What is How Does It Feel? about?

• Fae realm abduction: Callie Peterson, an environmental scientist, is unexpectedly transported to the Unseelie Fae realm, where she is imprisoned and mistaken for an assassin.
• Survival and escape: The story follows Callie's desperate attempts to survive the dangers of the Unseelie court, including a monstrous cellmate and a series of deadly trials.
• Complex relationships: Callie forms unexpected alliances and connections with both Fae and creatures, blurring the lines between friend and foe as she navigates the treacherous world.

Why should I read How Does It Feel??

• Unique Fae world: The novel offers a fresh take on the Fae realm, with a focus on the darker, more dangerous Unseelie court and its complex power dynamics.
• Strong female lead: Callie is a resourceful and determined protagonist who uses her intelligence and compassion to survive, making her a compelling character to follow.
• Intriguing plot twists: The story is full of unexpected turns and betrayals, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the very end.

What is the background of How Does It Feel??

• Magical Fae realm: The story is set in a fictional world where the Unseelie Fae exist, a realm of darkness and power, contrasting with the more benevolent Seelie court.
• Human world connection: The human world is connected to the Fae realm through portals, and the story explores the consequences of this connection, including the Fae's interest in humans.
• Political intrigue: The Unseelie court is rife with political tension, power struggles, and a deep-seated hatred for humans, creating a complex and dangerous environment.

What are the most memorable quotes in How Does It Feel??

• "To you. My hope is not that you finish this book, but that this book finishes you.": This quote from the author's note sets a tone of intense immersion and transformation for the reader.
• "I will go back to sleep after I kill you and use you slowly, you human piece of shit,": This quote from the forest bog highlights the brutal and dehumanizing nature of the Unseelie realm.
• "You're like a goddamn Disney princess.": This recurring line, often said by Cliff, underscores Callie's unique connection with animals and the magical elements of the story.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Jeneane O'Riley use?

• First-person perspective: The story is told from Callie's point of view, allowing readers to experience her thoughts, emotions, and reactions directly.
• Vivid descriptions: O'Riley uses rich and detailed descriptions to bring the Fae realm to life, creating a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
• Foreshadowing and symbolism: The author employs subtle hints and recurring symbols to foreshadow future events and deepen the story's themes.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

• Callie's V-shaped scar: The scar on Callie's palm, a result of a childhood encounter with a fairy, symbolizes her lifelong connection to the magical world and foreshadows her destiny.
• The color red: The recurring use of the color red, from the blood-painted walls to the queen's dress, symbolizes danger, passion, and the violent nature of the Unseelie court.
• The black smoke: The black smoke associated with Prince Mendax's wings and powers represents his dark nature and the oppressive atmosphere of the Unseelie realm.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

• The gas station mushrooms: Callie's initial interest in the Amanita muscaria mushrooms foreshadows her later use of mycelium and her connection to the destroying angel mushrooms.
• Dorothy the turkey: Dorothy's gimpy wing and Callie's attempts to heal it foreshadow Callie's own healing and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Crazy Earl's knowledge: Crazy Earl's seemingly random comments about the woods and mushrooms foreshadow his true identity and his connection to the destroying angels.

What are some unexpected character connections?

• Alistair and Callie: The unexpected bond between Alistair Cain (Shivers) and Callie, despite his role as an assassin, highlights the complexity of the Fae and the potential for compassion in unexpected places.
• Walter and Callie: The revelation of Walter's true form as a shifter and his connection to the Seelie court adds a layer of complexity to his role as Callie's ally.
• Earl and Callie: The connection between Callie and Earl, both scientists with a passion for the natural world, reveals a shared understanding and a potential for collaboration.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

• Alistair Cain (Shivers): As the prince's assassin, he plays a crucial role in Callie's survival and challenges her perceptions of the Unseelie Fae.
• Walter: His dual identity as a rat and a shifter makes him a complex and important ally, providing Callie with crucial information and support.
• Queen Tenebris: As the ruler of the Unseelie court, she is a powerful and manipulative figure who shapes Callie's journey and tests her resolve.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

• Prince Mendax's internal conflict: Despite his cold exterior, Mendax is drawn to Callie, and his actions reveal a hidden struggle between his desire for power and his growing feelings for her.
• Callie's need for connection: Callie's compassion for animals and her desire for friendship reveal a deep-seated need for connection and belonging, stemming from her past traumas.
• Walter's guilt and loyalty: Walter's actions are driven by a sense of guilt for his past actions and a deep loyalty to Callie, making him a complex and conflicted character.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

• Callie's trauma and resilience: Callie's past losses and her experiences in the Unseelie realm lead to a complex mix of vulnerability and strength, making her a compelling and relatable character.
• Mendax's internal struggle: Mendax's internal conflict between his desire for power and his growing feelings for Callie highlights the complexities of his character and his struggle with his own darkness.
• Walter's divided loyalties: Walter's internal conflict between his loyalty to the Seelie court and his desire to protect Callie reveals the complexities of his character and his struggle with his own identity.

What are the major emotional turning points?

• Callie's rejection from the LMS: The rejection from the Lepidoptera Migratory Society is a major emotional turning point for Callie, forcing her to reevaluate her goals and her place in the world.
• Callie's encounter with the fox: The encounter with the shimmering fox is a turning point for Callie, as it awakens her connection to the magical world and sets her on a path of self-discovery.
• Callie's bond with Mendax: The forced bond with Mendax is a major emotional turning point, as it forces her to confront her feelings for him and the complexities of their relationship.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

• Callie and Cliff: The relationship between Callie and Cliff evolves from a friendly camaraderie to a more complex dynamic, highlighting the challenges of navigating relationships in a small town.
• Callie and Earl: The relationship between Callie and Earl evolves from a casual acquaintance to a deep friendship, highlighting the importance of shared interests and understanding.
• Callie and Mendax: The relationship between Callie and Mendax evolves from captor and captive to a complex dynamic of attraction, conflict, and a shared connection, highlighting the power of love and hate.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

• The true nature of the fox: The fox's true nature and motives remain ambiguous, leaving readers to wonder about its role in Callie's journey and its connection to the Fae world.
• The origins of the destroying angels: The origins and purpose of the destroying angel mushrooms remain unclear, leaving readers to speculate about their significance and their connection to the Fae realm.
• The future of the Unseelie court: The future of the Unseelie court and its relationship with the human world remains open-ended, leaving readers to wonder about the long-term consequences of Callie's actions.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in How Does It Feel??

• Callie's attraction to Mendax: Callie's attraction to her captor, Prince Mendax, is a controversial element of the story, raising questions about the nature of love and power dynamics.
• The violence and gore: The graphic violence and gore in the story may be disturbing to some readers, raising questions about the author's use of these elements.
• The forced bond: The forced bond between Callie and Mendax is a controversial element of the story, raising questions about consent and the nature of free will.

How Does It Feel? Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

• Callie's betrayal of Mendax: Callie's decision to betray Mendax and leave him for dead is a complex and controversial ending, highlighting the themes of self-preservation and the cost of love.
• Callie's escape: Callie's escape from the Unseelie realm is a bittersweet victory, as she leaves behind a part of herself and the complex relationships she has formed.
• The open-ended conclusion: The open-ended conclusion leaves readers to wonder about Callie's future and the long-term consequences of her actions, suggesting that her journey is far from over.