Close Reading Example

As previously mentioned in the reasons why I chose this fandom to explore, the most popular fanfics in the entire fandom, by kudos, are a set that are essentially the second book, but written from the other main character's point of view. In exploring the importance of canon to this fandom it is worthwhile to investigate the reasons behind the popularity of this set of fics when this book already exists.

With 323,327 hits, 4662 kudos, and 232 comments, ACOMAF Part 1: The House of Beasts (Rhys POV) is by far the most popular fanfiction in the ACOTAR fandom. It is the first 13 chapters of book 2 in the ACOTAR series as told from the other main character and eventual love interest in the original enemies to lovers novel. The author describes the fic saying it “Includes some brief details of his three months without her after he comes home from (under the mountain) and some improvised scenes, but most of it concerns his time with Feyre” (illyriantremors, 2017). As someone who has read all the different parts of this fanfiction collection I understand why I like it, but I wanted to further explore why other fans like it so much through the comments.

It was easy to enjoy reading this in its entirety because it is generally accepted that the second book is most people's favorite, including mine, and this fic sounds as if Sarah J. Maas wrote it herself. The author's devotion to keeping the plot and characters true to canon, even in the improvised scenes, is impressive to many as seen by the comments. One user even wrote “This is a masterpiece that I keep coming back to over and over again. Is this… Is this Sarah?” (comment on ACOMAF Part 1: The House of Beasts (Rhys POV)). Moving through the chapters of this fic, comments like this are common with many readers praising the author for their ability to replicate canon so smoothly in the improvised scenes and the ones in which Feyre is present that readers previously know from another point of view.

Another interesting aspect of this fic is the author’s occasional responses to the comments. They explain why they did or did not include specific scenes or how they embellished more on Rhys’ relationships with the other characters outside of his time with Feyre. A few comments discussed their differing headcanons on what Rhys did when he wasn’t with Feyre. Many comments focus on the emotion that the author evokes in the readers with their portrayal of the characters. One user commented “You articulate his thoughts so beautifully. It’s heart wrenching” (comment on ACOMAF Part 1: The House of Beasts (Rhys POV)). This comment is not alone in its praise for the author’s portrayal of the character's emotions. The comments are generally supportive and very encouraging to this author which makes sense with the high level of engagement with the fic and many readers commenting they are rereading it.

The ultimate question remains: Why would this be the number one fanfic in the fandom instead of a story with an original plotline? After reading the fic itself and many of the comments there are a few possibilities to answer this question. Perhaps it was the addition of the improvised scenes that readers felt like they were missing when the main characters were apart, perhaps it was the emotion and thoughts behind the previously mysterious love interest, or the similarity in tone and style to the original book. I believe that this fanfic is as popular as it is because it is similar enough to the source text that readers don’t feel too uncomfortable, or like they are taking any sort of chance. Basically, they are reading their favorite book from a new angle so they already know they will love it because it is all true to canon to the point where it sounds like the original author. The popularity of this fanfic in the ACOTAR fandom further emphasizes the role canon has on influencing this fandom's authors. If authors know readers are craving more canonical content to cure them of their ‘book hangover’ it would further encourage writing stories true to canon.