YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Book One Description: Seven years ago Kaylin fled the crime-riddled streets of Nightshade, knowing that something was after her. Children were being murdered — and all had the same odd markings that mysteriously appeared on her own skin...

Since then, she's learned to read, she's learned to fight and she's become one of the vaunted Hawks who patrol and police the City of Elantra. Alongside the winged Aerians and immortal Barrani, she's made a place for herself, far from the mean streets of her birth.

But children are once again dying, and a dark and familiar pattern is emerging, Kaylin is ordered back into Nightshade with a partner she knows she can't trust, a Dragon lord for a companion and a device to contain her powers — powers that no other human has. Her task is simple — find the killer, stop the murders... and survive the attentions of those who claim to be her allies!

I have read the first few books and would love to join in when you get up to book 5.

Thanks, Gillian! I'm not sure when that will be, but I hope to see you then!

Ch 6 (25%) - (view spoiler)[ Could using her powers be creating an imbalance that kills off these kids in Nightshade? I guess we will find out if there is another body/bodies found after this healing. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 12 (52%) - (view spoiler)[ Finally! We found out what went south between Kaylin and Severn! Something tells me that all is not as it seems. Did he really kill those girls or did he stumble on the bodies and she didn't stick around for the explanation? (hide spoiler)]
Ch 16 (72%) - (view spoiler)[ Hmm, I don't trust that Lord Evarrim. Could he be behind all this? I'm glad that they rescued Catti and I hope they really can keep her safe. (hide spoiler)]
Finished - Good book!! (view spoiler)[ Though I am a little disappointed that it really isn't over - I mean the dragon isn't dead, so he can just lick his wounds and come back when he is strong again. And I didn't understand Nightshade's hesitancy to kill him. Kaylin might have been mad at first that she didn't get to do it herself, but wouldn't she eventually just be happy that it was done? And I really wish we had a better explanation of Nightshade's mark and his intentions. It's the mark of a consort, but the Barrani don't seem like the type to mate outside their race. I'm totally confused by that part. It's clear that Severn is a love interest too. She just needs to find it in her heart to forgive him. (hide spoiler)]

So excited for book 2. This was WAY better than I expected.

Gah, my copy of book 2 was delayed. I hope it comes in the next couple of days!!!

I'm going to hop in with book 1 while your waiting for book 2 if thats ok Jennifer!?

Please! Book 2 came yesterday. I can put it off until you are done with 1. We should restart the thread though so you get credit.

Tiera,

I requested the thread restart for 4/1. You can still start before that if you want, it is within the time allowed.

Chapter 4: (view spoiler)[ OMG i have no clue what is happening. This world is super complex. So what is going down in that temple thing the Nightshade lord took her too? and who was the guy in the blue pillar of light? What are fieflords exactly? Are all these races basically shifters, because the hawklord has wings.. and shes traveling with a dragon. What exactly happened in her past that was so awful? And what is up with her and Severn? Is this a RHN? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 8: I almost feel like someone is going to have to hold my hand through this because I'm so lost lol. (view spoiler)[ Whew this book is loosing me, I almost feel like the writing is too "rich" its not that it has too many details its just hell I don't even know. There is just alot happening and at the same time no story progression. There is alot crammed into each page and also alot of vague references to the past that are never explained. Its making me super antsy!

"It was all for nothing," he said bitterly, and he turned, then, shoving the chair to one side, his gaze intent, almost wild." -----> What is he talking about? What was all for nothing? (hide spoiler)]

Jennifer wrote: "
Ch 6 (25%) - [spoilers removed]
Ch 12 (52%) - [spoilers removed]
Ch 16 (72%) - [spoilers removed]
Finished - Good book!! [spoilers removed]

So excited for book ..."


In response to Chapter 6 spoilers : I didnt even think of that Jennifer! You are prolly a genius!

Tiera wrote: "
Chapter 4: [spoilers removed]
Chapter 8: I almost feel like someone is going to have to hold my hand through this because I'm so lost lol. Whew this book is loosing..."

Ha! It is a change of pace from some of the easy fantasy reads that I usually fill my month with, so I get what you are saying about the language & pacing. All I can say is stick with it, it gets good and you come to realize that the author was intentionally vague at times to make the reveal better later.

Chapter 17: (view spoiler)[ There are times when I am completely engrossed in this book and other times when the writing style has this poetic ambiguity and it throws me off. I still don't get it what is Kaylin? They just keep referring to her as human but obviously she is more. I also don't understand Lord Nightshade.. Every time he has a scene or two he barely makes sense. I just wish it would stop playing all around the facts! (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[ "You do not understand what transpired here." She shook her head. Because she didn't. And because she did.
Prime example of why this book is confusing.. its so loaded with these types of contradicting sentences but the facts for instance what she did understand in this case, and what she didn't are never made evident to the reader.. So honestly I have no clue what she understands and what she doesn't. The revelations are made to the characters but not to the reader which leaves the reader in the dark. There is extraordinary detailing of the scenes and the world but when it comes to the nitty gritty of the actual plot line everything is left intentionally vague and only tiny morsels are thrown out here and there. (hide spoiler)]
Finished: (view spoiler)[ I honestly cannot tell you what happened in that final battle.. She fought a dragon? but didn't really fight it? She is chosen? for what by whom? she is tainted? by what? who are these old ones really? She is sad she saved the day? She might have almost turned evil there? All of it was so completely vague I have no clue.

I think the story is phenomenal.. except.

If I were to leave this review that would be the writing style of the book. (hide spoiler)]

So.....how are you feeling about reading book 2??

I'm down. Im super confused right now but I'm hoping to get some answers in book 2. You want to start today?

Yeah, that sounds good.

Kk there are a lot of books in this series lol. I have a strict book budget enforced by my husband so I might now be able to get them all this month.

That's cool. I had to buy book 2, but the library had book 3. Why don't we just take it one book at a time?

I also left a message for Anna to see if she still wanted to join this BR. If she reads book 1, it should help you get BR points for the first book. Sorry about that. I thought if we reset the thread that it would work.

It’s np! I was starting late anyway so it was a good idea to restart the thread! It was worth a shot! I wasn’t going to get the full points anyways since it was a month crossover so It’s no big deal even if Anna decides not to join! If we want though we can wait to get started on book 2 till she says decides though. I’m afraid if we move on she won’t won’t get credit that way. Just in case she does want to go ahead and read it.

Oooh yea let me check Libby and see if I can borrow an ecopy!

It's funny you mention Libby - I literally just discovered it a couple of days ago and I am so excited about the possibilities! Unfortunately, it seems like most of what I want to listen to is a long wait, but I was able to get Heartless right away for this month's GBR.

Ch 6 (28%) - (view spoiler)[ Ok, I think we can all agree that Evarrim HAS to be a bad guy, right? He gives me the creeps and it wouldn't surprise me if he was involved in the poisoning of the Lord of the West March. It was a little too convenient for him to show up just as she finished healing him.

One thing that I wish someone would explain since we are starting to get into all the court stuff - the Emperor is a dragon, right? But what I don't get is the Barani's placement in his court. They seem like a formidable race in themselves, but they are lower than a dragon?? I'm sure as Kaylin actually starts to apply herself to her studies that it will be explained. I just wish it was sooner rather than later. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 11 (52%) - (view spoiler)[ So who would be chosen to be the High Lord if both brothers died? I'm betting that Evarrin has something to do with it. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 16 (76%) - (view spoiler)[ I am so confused right now! I really thought this entire book was going to be about Kaylin facing off against Evarrin and the Mages on their home turf of Court. This has gone in a completely different direction. Not a bad one, but definitely a confusing one. (hide spoiler)]
Finished - Whaaa???? (view spoiler)[ I am so conflicted about how I feel about this book. I think it stems from how Kaylin is just smart enough to be able to stumble on the solutions to the problems at hand, yet she is just as confused as I am about this world because she hasn't bothered to learn about it. I'm having a hard time reconciling how a clueless character like Kaylin can be so powerful and the center of all these intrigues. BUT......at the same time, I'm totally hooked! She's a simple character in a complex world and the dichotomy is interesting to me. And that epilogue??? This whole time I thought that Nightshade was fated to be a good guy, but now I'm wondering if he is just playing a long game. I am almost upset with myself for thinking it too. There is only one way to find out - keep reading. (hide spoiler)]

Rather than wait for you to get to book 5 I will re-start the series as it was 2016 when I read the first 4 books

Yay! Yes, please join us.

Jennifer wrote: "It's funny you mention Libby - I literally just discovered it a couple of days ago and I am so excited about the possibilities! Unfortunately, it seems like most of what I want to listen to is a lo..."

Yea I've gotten a couple things right off the shelf just browsing but most of what I'm actively looking for they only have one copy and I'm like #10+ on the waiting list lol. Its frustrating for sure. Another problem is I'll make plans to read it on the day/week it says I'll get it then people will cancel their holds and all of a sudden I have an email its checked out. I'll be like nooooo Im not ready lol. Then I'll be cramming it in somewhere. That happened last month with The Iron King.

10% (view spoiler)[ "When the moon is full," he replied. "And Silver."
"Which Moon?" "The only one that counts." "She didn't ask. As far as she was concerned, there were two. This is what I'm talking about.. what was the point of this whole conversation and what the hell does it even mean lol.

This chemistry between Nightshade and Kaylin... I'm beginning to wonder if anything is ever going to happen between them (hide spoiler)]


25% (view spoiler)[ Teela turned to Severn. "I'm having trouble remembering why I haven't strangled her yet."

Why is it that everyone is always berating Kaylin for not having the knowledge and not knowing what they are talking about rather than just explaining wtf is going on. (hide spoiler)]

Tiera wrote: "
25%

I have a feeling that it will serve a purpose at some point - Kaylin doesn't like feeling inferior as a Hawk, but until she recognizes that some of this knowledge will help her in her duties, she isn't going to think it is important to learn it.

yea shes pretty one track minded and stubborn! So ready for her to get her crap together lol.

I just read which I had not read before but so glad I read it this time around. Starting now.

Chapter 6: 25% (view spoiler)[ wow a lot went down in the halls Kaylin can not be human but what is she hmmm related to something very old maybe. Whats the connection between the dead kids and Kaylin why did the deaths stop after she left the fiefs? Why have they started again now? I see why her power is being hidden if all the other healers a kept in cages. (hide spoiler)]

50%: (view spoiler)[There has to be more to Severn killing the children than Kaylin's one sided story. I am surprised she never stuck around to hear his explanation. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[ Just as I think I know whats going on the story seems to get a bit lost in they lyrical writing. I start to doubt if I understand what has just happened lol. There is so much more to Tiamaris that we need to know. Thank goodness Catti is safe. Severn is growing on me at last. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: I don't know why I like this series for sure but I think it might be the challenge of solving the puzzle of what is going on. It's like being drip fed information through a hose with holes in it. Little bits come through but most of it squirts out the holes and runs down the hose, only to arrive at its destination in a different way at a different time. That sounds as confusing as I felt at times through out most of the book.

Gillian wrote: "Finished: I don't know why I like this series for sure but I think it might be the challenge of solving the puzzle of what is going on. It's like being drip fed information through a hose with hole..."

I agree. Normally, I would be frustrated with it but instead, I find myself wanting more.

I have my copy of book 3, but I need to finish up a couple of other things first. I should start it by the end of the week.

Jennifer wrote: "

Finished - Good book!! [spoilers removed]

(view spoiler)[Why did they not kill the dragon? not finishing him off is just asking for trouble in the future, (hide spoiler)]

I will get on to book 2 asap I do have a couple of other books I need to read or at least start first.

I’m still on book 2! Hoping to finish it tomorrow!

I'm still reading.. I keep getting distracted!

No worries, Tiera. I've been staring at book 3 and unwilling to start it just yet. Too many other things to read and listen to.

32% (view spoiler)[ Kaylin asks Nightsade what kyuthe means and he spends 4 or 5 pages walking all around what it means and never actually just comes out and says it. I still don't know what it really means? (hide spoiler)]

60% (view spoiler)[ I just don't understand... what are the point of the trials? and why did she need to go through them? what will it mean? (hide spoiler)]

65% (view spoiler)[ "I know...I know what you are. I see it. You are a Hawk, and it defines you. You fly and you hunt. Fly, little Hawk, and hunt. But do not interfere."

I have no clue what the freak this means... Everyone keeps telling her she is stupid, uneducated. No wonder she has ADD when everyone speaks all around a subject and never answers her questions or chastise's her for asking questions. I'm not sure what the symbolism here is.. .yes she is a Hawk.. so are alot of other people.. I don't get it. (hide spoiler)]

70% (view spoiler)[ "And the testing the Lord of the High Halls faces---" "yes, Kaylin" Teela said quietly. "Do not name our fear. Do not give it voice. There are shadows here, and they are strong."

yes another vague statement that I don't understand. What is the fear? What is going on here? (hide spoiler)]

Finished: I need someone to walk through all my comments here and explain some things lol. I think this vague writing style is just over my head, maybe I just need some more straightforward answers? I think if this had been written in a straightforward manner that this would be a mind blowing book but I just can't figure out what is happening. (view spoiler)[ So Nightshade is trying to groom Kaylin to be his consort? Is he a bad guy or a good guy? The Barrani somehow hold off darkness by being in control of the High Halls? Where does this darkness come from? How come noone knows about it? What is Kaylin exactly? Why does she seem to have all this extra power? Is this turning into some sort of love triangle or am I reading it all wrong? I'm so lost lol. (hide spoiler)]