⋆.ೃ࿔࿐ྂfaith & fantasy⋆.ೃ࿔࿐ྂ discussion

Enjoy girls!! 💜💜

Thanks, Taz!! I am excited!

Helena, I can start today if you want. There’s 30 not overly long chapters. Let me know how much you want to read in a day.

Ofc!

Thanks, Taz!

Oh, I wish I saw that earlier because I really wanted to start yesterday 😂 I haven't done a buddy read before, I don't mind about the pace. I can read pretty sporadically depending on how I like it. Do you have a pace you want to read at?

If I make this my main read, I can read 3, maybe 4 chapters a day, mainly at night. If you prefer less, I can fill in with another book. Completely up to you—I am super flexible.

Anything's fine with me! I may read two or three chapters tonight.

Sounds good! So will I.😊

Chapters 1&2 ✅

She’s a new author for me, so I haven’t gotten a feel for whether or not I like her style yet. At first, the setting descriptions seemed a bit too flowery for me, but it doesn’t seem excessive right now.

I kind of wish I understood the kingdom politics/government a little better here at the beginning, but perhaps she will dive into it more in the next few chapters.

Mr. Bennett needs to grow a spine!🙄

Chapters 1-3 ✅

I am really enjoying her writing style, and the vibe is really awesome. I've seen her posts on the "aesthetic" and it's not disappointing with the woodsy, green thing going on. I like how she's taking time to describe things without it being info dump. It picked up really quickly and drew me in as well!

I can understand where Mr. Bennett was coming from, but yeah, he didn't really even consider helping.

Here's one post on it...
https://www.instagram.com/p/C56bNUhLdv7/

I can definitely feel that aesthetic in the book.💜

Chapter 4 ✅

It’s a scary place to live!

Chapter 5 ✅

Aw, I love the doctor!🥰

Her father’s name was Richard. So was my dad’s. It’s kind of poignant.🥹

(view spoiler)[I like how she wrote the kingsman’s foggy semi-consciousness. It seemed quite realistic. (hide spoiler)]

I'm so tempted to read the spoiler 😂

It’s super minor. It really didn’t need a spoiler tag. If you don’t know *this* is going to happen, then you haven’t read the blurb.🤭 Go ahead and look if you want.😊

I haven't read the blurb. XD I like to be surprised.

Chapter 6 ✅

What a conundrum.😬

Blurbs often give more away than they should!🙄

Chapters 4-6 ✅

(view spoiler)[I also agree that she wrote the amnesia part well! Along with her grandma's mental health, as someone who also has a grandma that has dementia that is incredibly realistic. (hide spoiler)]

I really like how the Faith is incorporated into this. I also am really enjoying the double POV, usually I'm not a huge fan but this is giving us really fun perspectives.

Yes! I agree on both counts. She is strong in her faith, yet still struggles with life’s difficulties and her current situation, so she doesn’t come off as pious. I almost always love dual POVs, so I am glad for that.

I am actually ahead of you.🫣 Sorry. I think I am on chapter 10. If you are happy with the pace, I will slow myself down.☺️

Yes, her struggle and outburst towards the doctor really helped keep things realistic, and it was really moving too.

You're good! I've been watching to read more than three, so I'll catch up tonight!

Regarding the faith elements-- When I started the Blades of Acktar series, I was put off by the realistic faith elements in a fantasy world. However, as I have gone through the series, they began to "jive" better in my head. I think that prepared me for this book, and I am thankful. No adjusting necessary.

Also, I have a prediciton for the big reveal. If I am right, it's a spoiler, and if I am not, there's no reason not to read it and see how wrong I am.😉 Here it is: (view spoiler)[I think Obed is the prince. I also think he is actually a good guy, not like he is believed to be. I think the regent spread those rumors about him to discredit him AND that the regent tried to kill him and he escaped before Violet found him. (hide spoiler)] So, let's see how on target I am. I am not usually one to make predictions, so I kind of hope I am wrong so that I won't be able to call this book predictable.🤭

It can get confusing sometimes since there's usually magical elements in fantasy novels, but the genre is supposed to be fantastical.

I'm not going to read it... xD But I want to

Helena wrote: "It can get confusing sometimes since there's usually magical elements in fantasy novels, but the genre is supposed to be fantastical.

I'm not going to read it... xD But I want to"

I think it only takes a fictional world to make a book a fantasy.🤷‍♀️ Everything else can be realistic. I kept expecting magical elements in the Chonicles of Ilyon, but the only fantastical element besides it being a ficitonal world, was the presence of dragons. And they don't show up in the first book at all.

I don't blame you! When we get to that part, I will remind you to check my prediction.🤭

I read through chapter 16. It’s so good! Hard to stop!

And my prediction? One thing I am right about, another I was wrong. The rest is still to be revealed.

I feel like the “bad guys” in this book might be a little too evil to feel realistic. Unless we are comparing to a horrible place such as North Korea.

Where are you?

I just read 1 Peter 4:19 and thought of this story.🥹

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

Chapters 7-16 ✅

My goodness I have so many thoughts, this is good 😂 If someone was listening to me last night they may have heard me mutter "Nooo why is this ending on a cliffhanger it was supposed to be the last one."

Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "It can get confusing sometimes since there's usually magical elements in fantasy novels, but the genre is supposed to be fantastical.

I'm not going to read it... xD But I want to"

..."

Oh, I didn't know that, but that makes sense!

Sharon wrote: "I read through chapter 16. It’s so good! Hard to stop!

And my prediction? One thing I am right about, another I was wrong. The rest is still to be revealed.

I feel like the “bad guys” in this boo..."

Oooh cool! I have a prediction too...
(view spoiler)[I'm wondering if Marcus may be her brother. That would explain their closeness and he has green eyes like her (green eyes are rare). Which would make him actually Obed? Or perhaps just another one, I don't know. (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "I just read 1 Peter 4:19 and thought of this story.🥹

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”"

That does really fit! It's lovely.
I am really loving how "Obed" becomes upset with Violet when he confronts her, because up until then he put her on a pedestal. And how she really took it to heart, twas very good.

I'm noticing some repetitious writing, but since she's an indie author I don't think I'm going to let that affect my review.

There were several moments that made me gape, so this definitely does have some good twists! I didn't expect the violence level to be that high but it's well-written. (view spoiler)[I cAn'T bEliEvE tHEiR HouSe bUrNed dOWnNn??? WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO- (hide spoiler)]

The kingsman are pretty evil like you mentioned, but I'm not sure if that makes them unrealistic. Oh, and (view spoiler)[pretty sure everyone expected Obed to be the prince. (hide spoiler)]

Helena wrote: "Chapters 7-16 ✅

My goodness I have so many thoughts, this is good 😂 If someone was listening to me last night they may have heard me mutter "Nooo why is this ending on a cliffhanger it was suppose..."

I know! It was hard to stop--I definitely had that "one more chapter" sleep disorder last night!😉

Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I read through chapter 16. It’s so good! Hard to stop!

And my prediction? One thing I am right about, another I was wrong. The rest is still to be revealed.

I feel like the “bad gu..."

Wow! For you, this isn't a spoiler--just a reaction to your spoiler--(view spoiler)[I did not notice that they both had green eyes! I wonder...🤔 But wouldn't he have reacted when she named the stranger Obed?? I thought Marcus was in love with her.... (hide spoiler)]

Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I just read 1 Peter 4:19 and thought of this story.🥹

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”"

That does..."

Yes--It was a good eye-opener for both of them.

Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I read through chapter 16. It’s so good! Hard to stop!

And my prediction? One thing I am right about, another I was wrong. The rest is still to be revealed.

I feel l..."

(view spoiler)[Well, maybe he doesn't know of his name as Obed? Like, if they thought he was stillborn, maybe the doctor took him for some reason... I thought maybe Marcus was but it's not totally clear. I do NOT want a love triangle, I hate those. XD (hide spoiler)]

Helena wrote: "I'm noticing some repetitious writing, but since she's an indie author I don't think I'm going to let that affect my review.

There were several moments that made me gape, so this definitely does h..."

I haven't noticed the repetitious writing, so I am glad for that. I didn't really feel like there were twists, but I am VERY concerned about their lack of a home!😥 And for Violet's safety!

I could read several more chapters tonight. Are you good with that??

Helena wrote: "I'm noticing some repetitious writing, but since she's an indie author I don't think I'm going to let that affect my review.

There were several moments that made me gape, so this definitely does h..."

Yeah the fact that he was (view spoiler)[the prince hit me long before word got out of him being missing. (hide spoiler)]🤭

Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I read through chapter 16. It’s so good! Hard to stop!

And my prediction? One thing I am right about, another I was wrong. The rest is still to be reve..."

Ohhhh, yeah--maybe because the mother died?? You could be right! I don't like love triangles either!😝

Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "I'm noticing some repetitious writing, but since she's an indie author I don't think I'm going to let that affect my review.

There were several moments that made me gape, so this de..."

Just some of the words, like "hitched" or "hiked", but it's not really a big deal I'm just into words so I notice. 😂 I guess they weren't so much twists as they were shocking moments that I don't expect.

Oh please, read as much as you want so I have an excuse to read more.XD

Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I read through chapter 16. It’s so good! Hard to stop!

And my prediction? One thing I am right about, another I was wrong. The rest is s..."

Maybe!

Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "I'm noticing some repetitious writing, but since she's an indie author I don't think I'm going to let that affect my review.

There were several moments that made me g..."

Love it!😉 Will do.

What things were shocking? Maybe I am too hardened.🤭 Or at least expecting of shocking things....

I might have cried during chapter 19.😭

Chapter 25 ✅

Chapters 17-21 ✅

Nooo yeah this is getting emotional 😭 It's a simple but profound message.
(view spoiler)[I really like how she chose to let him go by himself, that really shows maturity. (hide spoiler)]

Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "I'm noticing some repetitious writing, but since she's an indie author I don't think I'm going to let that affect my review.

There were several moments..."

(view spoiler)[I didn't expect some of the kingsmen incidents, and I definitely didn't expect their house to catch on fire. (hide spoiler)]

I finished last night! I rated it 3.5 and rounded up to 4⭐️. I haven’t written my review yet, though. I hope to later today.

I am on my way to the grocery store, but will return to this thread later and add some more thoughts.

I only read three extra pages... I was really tired last night 😂

Here's my review, Helena! I marked spoilers so it's safe to read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Helena wrote: "I only read three extra pages... I was really tired last night 😂"

I was tired too, but I made myself finish. Now I am sooooo tired.🥱 You are clearly the smart one.🙃

Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "I'm noticing some repetitious writing, but since she's an indie author I don't think I'm going to let that affect my review.

There were ..."

Not a spoiler for you--just for others who might check this thread.

(view spoiler)[Yeah, I didn't expect the house fire either. (hide spoiler)] I was distressed!

Sharon wrote: "Here's my review, Helena! I marked spoilers so it's safe to read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

I think I'll still wait, just so it won't influence my own review! ;)

Sharon wrote: "Helena wrote: "I only read three extra pages... I was really tired last night 😂"

I was tired too, but I made myself finish. Now I am sooooo tired.🥱 You are clearly the smart one.🙃"

I had to because I stayed up watching Star Wars then goofing around. 🤭😂