Book Lair discussion

So far it's just me and Leigh, does anyone else want to join us? If so, when do you want to start?

PS: You can send a private message to the author for a free copy of the book!

Hi All, anyone wanting to read Unworthy for this challenge can have it for free. Just send me a message on Goodreads with your email and preferred format. :-)

Alright we'll start today but feel free to join in, guys!

Prologue - the discussion between the young Captain and the General has me intrigued. I must know more...

Joanne was kind enough to give me a copy, so I will read along as well, but I will probably begin tomorrow.

Thanks! :D

And finish before everyone else ahah xD
I've just started, still reading the prologue. Looks promising.

(view spoiler)[Since the prologue ends with the general saying he wants to keep things in the family, I am wondering if he means it literally, if he and Alex are related, or if the family is just the Polis. The description does not hint in the slightest that they are related but, if not, that doesn't really answer Alex's question, since the Polis is a big family and there was plenty he could have chosen from... (hide spoiler)]

:P:P:P:P <----raspberry!

Ahah xD

Well, I just finished the first chapter and can't wait to know more! I love how everything is shown very progressively. I actually reread everything and enjoyed it even more the second time eheh.

As a non native english speaker I have some trouble with a few words and concepts so have to look them up which takes a while but totally worth it.

(view spoiler)[I like the idea of a sand circle, to see if anyone tried to help the baby. Simple and effective.

One thing I would have changed was that it's mentioned in the beginning 'This one has done so well. She must be strong' and afterwards 'The baby I have guarded tonight is female.' Don't see much of a point in stating that. (hide spoiler)]

Reading chapter 2 now and I find it odd that (view spoiler)[Arcadia says she has a mark on her wrist, black cross against pale skin, but later she says she is one of the darker girls. Sooo pale on her wrist but rest is dark/mocha? (hide spoiler)]

@Ana: Wow, nothing escapes you. I sailed right past that one. Things seem to be slowing down a bit, putting some backstory on the society and description. Not bad, but could be more exciting.

Ahah thanks! I blame you :P I always noticed stuff but not nearly as much as until I started beta reading for you ;)

I actually don't mind it when things slow down, it makes me really get into the character, feel what they feel, and I am totally experiencing that here! I am still on chapter 2, reading the description of her walking, and thoroughly enjoying it.

What chapter are you reading now?

Gotta love sundays, huh? xD

Done with chapter 2.
(view spoiler)[I really want to know how Arcadia's parents died!
Oh, I think I may have missed something, because I can't remember why no one swims? Or few people do? Is something wrong with the water due to the sickness? O_o
The description made me feel like that swim was something really special, I enjoyed it. (hide spoiler)]

Done with chapter 3 and I think I will call it a night *yawn*. This one was much bigger but completely enjoyable.
(view spoiler)[ I like how the pods are built. Both their minimalistic, functional design and the thought of a society which has maximized energy harvesting and efficiency altogether.
I also like Bastian. It's rare to see two people developing feelings for each other at relatively the same pace and they are both so freaking cute!
Arcadia's grandfather intrigues me more and more. (hide spoiler)]

I finished chapter 9, but I have to call it a night. Personally, things are getting more interesting in ch. 8 and 9. Comments for tomorrow!

Oh man, I am really behind then!
Well, I just read chapter 4.
There are some things in common with other dystopian books. Great commodities in exchange for compliance, for instance. The underdogs taught to feel that they should be grateful for being protected, while all along trading in their freedom and basically working for free.
We finally get to see what it's like to be an unworthy in public. I cringed for Dia :(
I am anxious to see how this will play out but alas, work day tomorrow.

Well, I have read till chapter 8... So sad :(
(view spoiler)[Scary how Bastian got so brainwashed. I can see they are not going to stay together.
I wonder if Alex is the soldier who came for her. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished chapter 11. It was very exciting, the scene with the dog.
I am wondering what's up with Arcadia's grandfather... (view spoiler)[Seems to me they may not be related at all. (hide spoiler)]

Ahh! I'm behind! I'm trapped in Christmas madness and can't read!

Yay more chances for me to catch up eheh!
They're fairly short chapters btw.

Well, I'm up to ch. 12:

I love her descriptions of the land and when the storm comes in (the pines creaking, etc.). The details are great.

I'm wondering about her grandfather, too...what was going on in his life?

I am also grateful that Dia is not going on and on about how incredibly gorgeous the guy is - this gets so old in typical YA/Dystopia. I will try to read more during lunch, but no promises!

Well i am sick so only managed to read chapter 12 last night as well and agree, the descriptions are lovely.

(view spoiler)[I am beginning to wonder if Alex was born in the Hubs, seems like his accent is truly genuine. (hide spoiler)]

I have not been able to load it on my Nook so haven't been able to start. I really, really want to, so hopefully tomorrow.

It seems as if you are all enjoying it. :D

Yep going slowly here now, being sick is not letting me concentrate, only managed to read one more chapter, so 13. Amazing how when you think it's finally going to get boring the author comes up with something to bring us right back, even when you are distracted by other stuff. Very well written indeed.

Well, I have made it to chapter 17. What an ending. (view spoiler)[The tracker is a 12 yo girl? Wow. They start them young, huh?

One note: I sigh and bang it on the soldier's cooking pot. It seems indestructible. I hardly think banging something against a cooking pot is enough to pronounce them idestructible. (hide spoiler)]

Done with chapter 23 and this is taking some intiguing turns.
(view spoiler)[Alex is finally starting not to sound 2 dimensional. So far he felt more like, well, a soldier, with no distinctive traits other than being or striving to be effective. Now it seems like he is completely loyal to the Polis but can also make his own judgement and see what is wrong. I like that even Arcadia agrees that the purpose the Polis has in mind makes sense - survival of the fittest for the human race's best interest. (hide spoiler)]

I am done with the book and will post my review soon.

Still only about half-way through. They are travelling a long time; sometimes it's interesting and sometimes, I catch myself wishing I was doing something beside reading. Not good, but not bad either.....I'll try to finish soon and comment some more!

Yeah I got that feeling sometimes as well, as often do in books of the genre, but I find that there was something exciting in each chapter.

I believe the real strength of the book lies in its beginning though, when we were discovering Arcadia, her world and how she views it. I often get that feeling with other fantasy/dystopias. Discovering all that is what gets me hooked but then it all becomes very similar - the travelling, findind a new love interest, running from/fighting whatever is chasing them and keeping them from their goals, etc.

Hey guys can you please post here or on your member corner topic when you post your review? Looking forward to knowing what you thought of the book :)

I'm not 100% sure how to put in a link, but here is my review: my link text

Oh wow I have no idea how you did that, I just copy paste the url and it changes automatically to a clickable link :)

Thanks for letting me know, nice review!