r/Bryceriel

Alright, sorry mods for attempting this 3 times! Hopefully this doesn't have formatting issues

1. Partnership vs protection/support

One thing that stands out to me with Quinlar and Feylin is this underlying mismatch in what the FMC actually wants/needs from the relationship. 

Feyre repeatedly begs Tamlin to let her help, let her participate, to let her go with him… Instead, we see Tamlin refuse, shutting down conversations, refusing to explain things to Feyre, and eventually locking her up.

Even when Tamlin tries to "support" Feyre, it's often in ways he thinks she needs. He continually redirects her towards painting and gifts her a traveling paint set... but Feyre describes this gift as

>"looking at that box, at what was inside, felt like examining a crow-picked corpse."

Bryce has a similar (albeit slightly different) frustration with Hunt. A lot of the time he reads less like an equal partner and more like someone reluctantly going along with choices he disagrees with.

>“...I’ll go along with it. I have your back. I promise.”
She blinked. Then blinked again.
“That’s not good enough for me,” she said quietly. “That isn’t good enough for me — that you’ll just go along with it.”

2. The FMC monitoring the MMC’s emotional state

Feyre is constantly aware of Tamlin’s claws, rage, tension, and whether he’s about to lose control. “Claws” is mentioned 56 times in relation to Tamlin throughout ACOTAR.

While not to the same degree, Bryce repeatedly monitors Hunt’s emotional state and volatility as well.

>“Bryce murmured to Hunt, ‘Chill the fuck out.’ Hunt stared at each of the strangers, as if sizing up a kill. Lightning sizzled through his hair. ‘Hunt,’ Bryce muttered, but didn’t dare reach for his hand.”

Even Bryce and Hunt’s first sexual encounter is framed around Hunt’s violent emotional state, with Bryce initiating largely to pull him out of that rage spiral and redirect him.

3. Power unleashed toward the FMC

I actually think there’s an important distinction between Tamlin and Hunt here.

Tamlin’s study outburst reads more as uncontrolled - panic, trauma, anxiety, loss of emotional regulation. But Hunt’s unleashing of his power is intentional - yet it’s framed as protective, justified, passionate, or done “for Bryce.”

Honestly, I think that makes the parallel more interesting. Tamlin loses control and it’s treated as frightening and abusive. Hunt chooses to unleash destructive power directly at Bryce, and fandom often interprets it as romantic devotion 

>Hunt blurted, “Don’t you dare – “ 
Bryce lifted the jug to her lips, but lightning smashed the vessel apart before she could drink. 
She whirled, temper searing through her. 
Hunt was glowing with lightning, furious as he advanced on her. “Do not drink from that-“ 
“This is not the time to go Alphahole!” 
“-without me,” he finished. 
Bryce could only gape at her mate as he grabbed the drinking bowl and held it out for her. 

4. “Why didn’t he help her?” parallel

A major criticism of Tamlin UTM is that he didn’t do enough to help/save Feyre directly.

But Hunt has a moment where he literally has the opportunity to step in for Bryce and chooses not to, saying she can handle herself. 

>“Help her,” Baxian hissed…. 
“She doesn’t need my help,” Hunt whispered. 

Except… pages later, Bryce does need help. And SJM intentionally frames that rescue moment away from Hunt:

>“...light burst from his chest. 
Hunt’s lightning had— 
No. It wasn’t Hunt’s lightning that shone through the Autumn King’s rib cage. 
It was the Starsword. And it was Ruhn wielding it.”

SJM briefly wants readers to think Hunt is the one saving Bryce before immediately redirecting the moment away from him. This feels like pretty deliberate wording to me. 

5. The narrative insists the relationship is good while quietly planting warning signs

We see this much more clearly on re-reads of ACOTAR. It’s easier to overlook those same signs in CC right now because we’re still in the “Tamlin phase.” 

As I wait for ACO6 I've decided to give myself a little personal project. I was thinking that besides the bonus chapters, there probably isn't a place online that has the book where it's just Bryce in Prythian. So...I decided to do it myself. 😃

I opened up a Word Doc and am currently copy/paste-ing from the book ALL the chapters in CC2/3 of Bryce in Prythian. Something I can go back and re-read scenes with just them, rather than jumping around from chapter to chapter.

Obviously I won't be able to share with anyone bc of copyright etc but thought I'd share this idea with my fellow Bryceriels as a fun little project.

...what I have done to offend Sarah, please let me know. I think I must have personally offended her for her to be torturing me SO MUCH BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE NOT HAD THE TITLE AND OMG WHAT DID I DOOOOOO.

Note: just incase noone understands- I'm obviously joking. I am not delusional 🤣🤣.

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Calling it now before we get a title release as I've been (half) jokingly saying it for awhile but it covers all 3 of Azriel's main options and everyone will lose their minds and **claim victory** the moment we get the title and then feel betrayed when it's not the one they wanted because light & shadows belongs to ___!

Elain doesn't belong in the Night Court, would have thrived in Spring and ultimately belongs in Day with Lucien more than likely which explains the *imagery* of light but isn't a true light vs shadows comparison. And Az is always shadows so that part is easy. The *idea* of it is nice, especially if you don't believe Elain will come around on Lucien (I beg to differ), but is it *really* "light" and shadows?

Gwyn is **likely** a lightsinger to fo with Az's shadowsinger. Complimentary opposites, and she's clearly got a crush/would chase him (he deserves to be appreciated)! Cute banter but nothing major for "light and shadows" there either, at least not yet, and their meeting was off the page/didn't stop his interest in Elain etc etc.

And then there's Bryce "LIGHT IT UP!" Adelaid Quinlan. She has Theia's LIGHT to go with Az's SHADOWS.

The others are a precursor to where he ultimately belongs (I've said several times that Bryce is a combination of Mor, Elain, and Gwyn), but have never been quite right. And he's certainly never involuntarily behaved around any of them the way he does around Bryce which is the most recent behavior we have from him! And we haven't seen him yet in a post-Bryce space aside from **Spending time with hwr parents** and being complimented by Ember Quinlan - who doesn't trust older non-humans but keeps singling out Azriel who was one of Bryce's "captors" no less!

From an ACOTAR-only perspective, I get it. Not everyone knows Bryce exists yet. Elain's options are her mate that she still holds responsible for what happened to her (even though we know better) and Azriel who helped her through a rough time in her life. Amd for Azriel there's Mor (500 years for nothing, for obvious reasons), Elain who he has helped and got him out of his funk with Mor (despite Elain having a mate, he's obviously attracted to her and wondering why she's not his mate). And then there's Gwyn he's fond of and proud of and training (common theme amongst the pairings) who is bantering with him & obviously has a crush on him. I think they'd be cute actually.

She yeah, from an ACOTAR-only view, I kinda get why they think everyone hates Elain if they don't want her with Az because they can't accept the idea of her coming around with Lucien someday or that Az **deserves a mate of his own** (ahem), and then Gwyn is adorable and tough and the first glimpse we see of some proper banter va just the sweet protective stuff we get with Elain. And we haven't gotten enough with Elain/Lucien to give them hope that Elain would actually be happy (but are apparently happy to hang Lucien out to dry and go mad...)

Is it super frustrating watching it all happen and various companies keep choosing a side for who to promote? Yep. And people are going to feel extremely misled. But I can also see why if they want to include Elain, she has 2 options and *right now* Elriel probably is the most popular unless you prefer someone else with Az / believe that SJM is a **fated mates** author who wants a HEA for all of these characters *including Lucien.* Still frustrating though watching them ​keep smoking the fires and people thinking they know more than they do.

But ultimately, **true** Light & Shadows is Bryceriel. Their powers **literally** include both light and shadows. Not just the imagery, not the possible type of fae they are. Their actual powers! Az has just been looking for his "light" in all the wrong places until HOSAB!

So while I do think 6-8 is **mostly** Elain's story and that it will have to deal with Az for part of it, she will ultimately be drawn to light of her own through Lucien / Day (Luc = light!) and away from the shadows/the Night Court.

And the Dusk hints will be catching up ACOTAR to CC with at least the introduction of Bryce falling at Azriel's feet and having a **glowing star** on her chest if not catching us up to their adventure throughout HOFAS.

The Dusk teases make me hopeful it will be all of the catchup and I think it might be to give Azriel something to do and not leave him a sad, kicked puppy once Elain accepts her mate but I think we'll at least end it a la HOSAB to give him hope.

But I could also see that happening earlier for him to get obsessed with cosmic research and give us some answers (we know he was fascinated by Rhys' orrery in ACOSF. And Elain is nowhere to be seen during the crossover so her story taking place elsewhere with Lucien would make sense.

I think we may get a lot of closure on various potential pairings early on and then the bulk will send them in different directions.

Reminiscent of (TOG) >! TOD !< in that regard. >! Chaol & Nesryn were thought to be the couple going in and then ended up somewhere completely different! !<

Az needs to deal with Mor and Elain, and Elain needs to deal with Az before they ultimately end up elsewhere. What that looks like I'm not actually sure. Az seemed to listen to Rhys and step back so it may he as simple as them mostly

Or just going their separate ways and then maybe awkwardly referencing it eventually. And Gwyn's crush ultimately subsiding after (insert whatever here). Especially as Nesta was witness to all of it.

So final guess, either Light & Shadows or Shadows & Light depending on the order. It may be "Elain's" & "Azriel's" book but their stories may be going separate directions. The wings could be for Az and we get Bryce dropping in at the end of 6 and a lot of crossover stuff in 7 alongside Elain & Lucien off dealing with something else entirely.

But it wouldn't surprise me if **everyone** claims victory until the books drop once that title is revealed.

Maybe that's one of the reasons it hasn't yet? Seeing that title (especially for ACOTAR-only people) **will** imply a certain outcome, even thoufh she had the Dusk nails & said it wasn't as straightforward as telling us the POVs. Similarly if the main POVs are Elain & Az they could still be on totally separate stories. She needs to mislead a bit but I could see hwr wondering if it's a step too far putting that much out super early.

Not over til it's on the page & over but this long way is excruciating!​

Hi Bryceriel baddies, I’ve been doing a re-listening to the dramatized reading of ACOSF (which I love) and got to the chapters about Valkyries and Gwydion before Ramiel arc. 🌄🗻🤍 forgive me if this info has already been pointed out as ACOSF and HOFAS have been on shelves for years.

We know: AS WRITTEN ✍️
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Nesta states she will not answer to Rhys.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ The Made weapons reacted but did not accept Rhys magic when he was inspecting it.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Bryce has an identity crisis/failure to accept her role as QUEEN.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Multiple characters mentioned Bryce would be an acceptable QUEEN throughout HOFAS.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Rhysand denied accepting any of the Made weapons forged by Nesta, despite Amren saying claiming one WOULD POSITION HIM into claiming High King as his own.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ “Last person who ruled with the Made weapon/Gwydion was High King”
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Valkyries served the High King and Queen.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Valkyries went extinct but there was a time they fought alongside Illyrians.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Edited to add: Gwyn and Emerie are the 2/3 (who got to Ramiel) of the new Valkyries with more to come.

✋🏽🤓📖 Where will the stories of the Valkyrie unit go after events of ACOSF? What is the purpose of the pegasus waking up on Avallen after HOFAS, will they be for Bryce’s knights or her potential Valkyries? Maybe the pegasus can mirror TOG’s 13? Will Valkyries serve Nesta in command, or as their previous unit, serve the next High King & Queen of Prythian? What are the chances that Bryceriel chose the path of High King and Queen, Cassian and Nesta as their respective commanders of both Illyrian and Valkyrie units?! Food for thought!! 🗡️👑🪉🎭 “Reunite the blades and so shall our people be.” AND “The Prison knows what I am.” ✋🏽😭✋🏽

Not only does this prophecy ring true to Bryceriel being mates but also reunites Midgard, Prythian, 8 Courts, Illyrians and Valkryies. This could cause drama and maybe soft Rhysand villian arc?

I love theory crafting and so excited for October! This idea of mine is kinda crazy but somehow possible without using too much mental gymnastics. In the Greek mythology and Marvel’s Thor: Valkyries are shown with pegasus so LITERALLY I can’t unsee this. So many things can be intertwined!!! 🤩✨

...and I think this Micah guy is going to be her mate. Like Bryce was super attracted to him and then Hunt kind of masked it? I feel like Hunt is the >!Chaol/Tamlin!< of this book and Micah is the actual guy.

Cuz like he's at the very top of the whole system, antagonized at first like Rhysand was, he ignored Bryce in their first meeting and was super nonchalant and then when he threatened Hunt to not touch Bryce THAT HAD ME SWOONING.

Especially now that we know that the angel Bryce had saved was Micah! I'm literally giggling and kicking my feet. I went back to re-read the scene and he's so calm and patient with her, all brushing her knee and trying to comfort her WHEN HIS OWN CHEST HAS BEEN CLEAVED OPEN.

Sooo rooting for them AHHHH

Thanks for listening to my thoughts have a happy day! 💜💙💜

EDIT:

“I'd like to take you to dinner, Bryce Quinlan" “Not interested"

We'll see how long that holds 🤭🤭🤭 I'm saving donuts for their Chapter 55

EDIT 2:

So I think that Ruhn and the medwitch are gonna be another ToG spoiler >!Dorian and Sorscha!<

Tharion is weird.

I don't like Danika's mom.

And Micah isn't showing up again and I want him to so bad. My heart flutters a bit everytime he's mentioned. When will he come up again I'm on the part where Hunt and Bryce are going to question Sabine

Also I wanna live in Lunathion. How am I already so attached to this city and sooo many characters? Like for other fantasy series, it takes me till book 2 or 3 to give a damn about the characters but SJM's characters are something else.

And I love Lehabah, her and Bryce give such Marinette and Tiki vibes but make it 18+

And Bryce's workplace is so cool. I also really like Jesiba. She gives such reluctant guardian vibes. Her and Bryce should cuddle.

I really like Hunt I don't want anything to happen to him. He should cuddle Micah. Or Ruhn maybe.

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Welcome to the Maasverse community reread discussion for Queen of Shadows!

Use this thread to share your thoughts, favourite moments, foreshadowing, theories, or reactions during your reread.

Masterpost

Reminder: Read at your own pace and jump into the discussion whenever you reach this book!

https://preview.redd.it/1a466lw6421h1.png?width=577&format=png&auto=webp&s=95f37ecb5368a41d9af0fcfbbfb0ab1eaaa54aca

First and foremost, ❤️ kindness costs nothing ❤️. It is also one of our sub rules. Any comments that are deemed as unkind, will be deleted without warning.

❌ This is not the space for other shippers to come here and try to diss, overtly or subtly, Bryceriel (the ship) or Bryceriels (my babies). You will be banned permanently. I check everyone's post history that comments here. This is a safe place for Bryceriels, since y'all can't contain your hatred and negativity (go touch grass, besties).

Rules (Sub rules still apply):

❌NO singling out individuals: No usernames, no names, nothing. You can say "An elriel said, a gwynriel said"...that's it.

❌ NO name-calling.

❌Screenshots are allowed but must not reveal sub names or usernames. There will be no doxxing or direct call-outs of any individuals, and all personal info must be cropped or blurred out. Posts and comments with names included will be removed immediately.

❌ANY comment we deem (as a team) can be removed, even if it doesn't "break a rule".

This monthly post is all about venting and airing grievances about fandom toxicity, theories, characters you don’t like, etc. Need to bitch? Do it. Gotta vent about Hunt’s toe suckling? Go for it. Want to talk about those touchy subjects banned everywhere else? Sit down and spill the tea, the Suriel would be proud. :tea:

(Jarvis, thank you for the fun description).

Just remember, the basement dwellers that lurk to downvote within minutes of a post going live ARE looking at this post. They WILL screenshot things that are said (because they are hypocrites) and continue to bully and harass us.

This says more about THEM than it does about US.

🧱 Alright, let them bricks fly baddies!

#ToxicThursday ✨🖤⚔️

🎶With arms wide open under the sunlight Welcome to this place, I'll show you everything🎶

❤️ to my fellow Bryceriels, old and new, anyone checking us out for the first time, and as always our friendly neighborhood Quinlar! (See, we don't bite!)

Just wanted to give you guys some love. This fandom can be a lot but Bryceriel is so special and you've made this space somewhere not only that we can feel safe but also thoroughly analyze everything to our hearts content.

I was skeptical but open when I first heard about the idea after HOSAB. It sounded really cool in theory! Then I mistakeningly thought it was over with HOFAS, and didn't think much of it until we finally got a release date. Wasn't super into CC but didn't know why. And then the podcast mention brought me back. Something was....off...and I wanted to see what the reaction was to what she said, the body language etc.

I remembered seeing super detailed theories (that I admittedly didn't think panned out - boy was I wrong!) and not only was I welcomed with open arms but found a home here! And all the detailed receipts and connections I could possibly dream of!

Trying to make my own contributions (after initial spirals second-guessing everything), I discovered even more things I hadn't thought of before, and bounced ideas around. How we keep finding new things is miraculous and I can't wait to see what we pick up on next when we finally have some new material!

If you're new here - please jump in! Look around, see if you think we're onto something.

One of the things I love most about being here is it reallly is as simple as "Hey, why don't you come check us out over here? See what you think. Stay awhile!" Or "You should come check out Bryceriel!" (Especially if you have **any** doubts about Hunt.)

More often than not, there's someone to lend a helping hand, find a quote, drop the perfect gift at the right time (often the same person 🥰) and plenty to pop in and bolster the argument in ways you never dreamed of. Things you've completely forgotten about. Questions you didn't think to ask.

We come with receipts, quotes, artwork. The best way to know whether the argument works is to network it. (The last thing we need is to pass around stuff that is easily refuted and undermines everything else. The more we push back, the better arguments we have to stand on while we're told we're crazy!) And yes it **can** sound like we're nuts until you start seeing the insanely long list of reasons we think Bryceriel is the most likely outcome.

I wasn't even a big fan of CC and wasn't really invested in shipping other than wanting to combat everything else and defend the **possibility** of Bryceriel and why the others no longer make sense to me, despite my previously going along rhe ride and watching as I thought it went Mor to Elain to Gwyn and now Bryce. And now I'm here all the time having an absolute blast looking closer at everything. It's already improved the reread immensely looking at it through a Bryceriel lens.

So if you're a Bryceriel (or just curious about what we're on about because you didn't notice the subtleties **between** the dialogue either...or the odd behavior, or put together that Az was admiring Bryce in a wet t-shirt, or thought there wasn't much of anything there at all, what are they talking about?, or think that Bryce already has a mate (more like "mate" and yes there IS a difference) or thought something was "off" with Bryce/Hunt or that Az needs a different option...) pull up a chair. Stick around for awhile.

Our countless essays, discussions, gifs, and enthusiasm might just make it finally all make sense! It definitely did for me!

❤️ you guys! 🥰

Either well known or rarely mentioned.