The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the Red Queen Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on April 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:

Red Queen
Week of 04/08
April 8th: chapters 1-4
April 9th: chapters 5-8
April 10th: chapters 9-12
April 11th: chapters 13-14
April 12th: chapters 15-17
April 13th: chapters 18-20
April 14th: chapters 21-23

Week of 04/15
April 15th: chapters 24-26
April 16th: chapters 27-end

Glass Sword
Week of 04/18
April 18th: Chapters 1-4
April 19th: Chapters 5-8
April 20th: Chapters 9-12
April 21st: Chapters 13-17

Week of 04/22
April 22nd: Chapters 18-21
April 23rd: Chapters 22-25
April 24th: Chapters 26-29 + Epilogue


King's Cage

Week of 06/01
June 1st: chapters 1-4
June 2nd: chapters 5-7

Week of 06/03
June 3rd: chapters 8-10
June 4th: chapters 11-13
June 5th: chapters 14-16
June 6th: chapters 17-18
June 7th: chapters 19-21
June 8th: chapters 22-25
June 9th: chapters 26-end

War Storm

Week of 07/01
July 1st: Chapters 1-4
July 2nd: Chapters 5-7
July 3rd: Chapters 8-9
July 4th: Chapters 10-12
July 5th: Chapters 13-16
July 6th: Chapters 17-18
July 7th: Chapters 19-21

Week of 07/08
July 8th: Chapters 22-25
July 9th: Chapters 26-27
July 10th: Chapters 28-30
July 11th: Chapters 31-32
July 12th: Chapters 33-end

PARTICIPANTS
~ Delia
~ Sophe
~ Edith

Been in a HUGE reading slump recently and this has been on my TBR forever! It’s also not as long as some of my other TBRs so I’ll definitely tag along. I’ll probably start early so I can read at a bit slower of a pace :) excited for when it starts though!

hey, hey! how is everyone doing so far? I just got started on chapter 9, and so far I'm liking the story. it was a little hard to get into it at first (but I did just finish the acotar series so it might just be a book hangover lol) but now that the main events have gone underway it's a little easier for me to get immersed in the story. I don't have any strong positive or negative feelings towards Mare yet as I think it's still too early in the story, but excited to see where her abilities land her :)

okay so whoa, this book took a turn that I'm not sure I was expecting. I'm almost done with it lol, I haven't been able to put it down but it's so similar to the hunger games and red rising that I can't stop thinking about the parallels. excited to see what you all think!

Hi!

I am seeing parallels to the Hunger Games, but also the selection series, as well as the shatter me series, and I can’t say I’m mad at it. I’m really enjoying so far surprisingly. I’ve had this on my TBR for years and I’ve put it off for so long that I was worried I had outgrown it, but luckily not.

I feel pretty neutral towards Mare, but as we get further on throughout the book (and possibly the series) I can really see my self liking her. At this point I’m really not sure how I feel towards Maven or Cal. I don’t trust either of them, and I can normally predict our main love interest, but based off of what we’ve seen, I have no idea. (It is typically the older brother though).

Shade has got to be alive. Right? Definitely with the Scarlet Guard. I hope at some point we see more of her brothers. From the small snippet we got of them, they were enjoyable to read about.

The tension between Julian and Maven was SUPER weird. I have no idea why they hate each other, but it was personal,

I can definitely at this point foresee myself continuing with this series. If you enjoy as well by the time we finish, would you want to buddy read the rest?

Happy reading :)

yeah, I'm totally down for the rest of the series! if you want to read the second book sometime this month let me know! I've already finished it and don't have anything else going on at the moment. can't wait for the next one :)

also, I agree with the love interests. I also couldn't tell who she was going to end up with, which I actually really appreciated because it kept me invested in the story. I was partial to Maven at some point but then Cal would do something and I was back at square one lol

I’ll probably finish on the 16th so we can start book 2 on the 17th if you’d like? What kinda pace would you want to read at? I don’t have book 2 yet if you want to make the schedule? If not I can make it when my copy gets delivered :)

Sounds great! Sorry I literally just saw this! 🙈 I’ll post the schedule in the BR thread here in a bit. Would you like me to ask Mina if she can make one thread for the whole series? That way we can just keep it in one place?

No worries :)

Yeah that’s great, it’ll be easier if it all gets done in one go!

The schedule for Glass sword is great.

It’s up to you if you want to try and squeeze kings cage in for April, or just wait for May. I guess it just depends on your schedule. I’m fine either way :)

I’m so sorry, I’m totally behind on this book! I was on vacation the this past week and had so much going on that I didn’t get a chance to read much. Hoping to get some reading done now that I’m back home though. How’s it going for you?

No worries! I ended up finishing it yesterday, it was good, but I definitely preferred book one. I won’t say too much until you’ve finished, but if you have thoughts when you’re reading I’ll definitely be checking back to discuss :)

Okay, so. I finally managed to get the book started but for some reason I can't really get myself immersed into the story as much as I thought I was. Not sure if it's because I'm in a small slump or just because the book itself doesn't call to me. That being said, if you'd like to continue the series without me, you're more than welcome to do so! I just feel bad because I haven't been able to read more than I'd like to and don't want to keep you waiting :( (I know you're probs busy with the games, but still!)

No worries! I have a pretty full tbr this month, so I may not get around to them for a while anyway :)

Hey! So I’ve gotten back into the book now (lol, apologies for my fickleness) and I’m enjoying it more than I thought I was going to! I’m really intrigued by the search of the newbloods going on and look forward to see when Maven is around the corner waiting to surprise them. I can’t say that I’m rooting for Mare and Cal to be together because there’s so much trauma there for the both of them, but it’s nice to see they can at least find a little solace in each other. Kilorn on the other hand, just annoys me by how much of a child he acts, in my opinion. Anyway, I’m about a little more than halfway done with the book, so I’ll update my thoughts as I go :)

I felt the same about Kilorn, but the reasoning eventually does come full circle. I also didn’t feel the romantic connection, still, between Cal and Maven. Hoping it may develop more in the other books.

Shade?!?!??????? Are you kidding me rn?!?? I liked him!!!!!!! *ugly cries*

Okay I finally finished! I have to say, I actually enjoyed this one more than the first book. I feel like there was more action and Mare really grows into her character. I can't say I was too surprised by the ending as the third book's title kind of gives it away so I wasn't too shocked by the last few pages. I'm interested to see what chaos the Scarlet Guard's message causes amongst the silvers though, so I'm kinda glad(?) Mare ended up being taken prisoner if only to get a glimpse of their side.

Also, is it just me or do you also think Farley is pregnant with Shade's kid? Like, there's no way the author would throw in that part about Farley touching her stomach gently for no reason...unless I'm reading too much into it, but part of me hopes that that's the reason she didn't end up joining Mare. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part lol. Anyway, excited to read the next installment!!

Oh Farley is DEFINITELY pregnant. I think it’ll be interesting to see how Maven will behave now he’s solo with Mare, to see his attitude towards her. I definitely agree that Mare’s character development moved miles. To me, she was very reminiscent of Clarke from The 100 if you’ve ever watched it.

Super excited for book 3. I was looking to read it next month maybe if you’d want to buddy read it?

Yeah, now that you point it out, I do see the similarities between Mare and Clarke!! I'm also excited to continue the next book! Glass Sword definitely changed my perspective of the overall series, as I didn't know if I was going to keep reading it or not but so much has happened!

I'm down to start it whenever you want to since I don't have any plans for June as of yet. I'd prefer to start it towards the beginning of the month (mostly because I can't wait lol), but ultimately I am good with any day :)

Chapters 1-4: (view spoiler)[ Okay so a lot has happened, most prominently Mare’s interrogation. I felt so bad for her when she kept reliving Shade’s death, that must’ve been pretty painful for her. It makes me hate Samson Merandus all the more. I will say I’m enjoying the alternate povs, but am surprised it was Cameron who the author chose for it? I would’ve thought Cal or even Farley would make more sense but can’t say that it’s not entertaining. Glad the scarlet guard moved out of Tuck. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 5-7: (view spoiler)[ I’m so glad Farley is pregnant 😭 We get a little piece of Shade left with us :’) I’m also glad to see that Kilorn and Cal are getting along, albeit because Mare is imprisoned but it’s nice to see them not ripping at each other’s throats. Can’t say that I’m surprised by Maven’s decision to feed lies to the public once again, but here we are. Hoping the takeover of Corvium will go in the SG’s favor. Would like to see how that affects Maven as a king. (hide spoiler)]

I agree, I was very shocked to see that we got Cameron’s pov in the beginning, and then again later on so I’m guessing it’s going to be a consistent thing. It was awful to see Mare relive all of her trauma. I hope she gets justice or revenge for that.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we still have some of Shade with us with Farley being pregnant, but I just think it’s a really bad time to be having a baby lol.

I would love at some point during this book to be in Mavens pov. To see his true intentions and feelings.

Chapters 8-10

(view spoiler)[ I think it’s sad that Mare still longs for the old Maven. At some point, she’s just going to have to move on. I did feel sympathy for Maven though when he was talking to Mare about what his mother did to him when he was just a baby by making him walk. Her cruelty extended to even her own son.

I can’t believe Nanny was found out! At least she passed by her own hand and not killed and tortured.

At the attempted coup/assassination, Prince Alexandret of Piedmont was killed, I do wonder what that is going to mean for Norta’s alliance with Piedmont. (hide spoiler)]

I feel bad for Mare too (and myself), it's like she keeps living in the past with memories of someone who did not exist. Part of me still hopes that this is all a farce and the old Maven will just be like "surprise! I was just doing this because so and so..." but I know that's wishful thinking lol.

I know I felt bad for Nanny, but at least she pulled a Walsh and escaped the horrors that would've been inflicted on her.

It's nice/cool to see that some people are still rooting for Cal! Despite the coup ending poorly, it's kind of a refresher to see because we're made to think, up to this point in the story, that everyone believes Maven and Elara's twisted lie about Cal killing the king. I also hoped that Mare would get a chance to escape with Jon, but I guess that was too easy plot wise lol

Chapters 11-13

(view spoiler)[ Cameron is so fed up with Cal and honestly I am too. He really just needs to pick a side and get on with it. He’s got one foot in and one foot out. It’s interesting that Maven now has a train and is basically doing a press tour with Mare and the others. I can feel something brewing, nothing good is going to come of it, especially if the scarlet guard finds out. (hide spoiler)]

Yeah, Cal is just not a vibe in this book honestly. At this point, I’m starting to like Maven more and he’s done some questionable things these past few chapters.

Chapters 14-15 (view spoiler)[ Maven abolishing the Measures caught me completely off guard?? Like, what kind of sorcery is this?? And then deciding to end the war too?? I know he’s trying to appeal to the masses and win Mare over, but it makes me suuuuper suspicious of him—kinda like the calm before the storm. Also wondering if he’ll retaliate after the corvium loss now that the scarlet guard took hold of it. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[ I guess I was totally wrong and Maven really is committed to stopping the war. I can’t say that I didn’t see his and Iris’s betrothal coming after announcing his allegiance with the lakelanders, but I wonder how far that’ll play out. Poor Evangeline, she’s gotten the crown ripped out from underneath her feet from two Calore kings now. I mean, she’s a bitch and she deserves it, but I still felt kinda bad for her? Excited to see more of the new Lakelander princess though. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a new character of significance in the series. (hide spoiler)]

I agree, I really need to see more of Iris

Chapters 14-16

(view spoiler)[ I felt so awful reading Cameron getting rejected by her brother, Morrey. She’s been searching for him for so long, he was constantly occupying her mind, and he flinched when he saw her. Since we’ve gotten Cameron’s PoV so frequently I’m curious to see what significant role she’s going to play in this book or the next. It’s obviously coming.

It was really tense between Orrec and Maven. I’d like to know the history behind that. Mavens betrothal to Iris is,..interesting to say the least. (hide spoiler)]


Chapters 17-18

(view spoiler)[ I really, really like Iris. I really didn’t realise how long Maven had been holding Mare captive. Like girlie must be BORED.

I’ll be so completely honest right now, I had no idea that Egg and Trio’s real names, weren’t Egg and Trio lol. I thought hey, it’s a fantasy novel, they always have weird names. But no, there names are Caz and Brecker.

Mare making a deal with Evangeline to be released and she not kill Ptolemus was bittersweet. I know Mare really wanted to get justice for Shade, but she needed to foresee. Although, there is a loophole…..someone else, like Farley, might kill Ptolemus.

I’m glad that Cal and Marr finally reunited, but I wonder what the story was behind him lowkey being in some sort of trance. (hide spoiler)]

I was wondering if Egg and Trio's real names were an homage to Six of Crows since one of the main characters' name is Kaz Brekker lol

Chapters 19-21 (view spoiler)[ We got another pov!! super surprised it was from Evangeline this time, but it was kinda weirdly nice??? it's interesting to see things from her perspective and be provided a little bit of a backstory on how and why she is the way she is. We knew the Samos were gonna betray Maven eventually but honestly not a fan of the whole "kingdom of the rift" storyline.

It's nice to see Mare back with her whole family! I feel like chapter 20 was the reset that Mare needed as a reminder to keep fighting for what she truly wants. I got happy emotional when we discovered her dad could finally walk again :')

also, Farley putting the colonel in his place is something I didn't know I needed in my life lol. glad to see she got a well deserved promotion (to command, no less!) (hide spoiler)]

I agree with you, adding a whole new kingdom at this point is just kinda unnecessary

Chapters 19-21

(view spoiler)[ I’m really happy we’ve had a switch in PoV, and even more pleased it was Evangeline. I feel like I understand her a lot better now. I will say that I NEED more Evangeline and Elane content! A novella would be fantastic!

Mare reuniting with her family was so sweet. Mare didn’t tell anyone about her bargain with Evangeline, which is probably for the best. Although we both know it’s gonna come back to bite her. There is a loophole in the bargain she made- Mare can’t kill Ptolemus, but others can……. (hide spoiler)]


Chapters 22-25

(view spoiler)[ It feels like Cal and Mare have had a big immediate switch in their relationship- it’s suddenly very romantic but I don’t remember it being that intense before she was held captive.

Cal speaking to his grandmother via the machines was an interesting addition, I wonder if the others know? I also do fine Ella to be suspicious, her enthusiasm creeps me out. (hide spoiler)]

I believe there's a whole book of novellas with each focusing on a different couple in the series! If you'd like, we can read that one after finishing the last book in the series :)

And I agree with all your last points--I think it'll be interesting to see if Ptolemus makes it through the end. He definitely has had some close escapes so far. We'll see how it goes for him.

Cal and Mare are just so confusing to me at this point in the story. They were never really lovey dovey before so the change in their relationship threw me off as well. I guess I can kind of see it with Mare being imprisoned buuut even that's a stretch for me.

Chapters 26-end: (view spoiler)[ The battle was honestly kind of needed for me. It felt like there was so little buildup to it due to it being a surprise of course, but seeing it on page gave me such a thrill! It was nice to see the Samos' hold up on their end of the bargain because I was definitely doubting they were gonna show up, not gonna lie lol. Anyway, not surprising Cal chose the crown over Mare no matter how "selfless" he's described. He was born to be a king and I can't imagine those expectations are hard to get rid of in a few months. (hide spoiler)]

I did find the first to be a little too slow for me which I think is due to the captivity. It didn’t need to be that long. Action was very much needed.

Cal taking the throne was honestly too predictable. I’m very curious to see how his relationship with everyone in the scarlet guard is going to be now that he almost turned on them (or at least that’s how I think they’ll take it).

The ending was so ominous, I do wonder what’s to come. Obviously based on the title war storm, there is going to be some sort of war. At least I hope so because I need more action.

I’m definitely down to read the novellas after finishing the last book. Regarding war storm, I’m pretty busy with buddy reads this month, but I’d be happy to read it at the beginning of next month, and then the novellas.

Yeah, there's definitely something major that's gonna happen in the next book. I checked it out from the library a few days ago and it's a thiiiick girl! But yes, also down to read the novellas as well and July works best for me too! Can't wait to see what this next book brings.

Chapters 1-4

(view spoiler)[ I really had to get back into the mindset for this one, I feel like I forgot LOADS.

I would really like to see more solo Evangeline and Mare scenes. Every scene they have together, whether positive or negative, is very entertaining.

Did we get Iris’ pov in the last book? I really can’t remember. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 5-7

(view spoiler)[ One thing I have loved throughout this series, is seeing Kilorn’s journey. Seeing him from Red Queen to now is crazy.

Evangeline now knowing same sex relationships are accepted in some places, it’ll be curios to watch she does from this point on. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 13-16

(view spoiler)[ Mare repeatedly calling Cal Tiberias keeps confusing me lmao, like she even calls him Tiberias in her head.

I find Iris to be a very interesting character, I’m looking forward to seeing her potential takedown of Maven.

This may be an unpopular opinion, but the Evangeline and Mare scenes are really carrying for me. I love them, they’re so entertaining together. (hide spoiler)]

I haven't started yet (don't hate me), but it's my fault because I got approved for an ARC last minute and I'm trying to finish it before my deadline. ya girl can't read two books simultaneously unfortunately lol. hoping to start this one on Monday though! excited to see what's going on so far.

No worries, there’s no rush!

Chapters 22-25

(view spoiler)[ We got Cal’s pov again, I don’t think we’ve had his perspective in this book yet?

It looks like Mare and Cal are together again. I’m still not sure on the match, but for their sake, I hope it lasts. I’m not sure them having relationships with anybody else would work lmao.

I do wonder what was being hinted at about cal’s mums diary. Maybe a way to win the war and completely defeat Maven. (hide spoiler)]

I finished! I’ll drop my review here! :)

(view spoiler)[ 3.25 stars ✨

Meh. That is how this entire series has left me feeling.

I’ll start with the things I liked. I enjoyed the fact that there were multiple perspectives, it livened up the story when it became long winded and monotonous. Our main character, Mare, has had really good character development consistently, all the way from book 1 to now. Maven. I love being in an antagonist’s perspective, it’s always more enjoyable and speeds up the pacing, and I kind of felt the same way about Evangeline’s chapters. We did also see another side to her and I’m happy that she got her happy ending. Honestly, bar Maven and Evangeline, I was pretty much indifferent to the rest of the characters.

Now onto the not so good and enjoyable moments. Cal, Cal, Cal. My god he was as annoying as ever. I think the only times I’ve really liked him is when he’s been with Mare, and even then that was pushing it.

We needed more Maven! Like I said, being in an antagonists pov is always far more interesting, and we only got a handful of chapters from his perspective. It was a big mistake not seeing more of him. Especially considering that he’s constantly been talked about. His chapters always had me gripped.

The ending was just so anticlimactic. The title of the book was war storm……where was it? I live for a good bloody battle and there wasn’t one. It was only a small section of the book, and we only got little snippets. I just wanted more action,

I’m honestly left feeling unsatisfied now that we’re at the end. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it was the worst in the series, but it also definitely wasn’t the best. The series as a whole was just far too long, and I’m kinda glad it’s over. (hide spoiler)]