One of my favourites parts of this 1st book is when Kell is describing Lila all four Londons and then she repeats and describes them as Dull, Kell, Creepy and Dead London. It's a short moment but it made me laugh while reading and that's one thing I love about this book: the little funny moments sprinkled throughout it! 🤍
I genuinely adored this little moment too, and Lila’s general brazen and blunt approach to things. I can’t yet if her behaviour and speech are part of a youthful innocence or a shield against pain, but I love her either way.
I know that “I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still” is the fan favorite line but “‘I’m not going to die,’ she said. ‘Not till I’ve seen it.’ ‘Seen what?’ Her smile widened. ‘Everything.’” is the one that has my whole heart and I’m so glad you read it
I love the fact that this entire trilogy basically comes down to Kell saying "Oopsie, I made a mistake. Ima try and fix it now"! It gives characters a lot more agency than your regular call for adventure.
You know, I'm a big believer in making conflict smaller rather than grander. It's harder to connect to/relate to world domination, for instance, than it is human error, or envy, or retribution.
Lila's "Don't you dare pity me, magic boy!" always reminds me so much of Donna Noble's 'Oi! Watch it, space man!" and i absolutely adore it. I like to think Donna and Lila would be good friends, just calling people out on their bullshit on the daily hehe
“Cause she’s Lila” is the most accurate reasoning behind many, if not all, of her actions in this series 😂 I also love the fact that you mentioned their relationship is a lot of Kell telling Lila no and Lila disregarding him and doing it anyway.
Barron's death really hit me when I first read the series years ago, I loved Barron's relationship with Lila and how he kind of looked after and cared for her, and I was surprised at how quickly I took to these characters in such a short time. I'm excited to continue this readalong- this is one of my all time favorite series, and I'm excited to look back at it before Threads, and remembering all the little details I had forgotten since the first read. 😁
Barron has such a large presence in the story that I completely forgot that he died less than halfway through the first book. It's amazing how V wrote him to have so much impact in so few pages.
I'm a big believer in the potency of secondary and tertiary characters. They're like icebergs. They may not spend as much time "on screen" but they can have massive effect through their impact on the main characters.
Another amazing entry on this readalong. The juxtaposition of Lila running in White London and Kell running in Red is really interesting. They are both running away from danger, but also running *towards* each other. They are always saving each other, albeit grundgingly like you said. The same way things seem to be attracted to The Stone's Throw, it almost feels like the universe is sending Kell to Lila and vice-versa at every turn of events. It made me wonder if it was mere happenstance or somehow spurred by magic itself. Can't wait for next week! :D
I love this parallel and the idea of them running towards each other, it's how I've begun to interpret it on each reread. Definitely in connection with the idea of the taverns in each world drawing the magic in.
Watching this, it strikes me that whilst "Stubborn Hope and Defiant Joy" was Addie LaRue's core trait as well as stubborn hope also being Kate Harker's legacy but it definitely also applies to Lila. I am obsessed with seeing the way the themes and stories overlap.
So many great dialogues in this part. I loved the Holland line about 'you think we are alike, but we're not'. And it's great to reread the whole development of Kell and Lila's relationship.
That line is really a core tenant of their (Kell and Holland's) dynamic, and one that Kell is faced with multiple times--it's one of the reasons he becomes loathe to judge Holland for what he's done.
the first time i read this book, it was lila's 'everything' line that made me truly fall in love with this series. because it was exactly how i felt when i picked the geosciences and made choices for my life. i'd never ever ever had a character i saw myself in before, and then i met Delilah Bard and i felt SO seen. and then as i continued with the series i was constantly like 'oh my god. i see so much of myself in her!'. and even now when i've read the series 6 times i still keep finding new things where i see myself in her. i cannot explain how much she means to me, and honestly, just thank you thank you thank you
26:46 This little set of dialogue is probably one of my favorite little bits in the series (if only for other things that cannot be mentioned in the comments) but I absolutely adore how this remains as one of like, Kell and Lila’s core “bits” about their dynamic 🥺
Lila Bard is my favorite character of all time! This is such a neat opportunity to hear the “behind the scenes” of my favorite book series!!! Thanks, V! You inspire me to start writing again!
1. As I reread on this go around, I'm struck by how many references/mentions/imagery of threads there are throughout the books! You really told us right from the start, huh? I also am a huge fan of the tiny interludes and the way that these tiny moments actually expand the world so much! 2. Highlight from the video "Because she's Lila" as that pretty much sums up her choices and we love her for that. But really I just love everything about Lila and all the things we learn about her throughout this chunk and the little reveals that seem inconsequential but tell us SO much. 3. My biggest question (something I noticed?) is the detail dropped about Fletcher trading years of his life and does that mean what I think it means about someone he may have interacted with at some point??? I love these little details!!
@@ketakigundawar9467 Kell had given the chess piece to Fletcher! I was thinking about the sentence about Fletcher’s backstory about trading less tangible things, blood, years of life.
Seriously, what kind of sorcery do you use in your books because I ALWAYS get so incredibly attached to the characters and the different worlds. You have truly become my comfort author ❤
100% yes. Her work is the kind that I just hold for a while before I even dive in because not only do I already know I'm going to love it, I'm also not ready for it to not be new anymore. 🥹😩🥰
The scene where Lila finds out about Baron dying broke me a little. I hope she gets to find more people she can count and lean on in the next books. I also love that you mentioned that Lila and Kell will become a couple. I absolutely love their banter.
“Which is kinda hot but like-“ is exactly how I feel about so many Lila/Kell scenes throughout the series… I love that you love their relationship as much as we do!!
V's commentary on Lila being essentially "tied" to the wall is the best thing. I laughed out loud multiple times. My favorite part from these parts specifically though is honestly how Lila presents herself as someone who doesn't want or need anyone most of the time but then has a visceral reaction to hearing about Barron's death. Just another of the early moments when we get to see the inner workings of Lila. I love how she can go from "When this is over, I want to be the one to slit his throat" in full revenge mode and then shut it down and follow that up with "Now, which way to Fletcher". My absolute favorite character.
Just a cute anecdote for y'all! I picked out ADSOM after reading and loving Addie...my boyfriend got it for me for Christmas in 2021...I wasn't sure about it at first when I picked it...but I could tell after reading Addie, that I loved and connected to V's writing in a way that I had never connected to an author or story before, and so I figured...WHY NOT?! 2022 started kinda rough, and reading increasingly became a haven for me while finishing my bachelor's degree---when I finished the book, I expressed to my boyfriend via a text, how much I loved it and asked him if we could stop at the bookstore over the weekend to retrieve the next book. When I got home from school that night, my boyfriend texted, "Hey, I have to drop something off for you!!" He brought me the other two books in the trilogy. MY HEART! I was having such a bad day and this made me so so happy! It's the little things all...they really are the big things
I'm now living for these videos every week, and I just love how V handles the book as we go along, too. It's pulling me in in a way that just the readalong itself wouldn't, and it's making me want to read ahead, to reread last week and this week, to basically DO something. I'm already so jealous of whoever wins these books, but it's making me love this series more than I already do, and I can't WAIT for next week! Also, describing Lila and Kell as Lila-no-Lila-YES is perfection, and I think, if it isn't already, it should be it's own trope, because I need more relationships like it.
I love how much this readalong is enhancing my experience of reading the book for the first time. Thank you for taking the time to do this and putting so much effort and thought into your "behind the scenes" explanations of how this all came to be!
I think one of my favorite lines from this whole book (if not my favorite line) is “the Kell that was Kell glared at the Kell that wasn’t” because it’s so well crafted and trippy in such a fun way! And I can picture it so well haha
I absolutely adore the way V.E Schwab visualises her scenes before writing . I relate to it because that’s how I tend to see when reading or even remembering a book. It’s fascinating to know our favourite scenes took weeks to perfect!
16:47 I’m obsessed with the fact that you said you love showing off different character dynamics in relation to each other because that’s one of my favorite things about your writing. You make interactions and relationships between characters SO vivid and so unique to each character and I just love reading it so much. Like the POV shifts just feel so much more real and personal because you write the characters so in-depth that it feels like we’re THERE with them, rather than just having a bird’s eye view of what’s going on. I really wish I had the words to describe how much I love this aspect of your writing because I VIVIDLY remember reading a scene in Vicious (the first book I read of yours that got me absolutely hooked) between Victor and Eli and in my head just going “omg the mannerisms, the dynamic, the back and forth between these two… I’m never putting this book down.” I’m just rambling at this point but you do characterization & character dynamics so well I love it ❤
Loving this recap with all the insights from VE. The banter between Lila and Kell, as they go on this adventure together, is so revealing about each of the characters. The act of Holland willing to commit murder without a second thought was shocking. Then showing how he is one step ahead by burning down the building with all of Kell's things from the other Londons, and he revisits the site when Kell and Lila are still there - the Suspense!
Another great insightful video! Missed the blooper reel at the end 😆 some of my favorite things I learned: - Kell running, Lila running, and then they collide into each other. Thank you for sharing their still frame moment you had and that you build stories out from the moment ✨ - your thoughts on tiny interludes and why do you include them - the reminder that the Londons are set up like pages in a book and the order they’re in; which just sets the story up for all the tension and for so many things to go wrong - I loved seeing Red London from Lila’s eye ✨💛 Thank you, V, for doing this! I’m sure it’s been a lot of hard work, but I (we, from other comments I’ve read) appreciate it to so much 😃💛
after Lila puts Kell in his place (queen ate him up sorry Kell), there’s a paragraph with my personal favourite line in this entire book. (which I personally think is underrated so I’ll add it here.) “And for the first time, Kell saw Lila. Not as she wanted to be, but as she was. A frightened, albeit clever, girl trying desperately to stay alive. One who had likely frozen and starved and fought - and almost certainly killed - to hold on to some semblance of life, guarding it like a candle in a harsh wind.” “GUARDING IT LIKE A CANDLE IN A HARSH WIND” are you kidding. that line broke me. Lila is so so complicated and complex (as all the characters are, main reason why I love them all) and this line is so simple but poet. she’s trying so hard to survive and it just makes you understand even more where she was coming from in what she said to kell. AND it’s the first time Kell truly sees Lila for who she is and doesn’t judge her for it MY HEART!!!
I am dying over the description of Lila and Kell and their meeting in her room! Also not me quoting all of Lila's lines throughout these videos. In any case from a craft perspective I have really loved hearing about what each chapter has to do and more than anything I love this idea of who are you "here" as in how each character is not necessarily different, but perceived differently in each world.
"Super gross, love it." 😂 Seeing Victoria talk about Kell and Vin (and gushing at the same parts as I did) is so cool! I love these reminders of WHY I love this series with my whole heart
This is my first time reading, so maybe I’m making something out of nothing, but it stood out to me when Kell said “one of your eyes is lighter than the other” to Lila 👀
I picked up on that too and it is the source of a theory I have about her, further fueled by another line said much later in ther story. Given what we know about eyes and their importance in the series specifically the importance of Kell's eyes....I'll leave the rest to you.
oh man I love this series so much, being back in it feels like coming home! the best part about the section you chatted about this week is for sure the way we start seeing how kell/lila/holland interact with each other and begin building up the fun character dynamics! 🥰
Hearing you talk through the story and share little tidbits of your creative process along the way is so magical! These books are wonderfully crafted, and it’s a pleasure to get back into them with you, V!
I could listen to you explain/describe literally anything for the rest of my life. There’s just something about you that’s just very cozy and you feel so,,, friendly? IdK you’re a very comforting person, I love listening to you!
I love the way you talk about your writing process. The running in Red London, running in Grey London, and then running into each other is one of my favorite scenes so far.
This was so much fun, the time just flew by watching it! Lila and Kell's first meet is one of my absolute favourite scenes in the whole series, so it was so cool to hear your thoughts on it and I love that them running into each other was your first image for the book. That whole section of the book in Lila's bedroom is probably one of the bits of the book that is most burned in my memory so it was fun to hear you talk about it. Lila's "I'd rather die on an adventure than live standing still" is my favourite line from the entire series, I have a print of it, a laptop sticker with it and a keyring too, it just so perfectly encapsulates what I want out of my own life! I had totally forgotten about Lila and Holland's first meeting though, for some reason I thought it was much later in the book. Kell and Lila's banter is my favourite thing about the pair of them, your description of their relationship as Kell being "Lila no" and Lila being "Lila yes" is probably the main reason why I love them so much: I love that Kell is both exasperated and fascinated by Lila at the same time and how Lila just doesn't give a toss either way.
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading these books! The characters are so amazing, it feels like settling into an iconic, classic fantasy series minus the misogyny & homophobia. Lila is an AMAZING character and I am obsessed with her. The romance between her and Kell is also so compelling; I want that man to *yearn.* I can't wait to see how this all plays out, and I'm also really glad that there's so much of this series so I don't need to worry about finishing it yet! If it were a standalone novel I would already be dreading finishing it because then it would be over. Can't wait to read more.
I remember being so upset at you the first time I read this series for killing off Barron, and this week I once again was so upset that Barron dies. Of course, back in the first read I had no idea what was still waiting for me later in the books!
I'm so glad that I've been holding onto this series for a bit and waiting for the "right time" to read them, because the opportunity to read them for the first time with a commentary from the author is incredible!
I am appreciating these videos so much! As others have commented, I love getting the recaps and seeing these glimpses of how your writer mind works in creating these scenes and characters. I had a detail question about parts in this section: As readers, we don't really get a backstory or motive behind the women who originally gives Kell then stone. Who was she in your writer's mind? Was she someone who came into possession of the stone and just wanted to get rid of it? Did she know it was dangerous? I'm interested in your thoughts of who she is.
Oh, I always imagined that she wasn't compelled, exactly, but very much pressured by the Dane twins to carry out this task. She doesn't know what it is, but she, like so many in White London, are terrified of the Danes and willing to do anything for their favor, and perhaps even a bit of power.
@@veschwab_onwriting - that would definitely make sense. But now I have follow-up questions, lol! I'll have to post them in the next video to avoid spoilers 🫢. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to these comments! You're amazing! ❤️
Ah. this was so much fun! Love getting your take on Kell & Lila - they have my most favourite dynamic. I get a thrill every time I reread and get to the "I'd rather die on an adventure than die standing still" and the "seen what?" "everything" bit... but my absolutely most favourite Lila moment that cemented her as a forever favourite and is the scene I used to convince others to read the book is yet to come.... I found it interesting that you said you would have done the Fletcher stand alone chapter differently now and woven it in more... I enjoyed having that as a teaser. A little deviation from the plot that seems random but you KNOW cannot be random and will definitely be important. Like at first you're like "why does this matter?" and you're trying to guess as every bread crumb how it will connect... and then when Kell's trinket hideout is burned down you realize the importance and know we're going back there.
The scene between Kell and Lila about belonging vs love and love vs survival reminded me a lot of the character of Eurydice in Hadestown, and then of course of the line in Addie Larue - “They are Orpheus, she is Eurydice, and every time they turn back, she is ruined”
I am amazed at how much clues I missed during my first read. It is an absolute joy to get back in and do it paired with your videos! Your reactions and descriptions crack me up but I also just LOVE seeing, hearing and feeling how you still love this story. And also, now I can't think of Holland as anything but the 'anti-Kell' 😂
I love how you mention learning about them as a pair, before things lead to what they do because how they interact with each other is so perfect for them
I already love Kell and Lila’s relationship! It was so interesting to hear how you visualised the book with their meeting, it’s one of my favourite parts of the book so far. I can’t wait to read the next parts!
lila and kell's first interaction reminds me SO MUCH of rapunzel and flynn's-- the climbing through her window to steal something, getting hit over the head, looking at their eye color, trying to fanagle his limp body into a position where he can't escape when he wakes up, PERFECTION
i loved the second video! the dynamic between kell and lila is perfect. i think you wrote their "becoming friends/allies" perfect nothing felt forced or rushed! i‘m fascinated with the how why and your thoughts when you wrote this part of the book! i cannot wait to see the next video and what your brilliant mind adds to this one of lifetime journey you wrote ❤
My personal favorite thought from this week was from when I was reading Fletcher's chapter. There's a little bit that's describing sanct and says its "A mix of strategy and luck and a fair bit of cheating, it could be over in minutes or last for hours." I underlined that bit and wrote "Red London Monopoly". So I will now forever view sanct as a mix of monopoly, poker, and sabacc
Your commentary on Lila’s attitude and mentality is so so good. I also loved knowing that the image that started it all was within these chapters. Loving this reread so much and struggling to slow myself down enough to not get massively ahead of the videos! 😅
I am so enjoying reading this book for the first time! I am so enjoying the Readalong and your insights on writing the book and the characters. Thank you for doing this! 👍
I’m getting so much more out of reading these a second time. I feel like I was not paying attention the first time. So this is super fun!! I have a more full vision of the characters this time around.
i just love watching these videos! V just looks so happy explaining why and how and it just gives so much insight into the process of writing as well as how much planning must go into writing novels like these. just more evidence as why V is such a wonderful author!
I am totally loving this series alongside your videos. This is the first time I am reading it. And I am just falling in love with it 🤌 thank you for writing such a great book 😭
I am loving these readalongs so much!! I'm reading the series for the first time. Starting the second book once I finish your videos on the first. So fun❤
I love your commentary on all the banter, so much great dialogue in these scenes. I also loved you commenting on your growth as an author when you mention that you might have incorporated Aldus Fletcher's scene differently. I would be curious to know how you might have written that now!
I wonder why Holland goes for Lila instead of Kell because he knows Kell is also a little sensitive about yk helping people and people dying because of him (this shows when he returns to save Lila) and Holland could've just tried to guilt-trip Kell instead. This is not me complaining because I loved it especially when Kell had to physically keep Lila back. Also the way Lila immediately has this ominous feeling from Holland that she did not exactly feel from Kell was very fun.
I honestly think Holland caught the "scent" of Kell but came across Lila first. And then he knew he could use her as a tool to bend Kell, because of his caring.
@@veschwab_onwriting Well that makes sense. So it's basically ending up at taking advantage of Kell being too nice. And I love how it's a permanent character dynamic when it comes to Kell and everyone keeps taking advantage of it. Poor Kell.
Just finished this series yesterday and i’m holding my breath until Fragile Threads of Power. Who are your favourite character/characters in this series? :) 🤍🤍🤍
![Guards! Guards! By Terry Pratchett [SPOILER] Discussion | Discworld](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jWM85jSkIKg/mqdefault.jpg)
One of my favourites parts of this 1st book is when Kell is describing Lila all four Londons and then she repeats and describes them as Dull, Kell, Creepy and Dead London. It's a short moment but it made me laugh while reading and that's one thing I love about this book: the little funny moments sprinkled throughout it! 🤍
It's my favourite too. I wanna make a tatoo with this line
I genuinely adored this little moment too, and Lila’s general brazen and blunt approach to things. I can’t yet if her behaviour and speech are part of a youthful innocence or a shield against pain, but I love her either way.
I love that moment too-I have an ADSOM themed sticker on my laptop with that particular quote!
Sameeee😅😅😅
Hahahahah samee
Lila: "What are you?"
Kell: "Tied to your bed."
Will never not send me 😭😂
Kell: "Lila, no."
Lila: "Lila, YES!"
Your honor, I love them
“Bye guys, I’m out. Enjoy your magic fight ✌️ “ 😂 V’s commentary on Lila and Kell in this video is priceless. Literally lol’ing.
"Kell is continuously exasperated by Lila, Lila doesn't really give a shit about that" aasdlaksj I LOVE THEM
I know that “I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still” is the fan favorite line but
“‘I’m not going to die,’ she said. ‘Not till I’ve seen it.’
‘Seen what?’
Her smile widened. ‘Everything.’”
is the one that has my whole heart and I’m so glad you read it
Yes!
I love the fact that this entire trilogy basically comes down to Kell saying "Oopsie, I made a mistake. Ima try and fix it now"! It gives characters a lot more agency than your regular call for adventure.
You know, I'm a big believer in making conflict smaller rather than grander. It's harder to connect to/relate to world domination, for instance, than it is human error, or envy, or retribution.
Lila's "Don't you dare pity me, magic boy!" always reminds me so much of Donna Noble's 'Oi! Watch it, space man!" and i absolutely adore it. I like to think Donna and Lila would be good friends, just calling people out on their bullshit on the daily hehe
I cackle at “magic boy” every time for some reason 😂
I read that line in Donna Noble's voice too! I'm glad someone else had the same thought
What an excellent comparison
Oh my goodness, I never thought of that, but YES.
LOVE this!
“Cause she’s Lila” is the most accurate reasoning behind many, if not all, of her actions in this series 😂
I also love the fact that you mentioned their relationship is a lot of Kell telling Lila no and Lila disregarding him and doing it anyway.
Yes! “Because Lila” 😂
I always wondered why Kell just tells her everything. He is so honest to her. I love the dynamic 😂
Barron's death really hit me when I first read the series years ago, I loved Barron's relationship with Lila and how he kind of looked after and cared for her, and I was surprised at how quickly I took to these characters in such a short time.
I'm excited to continue this readalong- this is one of my all time favorite series, and I'm excited to look back at it before Threads, and remembering all the little details I had forgotten since the first read. 😁
Barron has such a large presence in the story that I completely forgot that he died less than halfway through the first book. It's amazing how V wrote him to have so much impact in so few pages.
I'm a big believer in the potency of secondary and tertiary characters. They're like icebergs. They may not spend as much time "on screen" but they can have massive effect through their impact on the main characters.
Another amazing entry on this readalong.
The juxtaposition of Lila running in White London and Kell running in Red is really interesting. They are both running away from danger, but also running *towards* each other. They are always saving each other, albeit grundgingly like you said. The same way things seem to be attracted to The Stone's Throw, it almost feels like the universe is sending Kell to Lila and vice-versa at every turn of events. It made me wonder if it was mere happenstance or somehow spurred by magic itself.
Can't wait for next week! :D
I love this parallel and the idea of them running towards each other, it's how I've begun to interpret it on each reread. Definitely in connection with the idea of the taverns in each world drawing the magic in.
Watching this, it strikes me that whilst "Stubborn Hope and Defiant Joy" was Addie LaRue's core trait as well as stubborn hope also being Kate Harker's legacy but it definitely also applies to Lila. I am obsessed with seeing the way the themes and stories overlap.
These are definitely core themes across my work :)
So many great dialogues in this part. I loved the Holland line about 'you think we are alike, but we're not'. And it's great to reread the whole development of Kell and Lila's relationship.
That line is really a core tenant of their (Kell and Holland's) dynamic, and one that Kell is faced with multiple times--it's one of the reasons he becomes loathe to judge Holland for what he's done.
'which is kinda hot' ma'am, everything this man does is hot. i would quite literally die for kell.
the first time i read this book, it was lila's 'everything' line that made me truly fall in love with this series. because it was exactly how i felt when i picked the geosciences and made choices for my life. i'd never ever ever had a character i saw myself in before, and then i met Delilah Bard and i felt SO seen. and then as i continued with the series i was constantly like 'oh my god. i see so much of myself in her!'. and even now when i've read the series 6 times i still keep finding new things where i see myself in her. i cannot explain how much she means to me, and honestly, just thank you thank you thank you
You are so very welcome.
26:46 This little set of dialogue is probably one of my favorite little bits in the series (if only for other things that cannot be mentioned in the comments) but I absolutely adore how this remains as one of like, Kell and Lila’s core “bits” about their dynamic 🥺
Lila Bard is my favorite character of all time! This is such a neat opportunity to hear the “behind the scenes” of my favorite book series!!! Thanks, V! You inspire me to start writing again!
1. As I reread on this go around, I'm struck by how many references/mentions/imagery of threads there are throughout the books! You really told us right from the start, huh? I also am a huge fan of the tiny interludes and the way that these tiny moments actually expand the world so much!
2. Highlight from the video "Because she's Lila" as that pretty much sums up her choices and we love her for that. But really I just love everything about Lila and all the things we learn about her throughout this chunk and the little reveals that seem inconsequential but tell us SO much.
3. My biggest question (something I noticed?) is the detail dropped about Fletcher trading years of his life and does that mean what I think it means about someone he may have interacted with at some point??? I love these little details!!
I think someone had pawned/lost the chess piece to him, since he ran a pawn shop and does gambling
@@ketakigundawar9467 Kell had given the chess piece to Fletcher! I was thinking about the sentence about Fletcher’s backstory about trading less tangible things, blood, years of life.
I love holland’s one liners so much they’re so underrated
It's really the delivery--I picture him as painfully deadpan.
Kell and Holland have always given me similar vibes to Victor and Eli and I love it so much
Seriously, what kind of sorcery do you use in your books because I ALWAYS get so incredibly attached to the characters and the different worlds. You have truly become my comfort author ❤
100% yes. Her work is the kind that I just hold for a while before I even dive in because not only do I already know I'm going to love it, I'm also not ready for it to not be new anymore. 🥹😩🥰
The scene where Lila finds out about Baron dying broke me a little. I hope she gets to find more people she can count and lean on in the next books. I also love that you mentioned that Lila and Kell will become a couple. I absolutely love their banter.
“Which is kinda hot but like-“ is exactly how I feel about so many Lila/Kell scenes throughout the series… I love that you love their relationship as much as we do!!
Kell and Lila in the bedroom makes me laugh so hard 😂
V's commentary on Lila being essentially "tied" to the wall is the best thing. I laughed out loud multiple times. My favorite part from these parts specifically though is honestly how Lila presents herself as someone who doesn't want or need anyone most of the time but then has a visceral reaction to hearing about Barron's death. Just another of the early moments when we get to see the inner workings of Lila. I love how she can go from "When this is over, I want to be the one to slit his throat" in full revenge mode and then shut it down and follow that up with "Now, which way to Fletcher". My absolute favorite character.
Just a cute anecdote for y'all! I picked out ADSOM after reading and loving Addie...my boyfriend got it for me for Christmas in 2021...I wasn't sure about it at first when I picked it...but I could tell after reading Addie, that I loved and connected to V's writing in a way that I had never connected to an author or story before, and so I figured...WHY NOT?! 2022 started kinda rough, and reading increasingly became a haven for me while finishing my bachelor's degree---when I finished the book, I expressed to my boyfriend via a text, how much I loved it and asked him if we could stop at the bookstore over the weekend to retrieve the next book. When I got home from school that night, my boyfriend texted, "Hey, I have to drop something off for you!!" He brought me the other two books in the trilogy. MY HEART! I was having such a bad day and this made me so so happy! It's the little things all...they really are the big things
THAT IS LOVE.
I'm now living for these videos every week, and I just love how V handles the book as we go along, too. It's pulling me in in a way that just the readalong itself wouldn't, and it's making me want to read ahead, to reread last week and this week, to basically DO something. I'm already so jealous of whoever wins these books, but it's making me love this series more than I already do, and I can't WAIT for next week!
Also, describing Lila and Kell as Lila-no-Lila-YES is perfection, and I think, if it isn't already, it should be it's own trope, because I need more relationships like it.
I love how much this readalong is enhancing my experience of reading the book for the first time. Thank you for taking the time to do this and putting so much effort and thought into your "behind the scenes" explanations of how this all came to be!
I think one of my favorite lines from this whole book (if not my favorite line) is “the Kell that was Kell glared at the Kell that wasn’t” because it’s so well crafted and trippy in such a fun way! And I can picture it so well haha
I absolutely adore the way V.E Schwab visualises her scenes before writing . I relate to it because that’s how I tend to see when reading or even remembering a book. It’s fascinating to know our favourite scenes took weeks to perfect!
YES! When Kell was talking about his family and how he was only a possession, she shut him down so quickly!
Question: is fashion/ clothing very different across all worlds? Loving the read along!❤
16:47 I’m obsessed with the fact that you said you love showing off different character dynamics in relation to each other because that’s one of my favorite things about your writing. You make interactions and relationships between characters SO vivid and so unique to each character and I just love reading it so much. Like the POV shifts just feel so much more real and personal because you write the characters so in-depth that it feels like we’re THERE with them, rather than just having a bird’s eye view of what’s going on.
I really wish I had the words to describe how much I love this aspect of your writing because I VIVIDLY remember reading a scene in Vicious (the first book I read of yours that got me absolutely hooked) between Victor and Eli and in my head just going “omg the mannerisms, the dynamic, the back and forth between these two… I’m never putting this book down.” I’m just rambling at this point but you do characterization & character dynamics so well I love it ❤
I often think about the fact that we as people shift/adapt to show different sides of ourselves based on who we're with, and how comfortable we feel.
Lila shamelessly making shadow Kell do a striptease will go down in infamy. Embodiment of snark - we love it.
Loving this recap with all the insights from VE. The banter between Lila and Kell, as they go on this adventure together, is so revealing about each of the characters. The act of Holland willing to commit murder without a second thought was shocking. Then showing how he is one step ahead by burning down the building with all of Kell's things from the other Londons, and he revisits the site when Kell and Lila are still there - the Suspense!
I love your writing style, it´s so lyrical! Sometimes I can almost smell the flower scent and feel the magic from Red London!! 🌹🌟
Another great insightful video! Missed the blooper reel at the end 😆 some of my favorite things I learned:
- Kell running, Lila running, and then they collide into each other. Thank you for sharing their still frame moment you had and that you build stories out from the moment ✨
- your thoughts on tiny interludes and why do you include them
- the reminder that the Londons are set up like pages in a book and the order they’re in; which just sets the story up for all the tension and for so many things to go wrong
- I loved seeing Red London from Lila’s eye ✨💛
Thank you, V, for doing this! I’m sure it’s been a lot of hard work, but I (we, from other comments I’ve read) appreciate it to so much 😃💛
after Lila puts Kell in his place (queen ate him up sorry Kell), there’s a paragraph with my personal favourite line in this entire book. (which I personally think is underrated so I’ll add it here.)
“And for the first time, Kell saw Lila. Not as she wanted to be, but as she was. A frightened, albeit clever, girl trying desperately to stay alive. One who had likely frozen and starved and fought - and almost certainly killed - to hold on to some semblance of life, guarding it like a candle in a harsh wind.”
“GUARDING IT LIKE A CANDLE IN A HARSH WIND” are you kidding. that line broke me. Lila is so so complicated and complex (as all the characters are, main reason why I love them all) and this line is so simple but poet. she’s trying so hard to survive and it just makes you understand even more where she was coming from in what she said to kell. AND it’s the first time Kell truly sees Lila for who she is and doesn’t judge her for it MY HEART!!!
“And he’s like, ‘uh oh’” 🤣 I feel like that’s the epitome of who Kell is. In a nutshell.
I am dying over the description of Lila and Kell and their meeting in her room! Also not me quoting all of Lila's lines throughout these videos. In any case from a craft perspective I have really loved hearing about what each chapter has to do and more than anything I love this idea of who are you "here" as in how each character is not necessarily different, but perceived differently in each world.
"Super gross, love it." 😂 Seeing Victoria talk about Kell and Vin (and gushing at the same parts as I did) is so cool! I love these reminders of WHY I love this series with my whole heart
This is my first time reading, so maybe I’m making something out of nothing, but it stood out to me when Kell said “one of your eyes is lighter than the other” to Lila 👀
I picked up on that too and it is the source of a theory I have about her, further fueled by another line said much later in ther story. Given what we know about eyes and their importance in the series specifically the importance of Kell's eyes....I'll leave the rest to you.
Finally was able to read further! These parts hold some of my favorites scenes in this series. I just adore Kell and Lila and their banter
oh man I love this series so much, being back in it feels like coming home! the best part about the section you chatted about this week is for sure the way we start seeing how kell/lila/holland interact with each other and begin building up the fun character dynamics! 🥰
Hearing you talk through the story and share little tidbits of your creative process along the way is so magical! These books are wonderfully crafted, and it’s a pleasure to get back into them with you, V!
I could listen to you explain/describe literally anything for the rest of my life. There’s just something about you that’s just very cozy and you feel so,,, friendly? IdK you’re a very comforting person, I love listening to you!
I love the way you talk about your writing process. The running in Red London, running in Grey London, and then running into each other is one of my favorite scenes so far.
So crazy how two strangers bumping into each other changes their world(s)…I just love Kell and Lila’s first scenes together🫶🏻
I love that she took so much time and effort to Kell and Lila first meeting
My favourite things about these videos are your anecdotes about the "behind the scenes," like how and why you envision writing specific passages.
This was so much fun, the time just flew by watching it! Lila and Kell's first meet is one of my absolute favourite scenes in the whole series, so it was so cool to hear your thoughts on it and I love that them running into each other was your first image for the book. That whole section of the book in Lila's bedroom is probably one of the bits of the book that is most burned in my memory so it was fun to hear you talk about it. Lila's "I'd rather die on an adventure than live standing still" is my favourite line from the entire series, I have a print of it, a laptop sticker with it and a keyring too, it just so perfectly encapsulates what I want out of my own life! I had totally forgotten about Lila and Holland's first meeting though, for some reason I thought it was much later in the book. Kell and Lila's banter is my favourite thing about the pair of them, your description of their relationship as Kell being "Lila no" and Lila being "Lila yes" is probably the main reason why I love them so much: I love that Kell is both exasperated and fascinated by Lila at the same time and how Lila just doesn't give a toss either way.
“I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still” yes!
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading these books! The characters are so amazing, it feels like settling into an iconic, classic fantasy series minus the misogyny & homophobia. Lila is an AMAZING character and I am obsessed with her. The romance between her and Kell is also so compelling; I want that man to *yearn.* I can't wait to see how this all plays out, and I'm also really glad that there's so much of this series so I don't need to worry about finishing it yet! If it were a standalone novel I would already be dreading finishing it because then it would be over. Can't wait to read more.
I remember being so upset at you the first time I read this series for killing off Barron, and this week I once again was so upset that Barron dies. Of course, back in the first read I had no idea what was still waiting for me later in the books!
I'm so glad that I've been holding onto this series for a bit and waiting for the "right time" to read them, because the opportunity to read them for the first time with a commentary from the author is incredible!
I am appreciating these videos so much! As others have commented, I love getting the recaps and seeing these glimpses of how your writer mind works in creating these scenes and characters.
I had a detail question about parts in this section:
As readers, we don't really get a backstory or motive behind the women who originally gives Kell then stone. Who was she in your writer's mind? Was she someone who came into possession of the stone and just wanted to get rid of it? Did she know it was dangerous? I'm interested in your thoughts of who she is.
Would love to know this as well!
Oh, I always imagined that she wasn't compelled, exactly, but very much pressured by the Dane twins to carry out this task. She doesn't know what it is, but she, like so many in White London, are terrified of the Danes and willing to do anything for their favor, and perhaps even a bit of power.
@@veschwab_onwriting - that would definitely make sense. But now I have follow-up questions, lol! I'll have to post them in the next video to avoid spoilers 🫢.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to these comments! You're amazing! ❤️
The banter. SOOO good.
Ah. this was so much fun! Love getting your take on Kell & Lila - they have my most favourite dynamic.
I get a thrill every time I reread and get to the "I'd rather die on an adventure than die standing still" and the "seen what?" "everything" bit... but my absolutely most favourite Lila moment that cemented her as a forever favourite and is the scene I used to convince others to read the book is yet to come....
I found it interesting that you said you would have done the Fletcher stand alone chapter differently now and woven it in more... I enjoyed having that as a teaser. A little deviation from the plot that seems random but you KNOW cannot be random and will definitely be important. Like at first you're like "why does this matter?" and you're trying to guess as every bread crumb how it will connect... and then when Kell's trinket hideout is burned down you realize the importance and know we're going back there.
I've been having so much fun annotating, following along and gaining insight.
I'd kill for that annotated copy. Probably.
The scene where Lila and Kell meet each other is one of my favorites
I'm loving these readalongs SO much! It's a great refresher, and so interesting to have you take us through it. I'm so happy!
I love this UA-cam series! Listening to her speak about the books is fascinating.
The scene with Kell tied to the bed is iconic, I love Lila and Kells dynamic ❤️
Lila is awesome. I can't choose one from all her great sentences! I'm really enjoying her relationship with Kell. 😄
The scene between Kell and Lila about belonging vs love and love vs survival reminded me a lot of the character of Eurydice in Hadestown, and then of course of the line in Addie Larue - “They are Orpheus, she is Eurydice, and every time they turn back, she is ruined”
I am loving Lila!
I am amazed at how much clues I missed during my first read. It is an absolute joy to get back in and do it paired with your videos!
Your reactions and descriptions crack me up but I also just LOVE seeing, hearing and feeling how you still love this story. And also, now I can't think of Holland as anything but the 'anti-Kell' 😂
Chapter 3 is my fave too! Basically the start of Kel and Lila! ❤
I love how you mention learning about them as a pair, before things lead to what they do because how they interact with each other is so perfect for them
I already love Kell and Lila’s relationship! It was so interesting to hear how you visualised the book with their meeting, it’s one of my favourite parts of the book so far. I can’t wait to read the next parts!
This series is making me so excited for my favorite scene...when Lila says hello to Kell in the Element Games.
lila and kell's first interaction reminds me SO MUCH of rapunzel and flynn's-- the climbing through her window to steal something, getting hit over the head, looking at their eye color, trying to fanagle his limp body into a position where he can't escape when he wakes up, PERFECTION
i loved the second video!
the dynamic between kell and lila is perfect. i think you wrote their "becoming friends/allies" perfect nothing felt forced or rushed!
i‘m fascinated with the how why and your thoughts when you wrote this part of the book!
i cannot wait to see the next video and what your brilliant mind adds to this one of lifetime journey you wrote ❤
My personal favorite thought from this week was from when I was reading Fletcher's chapter. There's a little bit that's describing sanct and says its "A mix of strategy and luck and a fair bit of cheating, it could be over in minutes or last for hours." I underlined that bit and wrote "Red London Monopoly". So I will now forever view sanct as a mix of monopoly, poker, and sabacc
Your commentary on Lila’s attitude and mentality is so so good. I also loved knowing that the image that started it all was within these chapters. Loving this reread so much and struggling to slow myself down enough to not get massively ahead of the videos! 😅
I am so enjoying reading this book for the first time! I am so enjoying the Readalong and your insights on writing the book and the characters. Thank you for doing this! 👍
I’m getting so much more out of reading these a second time. I feel like I was not paying attention the first time. So this is super fun!! I have a more full vision of the characters this time around.
i just love watching these videos! V just looks so happy explaining why and how and it just gives so much insight into the process of writing as well as how much planning must go into writing novels like these. just more evidence as why V is such a wonderful author!
This was so fun! I just love your comments on Kell and Lila and the delightful banter between them. So good!
It’s so interesting to get your insights. Thanks for doing this!
I am totally loving this series alongside your videos. This is the first time I am reading it. And I am just falling in love with it 🤌 thank you for writing such a great book 😭
I love Kell and Lila's banter so much, I've found I often prefered it to the bigger/more important moments even if it didn’t advance the plot at all
Tying him to the bed is your favorite scene?! Love it so much
Love Lila and Kell’s interactions when they first meet.
Lila and Kel’s back and forth is great
I am loving these readalongs so much!! I'm reading the series for the first time. Starting the second book once I finish your videos on the first. So fun❤
Im already in love with Kell and Lila!
I love how she's so exited about kell bleeding so much
The things power can do to us and how we handle it differently is so interesting.
I love your commentary on all the banter, so much great dialogue in these scenes. I also loved you commenting on your growth as an author when you mention that you might have incorporated Aldus Fletcher's scene differently. I would be curious to know how you might have written that now!
This whole section is what absolutely makes me love Lila. Like. I loved her before, but once she and Kell meet it all gets so much more entertaining.
Lila reading Kell to filth is *chef kiss* no notes.
As the story picks up, your commentary is bringing me life 😂
Fair warning, weeks 5 and 6 are basically unhinged.
@@veschwab_onwriting 😂 yessss I’m here for it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I wonder why Holland goes for Lila instead of Kell because he knows Kell is also a little sensitive about yk helping people and people dying because of him (this shows when he returns to save Lila) and Holland could've just tried to guilt-trip Kell instead. This is not me complaining because I loved it especially when
Kell had to physically keep Lila back.
Also the way Lila immediately has this ominous feeling from Holland that she did not exactly feel from Kell was very fun.
I honestly think Holland caught the "scent" of Kell but came across Lila first. And then he knew he could use her as a tool to bend Kell, because of his caring.
@@veschwab_onwriting Well that makes sense. So it's basically ending up at taking advantage of Kell being too nice. And I love how it's a permanent character dynamic when it comes to Kell and everyone keeps taking advantage of it. Poor Kell.
Lila and Kells first meeting was the best meeting in a book I've ever read 😍 I think it really sets the tone of their relationship 😊
Lila yes, Lila no is the best way to describe the way they work 😂
I love Lila and Kells relationship, the scene where they meet is one of my fav :)
Just finished this series yesterday and i’m holding my breath until Fragile Threads of Power. Who are your favourite character/characters in this series? :) 🤍🤍🤍
I don't play favorites ;)
Thank you so much for doing this, Victoria!!