Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Suspenseful, Romantic, Adventurous, Magical
- Read it if
- You enjoy YA urban fantasy with a strong romantic element, ancient curses, and a race against time.
- Skip it if
- You prefer standalone novels or dislike love triangles and ongoing supernatural threats.
Elegy Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Indestructible Scroll
Gemma Fisher finds the scroll that ties the siren curse to Penn and her sisters. She wants to destroy it and get her old life back. She, her boyfriend Daniel, best friend Harper, and siren friend Thea try to destroy the old item. They try burning it, tearing it, and putting it in water, but the scroll stays whole, protected by old, strong magic. This first problem shows how big a challenge they face, as the thing that could free Gemma from the curse cannot be destroyed. The group's lack of knowledge about old magic leaves them stuck, showing they need help from outside.
Penn's Growing Obsession
While Gemma and her friends deal with the scroll, Penn's obsession with Daniel grows. She chases him, using her siren charm to try and break his bond with Gemma. Penn sets up situations to get Daniel alone, whispering promises and casting spells. Her actions are more and more aggressive, showing her desperation and lack of care for Daniel's choice or Gemma's feelings. This puts a lot of pressure on Daniel, who struggles against her siren song, and creates a split between him and Gemma, fueled by doubt and fear. Penn's actions are a constant reminder that the curse needs to be broken soon.
Seeking the Immortal Creator
Looking for answers, Gemma and her friends find out something important: a powerful, old immortal first cast the siren curse. They learn that this immortal, named Apollo, might be the only one with the knowledge or power to destroy the scroll or break the curse directly. This discovery changes their focus from physical destruction to finding this mysterious figure. Facing the one who cast the curse is scary, as his reasons and where he is now are unknown, adding danger and uncertainty to their search. Their journey to find Apollo becomes their main goal.
Unraveling Ancient History
Gemma and her allies find Apollo, who does not want to help at first. Through asking questions and appealing to his sense of fairness, Apollo tells them the sad and complicated story behind the siren curse. He explains that he was once a man, wronged by the first sirens, who were cruel. His love was taken and killed by them, leading him to get revenge by turning them into the immortal, soul-stealing creatures they are now. This history explains Penn's existence and the curse, showing Apollo's deep pain and the endless cycle of revenge.
The Siren's Betrayal
Apollo talks more about what led him to create the siren curse. He details how he fell in love with a woman named Cassia, and how the first sirens, led by a mean one named Theia (an ancestor of Penn), purposefully targeted Cassia to spite Apollo. They used their powers to lure Cassia to her death, enjoying Apollo's pain. This cruel, planned betrayal fueled Apollo's wish for revenge, pushing him to spend his immortal life punishing the sirens. This shows how evil the sirens were long ago and how personal Apollo's vendetta is.
A Dangerous Alliance
Despite his first unwillingness and his unsettling past, Gemma convinces Apollo to help them. She argues that Penn and her sisters are continuing the cycle of pain and that breaking the curse could bring peace, even for him. Apollo, seeing a chance to end the line of sirens he hates, agrees to help them, but warns them about the great power needed and the risks. This forms a shaky alliance, as Apollo's reasons are still about revenge, and Gemma must handle his old hatred while finding a solution that helps everyone.
The Ritual of Unbinding
Apollo tells Gemma and her friends about the complex and dangerous ritual needed to destroy the scroll. He explains that it requires not just raw power, but also specific old ingredients, precise words, and a meeting of special energies. The ritual is a delicate balance, needing perfect timing and the combined efforts of both human and supernatural beings. He warns them that any mistake could have terrible results, not only failing to break the curse but possibly causing greater dangers or even hurting those involved. The ritual's complexity shows how strong the scroll's protections are.
Penn's Final Play
As Gemma and her friends get ready for the ritual, Penn, feeling the coming threat to her life and her claim on Daniel, makes a last, desperate move. She makes her siren song stronger, trying to completely trap Daniel's mind and soul, hoping to bind him to her forever before the curse can be broken. She corners him, using all her charm and power, almost succeeding in her goal. This confrontation forces Daniel to fight harder than ever against her influence, showing how strong his love for Gemma and his own will are, but also how much danger they are in.
The Confrontation and Sacrifice
The group starts the ritual, gathering at a special, magic-filled place. Penn, with her sisters, arrives to stop it, leading to a magical battle. Penn fights fiercely, using her siren powers to create illusions, attack the group, and protect the scroll. During the chaos, a moment comes where a sacrifice is needed to fuel the ritual's last part. Thea, knowing how important breaking the curse is for everyone's freedom, makes a selfless choice, offering part of her own siren essence or life to power the ritual, weakening Penn and letting Gemma continue.
Breaking the Curse
With Thea's sacrifice and Apollo's guidance, Gemma focuses her will and the combined magic onto the scroll. With great effort and a surge of resolve, she finally gets past the old protections. The scroll shimmers, cracks, and then turns to dust, meaning the siren curse is broken. A wave of energy washes over the area. Penn and her sisters, suddenly without their immortality and siren powers, fall, becoming human. The curse is gone, and Gemma feels a deep sense of relief and hope for her future with Daniel and her friends.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
After the curse breaks, Penn and her sisters are human and weak. They are no longer a threat, but the effects of their actions remain. Daniel is fully free from Penn's influence, and his bond with Gemma is stronger. Thea, though weaker from her sacrifice, is alive and truly free from the curse, able to live a normal life. Apollo, his old vendetta finally over, finds some peace. Gemma looks forward to rebuilding her life, her friendships, and her relationship with Daniel, finally free from the sirens' constant threat. The future, though unknown, is full of possibilities.
Principal Figures
Gemma Fisher
Protagonist
A determined young woman fighting to reclaim her life from a siren curse.
Gemma is a resilient and courageous young woman, deeply in love with Daniel and fiercely loyal to her friends. Initially, she struggles with feelings of helplessness against the siren curse, but her unwavering determination to protect those she loves drives her forward. She possesses a strong moral compass and a surprising capacity for empathy, even towards her enemies. Her journey is defined by her refusal to give up, her willingness to seek dangerous alliances, and her ultimate triumph over ancient magic.
Relationships: Daniel (Boyfriend, deep romantic love and mutual support.); Harper (Best friend, loyal and supportive.); Thea (Friend and ally, initially a siren, becomes a close confidante.); Penn (Antagonist, rival for Daniel's affection and the source of her troubles.)
Daniel
Supporting
Gemma's boyfriend, constantly targeted by Penn's siren allure.
Daniel is Gemma's steadfast and loving boyfriend, whose loyalty is constantly tested by Penn's powerful siren song. He is strong-willed and deeply committed to Gemma, but the siren's influence creates immense internal struggle and vulnerability. Despite the psychological torment, he consistently fights to resist Penn, demonstrating the depth of his love and his inner strength. His role often puts him in harm's way, making him a central point of conflict and a key motivator for Gemma's quest.
Relationships: Gemma Fisher (Girlfriend, deep romantic love and mutual support.); Penn (Target of her obsession, object of siren manipulation.)
Penn
Antagonist
The primary siren antagonist, obsessed with Daniel and maintaining her power.
Penn is the manipulative and ruthless leader of the siren sisters, driven by an insatiable desire for power, immortality, and Daniel. Her ancient nature makes her cruel and cunning, with little regard for human life or emotions. She embodies the destructive aspects of the siren curse, using her allure as a weapon. Her obsession with Daniel is a key plot driver, pushing her to increasingly desperate and dangerous acts to prevent Gemma from breaking the curse and to claim Daniel for herself.
Relationships: Daniel (Object of her obsession and desire.); Gemma Fisher (Rival, target of her malice.); Thea (Sister, but often manipulated or coerced.); Lexi & The other sirens (Sisters, followers in her schemes.)
Harper
Supporting
Gemma's loyal best friend, providing emotional support and practical help.
Harper is Gemma's best friend and a constant source of unwavering support and practicality. Though not possessing any supernatural abilities herself, she is brave, resourceful, and fiercely loyal. She often provides a grounded perspective amidst the magical chaos and acts as a sounding board for Gemma. Her presence highlights the importance of human friendship and resilience in the face of extraordinary threats, proving that courage doesn't require magic.
Relationships: Gemma Fisher (Best friend, loyal and supportive.); Daniel (Friend, ally in fighting the curse.)
Thea
Supporting
A siren who aids Gemma, seeking freedom from the curse.
Thea is one of Penn's siren sisters, but unlike Penn, she harbors a deep desire to be free from the curse and its predatory nature. She is initially conflicted and fearful, but her longing for a normal life leads her to ally with Gemma. Thea provides crucial insights into siren abilities and weaknesses, and her eventual selfless act is pivotal to the success of the ritual. Her character represents the possibility of redemption and the internal struggle against an inherited fate.
Relationships: Gemma Fisher (Friend and ally, seeking common goal.); Penn (Sister, but an antagonist to her desire for freedom.)
Apollo
Supporting
The ancient immortal who created the siren curse, seeking final justice.
Apollo is a powerful and ancient immortal, consumed by a millennia-old vendetta against the sirens. He is the original caster of the curse, driven by the tragic loss of his beloved to the original sirens' cruelty. Initially hardened and cynical, he holds immense knowledge of ancient magic and the curse's intricacies. His character embodies the destructive nature of prolonged vengeance, but also the potential for an ending to suffering. He is a formidable, albeit reluctant, ally.
Relationships: Gemma Fisher (Unlikely ally, persuades him to help.); Penn & the sirens (Ancient enemies, the target of his curse.)
Lexi
Mentioned
One of Penn's siren sisters.
Lexi is one of Penn's siren sisters, usually following Penn's lead in her schemes. While she doesn't have as prominent a role as Penn or Thea, she contributes to the overall threat of the sirens. She is bound by the same curse and shares in Penn's desire to maintain their power and immortality. She is depicted as less independent than Penn, often acting as an enforcer or accomplice.
Relationships: Penn (Sister and leader.); Thea (Sister, but often at odds with her desire for freedom.)
Themes & Insights
The Power of Love and Friendship
Gemma's strong love for Daniel and her connections with Harper and Thea drive the story. Their shared courage, loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice for each other help them defeat the ancient siren curse. Daniel's resistance to Penn's siren song comes from his love for Gemma, and Thea's sacrifice shows her new friendship and desire for true freedom for all. This theme is clear in every attempt to destroy the scroll and in the final fight.
“Love wasn’t a weakness; it was the ultimate strength, a shield against the darkness.”
The Cycle of Vengeance
The novel shows how revenge, even when fair, can cause suffering for generations. Apollo's old curse on the sirens, born from his own pain, created beings like Penn who then hurt others. The first sirens' cruelty led to Apollo's curse, which then led to Penn's destructive actions. Breaking the curse ends this cycle, suggesting that true peace comes not from endless punishment but from moving past the desire for revenge, as seen in Apollo's acceptance.
“For centuries, I thought my curse was justice. But it only bred more pain, more monsters.”
Free Will vs. Predetermination
This theme appears mostly through Daniel and Thea. Daniel constantly fights against the siren's strong influence, choosing his own will over magic. Thea, a siren, struggles against her predatory nature, trying to choose a different path than her sisters. Their struggles highlight the conflict between an inherent nature or a magically imposed fate and the wish to make one's own way. Breaking the curse gives them true freedom of choice.
“I am not Penn’s puppet, and I am not a monster. I choose my own path.”
The Nature of Immortality and Humanity
The sirens' immortality is linked to their curse, making them powerful but also cruel, showing how endless life can corrupt. Apollo, an immortal, carries the weight of old grief and revenge for thousands of years. In contrast, Gemma and Daniel's mortality shows how precious their limited lives are and how deep their human emotions are. Thea's wish to become mortal, and the sirens' fear of losing their immortality, stresses that true living might not be endless, but deeply felt and chosen.
“What good is forever if every day is a torment, a hunger you can never truly satisfy?”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Siren Curse
The central magical affliction binding Penn and her sisters, requiring souls.
The siren curse is the primary conflict driver, turning Penn and her sisters into immortal, soul-stealing predators. It forces them to consume human life force to survive, directly impacting Gemma's life and Daniel's safety. The curse's existence creates the urgency for Gemma to find a solution and fuels Penn's antagonistic actions. Its ancient origins and powerful magic make it incredibly difficult to break, establishing the high stakes of the narrative and the epic scope of the problem.
The Binding Scroll
The physical artifact that magically anchors the siren curse.
The scroll serves as the tangible manifestation of the siren curse, an ancient artifact protected by powerful magic. Its indestructibility initially frustrates Gemma and her friends, highlighting the immense challenge they face. The scroll acts as a focal point for their quest, as its destruction is the key to breaking the curse. Its resistance to conventional methods of destruction forces them to seek out ancient knowledge and ultimately leads them to Apollo, driving much of the plot's investigation and discovery.
Siren Song/Allure
The magical ability of sirens to enchant and control mortals.
The siren song is Penn's primary weapon, used to manipulate Daniel and create conflict between him and Gemma. It's a powerful form of magical compulsion that tests Daniel's free will and Gemma's trust. This device directly illustrates the danger of the sirens and the insidious nature of their curse, making Daniel a constant target and a source of vulnerability for the protagonists. It adds psychological tension and demonstrates the strength of true love when resisted.
The Ancient Immortal (Apollo)
The creator of the curse, holding vital knowledge and power.
Apollo functions as a deus ex machina, providing the crucial information and guidance needed to break the curse. His existence introduces a deep history to the conflict, revealing the origins of the sirens and the curse. As the original caster, he possesses unique insights into the curse's weaknesses and the complex ritual required for its destruction. His reluctance to help and his ancient vendetta add layers of complexity and moral ambiguity to the quest, making him a powerful but unpredictable ally.
Elegy Quotes
“The world was an endless series of choices, some small and some life-altering, and each one led to a different path.”
“Love wasn't a choice; it was a force, a pull that you couldn't fight, no matter how hard you tried.”
“Sometimes the most beautiful things were the most dangerous.”
“Home wasn't a place, it was a feeling, a sense of belonging with the people you loved.”
“The past was a shadow, always there, but you couldn't let it define your future.”
“Even monsters had hearts, sometimes broken ones.”
“Sacrifice was never easy, especially when it meant giving up a part of yourself.”
“Fear was a powerful motivator, but hope was stronger.”
“The ocean held secrets, ancient and vast, just like the hearts of those who lived within it.”
“Sometimes, the only way to find yourself was to get lost first.”
“Loyalty was a bond forged in fire, unbreakable by anything less.”
“The truth could set you free, but it could also break you.”
“To truly live, you had to be willing to die, at least a little.”
“Every ending was just a new beginning, if you knew where to look.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Gemma's primary goal at the beginning of 'Elegy'?
- To defeat Penn in a magical duel.
- To destroy the scroll that binds the ancient curse.
- To find a new group of friends to replace those she lost.
- To convince Daniel to leave Penn for good.
Show answer
B. To destroy the scroll that binds the ancient curse. Gemma's main objective is to destroy the scroll that binds the curse, as she believes this is the key to getting her old life back and reversing the effects of the curse.
Question 2
Who is Penn obsessed with stealing from Gemma?
- Her best friend.
- Her family's ancient artifact.
- Daniel, the guy Gemma loves.
- Her magical abilities.
Show answer
C. Daniel, the guy Gemma loves. The synopsis explicitly states that 'Penn has grown even more obsessed with stealing Daniel for her own…and she's about to succeed.'
Question 3
What type of magic protects the scroll Gemma needs to destroy?
- Elemental magic.
- Dark magic.
- Ancient magic.
- Blood magic.
Show answer
C. Ancient magic. The text mentions, 'Protected by ancient magic, it seems utterly indestructible,' indicating the type of magic safeguarding the scroll.
Question 4
Who does Gemma seek out for help regarding the curse's history?
- An ancient witch coven.
- The mysterious immortal who cursed Penn and her sisters.
- A powerful wizard from another realm.
- Penn's long-lost sister.
Show answer
B. The mysterious immortal who cursed Penn and her sisters. Gemma's 'frantic search leads her to someone who might be able to help—the mysterious immortal who cursed Penn and her sisters thousands of years ago.'
Question 5
What is the primary consequence of the ancient curse on Gemma's life?
- She lost her magical powers.
- She was robbed of her friends, family, and the guy she loves.
- She was forced to leave her home town.
- She became immortal against her will.
Show answer
B. She was robbed of her friends, family, and the guy she loves. The synopsis clearly states, 'An ancient curse robbed Gemma Fisher of everything that matters most—her friends, her family and the guy she loves.'
Question 6
What is revealed as Gemma and her friends investigate the curse's history?
- The curse was self-inflicted by Penn.
- A world of shocking secrets and twisted vendettas.
- That the immortal who cursed Penn is actually Gemma's ancestor.
- The curse can only be broken by a true love's kiss.
Show answer
B. A world of shocking secrets and twisted vendettas. As Gemma and her friends unravel the tragic history of the curse, 'they plunge deeper into a world of shocking secrets and twisted vendettas.'
Question 7
What qualities are highlighted as essential for Gemma and her friends to survive their challenges?
- Wealth, power, and cunning.
- Courage, love, and the power of their friendship.
- Individual strength, magical talent, and ancient artifacts.
- Deception, manipulation, and strategic alliances.
Show answer
B. Courage, love, and the power of their friendship. The synopsis states it 'will take all their courage, love and the power of their friendship just to survive,' emphasizing these qualities.
Question 8
What is the underlying motivation for Penn's actions against Gemma?
- A desire for ultimate magical power.
- A long-standing vendetta rooted in the curse's history.
- Jealousy over Gemma's family fortune.
- A misunderstanding that escalated over time.
Show answer
B. A long-standing vendetta rooted in the curse's history. While Penn is obsessed with Daniel, the deeper context of 'twisted vendettas' and unraveling the 'tragic history of the curse' suggests her actions are part of a larger, long-standing conflict directly tied to the curse's origin.
Question 9
What does the phrase 'Elegy' in the title likely symbolize in the context of the story?
- A celebration of Gemma's new magical abilities.
- A lament for what Gemma has lost due to the curse.
- An ancient prophecy foretelling the curse's end.
- The name of the immortal who cast the curse.
Show answer
B. A lament for what Gemma has lost due to the curse. An elegy is typically a poem or song of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead. Given that Gemma has 'lost everything that matters most—her friends, her family and the guy she loves,' the title likely reflects a lament for these profound losses.
Question 10
What makes the destruction of the curse-binding scroll particularly challenging for Gemma?
- It requires a sacrifice of someone she loves.
- It is protected by ancient, seemingly indestructible magic.
- Penn actively guards it with her most powerful spells.
- She needs to find three magical keys to unlock it first.
Show answer
B. It is protected by ancient, seemingly indestructible magic. The synopsis explicitly states, 'She just needs to destroy the scroll—but it's not as easy as she hoped. Protected by ancient magic, it seems utterly indestructible.'
Elegy FAQ
What is the central conflict Gemma faces in 'Elegy'?
Gemma's primary struggle is to destroy an ancient scroll that binds a curse, a curse that has stolen her friends, family, and boyfriend, Daniel. The scroll is protected by powerful magic, making its destruction incredibly difficult, while Penn simultaneously intensifies her efforts to claim Daniel.
Who is Penn and what is her motivation in this book?
Penn is one of the ancient sirens responsible for the curse, and her motivation in 'Elegy' is to completely steal Daniel for herself. She has grown increasingly obsessed with him, actively working against Gemma to ensure Daniel remains under her influence.
How does Gemma plan to learn how to destroy the indestructible scroll?
Gemma seeks out the mysterious immortal who originally cursed Penn and her siren sisters thousands of years ago. She believes this ancient being holds the key to understanding the curse's weaknesses and how to ultimately destroy the scroll.
What role do Gemma's friends play in her quest?
Gemma's friends are crucial to her mission, offering support and assistance as they unravel the curse's tragic history alongside her. Their courage, love, and the power of their friendship are essential for survival against the 'shocking secrets and twisted vendettas' they encounter.
What makes the scroll so difficult to destroy, beyond just magic?
The scroll is not only protected by ancient magic but also intrinsically linked to the siren curse itself, meaning its destruction could have unforeseen and potentially catastrophic consequences for the sirens or even the balance of their magical world. Its very nature is tied to a powerful, ancient pact.
Are there any clues about the identity or motivations of the immortal who cursed Penn?
The immortal's motivations are rooted in a tragic history and ancient vendettas, suggesting a deep personal connection or a profound magical imbalance caused by the sirens. Their curse wasn't arbitrary but a deliberate act with significant magical repercussions, hinting at a powerful and possibly vengeful past.
How do the 'shocking secrets' and 'twisted vendettas' relate to the original curse?
The 'shocking secrets' likely reveal the true, perhaps darker, origins of the siren curse and the immortal's motivations, while the 'twisted vendettas' are the long-standing resentments and rivalries stemming from the original conflict that led to Penn and her sisters being cursed, creating ongoing dangers for Gemma.
Is there a specific historical event or myth referenced that influenced the curse's creation?
While not explicitly stated, the 'ancient magic' and 'thousands of years ago' timeframe suggest connections to classical mythology, possibly involving sea deities or primordial forces that could have been angered by the sirens' original transgressions, leading to their powerful and enduring curse.
How does Gemma's desperation to get her old life back affect her decision-making?
Gemma's intense longing for her old life makes her incredibly driven and brave, but it also risks clouding her judgment, potentially leading her to take rash actions or trust individuals who might not have her best interests at heart in her frantic search for a solution.
Analyze Penn's escalating obsession with Daniel from a psychological perspective.
Penn's escalating obsession with Daniel suggests a deep-seated need for control and possession, possibly stemming from her own cursed existence and a desire to reclaim agency or a sense of normalcy through him. Her actions are less about love and more about a pathological need to dominate and own.
How does the 'power of friendship' manifest as a psychological counter to the curse's isolation?
The 'power of friendship' acts as a vital psychological antidote to the curse's isolating effects, providing Gemma with emotional resilience, moral support, and a sense of belonging. This collective strength helps her combat the despair and loneliness that the curse inherently inflicts, reinforcing her will to fight.
What psychological toll does living under the curse take on Daniel?
Daniel, being the object of Penn's obsession and potentially under her influence, likely experiences a profound psychological toll, including confusion, a loss of self-determination, and a constant internal struggle against forces he may not fully understand. His autonomy is severely compromised, leading to a sense of helplessness.
Is the 'ancient magic' protecting the scroll purely defensive, or does it have an offensive component?
The 'ancient magic' is likely not purely defensive; given the nature of curses and vendettas, it could possess latent offensive capabilities, striking out at those who attempt to bypass or destroy it. Its protection might involve traps, illusions, or even direct magical attacks to safeguard its integrity.
Could the immortal who cursed Penn have ulterior motives for helping Gemma?
It's highly plausible the immortal has ulterior motives. Their help might not be solely for Gemma's benefit but rather a means to achieve their own long-standing goals, such as further weakening the sirens, exacting more revenge, or manipulating events to their advantage, given the 'twisted vendettas' mentioned.
What does the phrase 'power of their friendship' imply about the nature of the magic in this world?
The 'power of their friendship' suggests that magic in this world isn't solely about ancient spells or innate abilities, but also draws strength from emotional bonds and collective will. It implies that genuine human connection can be a potent magical force, capable of influencing or even overcoming ancient curses.
Is there a possibility that destroying the scroll could have unintended, negative consequences for Gemma or the world?
Yes, it's highly possible. Destroying an object that binds an ancient curse, especially one of such power, could unleash unforeseen magical repercussions, potentially harming Gemma, her loved ones, or even destabilizing the magical balance of the world. The scroll might be a containment device as much as a source.
How might Daniel's agency, or lack thereof, be explored as a theme?
Daniel's lack of agency under Penn's influence serves as a crucial thematic element, highlighting the insidious nature of control and manipulation. His struggle to reclaim his will, potentially requiring Gemma's intervention, explores themes of freedom, choice, and the fight against external forces that seek to strip individuality.
What could be the ultimate 'cost' of Gemma getting her old life back?
The ultimate cost of Gemma getting her old life back might involve a profound sacrifice, such as losing a part of her newfound strength or understanding, forging an unbreakable bond with the magical world that prevents a full return to normalcy, or even a permanent alteration to her own nature or relationships.
About the author
Amanda Hocking is a prolific author of young adult fantasy and paranormal romance. She gained significant popularity through her self-published "Trylle" series, including "Switched" and "Torn," which were later picked up by a major publisher. Her work is known for its fast-paced plots and relatable characters, resonating with a large readership in the genre.
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