Library

The Touchstone

He drove there to annihilate the whole pack which had the audacity to combat against Him, The Dark Lord, but those innocent emerald eyes drugged his sanity and He ended up snatching her from the pack. Lyceon Villin Whitlock is known to be the lethal Dark walker, the Last Lycan from the royal bloodline and is considered to be mateless. Rumours have been circling around for years that He killed his own fated mate. The mate which every Lycan king is supposed to have only one in their life. Then what was his purpose to drag Allison into his destructive world? Are the rumours just rumours or is there something more? Allison Griffin was the only healer in the Midnight crescent pack which detested her existence for being human. Her aim was only to search her brother's whereabouts but then her life turned upside down after getting the news of her family being killed by the same monster who claimed her to be his and dragged her to his kingdom “The dark walkers”. To prevent another war from occurring, she had to give in to him. Her journey of witnessing the ominous, terrifying and destructive rollercoaster of their world started. What happens when she finds herself being the part of a famous prophecy along with Lyceon where the chaotic mysteries and secrets unravel about their families, origins and her true essence? Her real identity emerges and her hybrid powers start awakening, attracting the attention of the bloodthirsty enemies who want her now. Would Lyceon be able to protect her by all means when she becomes the solace of his dark life and the sole purpose of his identity? Not to forget, the ultimate key to make the prophecy happen. Was it her Mate or Fate?

9.5

120 Chapters

Hot Chapters

LYCEON (The Dark Lord) CHAPTER-38: LOUSY BASTARD

The Badass and The Villain

Quinn, a sweet, social and bubbly turned cold and became a badass. She changed to protect herself caused of the dark past experience with guys she once trusted. Evander will come into her life will become her greatest enemy, the villain of her life, but fate brought something for them, she fell for him but too late before she found out a devastating truth about him. What dirty secret of the villain is about to unfold? And how will it affect the badass?

Not enough ratings

33 Chapters

Hot Chapters

The Badass and The Villain Cinema kiss

The Swap

When my son was born, I noticed a small, round birthmark on his arm. But the weird thing? By the time I opened my eyes again after giving birth, it was gone. I figured maybe I'd imagined it. That is, until the baby shower. My brother-in-law's son, born the same day as mine, had the exact same birthmark. Clear as day. That's when it hit me. I didn't say a word, though. Not then. I waited. Eighteen years later, at my son's college acceptance party, my brother-in-law stood up and dropped the truth bomb: the "amazing" kid I'd raised was theirs. I just smiled and invited him and his wife to take their "rightful" seats at the table.

8 Chapters

The Chosen One

Alex found himself entangled in a destiny, just when he was about to enjoy his teenage days. He reluctantly accepted to save his hometown from a calamity which had been happening for some years. He discovered some secrets in the course of saving his people from the calamity, to his surprise. How on earth is the people he regarded to be his biological parents for eighteen years not his? Will he eventually accept his destiny? Will he embrace his identity? Watch out as secrets unfold.

30 Chapters

Hot Chapters

The Chosen One Chapter Twenty

The Gift and the Ghoul

In my previous life, my best friend gave me a lock-shaped good-luck pendant. I never expected that once I put it on, it would never come off. Soon after, I came down with a fever that lasted seven days straight. When I finally woke up, everything in my life began to fall apart. Misfortune followed me everywhere. That was when I discovered the truth—I had swapped fates with her husband. He would get my wealth while I would get a short, ill-fated life. From then on, the two of them lived a life of effortless wealth, making money without even lifting a finger. Meanwhile, I sank into poverty, plagued by constant bad luck. I struggled through life and did not even make it to 30 before I was killed in a car accident. As I died, my mentally disabled younger brother cried out and rushed in front of me to shield me. However, he could not stop the incoming vehicle, and we died there together. When I opened my eyes again, I had been reborn back to the moment she was about to put the pendant on me. I let out a cold smile and pondered. Since she was so desperate to steal my wealthy fate, then she could have a XYY husband instead.

9 Chapters

The Noble's Promise

"Jayden, your grandfather gave a promise to Queen Camellia, the mother of King Henry to protect their kingdom after the death of her King consort. And as you know about the backstabbing of Edward II. It seems like we are incompetent in fulfilling the promise of your grandfather. For protecting the throne of Orbloem and giving its actual Ruler back the only way possible is to have a relationship with the Bloemen Royal Family other than Frienship. As Rosaleigh is the crown princess of Orbloem and you're the heir apparent to Swedwish throne. I want you to marry Rosaleigh." Grandmama adjured. Without any further thoughts I stood to my feet and picked up the box from the mahogany table. "Your wish my command mormor." I smiled and bowed at her before leaving the library. Being Born to a royal family is not a cake walk. We're taught to abide by our elder's wish. And here it was about the promise my late grandfather made to Queen Camellia. Or'bloem is a comparatively small monarchy than Swedway. And the only way I see to regain and protect Orbloem's land is to marry Rosaleigh. I am a Royalty and fulfilling my grandfather's promise is my duty. I'll fulfill a NOBLE PROMISE. *** Jayden Alexander Krigston wants to marry Rosaleigh Isabelle Bloemen to fulfill his grandfather's promise. In that attempt he indeed falls in love with Rosaleigh. But as always fate has another plans.. How will Jayden being a NOBLE fulfill the PROMISE? Copyrights © 2020 by B_Iqbal

30 Chapters

Hot Chapters

The Noble's Promise TWENTY TWO

Is The Touchstone Worth Reading? Review And Analysis

4 Answers2026-03-24 04:52:39

I picked up 'The Touchstone' on a whim after seeing it mentioned in a forum about early 20th-century literature. Edith Wharton's prose is like sipping a finely aged wine—sharp, nuanced, and lingering. The story follows Glennard, a man whose moral decay unfolds as he exploits a deceased woman's love letters for personal gain. What struck me was how Wharton dissects social ambition and guilt without heavy-handed judgment. The psychological tension is subtle but relentless, like watching a slow-motion train wreck where you can't look away.

Compared to her later works like 'The Age of Innocence,' this novella feels more intimate, almost claustrophobic. It’s a masterclass in character-driven narrative, though some might find the pacing deliberate. If you enjoy morally ambiguous protagonists and crisp social commentary, it’s absolutely worth your time. I finished it in one sitting and immediately wanted to discuss it with someone—always a good sign.

Who Are The Main Characters In The Touchstone?

4 Answers2026-03-24 08:27:31

The Touchstone' by Edith Wharton is this beautifully layered novella that digs into guilt, ambition, and moral compromise. The two main characters are Glennard and his wife, Alexa. Glennard’s this fascinatingly flawed guy—he’s torn between his conscience and his desire for social climbing. The story kicks off when he decides to sell love letters written to him by a famous, now-deceased author, Margaret Aubyn, to fund his career. It’s brutal how Wharton unpacks his internal conflict—every decision feels like a slow-motion train wreck you can’ look away from.

Alexa, on the other hand, is this quiet, perceptive force. She doesn’t dominate the narrative, but her presence lingers. You get the sense she sees through Glennard’s facade long before he admits anything to himself. The dynamic between them is so tense—it’s like watching a vase teeter on a shelf, waiting for it to shatter. Margaret Aubyn’s ghost hangs over everything, too, even though she’s already dead when the story begins. Her letters become this third, haunting presence in their marriage.

Why Does The Touchstone Have Mixed Reviews?

4 Answers2026-03-24 11:08:04

The Touchstone' seems to polarize readers because it treads this delicate line between psychological depth and slow pacing. Some adore the introspective dive into the protagonist's guilt and moral dilemmas—it's like peeling an onion, layer after layer revealing raw vulnerability. Others find it tedious, wishing the plot would hurry up already. I personally loved how it mirrors real-life indecision; those long internal monologues felt uncomfortably relatable. But I totally get why someone craving action or snappy dialogue would bounce off it hard.

The setting also plays a role. The vague, almost dreamlike atmosphere amplifies the themes of memory and regret, but if you prefer concrete world-building, it might just feel frustratingly hazy. And that ending! No spoilers, but it’s deliberately ambiguous, which either leaves you marveling at its brilliance or throwing the book across the room. Divisive by design, I’d say.

What Happens At The Ending Of The Touchstone? Explained

4 Answers2026-03-24 13:15:24

The ending of 'The Touchstone' by Edith Wharton wraps up with a bittersweet revelation that lingers long after the last page. Glennard, the protagonist, spends the novel profiting from publishing the private letters of his former lover, Margaret Aubyn, a famous writer who adored him. His guilt gnaws at him, especially as his wife, Alexa, idolizes Margaret's work. The climax hits when Alexa reads the letters and realizes Glennard's betrayal—not just of Margaret, but of their marriage. The final scenes show Glennard utterly isolated, stripped of his illusions and the respect of those around him.

What’s haunting isn’t just the moral downfall but how Wharton leaves Glennard’s future ambiguous. Does he redeem himself? The book suggests some sins carve grooves too deep to escape. Alexa’s quiet devastation is equally piercing—she loses not only her trust in Glennard but also her idealized image of Margaret. The ending doesn’t offer catharsis, just the cold comfort of truth. It’s a masterclass in how emotional consequences outlast material ones.

Can I Read The Touchstone Online For Free?

4 Answers2026-03-24 20:54:06

Man, 'The Touchstone' is such a fascinating read! I stumbled upon it while digging through classic literature last winter. If you're looking for free online copies, Project Gutenberg is your best bet—they specialize in public domain works, and I've found so many gems there. Sometimes, libraries like Open Library also have digital loans available. Just be cautious with random sites promising 'free' downloads; they might be sketchy. Nothing beats curling up with a legit copy, though—I ended up loving it so much I bought a vintage print edition for my shelf!

Speaking of classics, if you enjoy Edith Wharton's style, 'The House of Mirth' is another masterpiece. Her character studies are just chef's kiss. Honestly, half the fun is hunting down these books—it feels like a literary treasure hunt!

Are There Books Similar To The Touchstone? Recommendations

4 Answers2026-03-24 09:39:11

If you loved 'The Touchstone' for its sharp psychological insights and complex interpersonal dynamics, you might enjoy Edith Wharton's other works like 'The House of Mirth' or 'The Age of Innocence.' Both delve into the intricacies of social expectations and personal morality, though they’re set in different eras. Wharton has this knack for dissecting her characters’ inner lives with surgical precision, making even their smallest choices feel monumental.

For something more contemporary, Patricia Highsmith’s 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' shares that same tension of moral ambiguity and the cost of deception. Highsmith’s protagonist, Tom Ripley, mirrors some of the same calculating charm as Glennard in 'The Touchstone,' but with a darker, more suspenseful edge. If you’re after a slower burn with lush prose, Henry James’ 'The Portrait of a Lady' is another masterpiece of emotional nuance and societal pressures.