David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion

David and I are starting a buddy read for on Sunday August 24th! Everyone is welcome to join!

There are no set chapters per day, we just read at our own paces and start each post with how far along you are, i.e., Chapter #, %, using spoilers where needed. Have fun!

Cool, I'm in! x

YAY! So excited to read this one!

Awesome, thanks for setting it up, Jenny, and thanks for joining us Rachel!! This should be fun :)

Welcome :)

Okay, just started and I'm up to 15% right now. Not sure what to think yet...(view spoiler)[ okay, its interesting so far, but REALLY depressing...and not sure what to think of her "visions" those were really weird, especially when she was kind of Nadia. Hmmm (hide spoiler)]

I read your spoiler although I'm only at 10%, my thoughts are similar. (view spoiler)[ The Nadia thing was sort of depressing although I'd already prepared myself after the scene where she told her about getting into college. I was sure she was going to OD soon after. I really like the visions she's having, by far the most interesting part of the book so far. I don't mind the main character's voice, although to be honest when there were all the f-bombs in the first chapter I flipped ahead to see if it would continue. I was considering stopping as I'm really not in the mood for a lot of swearing, but thankfully she's toned it down just enough for me to keep reading LOL. Hoping to read more this afternoon after I finish up some work! (hide spoiler)]

Okay, its gets a little crazy right before I stopped reading! Agree completely with the beginning, I was thinking, Oh Lordy, what did I just start reading??? I wasn't really in the mood for it either. But, thankfully, she seems to be a very different person now than she was in the Prologue. Still tough and all that, but just a tad bit softer. (view spoiler)[ I felt SO BAD for her and honestly didn't blame her for how she reacted that last night with Nadia. I could tell it was a cry for help, but not surprised in Lela's reaction. (hide spoiler)]

DO NOT READ THIS until you've hit at least 15% (view spoiler)[ I seriously cannot believe so much death already! But, now that we are in Hell, or wherever they are now, I'm hoping this will get better! (hide spoiler)]

I'm at 30% (view spoiler)[ I agree completely, Jenny. Lela reacted like a fed-up friend of a junkie. She got the best news of her life and Nadia was stoned out of her mind and just plain mean. Hated reading that scene. Got a lot better AFTER Nadia died, although the whole thing with her dying so randomly by accidentally falling off the cliff? A little convenient LOL I hope there's an explanation for how exactly that happened, but I'm thinking there won't be. In any case, this world they're in is CRAZY. (hide spoiler)]

Okay I'm at 40% (view spoiler)[ WOW! This has gotten very intense! I want to know more about the Mazikin and what they are all about. This is getting good! (hide spoiler)]

Hiya, Sorry I've been MIA, could only get the internet on my phone and I couldn't get to this thread for some reason.

Ok I'm at 34% (Chapter thirteen) So far I agree with you guys. The beginning was very dark and depressing. I don't mind swearing as long as there's a reason for it but, I agree, it could have gotten a little tedious at the level she was using.

At first, I was a little apprehensive with the whole Suicide-Purgatory concept, as it seemed so depressing to think that if they hated their life so much to kill themselves, for them to end up in a horrible place was just heartbreaking. (view spoiler)[ But I'm glad they can be judged and hopefully sent to heaven (hide spoiler)]

Spoilers for Chapters 11 and 12 (view spoiler)[ I'm interested to find out more about Malachi's past, especially as it seems he could be a POW. And how did he become a Guard if he's human while all the others were made for the job? (hide spoiler)]

Reply for Jenny's 40%, (view spoiler)[ I want to know more about the Mazikins too! I don't really understand what they are yet but as you're a head of me I'm guessing we find out a little more over the next few chapters. (hide spoiler)]

So far, I'm liking this book :)

That's okay, glad you're back online Rachel!

The Mazikins are creepy! Just you wait until you find out what they do to the people they "recruit". I agree with you, Rachel, the CONCEPT of this book, while very dark, seems really fresh and original and interesting. The more I read the more I like the concept.

At 60%, That being said, I'm not particularly thrilled with (view spoiler)[ all the waiting around and dragging things out with training and such. And the romance was way too rushed and has completely fallen flat for me. Too cliché. So I want more of the world building and less of the predictable romance. I hope that's what I'll get in the last 40%! (hide spoiler)]

I agree completely David! Couldn't have said it better although, I'm at 70% now and (view spoiler)[ the romance makes this "mission" they are doing more complicated, that's for sure! I feel SO bad for all 3 of these people--Malachi, Ana, and Lela. Jeez. The part with the tower was SUPER creepy! (hide spoiler)] I'm enjoying the read though, I'm pretty hooked!

Ooh yes, I loved (view spoiler)[ the tower! The author is really creative. (hide spoiler)]

Yes, I agree, this book feels really original. Very refreshing nowadays!

I'm at 62% (Chapter 22) The romance does seem a little cliched. I keep waiting to find out that fate pushed her to her death so she could be with Malachi. But the books concept is so unique that I can forgive the small cliches.

I think the world building so far has been quite good. I image it to be a mix between the maze in Maze Runner and the world in the film Sin City all dark, misty and dull but dangerous.

What did you both think of Michael? Being British myself I thought I was going to find him a little insulting but I found his profanities rather funny. I've not heard Wazzack in year but definitely gonna use it again from now on :)

OMG the tower! (view spoiler)[ that was the creepiest thing I've read in ages. I'm quite glad I didn't read that chapter just before bed! (hide spoiler)]

LOL Rachel on the cliches! I agree, but romance for this me in these kind of reads--I can take it or leave it. I do like the read a lot better when the romance is more real, so it is a flaw, but one I can ignore because the book has so much else going for it!

Michael--that part had me LOLing!!! It was nice to have a funny scene in the middle of all that creepy. Also the TV part, about the Brady Bunch and Buffy! (view spoiler)[ TV in Hell! Now, that would just suck, I have issues with it NOW! haha (hide spoiler)] Love it!

Agreed about Michael, he was entertaining! And the TV things are really funny...well, pretty much all the stuff about how you can have anything you want but it's less satisfying than you expect it to be. That's pretty inventive.

72%
Gosh, I really wish the focus of the book wasn't on the romance, it's sort of killing me. The whole thing with (view spoiler)[Malachi going up to the roof and being all broody and acting like they're these star-crossed lovers...ugh. They just met! Minus all that, this would have been an incredible read for me. I'm trying to ignore all that and just enjoy the creativity. (hide spoiler)]

Hey, did we ever find out why (view spoiler)[there are only two humans in the guard and why one of them is the leader? That's something I've been wanting to know :) Did I miss it? (hide spoiler)]

You know, thinking back I think there may have been a conversation between Ana and Lela, but not sure we got the full details...I might have to go back and look! UGH my brain is not retaining anything lately!

Okay, I looked back but couldn't find an explanation. Maybe I missed it, but bummer!

Okay I FINISHED!! And (view spoiler)[ I felt a little meh about the ending. I thought it was kind of hilarious that she ended back in her body in Rhode Island...but honestly I would have liked it better if Malachi hadn't shown up. Just waaaaay too convenient! I never really did feel the romance, the attraction a little, but not this deep romance like that! That was definiltey the biggest flaw IMO. I did love the whole world, the battle at the end was good, and I thought the whole thing with Nadia was interesting. The judge and the hearing was interesting too. That whole story arc was very well done. Still have lots of questions though! (hide spoiler)]

I did buy the sequel because its on sale, and I'm interested enough to find out what happens, but I probably won't read it for a little while.

Hiya, I'm at 87%. I think the closest explanation I read was when Malachi was explaining to Lela how Mercy isn't owed but given. He kind of implied that the human guards were a choice by the Judge because they showed that they had the strength and determination to be one.

I have found the romance to be a little forced and angsty for no reason, but I have, in the last couple of chapters, begun to see the chemistry between them.

For me, the thing I am finding annoying is Nadia. I don't think I had enough of the friendship connection at the beginning to understand why this was all necessary. Don't read till chapter 28 (view spoiler)[ especially as it resulted in Ana dying (hide spoiler)]

I've ordered the sequel too but it's coming from america so I won't get it till the end of september probably, and I'm getting married at the beginning of October. So, I too probably won't get round to the sequel for a while.

Just finished (view spoiler)[ I felt the romance more towards the end but I agree it all seemed too convenient. Will see how it progresses in book 2.
Yes its wierd that she ended back exactly where she started.

I worry that book 2 isnt going to be as good as, like you Jenny, the world building was one of my favourite bits, and now it seems that the next book will be set in the real world. Sarah Fines seems to have a good imagination though so fingerscrossed there will be some interesting twists.

The judge was creepy and looks like perhaps fate did push her off that cliff after all.... hmmmm convenient that Sil went to Rhode Island where Lela was from no??? (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I think there is probably some reason he went there...and its not good! AND we did find out in the end why Ana and Malachi were the only human guards. That was a very interesting twist! (hide spoiler)]

OK you don't need the spoilers anymore, I finished! LOVED all your above comments :)

And yes! I was so glad to get an explanation about why Malachi and Ana were in the guard. It was at 86% when Malachi explained how he stormed in to see the Judge and beat up all the guards and instead of letting him go she sentenced him to be in the guard indefinitely. Honestly, I thought it was the perfect explanation, loved it.

Didn't like the romance. Like, at all.

One thing I definitely didn't get was why the Judge even needed guards or THE GUARD like Malachi. Toward the end where she "flicked her hand" and sent Malachi flying, it showed that she's all powerful and can even change form, switching from a man to a woman and back. Seems like she could singlehandedly take out the Mazikin if she wanted!

The ending was okayyyy, it DID surprise me when she was back in the normal earth. But I too was hoping the sequel would be in the land of the dead, maybe in one of the other places, like where murderers go, or something equally dark and scary ;) I'll be skipping the sequel for that reason, as well as my fear of more eye-rolling moments from the romance.

But I did mostly enjoy the read, and especially reading with you guys!! Thank you!!

Rachel B wrote: "I've ordered the sequel too but it's coming from america so I won't get it till the end of september probably, and I'm getting married at the beginning of October. So, I too probably won't get roun..."

Oh my gosh, congrats on your upcoming wedding! My wife and I were married in October, four years ago :)

As far as the judge, I'm thinking that could be more like a "secret of the universe" type thing. Don't know how to explain it...looking from a religious standpoint, its sort of the same thing. *If God is omnipotent, then why does he let us suffer? Why doesn't he create the perfect paradise? Why does he need angels? Etc, etc. Why does the mostly ( it seems) omnipotent judge need guards?

No worries for you skipping the sequel, David, I kind of thought you might. I only grabbed it because it was on sale, and I was interested enough to see what happened. And you never know, they might end up back in the world of the dead ;) I'll let you know if its any good after I read it, but that could be awhile!

That's a great explanation, Jenny! Love it :)

LOL you know me too well! I had actually grabbed it on sale too but then returned it :) I have too many other series to get through.

haha, I didn't even question the Guard situation... But Jenny's point makes sense.

I think the romance is sadly going to be the central focus of the whole series so I can understand why you, David, will not be continuing but fingers-crossed there will still be interesting plot twists for us, Jenny.

Thanks David and congratulations to you too on 4 years. It's probably a lot warmer in October in Australia than it is here but we didn't want to wait another year. It's all very exciting :)

Thanks Rachel! Where are you getting married? We eloped in Malaysia and the weather was fantastic :) But then we did a very small registry wedding in Australia with just Adele's family.

So exotic :)

Darryl and I just got married here, although it was a small wedding, just family and very close friends--about 50 people. It was beautiful, though, I loved it, and my pastor (whom I adored) married us :)

Aww that's beautiful :) Sometimes home is the best place to get hitched. As long as YOU enjoyed yourself, that's the important thing.

aww congratulations Jenny! 2014 has been just a good year for weddings! Did you have a theme? Both your weddings sound beautiful! I love how different each wedding can be. Mines at my local church, my dad has just become a vicar so we are going to be his first ever wedding and our vicar has agreed to help and is going to sing while we sign the register :-) Ashley has a big family so we have about 100 all day guests and most of the church people are coming to the actual service as i've known them for about 15 years and extended family are coming for thw evening. Its gonna be a squeeze but in October in the Uk we may need to huddle like penguins anyway :-)

Aww amazing! Sounds wonderful Rachel :) Should be special!

We didn't really have a theme, but wanted to be surrounded by water so we were married on a sort of really long dock that ended in a platform in the water. We were married halfway down the dock and then had the platform to ourselves for the evening to eat, dance and laugh. It was perfect! My only advice is to enjoy every moment because it will fly by!

I'm sure it will be beautiful, Rachel!

We did not have a theme, it was a pretty basic wedding. But everyone who did anything for it was a friend or family member. The pianist, the singers...everyone. I actually let my mom plan most of it--she gets a big kick out of planning events and parties, and I honestly didn't really care after we picked the date and place! I did pick the music though. She ran everything by me, but I just let her roll with it, which made her year I'm sure!

I was really happy I did that after the fact, because my sister eloped in Mexico. My mom was VERY disappointed she wasn't there, and didn't get to do anything for it.

My mom and I ended up planning her and her hubby a big party later on, which worked out well.

But anyways, my wedding was perfect, and I wouldn't have changed a thing :) It ends up being this very magical day, so I know you'll love yours Rachel!

Omg David that sounds so romantic!

Jenny, I think our weddings sound very similar. Nearly everything is being done by people we know. Ashley aunt is a florist and is doing all our flowers, ashleys mum is making the cake, and my bridesmaids and I have done all the decorations, favors, centre pieces etc. I think its brought everyone closer together. Sounds like you and your mum are very close too. :) my mums giving me away.

thank you both for your kind words and I agree it already feels like its flying past. 2 weeks to my hen do... 6 to the wedding! :-D

Congrats and have fun ;) ;) ;)

Couldn't resist :)

You're most welcome and ENJOY!!

I'm going to comment in here even though it's been awhile since the buddy read. :) Better late than never, right.

I agree with all your spoilers so far. I'm at 53%. At first all the death and decay was almost too much. I don't have alot of patience for people who have it all to suicide and had to trog my way through those parts. I almost gave up. But reading that you guys enjoyed this the further in you went kept me going. And I'm finally into the interesting bits and the world building is actually pretty fascinating. Reminds me a bit of Everlost with the crazy "rules" of this place.

I won a hardback of book 2 in a GR's giveaway and it took me awhile to get motivated to read this so I can read Fractured. Glad you guys did the buddy read! ;)

Hi Karen, Yes it definitely gets better the further you get. :) I'm glad you stuck with it! I have book 2 but haven't got round to reading it yet.

Let me know when you start and I will join you! :)

I read her new book, Of Metal and Wishes recently and I thought it was brilliant. Her writing has definitely improved so I have high hopes for the rest of The Guards of the Shadowlands.

Oohhh, sounds like a plan, Rachel! Hey, just a note of interest, my married name was Filer. ;)

Awesome, Karen!! I know exactly what you mean, but I'm glad you stuck with it like I did :)

And Rachel, it's great to hear she's getting even better, love seeing that growth in a writer!

:) I can start anytime.

Haha thats mad! I'm still getting used to being a Filer its been a month and a half so far and it doesnt feel real still.

I think I've probably married into the biggest clan of Filers ever! Lol.

Sanctum was very dark, but I really liked the concept and originality of it! I think I do have the sequel already on my Kindle, so I'll try to join you guys for the buddy read :)

Yay, Jenny!! I have Fractured sitting on my nightstand so can start anytime too. I have the last 10% to read tonight of Sanctum. I fell asleep reading it last night. I hate when I'm that close to the end but it's so late, I can't stay awake. Jenny, when can you start?

Rachel Filer wrote: ":) I can start anytime.

Haha thats mad! I'm still getting used to being a Filer its been a month and a half so far and it doesnt feel real still.

I think I've probably married into the biggest ..."

Rachel, it took me forever to stop signing as Filer. ;) My son and grandkids are all Filers so I have to agree on the abundance of Filers. And when I was first married, I worked for the government as a... filer. So I was Karen Filer, filer. ;)

Congrats on your marriage by the way!! A newlywed! How exciting!

Just finished. Although I liked the world building, I am a little relieved to be back in the real world for now. That dark world really freaked me out, especially the dark building. The theme of the suicides was hard to read about so I think I'm ok with the change of scenery. And yea, the insta love was a little much, but I was ok with it by the end. I didn't like Nadia, ever, so hope her role in the books is over. Or we get a different Nadia next time.

I was actually pleasantly surprised that I ended up liking this much more than I thought I would! Yay!

Thanks for jumping back in with me! I'm ready for Fractured whenever you two gals are. :)

Glad you enjoyed it, Karen!! I know exactly what you mean, that whole world was CRAZYTOWN. Loved it though :)

Hehe, I like it. You're from Arizona right? I'll have to get my lot to get their heft family tree book out and see if we are linked in anyway. My new Grandfather in Law found a Cousin last year that they didn't know existed. Something to do with an illegitimate war baby. Hehe, I'm expecting to get that joke from my co-workers anytime soon too! I do a lot of Filing. :)

I think we all found that Sanctum got better towards the end. And I agree I do hope Nadia isn't in book 2. She was such a pain in the arse. I'm still not sure she deserved all of that effort!

Well hopefully I can finish Half Blood this evening and start as soon as you guys are ready (be that tonight or whenever)

I think Nadia was kind of a lost cause, but I can understand why Lela couldn't let her go.

I can probably start the second book Sunday or Monday :)