Ednah Walters Fans-YA Paranormal Romance with Mythology, NA, Contemporary Romance discussion

Are you ready to go back to where it all began? This month we will be taking our time perusing the pages of the very first novel in the Runes series, which just so happens to be FREE. So if you haven't picked up your copy, you can do so today at any ebook retailer:
Our questions start tomorrow, and at the end of the read-along you can ask some questions of your own!

Day 1- Chapter 1
Initial Impressions-
So tell me honestly, what were your genuine first impressions of Raine? Cora? What did you think of her vlog? Harmless shallow fun or something more serious?
Do you follow any vlogs or have any you think we should check out?

When I was in high school no one did any Vlogs. As of right now though, I do have a friend that does one, but it's a bunch of random stuff and it's funny. I mainly follow it to support her and because it's funny to watch. As for my first impression I kind of thought the two characters were an odd match, but I have no room to talk because I was a Raine Cooper when I was younger lol. Cora is an interesting character. The fact that she doesn't hang out with the "in crowd" but is definitly popular in her own way (her vlog). Raine reminds me of me in a way. Keeps to herself, in love with a guy who she's known forever and the type who wears whatever she thinks is comfortable!

Jessica wrote: "When I was in high school no one did any Vlogs. As of right now though, I do have a friend that does one, but it's a bunch of random stuff and it's funny. I mainly follow it to support her and bec..."

I know what you mean, I was (well am) very introverted and would rather read than go out with friends. And Cora seems like nearly the complete opposite of Raine at this first glance.
I think sometimes we become friends with people because we seek out the qualities we wish to have, so maybe Raine likes how different Cora is.
As for the vlog, that wasn't even a thing when I was in high school, and I wouldn't have had access to it until I was nearly finished with school due to our limited internet access and one household computer until about 2004.
I was so standoffish I wasn't really ever in love with anyone around me, so this was an interesting situation to read about.
I think it would be very shallow to host a blog judging dudes on their hotness, and hypocritical bc if the roles were reversed the girls would be furious. I do like that she doesn't have anything about the ones she doesn't find attractive at least.

My first impression of Raine was she was the shy type of person. While Cora is outgoing and wants to have a fun time. I thought her Vlog was a little crazy but then again she thought it was fun. I've never had a Vlog or even been around one.

Samantha wrote: "My first impression of Raine was she was the shy type of person. While Cora is outgoing and wants to have a fun time. I thought her Vlog was a little crazy but then again she thought it was fun. I'..."

I agree, Raine seems very reserved. I'm wondering if Cora's vlog is really all in fun or if there's more to it. (Just off this first chapter, I'm trying not to come up with things based on later reading:)

Ashley wrote: "Day 1- Chapter 1
Initial Impressions-
So tell me honestly, what were your genuine first impressions of Raine? Cora? What did you think of her vlog? Harmless shallow fun or something more serious?
..."
vlogs are fun to watch, but I have no plans to do one. I love the idea of Cora's vlog. It is the kind of fun thing a high school student would do.

I liked Raine right away. Her inner monologue is funny and the kind of sarcastic I love.

Karen wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Day 1- Chapter 1
Initial Impressions-
So tell me honestly, what were your genuine first impressions of Raine? Cora? What did you think of her vlog? Harmless shallow fun or something ..."

I am sarcastic to the bone, so I too enjoyed that in Raine:) and I do see where the vlog would just be more acceptable in hs than outside of that bubble of low impulse control:)

Day 2- CH 1 and 2
So at this point, Raine has A LOT going on- her Dad is missing, the boy she's loved forever doesn't seem to feel the same way, the new annoying hot-as-Hel neighbor has added to her frustration and she can't quite figure out what his deal is. Do you think Blue Eyes has good intentions? How do you think he and Eirik's parents know each other? Why would Eirik hide the fact he is leaving- was it to spare Raine some more hurt as he says or to another end?
PLEASE keep this to first two chapters thank you much:)

Raine struck.me as the girl next door. Cora struck me as the girl who'd be fun to be around. Her vlog id no big deal, she's a HS student and ranking guys.

I would like to hope blue eyes has good intentions but he could be up to something. Maybe blue eyes and Eirik know each because they could be distant cousins or something like that. I think Eirik didn't want to tell Raine he was leaving because they are so close and he didn't want to hurt her.

I feel the same. Maybe Erik was angry that her had to move and that he felt like he was betraying the friendship by leaving, or he feels that if he doesn't tell her it's like it's not even happening. As for blue eyes maybe him and Erik are related or even their families have known each other for an extended period of time. And how intentions who honestly knows?!?

Jeff wrote: "Raine struck.me as the girl next door. Cora struck me as the girl who'd be fun to be around. Her vlog id no big deal, she's a HS student and ranking guys."

I can totally see that :)

Samantha wrote: "I would like to hope blue eyes has good intentions but he could be up to something. Maybe blue eyes and Eirik know each because they could be distant cousins or something like that. I think Eirik d..."
He did seem rather hesitant to hurt her in any way.

Jessica wrote: "I feel the same. Maybe Erik was angry that her had to move and that he felt like he was betraying the friendship by leaving, or he feels that if he doesn't tell her it's like it's not even happeni..."
It's hard to say what lies beneath the surface, Ednah gets those gears turning right away. Who is this hot, annoying dude? Why didn't Eirik think she might get her mom to help convince his parents to let him stay? #somanyquestions

I think Eirik is reluctant to accept the fact that he is leaving Raine. Therefore, he purposely draws closer to Raine. He also doesn't want to give up the only 'family' he has ever known.

It is hard to know about Blue-eye's intentions, but he obviously has an agenda.

Karen wrote: "I think Eirik is reluctant to accept the fact that he is leaving Raine. Therefore, he purposely draws closer to Raine. He also doesn't want to give up the only 'family' he has ever known.

It is ha..."
I totally agree Karen, Eirik seems to care for Raine even though it may be as friends it seems very strong. And I think sexy pants Blue Eyes is hiding something- how the heck did he fix that mailbox??

Day 3 Ch 3
Poor Raine, she gets suckered into a "to do" when all she wants is to watch Sam and Dean. She has funny feelings and gets flustered around Blue Eyes (who we now know is Torin.) Furthermore, she keeps meeting all these new people and it's getting to be a bit much, she just wants her Dad home.

How do you think she really feels about the Tshirt of Shame? I for one would never be able to wear it without bawling from embarrassment.

Eirik and Cora seem to have something more planned the way they are glancing around trying to avoid saying much to Raine, do you think it's a surprise for her birthday? What would you like for a surprise- a party, a big gift?

I'm pretty sure she was embarrassed to wear that shirt. Who would want to actually wear that shirt out in the open?!?! I know i wouldn't lol.

As for the whole party thing, I don't like being center of attention, so I would go with a big gift. A surprise birthday party would probably be fun, but I would feel like I would have to mingle with everyone

Sorry for all the random comments, but this is being weird all of a sudden today and I have to do it this way. But as for Erik and Cora maybe they do have a surprise for Raine and they are being cautious because they know if they are around her to much they will end up spiling

I would never wear that shirt! I'm sure she is mortified! Hmm if I had friends like Eirik and Cora I would think they were up to something. Especially if they keep avoiding you on your birthday. I would love a surprise party!

Jessica wrote: "Sorry for all the random comments, but this is being weird all of a sudden today and I have to do it this way. But as for Erik and Cora maybe they do have a surprise for Raine and they are being ca..."

Yeah nope I couldn't wear it.
I am the same way- the less attention the better.
Hmm maybe they do have something up their sleeve.

No worries, goodreads is as bad as facebook sometimes.

Samantha wrote: "I would never wear that shirt! I'm sure she is mortified! Hmm if I had friends like Eirik and Cora I would think they were up to something. Especially if they keep avoiding you on your birthday. I ..."

True facts.

Day 4 Ch 4:
We have learned so much in this chapter! and yet there are more questions- what are Torin, the Dahl girls and Andris? What did you think of Cora and Eirik's surprise? Raine seemed pleased and blown away at the same time. She's got to wonder what is happening when her best friends are getting along for a change, right?
Do you think Torin isn't allowed to tell Raine more or that she is supposed to know more already so he doesn't elaborate?

Torin, Andris, and the Dahl sister could be superheroes! Hmm maybe not. Just people who can do magic I suppose. What Cora and Eirik did for Raine was amazing! Sounded like so much fun! I think Torin not telling her maybe because he can't. But then again I also think it could be that he thinks she should know more.

It's intriguing (and hard not to read ahead lol)

Day Ch 4 and 5:
Wow I was so worried for Raine and the gang here! How scary!

What would you do if you were in a public place that wasn't all that familiar and there was a blackout followed by panic?

What did you think of Torin's sudden appearance? Do you think it was because he knew Andris would be there? What's their deal?

Have you ever been part of a team or organization that would be as supportive as the Trojans were when Kate went to the hospital?

If there was a blackout at a place that I didn't know and then followed by panic id freak out no doubt about it. Torin showing up was a big surprise idk if he did it because of Andris being there or just for the purpose to annoy Raine. I was in a team that was just as supportive as the Trojans were. It's good to have a team there for support during the worst of times.

Ashley wrote: "Day 4 Ch 4:
We have learned so much in this chapter! and yet there are more questions- what are Torin, the Dahl girls and Andris? What did you think of Cora and Eirik's
surprise? Raine seemed ple..."
I believe that Raine draws the conclusion that her best friends are making an effort to get along in honor of her birthday.
As to the strange Torin group, it is obvious that there is something very different about them. Yet, Raine is completely enthralled with them (especially Torin).
As to telling Raine the truth, Torin is leaving those revelations to her parents. It is the right thing to do.

Ashley wrote: "Day Ch 4 and 5:
Wow I was so worried for Raine and the gang here! How scary!

What would you do if you were in a public place that wasn't all that familiar and there was a blackout followed by pani..."

Point 1: If I find myself in a blackout, in an unknown are, I will park myself out of the way and wait for rescue. Preferably gorgeous rescue.

Point 2: I think that Torin's presense that night has more to do with his connection to Raine. Having Andris and the girls there was extra, security related incentive.

Point 3: the Women of Faith group through church and the and the rest of the Membership and Development dept. with the Girl Scouts of America (not volunteer, worked on staff)

Samantha wrote: "If there was a blackout at a place that I didn't know and then followed by panic id freak out no doubt about it. Torin showing up was a big surprise idk if he did it because of Andris being there o..."
Me too, I would lose my mind, but then I'm claustrophobic and have social anxiety, so I'd probably just pass out myself.

My Bookbag wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Day Ch 4 and 5:
Wow I was so worried for Raine and the gang here! How scary!

What would you do if you were in a public place that wasn't all that familiar and there was a blackout f..."
I have to say I thought it was interesting that Torin kept popping up, like what is his deal?

haha I want a gorgeous rescue too ;)

I agree with you all that having a team or group to belong to, whether in time of need or otherwise, can be rather fulfilling. Are there any online groups that fill this role? Do you think online friends can be as meaningful as friends you spend time with in real life?

Ch 6:
We learn that although she was doing ok, she took a turn for the worse and Kate passed away, which seems to anger Torin for some reason. Maybe because he feels bad for Raine? What do you think?

Raine and Cora both experience bullying which sadly affects far too many youths today. Were you bullied or a bully yourself in school? What can we do to help prevent it? Since we obviously can't rune someone into behaving lol

Why do you think Ingrid cleans up the mess from the fight? Is she as bad as Maliina or does she maybe have a good side?

I think Torin was mad because maybe he thinks Andris and the Dahl sisters had something to do with it maybe or because of Raine. I wasn't personally bullied in school. I wish people would be able to get along instead of seeing the worst of people or when they have habits that the bullies don't like they decide to make that persons life hard. If people got along or at least tried too we wouldn't have that bad of a bullying problem. I feel Ingrid may have a good side. She doesn't seem like a bad person to me. She seems like someone who would defend her sister at all costs.

Samantha wrote: "I think Torin was mad because maybe he thinks Andris and the Dahl sisters had something to do with it maybe or because of Raine. I wasn't personally bullied in school. I wish people would be able t..."

I was thinking that too, Torin has seemed out of sorts every time Andris and the girls are involved with anything, like maybe he is supposed to be in charge of them but isn't controlling them?
I think Ingrid loves her family but wants to do the right thing, so she fixes their mess.

I experienced bullying but not anywhere near the extent that I saw some kids go through. I wish I could have stood up for people more, but as a painfully shy person I usually just walked away, though if it was physical instead of verbal I def would tell someone.
I agree, if more parents and teachers could instill compassion, we'd get further in the fight against bullying.

There was a couple times people made comments about my ears by calling me "satellite ears" and one girl wanted to date the guy I was dating at the time, so she went around spreading rumors about me. I personally never heard any of them myself until she told me when she apologized when we were older. Otherwise then that I'm a very social person. I hung out with everyone. I never personally bullied anyone and neither did anyone I hung out with.

As for Torin getting upset maybe he got upset because he seem how it affected Raine. And Ingrid probably cleans up her sisters mess because she is family and she cares about her. She probably feels that since they are siblings they should take care of each other.

Day 7/ch 7
Quite a lot happens in this chapter, including some interesting developments with Mr. Blue Eyes:)

Eirik continues to voice his displeasure towards Raine's association with Torin- do you think it's just jealousy or something more ominous?

Torin starts to help Raine with finding the meaning behind the runes on her car (and person) but he's rather vague about it. What are the first runes you'd look up and why?

I have to point out one of my fave quotes from the whole book, which happens to be in this chapter- it's the first time Torin gives Raine a glimpse at how he truly feels:
"You should see yourself through my eyes, Raine Cooper.
Gorgeous, fascinating, stubborn, funny, but I wouldn't
have you any other way."
***swoon**
What did you think of this admission?

He goes on to give her the book of runes, stating that it's in the language of the gods. Do you think he means a language only the gods know? If so why give Raine a book she can't decipher?

What do you think Ingrid and Maliina are playing at trying to buddy up to Cora and act like they want to be friends with Raine?

Jessica wrote: "There was a couple times people made comments about my ears by calling me "satellite ears" and one girl wanted to date the guy I was dating at the time, so she went around spreading rumors about m..."

That's awful, I'm glad you have friends you could count on though!
That's what I'm loving about Cora, she may be boy crazy and obsessed with looks, but deep down she's a great friend and loves Raine:)

Jessica wrote: "As for Torin getting upset maybe he got upset because he seem how it affected Raine. And Ingrid probably cleans up her sisters mess because she is family and she cares about her. She probably feels..."

good points:)

I think Erik is highly jealous. He's known Raine forever! He finally gets the girl and in walks "Torin" in all his glory. What girl wouldn't swoon over him....I know i would....the runes thing I don't exactly what I would look up first, but I would definitly be trying to figure out what is going on. Torin obviously gave her the book for a reason. He trusts her probably and wants to see the lengths she will go to find the answers. Even if it in the "the language of the Gods" there has to be a way to read it. When the is a will there is always a way. As for the sisters I feel like they are up to something. It's obvious from earlier occurrences we know how Malina is, but Ingrid I feel like she only listens to her sister because she's scared. She's probably scared to see what her sister would do to her if she ever turned her back on her, or the fact that she's family and she feels that what her sister is doing is just what she does. Even though it's wrong she goes along with it to keep sonr peace after the aftermath when she cleans it all up. But I wouldn't trust them! They have to have something planned. The old saying goes "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer".

Also forgot to mention with the comment that Torin made to Raine I think he's developed feelings or he is developing feelings for her and isn't ready to admit it yet. Something is holding him back from telling her how he truly feels. Is it because she's with Erik and he's respectful, or is there something else. Honestly though if a guy ever said that to me I would be in Heaven and I would probably not let him get away lol

I totally agree Jessica! major swoon, but yeah it would be difficult for Eirik NOT to be jealous. I don't trust those wenches with a ten foot pole, or a bestie.
And you may be right- we did see Raine go straight to Google to try to find the translation she needed. I wonder what she will do next?

I think Eirik maybe jealous but I believe he is also just looking out for her. The first rune I would look up is the healing rune. So if I ever get hurt I can just fix it right away. I think he finally admitted his feelings because he knows he can't stay away and because he really feels something for her. I love that quote defiantly swoon worthy. I do believe he means that only the gods know how to read but I think he gave it to her to show that he trusts her maybe. Now them budding up with Cora I have no idea what to make of that. Maybe they want to be friends?

Samantha wrote: "I think Eirik maybe jealous but I believe he is also just looking out for her. The first rune I would look up is the healing rune. So if I ever get hurt I can just fix it right away. I think he fin..."

Oh I like that, maybe Torin does trust her for some reason. And Eirik is so closed off who knows what he's up to!

Ashley wrote: "Ch 6:
We learn that although she was doing ok, she took a turn for the worse and Kate passed away, which seems to anger Torin for some reason. Maybe because he feels bad for Raine? What do you thi..."

I think that Torin was mad at the Norns for interfering. I also think it hurt him to see Raine so upset.

Ashley wrote: "Day 7/ch 7
Quite a lot happens in this chapter, including some interesting developments with Mr. Blue Eyes:)

Eirik continues to voice his displeasure towards Raine's association with Torin- do yo..."

I think Eirik's opposition to Torin is 2-fold. I think Eirik always thought that he and Raine would end up together. So he sees Torin as a rival. He also knows Torin's secret. Therefore, he feels the need to protect her.

Since the runes were on her car, I believe she should look them up first to see if they are a potential threat.

Otherwise, I wouldn't really know what to look up. It is hard to know where to start when it is all so different.

My Bookbag wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Day 7/ch 7
Quite a lot happens in this chapter, including some interesting developments with Mr. Blue Eyes:)

Eirik continues to voice his displeasure towards Raine's association wi..."

That's a good point. I think Eirik doesn't realize exactly how strong Raine's feelings are toward him since she has been waiting for him to make a move. Now that they are "together" things are more confusing than clear.
And yeah, the runes on the car would really freak me out- accidents are horrible and scary.
Raine certainly has a lot to think about!

Day 8- We're in ch 8 now and things are moving quickly!
(Literally since Raine rides Torin's motorcycle when he engages his runes this time)
Raine's mom assures her she didn't do anything to cause Kate's death, but it must be hard not to feel guilty, especially for someone as empathetic as Raine.
How would you handle this?
Do you think Raine should trust Torin with her safety?
Will his runes protect both of them or do you think she needs her own?
And what the heck does Torin mean when he says he knows all about Raine- he goes into some incredible detail about a trivial event in her childhood?