The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the The Helm of Midnight Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on November 10th 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 11/10
November 10 : Chapters 1-5

Week of 11/11
November 11 : Chapters 6-10
November 12 : Chapters 11-15
November 13 : Chapters 16-20
November 14 : Chapters 21-25
November 15 : Chapters 26-30
November 16 : Chapters 31-35
November 17 : Chapters 36-40

Week of 11/108
November 18 : Chapters 41-45

PARTICIPANTS
~ Anushka
~ Brianna

through the end of chapter 5:
I am definitely intrigued by this one! It seems like there are two mysteries currently - the attack at the gala with the despairstone and Charbon's mask along with what Krona is working on previously with Belladino's mask being fake and the past timeline of Melanie's using Belladino's mask. It'll be interesting to see how everything comes together! I am a bit iffy on how much I understand this world but I am sure things will become more clear as time passes.

I am super behind but am hoping on catching up before the end.

through the end of chapter 10: This is definitely a unique world but one I’m having a hard time to understand. That’s probably because I was reading 4 different books - all fantasy - when I started this and that’s a lot of world building to juggle. lol

I like our main character and am curious to see how Melanie’s story ties into things. It looks like we will also get additional POVs so that’ll be interesting! Current gut feeling is that her sister will be gravely injured at a certain point just due to how important twins are and there has already been sibling loss happening.

through the end of chapter 15:
I kind of enjoy Louis's POV - it's interesting to see his rationale behind his murder spree. Still unsure about if he is in the right or not but we will see!
I am enjoying the mystery aspect that Krona is working through. I feel bad for her though because how many people will she find dead in here? I am also curious to know why she is SO protective over Thibaut. I get that he provides her pretty good info/intel but it's still odd just how protective over him she is.

through the end of chapter 20:
It took far too long to connect the dots of how Melanie tied into the current story. I am curious about Sebastian and his story. It seemed that maybe his dad did something to Belladino's daughter? Who is his dad? I don't' think it's Louis but definitely similar creepy/criminal vibes.

through the end of chapter 25:

For as bad as Louis is - he definitely has morals which is weird but not the worst thing.
I am confused by what happened at Vault Hill - I couldn't picture in my head where Krona was and what was happening but she seemingly stopped it?
I hope her sister is okay - she's struggling it seems like but in a different way than Krona is.

through the end of chapter 30:

I wasn't expecting there to be as many undercurrents of religion. It is bringing an interesting perspective. I think there are some religious points in most fantasy but normally the focus is on the monarchy. I guess sit makes sense that here the focus is religion since the ones who "rule" this world are based in the religion.
Knowing this is a series as well has me intrigued to see where this first installment will end as things *could* get tied up but obviously that isn't necessarily true.

through the end of chapter 35:

Okay what the heck are these mist creatures?! Also not entirely surprised about her sister - a bit surprised about Thibaut though. I am curious as to when they infiltrated (?) her sister - like how long have they been putting this plot in motion?
Based on the struggle with the mask, the echo of Charbon may actually have good intentions to a degree?

through the end:
(view spoiler)[Well that went directions I was NOT expecting. I am glad some of the story was wrapped up but t hat there are still unknown items. I think the unknown things are enough to interest me in the sequel but not enough that someone would miss out on key things if they chose not to continue (not sure if that made any sense).
I am a bit bummed to not get more of Fiona's story - especially after what happened with Louis since that is what truly drove Gatwood kind of crazy. (hide spoiler)]