The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the Silver Elite Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on June 1st and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 06/01
1st: chapters 1-5

Week of 06/02
2nd: chapters 6-12
3rd: chapters 13-17
4th: chapters 18-23
5th: chapters 24-29
6th: chapters 30-35
7th: chapters 36-42
8th: chapters 43-48

Week of 06/09
9th: chapters 49-end


PARTICIPANTS
~ Edith
~ Sophie

commenting to help sophie find this thread 😂

since these chapters are on the longer side, gonna post and edit my thoughts as I go.

Ch. 1: first chapter seems a little long and kind of on the boring side for me. World building doesn’t normally bother me but for a cool concept of humans being modded, it didn’t capture my attention as immediately as I thought it was going to. Hoping for better chapters ahead

Ch. 2: (view spoiler)[ okay, now we’re getting somewhere. I knew that rifle shot was gonna come back and bite her in the butt! poor Jim worked so hard to keep his identity secret for so long and now this! Typical wren being the “chosen one” so much that it causes everyone else trouble (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 3: (view spoiler)[ Kinda sad that the network deemed him a lost cause especially after everything he contributed to them. If wren doesn’t manage to save him, I’m gonna throw a fit bc he’s growing on me 😂 (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 4: (view spoiler)[ really enjoyed the nostalgia this chapter brings for wren. It really rounds out her character and Jim’s. But what the actual f 🥴 I really thought Jim was gonna make it. That whole scene played out in slow motion in my head too 😭😭 (hide spoiler)]

Ok lol I finally managed to find it, don’t know what happened there 🫣😅

Chapters 1-5

I’m definitely engaged, I agree that the first few chapters were a little slow, but I do think it picked up.

In terms of Wolf, I’m actually a little torn on who I think it is. The obvious guess would be Cross, but is that a little too obvious? I feel like it could be someone from the academy (which we know she’s going to join from the synopsis).

I do really like Wren as a character, I find her entertaining but I do hope that we see some depth and not have her be snarky and sarcastic all the time.

I did look at a couple of reviews before picking this one up and whilst many loved it, a lot complained about the lack of world building and lack of politics…….which I fear may also be an issue for me. You can’t write a dystopia and it not be political, dystopias are inherently political. Hopefully the reviews are exaggerated and we do get WB and politics. Nonetheless, I have heard that this is going to be a trilogy, so we could be hitting a fourth wing situation where the books get more political and plot heavy as the series progresses.

Chapters 6-12

Ok, things are escalating. She’s now (involuntarily) joined silver block and I’m looking forward to the academic/training setting. It feels like a mix between divergent and fourth wing lol.

Matt Hadley sucks. Like he needs burning at the stake. How he turned his mother in, who came across as so sweet- I can’t even comprehend.

The little flashbacks are doing it for me, I already feel more connected to Wren. I’m still very curious about her parents, more about the Blacklands etc. I am going to need her to stop saying ‘hellfuck’ though. It’s REALLY grating on my nerves lmao.

Chapters 13-17

I am surprisingly really enjoying this story. Like I said, I was a little nervous because of the reviews, but I am engaged and finding myself wanting to pick the book up. I am still wanting more world building and politics. We’ve had a few mentions of ‘the last war’ but I’d like to get into it more- what was it like? How did it occur? Who was it between? Were there always Mods and Primes? Etc.

In terms of my earlier theory, I am still torn on Wolf’s identity. Like 50/50 . It could be Cross, but I also feel like it could be Klaine?! Is he just there for comedic relief and companionship? Idk, but I’m interested to find out.

okay, not caught up to 17 but I've totally backtracked on my earlier statement. I'm really engrossed in the story now 😂

totally agree on the lack of politics. you hear about it here and there but it seems more like background knowledge and doesn't really tell us how this current world was built. it's like it's just there as a supplemental part of her backstory.

I also think Cross is Wolf but it seems like the author wants us to think that. Kaine is a hoot to me every single time he talks 😂😂 the scene where they share the bed on the first night had giggling so hard 😂

Chapters 18-23

I’ll hide my thoughts just in case you’re not caught up….

(view spoiler)[ I’m liking the tension between Wren and Cross. I’m happy that it’s looking like it’s going to be a slow burn. I hate when a romance is rushed, and if this is going to be a trilogy, I’m going to need desperation and yearning. Poor Betima, such an awful way to go out. I was hoping that Roe was going to be a likeable character but we can scrap that now. I’m just glad that Cross condemns Roe’s actions and wants him cut from the program. I would like to see more of Wolf, he popped up quite frequently in the beginning, but now we’re going longer stretches without him popping up. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 24-29

Ok so I’m really engrossed in the story rn so I read ahead a little….

(view spoiler)[ Ooooo okay so we’ve got an official double agent situation. As much as it would’ve been nice for Wren and Betima to be in on it together, I like that the plot is at least moving along and we’ve got some secret missions to look forward to. Wren sneaking into Cross’ quarters was hilarious, entertaining and I need a hell of a lot more of it. I’d be really interested to see Cross’ PoV, either later in this book or the next. Wren really keeps him on his toes and I’d love to get into his head when she’s up to her tricks. We’re also getting some drips and drabs of Xavier and I’m liking him so far. (hide spoiler)]

okay, all caught up now! (was looking scary there for a while lol)

betima's death was so sad and unfortunate! I would've liked to see if they'd team up as well if she'd escaped with her life. but I will say that at least it kicks wren's butt into gear bc I've been wondering how good she'd become if she really put effort into the program.

I like the tension between cross and wren as well. though I will say I'm also a little sad that Kaine and Wren never pursued their attraction a little further but it makes sense. I just love Kaine lol.

I think a cross pov would be awesome. I'm really hoping he's wolf because I think that would be a great twist in the story and would cement their attraction even more. still not happy with the lack of politics besides that random message from the general in the desert... seems like the author will need to pile it on in the second book to make up for this one tbh

Chapters 30-35

Cross being jealous of Jordan…… give me more yes pls. My slow burn theory is officially out the window which is a shame, I think it would’ve solidified their emotional connection a little more. We’re getting a little more world building but I still need more.

Chapters 36-42

I’m glad we’ve had a change of scenery, it was getting a little dense. Tana killing Anson, all I can say is good riddance. Cross protecting her afterward, that’s at least one sign of an emotional connection. The end of chapter 42 was sweet, I hope we get more scenes like that, where they’re actually communicating and it’s not just sex fueled.

Chapters 43-48

(view spoiler)[We got a little more politics in these chapters, but still, I would like more, e.g. what prompted the final war? Casualties? How were things built back up? Timelines?

A lot happened in these chapters; Cross’ mum being sick/modified, the Wolf reveal (which was hilarious, cute and entertaining). I feel like it is wayyyyyy too soon for I love you’s, I did not expect it this soon. Wren is being a little too trustful in Cross, telling him practically everything about the uprising…..like girl come on? Also, I don’t understand how she had such vigorous hate towards the ‘govt’ at the beginning, and now she’s just forgotten all about it…..for a man, like girl come on? The author could’ve written this different.

Part of me suspects that Kaine, Tyler and Jones aren’t actually dead but they were kidnapped when the Uprising took the plane, the entire situation came out of nowhere and felt a little rushed.

It’s a shame, I can see a lot of potential in this story, but I feel like there has been too much emphasis on their sexual relationship (I don’t want to call it romance bcs in my opinion there hasn’t been enough of an emotional connection developed) as well as next to no politics and world building. Things will have to majorly change in book 2. I hope the author takes it as constructive criticism and not hate…..a lot of authors are in reader spaces a little too often and mistake constructive criticism for hate. I suppose in ways it’s not really their fault because publishers push them to market themselves on TikTok etc. I know I’ve gone off on a tangent, but there has been a lot of conversation about who Dani Francis is, all that’s generally out there is that it’s a well known author wanting to genre switch….makes me question if it’s a controversial author…..?

Only one section left and we will inevitably be left on a cliffhanger…. (hide spoiler)]

I finished a little early so I’ll drop and hide my review

(view spoiler)[ 3.5 stars ✨

Jesus Christ where to start with this? I saw both positive and negative reviews before reading so I went in pretty neutral.

To go over the negatives/ things I didn’t like (as there are quite a few):
- There absolutely needed to be more world building and politics. We got a few drips and drabs but we were left with too many plot holes and I still have questions; what prompted the final war? Who initiated it? Who was involved? Were there always mods and primes or are they just a mutation? Etc.
- Dystopians are inherently political!! You can’t not have depth or purpose and yet we got next to nothing and dare I say this reads like a romance with a (very lazy) dystopian plot device. There was no message or moral behind it. You’re telling me the author couldn’t draw inspiration from the LITERAL CURRENT STATE OF THE WORLD?!?
- Our FMC Wren was likeable and an entertaining perspective to read from for most of the first half, however, after that it’s like her personality and character traits entirely change! There’s zero consistency in her character and it literally just reads like the author doesn’t know her character.
- In terms of the romance, was there actually one? And no, them fucking doesn’t count. Before they knew that they were Wolf and Daisy, they had zero chemistry (yes that includes sexual despite how often they were having sex), and the Wolf and Daisy connection read as platonic. It’s crazy condition this book was pretty much entirely reliant on the ‘romance’.
- There wasn’t really any substance……I don’t think I need to repeat what I’ve just said as to why I hold this opinion.
- Divergent x fourth wing, do I need to elaborate?
- Cross, the most mundane, run of the mill, zero personality mmc ever. There were times I was seriously questioning as to whether he was even the mmc. I think his perspective is needed in book 2.

Now that my negatives are over (I really could’ve gone into more detail), let’s get into the positives;
- It was very fast paced
- Mildly entertaining
- Has potential

It was a 3.5 when I didn’t really think about it too much, but maybe I need to bump it down……nonetheless, I will read the second instalment in the hopes that the author (whoever they may be) takes on the constructive criticism, because there is potential there. (hide spoiler)]

😂😂😂😂 I'm so surprised by mad Sophie. I feel like I don't see that side of you very often but I like it 😂😂😂

I've got a few chapters left but I agree with you everything going on. I unfortunately got the Kaine part spoiled for me by someone before I got to that part so I was a little upset because I enjoyed his character so much. couldn't care less about Tyler or Jones though. and I'm with you--my biggest problem is the attitude change with wren bc yes, she starts off as this fiery govt hating bitch and now she's a little more subdued bc of cross.....make it make sense🙄

I honestly had noooo idea about the pen name but now I'm curious to see who it is because for starters, it wasn't a bad debut. could use more work on story telling but the writing itself wasn't terrible.

I don't see myself rating this as a 3.5, maybe a 4 because if I don't think about it too much I enjoyed the vibes it gave at the end of the day. (I'm trying to think too hard about the lack of politics and actual plotline shhhh) I also haven't read a good dystopian in a while so it could be that. (I read sunrise on the reaping earlier this year, but I'm not counting it because I semi knew what I was in for lol)

okay, I'm done now 🥴🥴🥴

my first thought is that I'm so glad Kaine is back 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 he's definitely my fave if you can't tell lol. slightly confused about the letter jom left for her and am gonna need more answers bc that raised a bunch questions for me. other than that nothing else stands out to me. OH. lyddie betrayal. I don't know why I was shocked, I should've seen it coming honestly. am glad Xavier knows about Cross and Wren now.

4 ⭐ for me, I've definitely read waaayyyy worse. but you're right--ultimately left me unsatisfied with that ending. I'll also continue reading the series like yourself.