Shelf Indulgence Book Club discussion

Please no spoilers after chapter 23!

Did anyone else expect the coronation ball to go the way it did? I have to say I was really surprised. I am glad certain people are dead, although I wish we could have gotten a little bit more character development from them, especially Dain. Although it's probably safe to say he was just evil and that's as much character envelopment we need.

I'm really shocked with Cardan's character development. I love how sarcastic he is when he and Jude are escaping and when he is tied up to the chair. I don't think it was the smartest idea to bring Cardan back to Dain's lair although I don't know where else they would have gone.

I'm really intrigued with Madoc's character. It's obvious that he loves Jude and he feels guilty about killing her parents. Part of me thinks he doesn't want anyone to be king. I'm really interested to see how he knew about everything Dain has done.

As for Taryn...I'm a little lost for words. How she and Locke could do that to Jude is crazy. I knew Locke wasn't to be trusted. I love the part when Madoc tells Jude and Taryn that Locke is worthy of both of them and when he tells Taryn she can do what she wants but he wont stand in front of misery that she chooses. Also I have a feeling that Vivi and Jude will not be leaving for the mortal world. Something bad is going to happen. Does anyone else think it's foreshadowing when Jude puts Cardan's ring on (pg 289, last line)? I'm a sucker for hate to love trope. I really hope Cardan ends up being the main love interest. Although he is self centered and a jerk I think there is good in him and I think he actually loves Jude. There are so many good quotes from this book. Holly Black's writing is memorizing and I love her attention to detail and how intriguing her characters are.

Oooh, you might be right Gabby. I wonder what her putting on the ring signifies? I absolutely hated Cardan at first but now I’m rooting for him. What has happened?! Haha.

As of right now I’m so conflicted on how I feel about Madoc, but perhaps that is what Holly Black was aiming for? I also really dislike Taryn. She’s tried so hard to fit into the fae world that she has definitely become like them.

Julie wrote: "Oooh, you might be right Gabby. I wonder what her putting on the ring signifies? I absolutely hated Cardan at first but now I’m rooting for him. What has happened?! Haha.

As of right now I’m so c..."

I agree! I really don't like Taryn. She and Locke deserve each other. I love the quote when Jude says that she understands why Locke didn't pick her but Taryn should have.

Am I the only one who doesn't think Dain was as bad as Balekin?? Yea he made her stab herself but in his mindset as future king he needs loyalty which is the hardest to come by when you are in a position of power and he needed to know that she would be playing his cards not her own agendas.


I'm not defending him Im just saying I kinda get it, also it's mentioned that Dain would be like the reigning king and he was beloved.

I so called Taryn and Locke. Ugh. I love that she was more mad about losing a sister than losing a boyfriend. 👏🏻

I love how much Jude is evolving through the book! I think it's interesting how she is kinda turning into Madoc