YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

You Don’t Choose The Academy. The Academy Chooses You.

I’ve made it through the Culling Trials, the test that proved my mettle against every possible challenge.

I assumed that meant things would settle down and I’d start truly learning.

No more danger.

No more death threats.

No more wondering who was out to get me.

Apparently, that was not to be.

I am what this supernatural world calls a Chameleon—a rarity even amongst all these monsters. And rare things are coveted and feared by the most powerful of all—The House Of Wonder.

It’s a good thing I have my crew at my back, because this Academy?

It’s about to get seriously ugly.

Which means this farm girl is ready to play by only one set of rules.

Starting this now. I really hope we now learn a little more about this world.

Hi Ta! I am sorry, I had a busy week. I am starting right now 😊

Same! :D I only got 5 Pages done :D Reading the Rest today! :)

15 % (view spoiler)[I think we’re to far in the series to expect any more details and background information on this world and setting BUT I still feel like we could need loads of that… When Texas was mentioned I was surprised, I actually forgot that this was supposed to be in the US, nothing else hints at that. (hide spoiler)]

45 % (view spoiler)[I still don’t trust Colt. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, this book normally was very forward with their “twists”, but replacing Ethan like this and the insta-love-connection between him and Wild… I don’t trust it. But of course, she does and tells him all her secrets (AGAIN!). She has to be the worst at keeping secrets. So far, all her crew knows, Rory knows, the Sandman knows, and a girl she just met on the bus knows (more or less). (hide spoiler)]

73 % (view spoiler)[What is going on?! Why is she drawling every effing sentence?

And all that drama about boys. Ethan, Colt, Rory… this book could do without, actually it would be better without. Instead, they could have given us a little more about the setting… (hide spoiler)]

100 %(view spoiler)[So, is Colt dead now? Probably not, right. I feel like the last few chapters happened way to fast. Seems like Ruby and the Shadowkiller are on different sides but both bad? The books could really do with more substance. (hide spoiler)]

I want to continue this series, you too?

17% - through chapter 3
(view spoiler)[It seems that, despite our fears, the crew will spend a lot of time together in this book... and I really like the idea!

It's funny that I am barely a quarter into the book and Wild's new secret is not so secret anymore since Orin already knows 😅

The storytelling style seems a bit different to me in this book. I don't know if it's a real thing or I am just biased knowing that it's nor a duo effort, but just one author's work... (hide spoiler)]

Vippi wrote: "[Spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Wild is the WORST when it comes to secrets. Honestly, she can't keep anything secret. :D (hide spoiler)]

75%
(view spoiler)[45 % Ta wrote: [I still don’t trust Colt. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, this book normally was very forward with their “twists”, but replacing Ethan like this and the insta-love-connection between him and Wild… I don’t trust it. But of course, she does and tells him all her secrets (AGAIN!). She has to be the worst at keeping secrets. So far, all her crew knows, Rory knows, the Sandman knows, and a girl she just met on the bus knows (more or less). (hide spoiler)]

Ta wrote: 73 % [What is going on?! Why is she drawling every effing sentence?

And all that drama about boys. Ethan, Colt, Rory… this book could do without, actually it would be better without. Instead, they could have given us a little more about the setting… (hide spoiler)]

I totally second your thoughts. I don't rust Colt, too. The way he replaced Ethan doesn't convince me at all. And his version and Ethan's do not align: was Ethan aware that Sandy was asking for his help because Wild was in danger or not?
I don't know... it seems a bit too convenient for Colt to step in... but maybe I am seeing too much in this.

I don't like all this boy drama. Wild keeps saying she has to focus on more important matters, but she spends half of her time thinking about Ethan/Colt/Rory... it's pretty annoying (hide spoiler)]

Vippi wrote: "75% [Spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yes, yes, yes. 100 % this. Wild should be concentrating on surviving and getting out of this situation but instead she's thinking about all those guys! (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[
Ta || bookishbluehead wrote: "00 %[So, is Colt dead now? Probably not, right. I feel like the last few chapters happened way to fast. Seems like Ruby and the Shadowkiller are on different sides but both bad? The books could really do with more substance. "

Yeah, I feel the same. If you think that it has passed just one week since the beginning of the culling trials you have the measure of how fast (and shallowly) this series is proceeding. Everything is too rushed. Sadly, I must add because there are so many interesting elements that I would love to see developed more deeply.

Another aspect that bothers me is the relationship between the supernatural world and the 'normal' world. How do the supernatural merge with normal, unaware humans? How do they impact the human world? Of course, as you pointed out, maybe it's a bit late to expect some answers...

Rory puzzled me. I cannot figure him out... is he interested in Wild or not? how is he tied with the Sandman?

So it seems that Colt was right: Ethan refused to help Wild even knowing that she was the one hurt. I think that he truly believed it was a test from his father.
This tiny bit of information has changed the dynamic of the story and makes me think that Colt is really dead (I feared he would have been dispatched since I read it).
I'll try to explain my train of thoughts 😅:
- Colt was a good guy. No hidden agenda, no evil intent. He was truly in love with Wild (or so it seems)
- despite everything, Ethan is a relevant character. He is selfish and arrogant, but deep down I think he cares too.
- in Wild's crew there's no place for both Ethan and Colt
- since I think that Ethan will stick with us for a long time, it means that the scapegoat must be Colt...
(hide spoiler)]

all in all, even if I am a bit disappointed, I would love to read the next book(s) with you. Let me know when you are available :)

Vippi wrote: "Finished
Ta || bookishbluehead wrote: "00 %[spoilers removed]."

(view spoiler)[You are probably right. There can't be Colt and Ethan and they won't get rid of Ethan.

And honestly, I don't know about this world, in the beginning I had a the feeling of a setting in some medieval-fantasy-world. Then they started mentioning Facebook (still can't get over that) so it's maybe the 'normal' world in the future where a lot of things wen't bad? They didn't seem to have a lot of technology, but... I don't know?

This could be such an interesting story and plot... (hide spoiler)]

I'll be gone for a trip the first half of the month, maybe the 24th? I can request the thread if you want. :)

(view spoiler)[I had that feeling, that Ethan and Colt cannot coexist... of course, maybe I'm wrong (I hope so because Colt turned out to be a very good guy and his death really saddened me) (hide spoiler)]

The 24th is fine for me 😁😁
Thanks a lot for requesting the thread!
and of course, enjoy your trip! Where are you going? 😘*sending hugs*

Vippi wrote: "[spoilers removed]

The 24th is fine for me 😁😁
Thanks a lot for requesting the thread!
and of course, enjoy your trip! Where are you going? 😘*sending hugs*"

Great, requested the thread, will send it to you when I get it. :)

I'm going on a cruise around Greece! I'm so excited, we had to postpone 2 times because of Covid (and had to change the region, initially it would have been Italy).

Thank you so much!

Wow! It's awesome! I visited Greece a few times and it's so beautiful! going on a cruise just adds up on the charm :D
Enjoy your trip! xx