You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

One of the group reads for September is The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington. Please discuss the book in this thread.

Esther will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book before or during September 2021.
2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

A note on discussion: Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc.

In addition to this, the group reads are meant to be a "read along" so it is preferable that you discuss the book as you read rather than wait until you've finished the book.

And finally, discussion is not about just listing your thoughts. Please interact with the other group members, comment on their thoughts, and if they comment on yours, respond to them. This is what makes a good book discussion!

You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread.

Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

FYI: there is a nice map and glossary here: https://jamesislington.com/world.html

Thanks Esher 👍

I started another audiobook the other day and I won't be starting until that one is finished.

My library hold still says 4 weeks.

I'm still reading Troy but it's too big to carry with me on the train. So I started, but for now will be slow.

I read the prologue and first chapter today. (view spoiler)[ A lot of names of people and places and groups, so it's a bit hard to know what's going on and it raises many questions. I think Esther's link might come in handy. Not much else to say yet. (hide spoiler)]

I'll probably start over the weekend.

Peggy wrote: "I'm still reading Troy but it's too big to carry with me on the train. So I started, but for now will be slow.

I read the prologue and first chapter today. [spoilers removed]"

I also finished the first chapter. I feel the same way. (view spoiler)[ plus a little confused... he says that it is a bad thing to be able to "read" people, then says that he has to figure out the motivations of a group of people for an elder. Isn't that reading people? (hide spoiler)]

I meant to get started yesterday, but life said not happening. I will probably start up again tonight.

Christina wrote: "Peggy wrote: "I'm still reading Troy but it's too big to carry with me on the train. So I started, but for now will be slow.

I read the prologue and first chapter today. [spoilers..."¸

(view spoiler)[I guess that either motivation means something Essense related in this context (some king of exam?)) and that "reading people use a different sort of magic than the Essense, one that is a big "no no". (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Esther wrote: "Christina wrote: "Peggy wrote: "I'm still reading Troy but it's too big to carry with me on the train. So I started, but for now will be slow.

I read the prologue and first chapte..."

Thank you.. must be.

I finished chapters 2&3 today. The world is finally starting to take shape. (view spoiler)[ We have just found out the trials have been moved up and I fear for Davian... Yeah, I am going to have to go ahead a read chapter 4 tonight because of it, but chapter 3 is where the story starts making sense to me. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4- (view spoiler)[ Ready to adventure!! (hide spoiler)]

Cherie wrote: "My library hold still says 4 weeks. "

Bummer!

Peggy and Christina comments got me wondering how everyone feels about prologues like this one. A few pages that do not make sense as you do not know the world and its history. And there is no indication if it is in the past or future. And it still does not make sense after reading the first chapter.

These are driving me nuts as my logical mind will keep trying to fit it in, and it gets annoying if it takes forever.

I always feel the same Esther! All through the first chapter I kept thinking: but the prologue was about someone else! Who is he? Where does he fit in? What are all the other things mentioned?

And then the first chapter raised even more questions.. I'm glad to read things are becoming more clear by chapter 3.

That's annoying Cherie! Hopefully you can read it a bit later and then if you liked it join in for the buddy reads for the other books.

It usually takes me a bit to get into the story as I try to figure out the world and the characters. Sometimes I'll go back and reread the prologue at some point.

Oh, or actually maybe (view spoiler)[ Tal from the prologueis administrator Talean from the chapters? (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "I finished chapters 2&3 today. The world is finally starting to take shape. [spoilers removed]"

These were a nice intro to the history of this world, It is starting to make sense to me as well. I have a new set o question thought. (view spoiler)[What are these attack about? who is the boy? Are both related? (hide spoiler)]

Peggy wrote: "Oh, or actually maybe [spoilers removed]"

I do not thing so,(view spoiler)[The prologue named him Tal'kamar. It may be that 'kamar is some title and that Tal is short of Talean. But I bet is is not. (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "Chapter 4- [spoilers removed]"

indeed. (view spoiler)[ and there goes my hope that they would stay at the school long enough for this book to fit in that slot for the yearly challenge. (hide spoiler)]

I let my main book alone to read this one, so I could catch up with Christina during lunch, and it turn into a long lunch as was caught in the story.

Chapter 5. what the %/%$.?!!??? (view spoiler)[Asha seems the only survivor? Why???? And Wirr real name is Torin. I guess he is partof an important family. The hidden identity must be because either his father is important and he does not want priviledge or he is hiding it because of troubles or political views, Could the be the boy Talean and Ilseth were talking about?

And why oh why did Ilseth had to turn Asha into a shadow? He could have just lied and told her Davian and Wirr had been found dead somewhere. He sure did not need to show her the note. Makes me wonder what the real story is. Even to the point that these Elder may be behind the attack. Whatever it is, there is an hidden agenda here. (hide spoiler)]

chapter 6.
Well, (view spoiler)[Troubles are coming. I do not trust Anaar. at least Davian is wise enough to realised that it is not because someone is telling the true that it is safe.

The vessel: I wonder what the wolf means. (hide spoiler)]

Esther wrote: "I let my main book alone to read this one, so I could catch up with Christina during lunch, and it turn into a long lunch as was caught in the story.

Chapter 5. "

No kidding!! (view spoiler)[ This is not good... he even says that he is behind what happened there. This mission is not as it seems. I am so mad right now.. I was all set to like that guy to, because of his bluntness and war survival.. BAH HUMBUG! (hide spoiler)]

I finished chapter 6- (view spoiler)[ Wirr definitely is more worldly than Dav and I agree about Anaar. He is vibing bad news. How did they know about them being gifted? Is Breshada a Augur also maybe? (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "Esther wrote: "I let my main book alone to read this one, so I could catch up with Christina during lunch, and it turn into a long lunch as was caught in the story.

Chapter 5. "

No kidding!! [sp..."
I keep thinking (view spoiler)[. Is there a way to reverse this shadow thing? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7
(view spoiler)[Out of the pan, into the fire??? So new country, more possibility of death. Nice.,,,

At least we get a sense that they are going towards Tal'kamar, from the prologue. But something tells me buying him a drink will not be something they want to do when they meet. We shall see.
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8&9
(view spoiler)[Well, Asha as "a new life". I would not go a far as saying a safer one. Not much of an explanation from the Elders.

The Sanctuary. I can really understand why such a place exist. I was expecting it but not right under the Elder and administration.s nose.

The watcher. Nice fellow... not! You wan to stay Jin? Sure but i am killing you. Should we assume he is some kind of Auguras he use "Seen" and "Watched"?
After "causing" Jin's death. I am not sure Asha will be welcome back in the sanctuary. Not without spilling her secrets anyway.
Now, what exactly is an escherii?
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Ch 5 (view spoiler)[ is ilseth really behind the massacre? I think he will go to great lengths to reinstate the augurs, but I wasn't sure this was his doing. He mentioned the 'escheri' left Asja alive, probably with a reason, so he didn't kill her either. He must know more about the attack than he lets on.

He also promised to tell Asja and Wirr about Davian, but he didn't. Yet when he promised it, he wasn't lying. Or could that be because he promised to do it 'after the trials'? Was it ever his attention to tell them? (hide spoiler)]

Peggy wrote: "Ch 5 ."
(view spoiler)[I am not sure what Ilseth motivations are but I suspect things are not so simple as "let's get the Augurs back", now that I had time to think about it. If you want to reinstate the Augurs, you do not send a augur kid that does not know anything of the outside world alone with no help and no plan.

I still cannot come up with the reason why he "shadowed" Asha. I guess we will find out eventually. (hide spoiler)]

I hope we do! And also why (view spoiler)[ she was left alive. I hate it when things don't add up.

You're probably right about Ilseth. He's very likeable, but probably too good to be true. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10&11
(view spoiler)[
The tavern. I cannot blame Davian for hitting Wirr. The are lucky they got away with it. This was totally reckless.

So the vessel is a wayfinder that points the direction to someone, not something. And this seems to be a powerful someone according to Wirr, or was that burst from whoever tied them? And what was that creature? is it dead or just gone? (hide spoiler)]

Esther wrote: "Chapter 7
Spoiler removed"

(view spoiler)[ If Dav can make people forget... that is a pretty awesome power (hide spoiler)]

Christina wrote: "Esther wrote: "Chapter 7
Spoiler removed"

[spoilers removed]"
A bit of a scary one...

chapter 12

(view spoiler)[Asha is looked up. No surprise. I am not sure of this Scyner fellow. There are so many sides and not enough information for Asha to make sense of things. Nevertheless, leaving the Tol may be a good move. (hide spoiler)]

I started last night. I'm somewhere in chapter 2 so it's early days. I always enjoy Michael Kramers narration.

Chapters 13-15

Well, well, (view spoiler)[I knew I was not trusting Tenvar but it is worst than I thought. Although why should we trust Taeris' word. The fact that Augur can be deceived with a bit of training is not good news. Well, at least, it saved them from the school slaughter.

I am not sure what to make of Caeden. Did he really not remember anything? I am sure his is quite a story. I am tempted to believe him.

So the sha'teth are after Wirr. I would have thought Caeden. Then again, it may be because who knows where Caeden is from and there may also be a trace for him. (hide spoiler)]

chapter 16 or how to loose control of whatever happens to you. :)

chapters 17-18
(view spoiler)[Well, So Torin is a royal. Can't say it is a surprise. An easy way back with Karaliene would have been too easy. At least they will be 2 new members to their party. Bound to help.. I hope.

At the very least, it is known that Davian and Wirr survived.

I do not know about you but I am thinking that everyone has their own goal and agenda in this story. At some point something will go awfully wrong when all of these stop lining up.(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

I started this weekend. I have only listened to the first 2 chapters, but I am enjoying it already.

I started the book and so far it's pulling me in.

Prologue - (view spoiler)[I can't decide if this is a future event or past event, (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1 - (view spoiler)[ The story starts out with a bang. A student is turned into a Shadow. It sounds horrific. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 - (view spoiler)[ It sounds very dystopian. The Gifted have to wear a restraint outside of the school. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 - (view spoiler)[ I did not expect that! I thought Ilseth was to be trusted, but he's despicable, turning Ashalia into a Shadow. Can it be reversed?

So who is Wirr? He signed the note as Torin. There is a mystery about Davian as well. He sounds like an orphan, but what is his history? He's an augur, and they were all supposed to have been killed off.

It sure would be nice to have an augur or two to reign in the lies from all the politicians these days. LOL! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6 - (view spoiler)[ It didn't take long for Davian and Wirr to run into trouble. Davian drops the cube on the floor and people are watching. It really reminds me of Frodo dropping the ring in the busy bar of the inn. Is Anar (the smuggler) the equivalent of Aragorn? Or is he to be trusted? Davian's spidey sense says he's telling the truth. And who is this girl who is a hunter? (hide spoiler)]

chapter 19
(view spoiler)[Asha is up to date as we now are. The pieces of this puzzle are slowly coming together.
Asha seems to have chosen her side, but will the Shadraehin let her go so easily? I think not. Michael Alac present himself as a straight forward kind of person that will make Asha work hard.
(hide spoiler)]

Peggy wrote: "Ch 5 .."

I suspect that he told Davian (view spoiler)[ "after the trials" knowing that the trials would never happen. So technically, he wasn't lying. I wanted to like him, but I think he's tricky! (hide spoiler)]

Waw, everyone has allready dived in! I'll start near this end of the week.

Esther wrote: "Peggy and Christina comments got me wondering how everyone feels about prologues like this one. A few pages that do not make sense as you do not know the world and its history. And there is no indi..."

That prolong really put off and made the first few chapters tortuous. It was only from chapter 3 that I felt I'd any grasp on on what was going on. I really dislike that kind of start :(

Janice wrote: "I started the book and so far it's pulling me in.

Chapter 6 - [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ I totally thought the same thing about Frodo dropping the ring! (hide spoiler)]

Margo wrote: "I started last night. I'm somewhere in chapter 2 so it's early days. I always enjoy Michael Kramers narration."

I also like his narration. He does all the wheel of time books and it makes me want to listen to those again!

I am in ch 9 but not done with it yet. (view spoiler)[ I am also curious about why Asha was left alive and why she was shadowed. I didn't mind the prologue as much as some others did. I look forward to seeing how Wirr adds to the adventure. I often like the sidekicks in fantasy series. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7 - (view spoiler)[So was the double-cross all for the benefit of Anar's fellow smugglers? That gold coin and the wink at the end made me think it was all for show, to save face with his companions. I'm beginning to wonder just how much truth Davian can detect. He's made a few mistakes. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8 & 9 - (view spoiler)[ I thought Shadows had their memories erased, yet Asha remembers Davian & Wirr. If she completely forgets the horror of the massacre, would she not also forget her feelings for Davian? Ilseth really is a nasty piece of work. He must be an amazing actor to pull his sympathy act off.

The Shadows are treated horribly. I hope Asha goes to live in the Sanctuary. But who is The Watcher? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 - (view spoiler)[ I think there's more to Breshada than just being a hunter.

That was a pretty intense game they played with the hunters. Davian won Slayer, a sword. Why would he throw it away? Maybe it was one of the named swords? (hide spoiler)]

It's really tough keeping track of all the characters and figuring out who is who.