Welcome to another T5W. This week’s topic is favorite angsty romances. Before we begin, I have to say that this prompt gives me LIFE. I am all for angst and love, because the FEELS.
Oh hang on. Before I get too excited, let me link the Goodreads group. Top 5 Wednesday is a group where topics are suggested every week of the month on a Wednesday. In them, you list 5 bookish answers relating to the prompt.
Now. Back to the romance and angst combination. I wanted to mention an honorary one before we begin. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, our resident grumpy cat.
ALSO, Hades and Persephone are the most excellent template for romances. I feel like people sometimes take away Persephone’s agency. Dude, she knew the fruit would make her stay. She ate it willingly. Hades is not abusive. He’s just an awkward person.
5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
This is the real OG of angst and relationships. I don’t know if it was my depression and overall emo nature that drew me to the couple in this story, but I loved it. Heathcliffe was complicated and mysterious, angry and moody.
Cathy was equally as moody and spoiled.
I loved their love and the setting was extra brooding. I had to mention this book because it definitely started me on the path towards finding my ultimate trope: darkness and light attracting each other.
4. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
I feel like the Darkling was misrepresented in this series so far. Anyway, I can already tell that his romance with Alina could have brought out a certain strength in her. I am all about self-discovery. Mal represents a past, and I don’t want Alina going back to pre-sun summoning days. She pushed down her power for him before, and she’ll do it again, I am sure.
3. Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkowski
Arin and Kestrel are complicated. The politics of their home affects their relationship enormously and the chances for miscommunication are high. Loyalty and honor confuse the interpretation of actions and intentions, too. And, it is wonderful to read such complications.
But, they better end up together.
Dang it.
2.Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
Rose and Dimitri are very high up on this list, because their relationship gives me all the feels. I am trying not to give away spoilers, but, you know, things are complicated and angst happens a lot in this relationship.
I loved every second of their tension.
1 . The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Any of Cassandra Clare’s ships go through a certain amount of angst. But, here are some of my favorites: Jace/Clary probably went through the most intense angst I have ever encountered. Lots of tension between them.
Another couple that I felt a lot of angst with is Will/Tessa/Jem. They’re my special babies and my love for them knows no bounds.
Finally: Emma/Julian. I want to explain, but it’s all spoilers.
Me: Here’s my heart.
Cassandra Clare: *Stomps on it and sets it on fire*
Me: Can we do that again for two more books?
Your Turn!
Share your top angst-filled ships in the comment section.
I have a love-hate relationship with angsty ships because more often than not when *I* ship the angsty ship then the ships does not sail.
I really did love Aline and the Darkling, as well as Arin and Kestrel (although their constant “I won’t tell the other person this really important things that would save us time and pain because random reason” thing annoyed me a lot in the second book!).
One of my all time favourite ships is June and Day from the Legend series. These two had a lot of angst, but were also super beautiful <3 If you haven't read that series I highly recommend it!
I finished the second books of the Grisha trilogy and Winner’s trilogy. Definitely agree with you about Kestrel and Arin. I have no clue what will happen in the final book. But, I’ll start reading it soon.
OMG. Legend is on my TBR shelf. I cannot wait to meet these characters, because they sound so awesome.