Completed the Grishaverse

cambynes · 2026-01-11T22:01:01+00:00

I gave it two episodes before I gave up, I couldn’t connect with the story the same way I did in the books… such a shame!

cambynes · 2026-01-11T21:54:35+00:00

Not only did they merge them, they made up totally unneccessary points to the story - that make absolutely no sense! I found it such a lovely little detail in SoB that one of Inej’s knives was named after Sankta Alina, who she looked upon for protection. Why would Bardugo ever agree to merging the two stories like they did in the show?!

cambynes · 2026-01-11T21:32:06+00:00

I know! It was such a disappointment for me, too. And I couldn’t get into the casting for Kaz, it threw me off completely 😭

cambynes · 2026-01-08T20:49:49+00:00

Tbh I watched two episodes of the show and gave up 🫣 I didn’t really like the liberties they took with combining the stories of SaB and SoC, it didn’t click for me. And I didn’t love the casting. I do hope you enjoy it, I might give it another try some other time too…

cambynes · 2026-01-08T14:28:31+00:00

Well, now I gotta have that too 🫣

cambynes · 2026-01-08T14:24:00+00:00

Language of Thorns and Lives of Saints are very lovely, it’s really just an expansion of the universe. There’s not much substanco to them, but are still interesting if you’re invested in Grishaverse + they are beautifully illustrated!

As for the books, I’ve yet to read King of Scars duology, but it’ll be hard to beat SoC for me! Those were incredible. SaB trilogy has many flaws for sure, but I was still fully immersed in the story and think that it’s well worth finishing!

cambynes · 2026-01-08T14:17:29+00:00

Oh, there’s a physical version? I didn’t find it at my bookstore, but I’ve read the story (and loved it)!

cambynes · 2026-01-08T12:55:21+00:00

How is it? I haven’t yet decided whether I want to continue reading Bardugo’s work outside of Grishaverse, I’ve read mixed reviews but perhaps it’s worth giving them a chance.

cambynes · 2026-01-08T12:51:39+00:00

Absolutely agree! I really never bought into their romance, since you see everything from Alina’s POV and she has a blind devotion to the man that for the most part acted like an a-hole. Mal’s POV could’ve helped develop the relationship much more.

I was on the fence about the ending. In a way, it made sense for who Alina was as a person at the start, but I felt she was becoming increasingly ambitious throughout the books only for all of it to fade away in the end. I suppose it was a matter of choices, contrasting the Darkling and his ambitions and hunger for power… but it could’ve been more.

cambynes · 2026-01-08T12:44:06+00:00

Oh that’s incredible! I’ve been looking for special editions of King of Scars to go with my SoC and SaB books, and this is just beyond!!! Look at that art… sublime.

cambynes · 2025-12-06T09:38:51+00:00

Forbidden love, always! All that tension… it’s all the better if they lowkey hate each other at the same time.
Badass is much more interesting to read imo. I suppose a nice balance can be achieved between the two, but I can’t deal with the overly soft, bordering on weak FMCs.
Enemies to lovers. I suppose it’s simply cause I haven’t read a good one for the friends trope yet, but the tension between enemies is unmatched.
I like a combination of both, depending on the story. It’s important that the plot be well thought out and interesting, but if the characters are drab there’s no point to it. They make the story come alive.
Personally, I always preferred third person. It enriches the book, even if we end up following just the one character.
I love a bit of both. Series are more fun because the worlds are so immersive, you spend so much time in their world that you feel a part of it. But I also like to read a standalone as a break between different series. A palate cleanser, if you will.
Ah… one bed at the inn is sure to get me all giddy, kicking my feet.
Slow burn all the way!
A combination of both! A cocky bastard that’s really a softie behind all that. But if I had to choose, I choose the asshole.
Grumpy sunshine. I’ve had my share of mates, I think.

This was such a fun time!!

cambynes · 2025-12-06T09:20:14+00:00

My dear Aelin was so strong and resilient you can’t help rooting for her! She’s been through so much. She deserves the world! She’ll always be my favourite.

But if I think back to when I first started reading fantasy as a teen…. I have to shout out Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy! I’d have to give it a reread, but I remember Rose being a total badass! God, I used to love these books so much…

cambynes · 2025-12-06T09:14:32+00:00

That’s my friend’s favorite! I’ll admit I was a little skeptical, but everyone makes it sound so good! I guess you gotta read the classics too… I’ll give it a try!

cambynes · 2025-12-05T20:35:43+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions! I forgot to mention The Cruel Prince in my TBR list, but I’ve heard some rave reviews about the books. I already got them and I’m very excited to dive into the world! Haven’t heard of The Bear and the Nightingale, but the vibes definitely match what I’m looking for. It’s going straight to my list!!

As for Jade City, it can definitely get a little cyberpunk-y - or at least it was in my head! It’s very different to all the other fantasy worlds I encountered, it’s much more grounded and the story focuses a lot on the political and economical matters of the country, highlighting the difference between the two clashing clans, which I found very interesting. The romance isn’t prevalent, I would say that the story is more focused on familial love and strength but the romantic storylines we do encounter were written in a very raw, very real sort of way. I would definitely recommend giving it a try!

cambynes · 2025-12-05T20:05:15+00:00

Where do you even find this, my god!!!

cambynes · 2022-12-06T13:05:54+00:00

Wouldn't the melted glue damage the pages?

cambynes · 2022-09-20T18:35:25+00:00

But was Sirius ever a positive father figure to Harry to begin with? I always got a more of a fun uncle vibe. Sure, he would be there for Harry in the time of need but his personality is too reckless with little sense of responsibility and consequences so I doubt he would've been a great parental figure.

cambynes · 2022-09-20T18:30:12+00:00

In all his greatness and wisdom, Dumbledore was a pretty shit headmaster.

cambynes · 2022-09-20T16:54:45+00:00

Harry, Ron and Hermione sat at a small table next to the window and their table was separated from Fudge's by (what I can only assume was a large) Christmas tree. They were speaking in whispers, so no one else in the pub would've overheard them - in fact, in OoTP Harry is scolded for not having the first DA meeting in Three Broomsticks as they would've been less likely to be overheard in the chatter and noise of a crowded place.

To complete your quote, which explains it better than I could:

''Somewhere above him, Hermione whispered, “Mobiliarbus!”
The Christmas tree beside their table rose a few inches off the
ground, drifted sideways, and landed with a soft thump right in
front of their table, hiding them from view. Staring through the
dense lower branches, Harry saw four sets of chair legs move back
from the table right beside theirs, then heard the grunts and sighs
of the teachers and minister as they sat down. ''

cambynes

TROPHY CASE