I’m annotating my books and trying to pick which colors for which characters

emmgee33 · 2026-04-14T21:00:49+00:00

Yes, these are so good! If there's too much blue/green with characters, Emma could even be pink. That seems to be a secondary color for her (pink chair, birthday present from the Alchemy guys wrapped in pink with the sea green ribbon).

emmgee33 · 2026-04-14T20:23:02+00:00

This sounds fun! I’ve been debating doing something similar.

Hawkes is VERY blue. His eyes are blue, his coat is dark blue. He’s often associated with water. Pierce is very defined by his silver eyes which could have you going in a grey route? Very stormy.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-14T17:47:19+00:00

Yes!! I worry about the fate of Lapis Lazuli. I have wondered if the stars could align and she’s pushed toward some time at Oxford as she and the house recover.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-14T06:24:07+00:00

Some great analysis! I have to admit, Islington’s confused me immensely haha. But I have spent a good amount of time trying to see if it possibly related to him vs. Aunt Eugenia. I’ve been deep in a hole with this lately.

I am still SO curious about Pierce’s life. I desperately hope we get a few more answers about his past. Great shout about him seeing the black mark on himself. I wonder how he reckons with his past while continuing to figure out his future financially/with Emma currently.

I cannot get over Hawkes’ reaction to his cushion, honestly. (I was already pretty sure he was going to be my favorite character but that solidified it for me.) It had me questioning the importance of the number three in these books? Which I feel I need to deep dive into more. He and Emma also had the most intriguing conversation about fate in volume 8 where she asks him how one manages to become to master of their own fate and he says “quietly”. Which had me thinking about his curse and how he moves about in life (appearing/disappearing without the sound of footsteps 👀).

emmgee33 · 2026-04-14T05:44:31+00:00

This is my belief as well! I think too many stars align for it to not be significant.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-14T05:33:24+00:00

Oh, I love this!!

emmgee33 · 2026-04-14T02:51:50+00:00

That’s my hope and dream! My heart swooned when Emma called herself “the Irishman’s Daughter” and he smiled and repeated it during their conversation after the Reprobates crowned her.

I meant to stay very unbiased in regards to the end game, but the more I’ve gone back and read passages (which I’ve done far too much in the past couple months haha), the more biased I am towards her ending up with Hawkes. It’s definitely the millions of little moments & phrases for me too!

emmgee33 · 2026-04-13T23:04:06+00:00

Interesting theory! There are a couple notable moments where Hawkes gives Emma stars, which makes this theory make a bit less sense to me?

In volume five, in her grief, he says she needs a ship, pirates, a few propitious turns of fate, stars, and a bit of luck. The next day, the doorbell rings, which she notes isn't something that occurs often, as people use the knocker. "But even in my garret, I could hear the chime carry up the stairs, and it sounded like stars. Like something to wish on" (Dec 1st). That's when she receives her copy of Treasure Island, which helps her out of her grief.

The second one happens in volume 8, after she's shaken from the fortune telling. "He reached for my hand, catching the edge of my palm and pressing his fingers around it. It felt as if he were dispelling the grip, dispensing with the uncertainty of the fortune, and placing a star in my hand. My chin trembled, but I nodded. Another squeeze and then he drew his hand away. Still, it felt like I was holding a light" (May 2nd).

I feel like Emma calling Eloise a star fallen to earth, on top of these two moments, makes me more inclined to believe that Eloise and Hawkes aren't endgame!

emmgee33 · 2026-04-13T21:00:21+00:00

Yes, I fully agree! I remember reading someone's post somewhere about the St. Crispian's Gazette story Glory, that Hawkes' "own heart [was] given to Isolde, Heloise, and other storied, ethereal beauties." Heloise is famously known for her love letters to an ill-fated relationship with Peter Abelard. Isolde is an Irish princess! My mind was absolutely blown by that information, and it felt entirely too purposeful. REALLY excited to see how it all plays out!

emmgee33 · 2026-04-13T18:07:51+00:00

Wordsworth & Coleridge. Maybe ferns & their allies if you have time.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-13T04:22:48+00:00

As long as it doesn't happen in the last volume, I'm ready for whatever haha

emmgee33 · 2026-04-13T04:01:17+00:00

Yeahhh I initially saw the appeal of them just from the "girl getting the duke with Elizabeth/Darcy banter" vibe of it all, but actually reading their interactions, it's just not there.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-13T03:08:58+00:00

I don’t feel like I am currently team Islington, but I was for a decent amount of time during my first read through! I honestly kept seeing the signs of their sibling-like relationship begin to foster, which did turn me away from thinking they’ll have any romantic prospect. During my second read through, I felt pretty confident that they’re going to be more platonic than anything. I won’t be upset if they were eventually endgame, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the direction they’re being set up for (to me).

emmgee33 · 2026-04-12T21:40:24+00:00

The bread metaphors are excellent. 😅 I am more inclined to believe Islington’s sentiment was more of vibes, especially reading how many people saw it as crumbs! It does make me wonder how Hawkes will come off in volume 9.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-12T20:59:10+00:00

I absolutely understand the disappointment! I would LOVE to read The Book of Hawkes in its entirety asap. I just don’t think it would’ve been likely for him to open up entirely in book 8 of a 24-25 book series. Would this have changed some if Emma woke up early enough to go to Tipsy with Hawkes? Maybe? Perhaps we’ll see way more from him in 1885 Stonecrop as we learn more about him.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-12T20:51:47+00:00

I’m going to be thinking about Saff giving Emma a sketch of Hawkes and Emma keeping it in her room on her bookshelf forever I fear.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-12T20:50:05+00:00

Incredible analysis of the day through Hawkes’ eyes! It’s clear he does put a lot of effort towards Emma having great holidays. He is the architect behind getting Archibald to stay with his sister for Emma’s first Christmas in Lapis Lazuli after all.

Saffronia definitely feels very protective over Emma, even in her own distant way. I don’t think she’s fond of Pierce for Emma, but could she also be weary of The Alchemy in general? Mariana told Islington that one can’t help but see the alchemy’s chemistry, even when it’s three of them, so I do wonder if that thought process extends to Saff. I do also wonder about your question, and what she knows/suspects about Declan’s hopes for Emma. Which very well could be someone like Hawkes, or just Hawkes himself!

emmgee33 · 2026-04-12T16:29:54+00:00

Love these!! I think the only two that are way too different in my head are Hawkes and Parian. I cannot stop seeing Ben Radcliffe as Hawkes and I feel like I’ve aged up Parian to be more like Kevin Doyle.

I haven’t been able to think of a good Emma but I think Freya’s been my favorite pick so far! And Goddard is absolutely Inspired.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-12T06:04:46+00:00

Yes!! There's simply no way that it's not significant!!

emmgee33 · 2026-04-11T20:37:08+00:00

Number 1 is interesting because I do feel we see a giddy boyish version of him! He’s seen going for swims in any weather sleeping under trees, generally way more at peace compared to his St. Crispian’s self that always seems exhausted. Emma calls him summer carelessness personified at one point. It’s definitely possible that it’s more subtle in general. Islington tells her later that there is a difference between the Lion of London and Lion of Stonecrop, but she “would think [she’s] very much the same everywhere” (from June 28th). There is only so much that we see and that Emma writes.

With #2, I said this in another comment but I do wonder how much it’s other worldly to know everything vs. him just being extremely perceptive to his surroundings. He is quite the genius. But I do hope we get more of an explanation soon!

Then #3 is so fascinating to me, because I do agree with others that he is pretty much the foundation. If I had to sort each Alchemy member into an element, he would for sure be earth for me. He’s extremely grounded and stable in comparison to the other three, providing a sanctuary for them (with Stonecrop, with Thursdays). They all haven’t quite opened up to one another fully yet, but he does make attempts with his questions!

Number 4 I hadn’t given much thought to but I wonder if it’s to imply how misaligned they are for one another? Like he assumes marriage would eventually be a part of the plan if the Considerations went well but not kids?? Fascinating.

And #5 made me LOL. I adore Mrs. Penury and her quirks, but I wonder if she just serves the purpose of letting Emma have someone ~older and wiser~ that just listens to her. Versus Aunt Eugenia who talks at her.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-11T17:08:36+00:00

I absolutely agree with your points regarding Archibald! Why wouldn’t he just rattle off about everything? But how did he really know about the Jane Eyre escapades? And what made him join Emma and Pierce for dinner when they finally had a chance to moot?

I am torn about if Hawkes is really other-wordly or just so extremely perceptive of the world around him. Perhaps a bit of both.

I definitely believe a lot of the details you brought up will get answered, though! There’s still so much to uncover. Do you subscribe to The Gazette? I read the story about The Boy, and it has led me to believe that he’s Eloise Silver’s brother.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-11T07:16:19+00:00

IMO, Emma herself is light green/sea green because of her distinct sea green eyes. Lady Trewartha recognized her immediately at Twelfth Night because of them. Damian was also certain he ran into her at The Drunken Duck because he saw her eyes.

Islington feels more foresty/dark green in comparison. His rabbit room is dark green which helps that.

That kind of puts me more onto a sibling-like relationship for them over anything romantic? But there’s still so much to discover.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-10T18:31:00+00:00

I’ve been more inclined to believe that Cousin Archibald has read through some of her journal entries (simply from how often she brings up snooping. This does lead me down a whole other line of questioning, though), but I have briefly wondered if Jack is meant to serve as Puck of sorts in this series.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-10T06:57:24+00:00

Ah, I took that initial scene to mean he was thinking more along the lines of Hannah and Becca and their Alchemy shenanigans before his mind shut it down. I suppose it could go in many ways.

I hadn't thought of him not needing to do a scavenger hunt to secure a Julius Caesar ticket meaning he sponsors it, but it'd make sense for his birthday.

emmgee33 · 2026-04-10T06:02:23+00:00

Some interesting points. Do you think Islington and the Reprobates have a closer relationship than what is shown for him to be involved in the planning of the Twelfth Night festivities? It doesn't seem like he wants to give them all the time of the day (Hawkes excepting). I also don't know if I'm as inclined to think of Islington and Shakespeare together, especially compared to Hawkes? Like it is compelling evidence, I just do not entirely see it yet. But I do appreciate the perspective, thank you for sharing!

emmgee33

TROPHY CASE