YA Addicted Book Club discussion

After delays it is finally out. I know a few of us will be reading it so here's a place for your thoughts

I just started, only yesterday though, so still on Chapter 1!

I have a couple audios going, should wrap up those this weekend, then starting here!

I managed to get an audio copy right away from the library so starting it up today

Just started loving how Adrian is such an anxiety sufferer and its causing eating disorders as well. Also appreciating his fiance and her support of him

I don't have anxiety, but could relate so much to him when he couldn't go up to that guy and give him a pamphlet-I had to do Vox pops when on my journalism work experience, you basically have to go up to random members of the public and ask them the question of the day for the paper, and it was one of the most horrible experiences of my life, I was so nervous having to just go up to random strangers and talk to them!

Jo that would be nerve wracking for sure!

Long chapters to listen to! Just got to chapter 3, just under 1.5 hours into the audio. (view spoiler)[ Nice punch kid! Getting put in jail and bailed out by his father was less pleasant for him of course. After that exhausting day, having to look through his mother's things must have felt impossible.
Adrian's mental illness is exhausting. But it is well done! (hide spoiler)]

Yeah the chapters are massive, I'm only on Chapter 2! Also doing the audio, I'm really enjoying the narrator!

Starting this one audio today! Working all day so not sure how far in I'll get but my goal is to finish it before the end of the month.

Starting chapter three. (view spoiler)[ I have to say Adrian is the most relatable character of this series for me. As someone who deals with nearly crippling anxiety when not on medication, it is almost painful to listen to his struggles. Add to that, only a couple years past my own mother's death and the grief is still hard so I'm definitely feeling all the feels with him. He had a line about how the day your loved one dies isn't nearly as hard as all the days to follow and learning to live with the missing piece and man.. I almost cried. (hide spoiler)]

Through ch 6
(view spoiler)[ Adrian and Monty's meeting was heartbreaking.. I can't imagine finding a brother you never knew you had and him wanting nothing to do with you. (hide spoiler)]

I'm just a little behind you Heather, up to Chapter 5.
(view spoiler)[ I feel so bad for Adrian, I agree Heather, it is difficult to listen to his struggles and thought processes, even though I don't have anxiety myself. His dad is just so cruel as well, I know we already knew that from Monty, but I feel like it's just being emphasized even more with Adrian.
So the spyglass is definitely setting up Adrian and Monty meeting, as I'm guessing it was Percy who came to enquire about it, and I'm assuming that they're still together. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

I haven't had almost any listening time this weekend so I'm a little behind you but Ill catch back up. I agree narrator is good.

HeatherH wrote: "Starting chapter three. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Sorry that you are an anxiety sufferer Heather. I can only empathize with how hard it can be. Adrian is so relatable though and I am loving that. I agree learning to live with that missing piece is the hardest part of loss and grief. (hide spoiler)]

Brittany, I'm definitely finding of the three that Adrian is the most relatable to me! I'm probably a mix of Adrian and Felicity, I think.

Me too I'd say Jo

I do love Monty but I'm quite glad I'm nothing like him tbh!

Got a lot read today, had a dental appointment in Dundee, and had a lot of waiting time due to train delays so I'm now in Part 2, Rabat, and up to Chapter 12.

(view spoiler)[ Monty was such a jerk to poor Adrian when they met, I felt so sorry for him. I understand why he didn't want to stay in contact with the family after everything with his father, but that was no reason to be so awful to Adrian. Percy is still such a sweetheart though!
I'm intrigued as to what exactly Felicity did that led her to being thrown out by the Crown and Cleaver, and where she is now? I know they say that they marooned her out at sea, but I don't think she's dead and I'm sure she'll pop back up later in the book.
Monty losing his trousers was very funny! I was so proud of Adrian for standing his ground with Bazhia, and it's nice to see Adrian and Monty starting to bond a little more.
Also Adrian running into Percy and Monty in a compromising position? PRICELESS! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Oh you're really getting through it Jo!

I had so much time today! An hour on the train there and back, plus I had to go in three hours early due to the train delays (there were only trains every two hours due to the weather and I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time) and I was listening a bit as I was walking around shopping. I also had about an hour after my appointment to wait because the train back was delayed as well!

So I binged the audio on this one, mostly yesterday, and finished! I adore Adrian - by far the most relatable and enjoyable of the siblings for me personally.

Jo wrote: "Got a lot read today, had a dental appointment in Dundee, and had a lot of waiting time due to train delays so I'm now in Part 2, Rabat, and up to Chapter 12.

."

(view spoiler)[Monty was a total ass at first. His messed up way of thinking and reasoning is explained later and it helped some but man, my heart was so sad for Adrian in those first moments. (hide spoiler)]

Heather: (view spoiler)[ I mean I do get it, his dad was awful to him and he didn't want to have any connection to his family, plus I'm sure it felt like Adrian was a replacement for him, but I still don't think it excuses his behaviour. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Jo wrote: "Heather: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Definitely doesn't, yet his disconnect from the family and the rest of his explanation (not sure if you're there yet so don't want to say too much) is fitting to Monty's character as a whole I think. I would hope he'd have grown up some in the almost 20 years and handled it better, but at the same time it felt true to the Monty we knew from the previous books. He's always been a little self centered. (hide spoiler)]

Heather: (view spoiler)[ Oh yeah it's definitely true to Monty's character. I do feel like he definitely doesn't act like he's in his mid-30s (I think?), he definitely still seems kind of stuck where he was at 18/19, I don't know if that's a flaw in the writing or if it was intentional. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Jo wrote: "Heather: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I felt like that a bit with Felicity as well. (hide spoiler)]

Im up to somewhere in chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ Adrian and his meeting of Monty was amusing. Just hit the part where Monty makes a comment about Felicity. Looking forward to seeing how that all works out and what level of disbelief or whatever Adrian has after. Definitely a lot for him to take in! (hide spoiler)]

Jo wrote: "I'm just a little behind you Heather, up to Chapter 5.

(view spoiler)[ If Percy and Monty weren't still together I'd be mad. There's isn't a pairing worth breaking apart. (hide spoiler)]

Brittany: (view spoiler)[ I agree, I was very happy to learn they were still together! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 14. (view spoiler)[ Little bit grossed out by the description of the bone sticking out of Monty's broken leg not going to lie! Anyway, they're on their way to Portugal and their ship has been wrecked, and Monty's broken his leg and they have no way to treat it, so things aren't looking good for them right now. The Flying Dutchman ship must be the fantastical element in this one as Adrian thinks he saw it during the storm. I kind of wish she would just leave out the fantasy elements as they don't really fit, but I was expecting it with this one, given how the other two went. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Made it to Part 3, The Azores, up to Chapter 19:
(view spoiler)[ So as suspected Felicity is alive, and she's the doctor that they've taken Monty to, to treat his leg. If it's possible, Adrian's first meeting with Felicity was even more awkward than with Monty! Disregarding the whole being exiled thing, living in an isolated house on an island seems pretty on brand for Felicity really. She certainly seems to be taking Adrian's reappearance better than Monty did. I did cringe slightly when he accidentally revealed that their mother had died though without knowing she didn't know. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Jo wrote: "Got a lot read today, had a dental appointment in Dundee, and had a lot of waiting time due to train delays so I'm now in Part 2, Rabat, and up to Chapter 12.."

I'm probably close to the end of chapter 12 now myself. (view spoiler)[ Monty has been such a jerk. So much more so than necessary. I did appreciate Adrian seeing Monty and Percy in that compromising position. Glad that their relationship doesnt stay a secret from Adrian.
Curious what treasonous thing Felicity did to get herself marooned. There's no way she is actually dead though. I look forward to their reunion and Adrian meeting her for the first time.

I agree with you two that Monty reads like he is way younger than he is. I feel like he should have grown up a bit more with the way he has been living but he still reads pretty true to character.

I hope Adrian stands up for himself like he did to the crown and cleaver lady. It was nice seeing that backbone, even if it surprised him just as much. He does make a good politician and has so much intelligence and things to say.

Seeing George at the teahouse was nice too. I again felt for Adrian with how much he wishes that was his relationship with his brother. (hide spoiler)]

Brittany wrote: "Jo wrote: "Got a lot read today, had a dental appointment in Dundee, and had a lot of waiting time due to train delays so I'm now in Part 2, Rabat, and up to Chapter 12.."

I'm probably close to th..."

(view spoiler)[ Definitely loved the moments when Adrian stood up for himself and found that strength within. Knowing how bad his internal struggles are really make those moments shine. (hide spoiler)]

Brittany: (view spoiler)[ I'll admit, I had totally forgotten who George was, it's been a couple years since I read Gentleman's Guide. And yes, Adrian finding the strength to stand up for himself was great! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 22.
(view spoiler)[ Adrian having a bit of a spiral because he thought the water from the pump would poison him (when Felicity really meant that she just had fresher water in the house, not that the pump water was unsafe) and ending up putting leeches all over himself and collapsing from blood loss was so heartbreaking, seeing him hurt himself like that because his intrusive thoughts had convinced him it was his only option. I really loved Felicity, Adrian and Monty's heart to heart about everything he's been going through with his mental illness afterwards, I thought that was a really powerful bit. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Jo wrote: "Up to Chapter 22.
[spoilers removed]"

Definitely agree with you here! I was hurting for him so bad during that part.

Heather: (view spoiler)[ This book is definitely one that's helped me understand how debilitating anxiety can be. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ It had really well done representation for sure. I actually told my boyfriend if he wanted to understand what my head is like not on meds, to read it. (hide spoiler)]

Somewhere in chapter 17 (view spoiler)[ I agree the description of Monty's leg was well done but very icky! I also feel the same about the fantasy elements, they just dont feel necessary.

Sad that the ship is so badly damaged. Feeling for Adrian and his loss of the spyglass. Wondering how that meeting with Felicity when he finds her is going to go. Not sure how that pirate fleet is following a child and that they haven't overthrown him yet. Seems strange to me. (hide spoiler)]

Brittany: (view spoiler)[ Yes, you really would have thought they would have replaced their 15 year old leader quite quickly! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Somewhere in chapter 19 (view spoiler)[ Enjoying seeing Felicity again and glad she has kept up with all her medicine loving and everything. Her meeting with Adrian was fun. So awkward but really she was just absorbed with other thoughts which sounds about right. I agree Jo his dropping their mother's death into casual conversation with her not knowing about it was painful.
Adrian putting the leeches on himself was not a pleasant scene. His head can be hard to be in sometimes but it is so well done. His anxiety all feels so believeable. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22: (view spoiler)[ So Adrian made a deal with Saad to find out more about the spyglass and find the Flying Dutchman ship. Why do I sense this is all about to go horribly wrong? (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Jo wrote: "Up to Chapter 22.
[spoilers removed]"

Totally agree with you Jo. That was so well done

Start of Chapter 24 (view spoiler)[ Now they are off to Amsterdam. Not so sure about Adrian's deal with Saad. This sounds like a bad plan. Keeping things this big from your siblings also probably not the best idea.
I'm going to miss having George around! Will be weird having them travel on a different ship.
That would've been such a long journey to the boat with both Felicity and Monty on the stretcher. Brutal experience for all involved. (hide spoiler)]

Somewhere in chapter 28 (view spoiler)[ Oh Monty. Getting drunk after so long being sober is sad, I feel bad for him. And then telling Adrian the truth of their mother's letter and everything that went along with that.
Felicity did make an error and didnt think of anything but herself and her research. While I can understand why and her anger to the system and how they are with women, a note to Monty about what was going on would have been a nicer choice.
I am surprised how supportive Saad seemed to be with Adrian while he was struggling and how he just sat there with him waiting for it to pass. The mutiny by Sim was inevitable but poor timing. Now the two of them are going to travel to Iceland together. Curious how the other two siblings end up back involved in this story because this cannot be the end of that. Also not sure how I want the Duchman story to wind up, feeling torn on that whole "cursed" bit. (hide spoiler)]

Finished and I loved it 4.5 stars rounded up for me (view spoiler)[ I love how the fantasy element of this one wasnt really a fantasy element. I was afraid for a moment that the author was going to "cure" Adrian in some magical way with the flying dutchman storyline but instead we are left with the did it or didnt the meeting actually happen which is so much better! Seeing Adrian learning to live with his anxiety instead of it completely controlling him was beautiful. Having him accept that there are going to be tough days as well as good ones was perfect. Again it all felt so believable and real.
I loved seeing Percy and Monty get married it was just so sweet. Having Felicity going back to Amsterdam to attempt to get reinstated is great and I love that she plans on coming back to London to help Adrian with mental reform in the coming years. Adrian learning to accept praise and how to deal with his political career is a great ending for him

I appreciated the author's notes and the why to the book getting pushed back multiple times. It ended up being an excellent story so it was worth the wait. The only real negative is that Monty and Felicity still read a bit too much like teenagers instead of their actual ages. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 24.
(view spoiler)[ So the Persephone's wreck has already been bought out by someone else and they can't dive it without his permission. Looks like we're heading to Amsterdam! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 25.

Brittany: (view spoiler)[ I agree with you, it's a terrible idea for Adrian to keep his deal with Saad from his siblings. And yes, being carted in a stretcher with your brother does not seem like the most comfortable way to travel! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

My thoughts on Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[ I loved all the Montague siblings bonding. It was great to hear about how much Felicity has achieved in her career as a doctor, though I do wonder why she's so reluctant to go to Amsterdam, there's definitely more to that story than she's letting on. And Adrian has come so far! Despite all of his beating himself up about his anxiety, it was nice to see him acknowledge the things he has achieved. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to your thoughts on the next few chapters Jo!