing as beautiful as I did in the other books. It lacked something for me. Some feeling. Still, the worlds that Seanan McGuire built were beautiful. It was interesting to see them and I still want to know more about the other ones. It was also nice to see some of the characters from the previous books.
It was nice seeing Nancy again. I loved that she was able to go back to her world and that she was happy there. It was also interesting to see the world that she loved. It was simple and yet so elegant. The lord of lady of the dead seemed so beautiful.
It was good that Nadya was able to go back to her world too. It was terrible that she had to be left behind in the Land of the Dead but at least she was able to find her door there.
It was great to see Kade and Christopher again. Kade is still funny and witty while Christopher is still precious. It was devastating to see Christopher so weak when his bone flute was separated from him. It was an interesting to know that the bone came from him and that it had cancer. His world truly saved him.
Cora was an interesting character. She had some fun lines but it kind of annoyed me that it was pointed out many times that she was fat.
I didn't feel much for Rini except after Sumi was resurrected. It seems like she was just there to bring about the plot.
I really liked that they were able to bring Sumi back. I liked her in the previous book and I was devastated that she died without seeing her candy corn man again. I'm happy that she did end up with him.
FAVORITE QUOTES
"Come back, turtles!" shouted Nadya. "Come back and let me love you!" That's why people shouldn't get too hung up on labels. Sometimes I think that's part of what we do wrong. We try to make things make sense, even when they're never going to. "You are not a cake, you are a human being and I can see your vagina," snapped Nadya. The stranger shrugged. "It's a nice one. I'm not ashamed of it." "Well, shit," said Christopher, and that was exactly right, and there was nothing more to say. "Fuck me," he said. "What, here? Now? In front of Kade?" Cora put on her best pretense of a simpering expression. "I'm not that kind of girl." "It's never okay. But I told myself that every night when I was in Prism. I told myself that every morning when I woke up, still in Prism. And I got through. Sometimes that's all you can do. Just keep getting through until you don't have to do it anymore, however much time that takes, however difficult it is. "I'm not that god at lying to myself." "Whereas I am a king of telling myself bullshit things I don't really believe but need to accept for the sake of everyone around me."
"So what if your art's not practical? If you love it, you should do it. What's the point of anything otherwise?"
PAGES: 304 (Ebook) SYNOPSIS: Dimple's parents let her go to a web development camp called Insomnia Con. There she met a guy named Rishi. RATING: 3.6/5 NON-SPOILERY REVIEW:
I
really enjoyed the first half of this book. Dimple and Rishi's
interactions were smooth and it felt natural. It was fun to read about.
I also liked that we see each of the perspective of the two main characters. It was interesting that sometimes there were moment where Dimple is thinking about something that Rishi was thinking too. However, on the latter half I felt that some of the things were kind of
confusing. Things escalated quickly and there were some events that
didn't feel like it was necessary to be there like the talent show. I also had issues
regarding some of the characters especially Dimple. She's kind of
annoying at times. Plus, the whole web development thing wasn't really
focused on. Being a computer science student, I really wanted to see
more of that aspect but it felt like it was just use as a basic plot
even if it was Dimple's dream to create a successful app. It wasn't
discuss in depth.
I really liked Rishi. He was adorable and caring towards Dimple. He was willing to leave the camp he paid for so that Dimple wouldn't be uncomfortable. I really liked how his life was resolved. I loved that he was able to do what he wanted in the end.
I had mixed feelings about Dimple. I liked that she was fierce regarding what she wanted but she made really confusing decisions. She didn't stand her ground especially towards her decision not to be with Rishi in the beginning. Sure, they matched, but she didn't have to proceed fast with their relationship. Plus, she broke Rishi's heart! That was mean.
I liked Ashish. He was a minor character but he helped Rishi and Dimple a lot during the talent show. I liked that he ended up with Celia. I loved her.
I hated the Aberzombies. They're such assholes. I hated that they dragged Isabelle with them and that they won the Insomnia con just because Hari's parents donated a lot of money to the school. I was glad that Jenny decided to partner up with Dimple after Rishi told her about Dimple's app.
I liked the fact that Dimple and Rishi met before. When they were younger. I found that scene adorable.
My favorite part was when Dimple and Rishi had to take pictures of some things for the initial activity. Their interactions there felt so natural and fun. I loved reading about it.
I loved Dimple's father. He wasn't as vocal as her mother but he was very supportive towards her daughter. I also loved that Dimple and her mother fixed their issue in the end. She just really wanted her daughter to be happy even if they fought a lot.
It was weird to me that Dimple and Rishi just decided to have sex just weeks of meeting each other. There wasn't anything special to it. They just wanted to and it felt a bit weird to me.
I love that Rishi took Dimple to book/restaurant place for their non-date. It was adorable.
FAVORITE QUOTES
Well. I guess that just goes to show you. All of Papa's money can't buy good manners.
The idea that we're connected by this thread to people who live in the place where we came from. Where our parents came from. We have a blueprint for our lives. I think that makes it all seem comforting somehow. Safe. There were something about people who were that secure; they made you feel better about yourself, like they accepted you for everything you were, imperfections and all. Distance was the promise of safety. Without distance, Rishi knew the inexorable love for his art, for creation, would suck him in and never let go.
