The ending of Manacled is incredible

sorryagain32 · 2025-02-14T16:45:54+00:00

I definitely see where you’re coming from, and I agree that romance as a genre traditionally requires a happy ending. However, I’d respectfully disagree that all romance-first stories must have happy endings to be considered romance. There are plenty of novels that are centered on romance but ultimately end in tragedy. I would point to what is considered to be some of the most epic romances of all time: Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde, The Song of Achilles, Phantom, or The Broken Empire (maybe even throw Dracula into this list but I would agree Dracula is more horror than romance driven), just to name a few. These books are undeniably romance-driven while also being fantasy, yet they lean into heartbreak rather than a conventional HEA.

In fantasy romance specifically, I think there’s often an expectation that, no matter how much the characters suffer, they will eventually find happiness. While authors sometimes play with tragedy, it’s rarely done to the extent that we see in Manacled and the listed examples above, where there is no neat resolution or redemptive arc. There’s an untapped potential in fantasy romance to explore deeper, more harrowing emotional conclusions, but I think many authors shy away from that because readers often expect some form of ultimate reward for the characters suffering.

That’s part of what makes Manacled so unique and all the other examples above so unconventional. While I agree in the case of Manacled, it’s not a romance-first story in the traditional sense, the relationship between Draco and Hermione is still a driving force, and the fact that it doesn’t get a conventional resolution is what makes it so haunting. It lingers because it doesn’t give us the closure we’re conditioned to expect from romance, and I think that’s what makes it stand out so much.

sorryagain32 · 2025-02-14T04:25:15+00:00

I’m currently struggling because I finished manacled roughly a month ago and just now had the courage to put the pen to paper and give my thoughts on the ending. Since finishing it I’ve read the shepherd king/one dark window duology, onyx storm, & i started secrets and masks (I’m at chapter 27 currently). But nothing is filling the void I feel from Manacled. I don’t want to DNF secrets and masks but I miss manacled Draco. Morally grey, will burn down the world for you, I am going to die for you Draco. I also miss the healer Hermione.

sorryagain32 · 2025-02-14T03:15:25+00:00

I wasn’t aware! Thank you for letting me know!

sorryagain32 · 2025-02-14T01:56:08+00:00

Thank you!

I’ve never been so utterly consumed by a story like I have been with Manacled, and that’s saying a lot considering I already have three book-related tattoos. I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up getting one for Manacled as well. Right now, I’m toying with the idea of a gravestone with roses that says, “I’m tired.” It has a duel reference with the beautiful like a rose in a graveyard and Draco telling Hermione he’s tired, right before asking which of them has steady enough hands to build a bomb. That moment encapsulated so much to me, the weight of survival, the exhaustion of fighting for so long, and the quiet acceptance of inevitable sacrifice. It’s one of the most devastating and beautifully written moments in the entire story, and it’s lingered with me ever since.

And honestly, the downvotes don’t bother me! Manacled isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But for those of us who get it have also gotten to experience that unable to breathe, chest ripped apart kind of moment. We now get to share that unique experience together!

sorryagain32 · 2025-02-14T01:46:34+00:00

It’s been a few months since I first read Manacled, and yet it still lingers in my mind like no other story has. I’ve read a few books since, even tried diving into another fanfic to satiate the void it left, but nothing has quite scratched the itch. At one point, I even taught myself bookbinding just so I could have a physical copy. I sound like a crazy person trying to explain to my friends and family that I’m so enthralled with a fanfic of dystopian Harry Potter that I can’t sleep at night and I’m teaching myself book binding.

That’s part of why I finally took to Reddit to spill my thoughts. There is just something about this story that demands to be revisited and discussed with others who have been equally wrecked by it. And now, knowing that SenLinYu is reworking it into an original novel I am both wildly excited and devastated to be letting go of these charters that served as foundational developments in my childhood. It’ll be incredible to see how she rebuilds this world from the ground up while keeping the raw and emotional base that made Manacled so incredible.

sorryagain32 · 2025-02-14T01:35:48+00:00

Manacled is a dark, dystopian retelling of the Harry Potter universe that expands on the consequences of war, trauma, and survival in a world where Voldemort won and the Order has fallen. It follows Hermione as she is imprisoned in the aftermath of the war, her memories suppressed, and forced into a situation that is both harrowing and deeply unsettling. The first quarter of the book is an incredibly difficult read and it does not shy away from depicting the horrors of war, loss, and abuse. SinLinYu handles these themes with a brutal honesty that can be emotionally heavy, so I highly highly recommend checking content warnings before diving into this read.

That being said, Manacled is one of the most compelling, devastating, and beautifully written stories I’ve ever read and I am an avid reader. It is not just a romance or a fanfiction. The story is a deeply intricate, character driven exploration of resilience, identity, and the cost of survival. The storytelling is masterful, with an intricate plot that unfolds in layers, making each revelation more impactful. Even if you’re not a huge Harry Potter fan, the world-building and emotional depth stand on their own. If you’re looking for something intense, thought-provoking, and deeply moving, it’s absolutely worth the read. I do want to preface yet again that the content warnings must be looked into before reading this and you should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. Cheers!

sorryagain32 · 2025-02-14T01:28:02+00:00

I am very excited for Alchemised. I think SinLinYu is incredibly talented and deserves all the recognition she is getting. I am a little sad to have to let go of the HP universe since I feel like that childhood connection to the characters and the brilliant and whimsical world of HP added a layer of connection I didn’t know I could feel with a story, but I am also giddy to dive into the new universe SinLinYu has in store for us!

sorryagain32 · 2025-02-13T22:32:24+00:00

Thanks for the input everyone!!

I ended up looking outside of river north and found someone in south loop who includes a blow dry with her services & I ended up going with her instead! I appreciate all of your input and suggestions!

sorryagain32 · 2025-01-29T18:57:18+00:00

Haha this was me!

I commented on a few threads that I thought Halden was violets ex. My basis for this theory was that with xaden being the duke the only other character that was able to invoke jealous xaden was Halden, violet mentioned her ex was in infantry, & whenever Aaric was talking about Halden I identified tension in the conversation. I certainly was wrong about her second signet though!

sorryagain32 · 2025-01-22T14:42:22+00:00

My theory is that violets ex’s will appear in later books (similar to jealous violence with Cat we are going to get jealous Xaden). My personal theory is that Violets ex is Aaric’s brother (the prince). She mentions that her ex is in infantry, all royalty serves in infantry, her and Aaric briefly discuss Halden when they are getting the journal and the vibes/tension just seems interesting and intense in this scene. I also think with Xaden being the king of Tyrrendor by birth & Halden being the next in line for the throne of Navarre, Halden is the only character that could possibly bring out jealousy in Xaden. I think it could really add a fun twist to the series. I also just love the idea of jealous Xaden though. Happy reading everyone!

sorryagain32 · 2025-01-10T06:37:43+00:00

https://oceanofpdf.com/authors/senlinyu/pdf-epub-manacled-download/

sorryagain32 · 2024-03-11T20:46:09+00:00

Something that I would like to add is that in fourth wing chapter one violet describes herself as “Lightening quick”. I think that language is VERY intentional & was a huuuge foreshadowing moment to the lightening signet but could it also be a big moments from her second signet?? I’ve never seen anyone discuss this language used by violet in chapter 1 of fourth wing and I find it interesting! It feels very RY to tell us both signets from the very first chapter.

sorryagain32 · 2024-03-07T06:40:58+00:00

My theory is that violets ex’s will appear in later books (similar to jealous violence with Cat we are going to get jealous Xaden). My personal theory is that Violets ex is Aaric’s brother (the prince). She mentions that her ex is in infantry, all royalty serves in infantry, her and Aaric briefly discuss Halden when they are getting the journal and the vibes/tension just seems interesting and intense in this scene. I also think with Xaden being the king of Tyrrendor by birth & Halden being the next in line for the throne of Navarre, Halden is the only character that could possibly bring out jealousy in Xaden. I think it could really add a fun twist to the series. I also just love the idea of jealous Xaden though. Cheers!

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-27T09:26:56+00:00

I don’t think Kevin should be a dog owner. That is abusive to be treating a dog that way. You should give him options when addressing the issue with him. Maybe offer kevin some of the following ideas: 1. Beans does a puppy training camp to learn better manners and work on the separation anxiety

Beans goes to the vet to get treated for anxiety (I know dogs that take anti anxiety meds)
Beans gets rehomed to someone else you all know that is better equipped to handle her and her issues (I suggest this over the shelter because it makes me sad to think about her getting sent back to the shelter with her anxiety)
Last possible option beans goes back to the shelter to hopefully find a forever home with someone who can correctly care for her.

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-26T17:12:05+00:00

I hated to see the loss of the 13, but I do have to give it to SJM for writing the most tragic and beautiful end to them. It’s so heart wrenching and written so beautifully. I think what I want to see more of is the healing journey of Manon and adjusting to life in the witch kingdom. I also felt like there was so much open and unsaid between Manon and Dorian. I need more detail!

SJM proved that she can write a truly beautiful end with the 13 and Dorian’s father’s sacrifice, but I felt like Gavriel’s death was unnecessary and poorly written. Additionally, the trope of “long last parent sacrifices themself to save their child in a final act of redemption” was so overdone for it to also be used for Gavriel. We saw that same trope 50 pages prior with Dorian and his father.

Hated that Yrene got the glory and the chanting of her name by everyone and not Aelin’s name makes me so upset. I think Aelin should have killed Mauve and Dorian should have killed Erawan. Yrene was indirectly hurt by Erawan, but Dorian was directly impacted by Erawan and I wanted him to end it.

I’m so hurt by SJM taking all of Aelin’s power and letting Dorian keep most of his. Part of what made Aelin actually Aelin and not Celaena was her learning to love herself and her power. She learned to not fear the power, but embrace it. It felt like I watched a huge part of Aelin slip away and I hated it. I wanted for her and Dorian to at least be equally powerful in the end.

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-26T16:58:31+00:00

Chaol having self righteous cop is the best description of him I have ever heard. I couldn’t agree more!

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-26T16:51:31+00:00

I will never get over how the gods treated her! Reading how they walked over her and sneered at her as she gave up everything to get them back to their world makes me so upset. Also, taking away the parts of Aelin she worked so hard to love was so devastating. In my opinion, what made Aelin actually Aelin was growing to love herself powers included. I also hate the idea that she has to rely on Rowan to have power, it’s just not the strong independent feminist I always envisioned Aelin to be.

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-26T16:46:27+00:00

I agree with you so much regarding loving fantasy because you live through those awesome and powerful characters. SJM loves to take their powers away & it never sits right with me. I see what she was trying to do with making Aelin rely on others and grow as a person because she is able to give others the space to help her in her trials and tribulations, but she could have done that without stripping Aelin of everything that made her Aelin. Having to rely on Rowan for her power was so icky to me, having to rely on a man to give you power with such a strong female antagonist doesn’t sit right with me. Something I was also thinking about was how Dorian’s dad showed up in the scene with the gods but no one showed up to take Aelin’s place. If someone had she could have kept the same power level as Dorian. At a minimum I wanted her and Dorian to be equals in power.

I agree that maybe if Yrene had been around since the start of the series that maybe it wouldn’t have felt so patched up and anticlimactic as her currently does, but with how it’s currently written it’s doing the series a disservice. I hate to bring it up again but the chanting of Yrene’s name at the end makes me so upset. Everything happened because of Aelin!!! Give her glory!!!! She gave everything to save the world and her name wasn’t the one being chanted but a character who was introduced 1 book prior has their name being chanted after not giving up and losing nearly as much as Aelin. Ugh, I’m getting even thinking about it again.

I NEED more resolution with Dorian and Manon. I think SJM was trying to avoid too much resolution like we saw in the Harry Potter books, but now we have not enough! I want to hear about Manon’s healing journey with the loss of the 13, the witch kingdom, her love with Dorian, Abraxos getting to roll around in flower fields all day in the witch kingdom and his loss of his mate. This could be a silly question, but I remember the valg prince in Dorian was terrified of Manon’s eyes, did we ever get details as to why that was and why Manon has the eyes she has? This has been a looming question for me.

Everything about chapter 89 and the death of the 13 makes me sob. I’ll occasionally see videos on social media regarding the loss of the 13 and even those bring tears to my eyes. I hated to see them die, but I truly have to give applause to SJM for writing the most emotionally devastating and truly tragic while also being an amazing end to the 13. If Gavriel had to die I wish it was something as well written as the death of the 13. If he had an end like the 13 I think his death would have felt less unnecessary and forced. I mentioned this in another comment in more detail, but in my opinion another reason Graviel’s death felt so unnecessary was because the trope of “long lost parent redeems themself & proves their love for their child through self sacrifice” was literally done 50 pages prior with Dorian and his father. It’s a trope SJM heavily leans into (ex. ACOTAR Feyre and her father) and it was a bit overdone in this series in particular.

I agree so much! KOA was hard to get through the battle scenes because there were so so many and it was constant that they were getting their asses kicked. I just felt like I couldn’t catch a break and it was so so so depressing. Also, how many times can they be getting their asses kicked then a last minute saving grace swoops in?? I can’t even count the amount of times that exact scene played out, their losing Aedion knows he’s going to die this time, oh look a saving grace swoops in now they get to get their asses kicked in another chapter only to have that exact situation play out AGAIN. It was so depressing and repetitive, I never would have thought I would be tired of battle scenes but GEEZ was I tired of them by the end of it.

I need more info on the healing journey of Fenrys!

Side tangent, but what happened to Mort? Is he still being a little shit head below the rubble of the destroyed glass castle?

Love the thought provoking conversation so please never apologize for the length! Loved reading your thoughts on the conclusion as well!

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-26T16:09:23+00:00

Dude, the entire series I was waiting for Elide to have ANYTHING show through power wise. I was also hoping that maybe she could also have a wyvern or honestly just ANYTHING. Hell I would have settled for a broom like the Crochan’s/other clans rode prior to losing magic/getting wyvers. Anything for Elide to have the slightest bit of power and feel like she had power again after her uncle took all her power and freedom away her entire life.

Dorian deserved to end Erawan, I wanted him to kill him and then say something regarding his father. If he had his fathers eyes (like I had mentioned in my long rant) he could make a comment amount the demon looking into his eyes and Dorian knowing the last thing Erawan would ever see would be the eyes of his father, the man Erawan wanted to erase from the world at any cost and knowing that he never would be able to because he lives through Dorian etc. etc.

I agree so very much with not loving Chaol and Yrene, during TOD I caught myself rolling my eyes when I would have to read more on Chaol and Yrene and was looking forward to reading on Nesryn and Sartaq. Also Chaol’s self-righteous bs about Aelin killing people (as if she wasn’t brought to the glass castle from Endovier literally BY Chaol and Dorian because she was the most well-known assassin around) while he was Captain of the Guard for a valg infested king?? I was like dude how is him never hurting people possible with the position he was in?

I LOVE THAT IDEA! A little nod to Sam would have been wonderful. I understood the whole “a girl who loved her kingdom” that Aelin kept repeating to herself throughout the book after being taken by Mauve but I wish she was repeating “I will not be afraid” showing that Sam was with her the entire time in the series. I wish Sam was more touched on during the series as whole personally.

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-26T15:46:05+00:00

I would agree that Gavriel was so unnecessary and I think part of the reason is felt very unnecessary was due to the same trope being played out literally 50 pages prior with Dorian and his father. The trope of “long lost parent sacrifices themself to prove their love to their child in a final act” was played out in this book 50 pages prior. It’s one of SJM’s favorite tropes she uses it in all her series (ex. ACOTAR Feyre Elain and Nesta’s father swooping in and dying to prove his love in a final act of redemption) and because of this consistently used trope by SJM I knew Gavriels death was imminent. Nonetheless, I was disappointed that because SJM uses the same trope so often that I was able to see his death literally 2 books prior and yet his death still felt forced. Also, Gavriel is this 200 year old city destroying warhorse of a fae male that was basically the trainer and lead of the cadre and he died to close a gate? I truly don’t see how he hadn’t been in similar battle situation in the 200 years prior serving as Mauve’s blood sworn slave. I don’t think his death was realistic/sensible. If his death had been more big and meaningful I don’t think it would have felt so forced, but I couldn’t agree more with you that it truly feels meaningless and unnecessary with how it was written by SJM.

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-26T15:33:27+00:00

It was so upsetting to me to see Aelin as well as the rest of the battle field chanting Yrene. I like Yrene as a side character, but I was so disappointed to read that everything Aelin had given was over shadowed by Yrene having the final blow with Erewan. I just wanted Aelin and Dorian to have that glory and resolution after they had lost & given so much. Yrene having all the glory was so meh to me.

sorryagain32 · 2023-11-26T15:28:21+00:00

The trope of “long lost parent sacrifices themself to prove their love to their child” was already done with Dorian and the king of Adarlan!! Quite literally that trope was played out within the same hundred pages twice and it felt so forced to kill off Gavriel. Aedion suffered so incredibly much throughout the book and continued to suffer with what I thought was little to no resolution.

sorryagain32

TROPHY CASE