The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the Namesake Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on February 1st 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 02/01
Feb 1: chapters 1 - 6
Feb 2: chapters 7 - 12

Week of 02/03
Feb 3: chapters 13 - 17
Feb 4: chapters 18 - 23
Feb 5: chapters 24 - 29
Feb 6: chapters 30 - 35
Feb 7: chapters 36 - end


PARTICIPANTS
~ Priya
~ Brianna,
~ Sarah-Vanessa

Who’s excited for this one? Eager to find out how the story continues…

Prologue - 6
I felt like falling right back into the story. No problems at all or struggling with finding my way back in.

I‘m really curious what Zolas ulterior motives are and what he’s planning on doing with all these gems. Also if he’s trying to take revenge on West and trying to hurt Saint or if he really just kidnapped Fable because she’s a dredger and gem sage.

The whole situation with Fable and the Luna crew holding a grudge because of Crade also makes me feel constantly uneasy. Like I‘m expecting something will happen to her every second now. It seems like the quietness before a storm. And Koy being on that ship and somehow being „Friendly“ to Fable doesn’t make it any better.

I'm excited to get back into this world and FINALLY read this sequel.

through end of chapter 6:
Either Clove is on a deep undercover mission for Saint OR Saint truly thinks he's dead but something is definitely up with him.
I genuinely did not expect to see Koy again so that will definitely cause some drama.

Sarah-Vanessa, I agree that it was fairly easy to fall back into the story and pick up essentially where we left off from the first installment. The quiet before the storm is definitely a fitting way to explain the vibe - Zola is being too accommodating, Koy is being too friendly, their first day on the dive was too successful.

Prologue to Chapter 6

I agree it was easy getting back into this world. I knew we’d see Koy again, just not in the second book lol. I’m surprised Koy went back in the waters with her. Maybe he has another reason to take up dredging again?

Maybe Zola has something on Clove? Clove has a new scar which could have been from Saint or another fight. Overall, I wonder how long it’ll take for us to see the Marigold crew again.

@Brianna You were so right about Clove!
@Priya yes, I definitely wonder as well, when we will see the Marigold crew again.

Chapter 7 - 12.
Oh well, it was meant for something to happened. I honestly just expected it would be Koy trying to kill Fable and not another one of the dredgers. I mean Koy even saved her, like WHAT?! Maybe it was him repaying for the fact she didn’t leave him drowning in the first book. Could be a possibility, but I just don’t trust the guy. Either he’s in on some plan with Saint as well or he has another plan.

What a relief to find out that Clove didn’t turn his back on Fable and is secretly working for Saint. I bet they want to take down Zola for something he did to Isolde back then. Can’t wait to find out.

Do you feel like West lied to Fable and that he broke his promise? I mean I remember he said to her that he used to do the dirty jobs for Saint. Or am I recalling it wrong?

through the end of chapter 12:

I genuinely don't like how quickly Fable forgave Clove and trusted him that he was secretly working for Saint. There is something fishy there, in my opinion. I don't know if I believe it is West burning the ships looking for Fable. I don't know if he would risk so much for her or that his crew would let him risk so much?

Sarah-Vanessa: I also remember West telling Fable about the fact he did a good amount of shady things for Saint so not sure why she thinks he lied?

@Brianna True. I just really want to believe Clove is on Fables side. But you could definitely be correct. And I also believe it’s not West burning these ships. There’s too much at stake for him doing that. It’s either Saint wanting to harm West or Zola himself wanting to get revenge on West. Although the latter one likely not, due to Zola‘s reaction.

I’d love to join if it’s not too late

Peyton wrote: "I’d love to join if it’s not too late"

Feel free to hop in whenever! :)

Priya wrote: "Peyton wrote: "I’d love to join if it’s not too late"

Feel free to hop in whenever! :)"

Thank you! I will start reading shortly!

Chapters 7 - 12
@Briana @Sarah-Vanessa

If Clove is working undercover, it makes sense for him to insist that West is the one burning the ships instead of Saint (even though they’re both connected). From the conversation in the shop, no one mentioned who was doing it.

I agree it could be Zola burning his past and his reaction could be a cover-up.

I’m interested in finding out what shady jobs West did for Saint. For some reason I can’t imagine it being as bad as what we already know.

@Peyton sure, would be lovely to have you join.
@Priya Agreed

Chapter 13 - 17.
My head is spinning. So many revelations so many things going on. Who really is working for who. What higher plan does everyone have? It’s really entangled to be honest. Zola is dead. West all of a sudden appearing out of thin air. How did he even know where Fable is. Holland having different agendas and sneaky plans. Clove working for who now? It‘s becoming confusing, ha ha… And Fable is stuck in the middle between all these powerful traders wanting to get rid of each other securing their powers.

Well I have to admit my mind isn’t the freshest today, so maybe tomorrow I‘ll see through things clearer. Looking forward to see your opinions and thoughts.

Chapters 13 - 17

There wasn’t much buildup to Holland, so the discovery of her being Fable’s grandmother was kind of lackluster. I feel like too much happened in a short period of time for it all to feel real and impactful.

Still waiting on West’s history of offences. Clove is still working for Saint, though I wonder how they’ll trick Holland into thinking he’s dead in time for the Council meeting.

through end of chapter 17

I agree Sarah-Vanessa that things are getting kind of muddled - Clove could be working just for himself instead of Saint. I am super curious to know where West came from and how he was able to find them so quick and what plan Holland has for him.

One thing is for sure - things will definitely be going down at this trade council.

I sometimes try to think of the craziest thing that could happen just to see if happens so here is my current crazy theory: (view spoiler)[The person we know as Saint is actually not Saint and Clove is the more important of the two. I can picture him being the one to do the real complex/important things to be in complete control. (hide spoiler)]

@Priya Yes, absolutely. A lot happened within these few chapters.
@Brianna Interesting theory. Could be, although how would you explain Fable seeing her mother and Saint exchanging loving looks and hugs. Could they be staged?

Chapter 18 - 23
I honestly don’t understand why Fable would go all this lenght and cut a deal with Holland for Saint. Just don’t really get the obsession she has with him. Yes, he’s her father, but in the end not really a loving one.

I also didn’t like how West forced his crew for Fable. Seems like that team spirit got broken by that. Hope they can recover from that. And now Fable wants to dig into Auster‘s past and contact his uncle. I don’t have a good feeling and it all starts to feel a bit off from Fable and West.

At least all of this might help to protect the other Traders from the Narrow. That would be one good thing coming out from this.

Chapter 24 - 29
Henrik seems like someone you definitely don’t want to mess with. I hope Fable took the right decisions, because it’s a really dangerous game she’s playing. And who knows if Saint will really help getting that ring.
And then they handed the deed over to Holland. Man, I feel this ain‘t going well.
Willa was so right with what she told Fable. That pep talk was absolutely needed. It was also interesting to get some backstory on Auster and Paj. And maybe something develops between Willa and Koy?
It makes total sense, that Isolde might have lied about where she found the midnight.

Chapters 18 - 29

@Sarah-Vanessa - Saint was her father longer than he was Saint who left his daughter on an island to fend for herself. He’s also the only blood family she has left (aside from Holland). Basically, she’s just a teenager who wants to be loved. Clove did say Saint loves her more than she realizes; probably just different to what we’d consider.

I’m glad Willa called her out on making everything about her. More characters in books should do this tbh

I’m still wondering why Isolde saw Holland as an evil person who she needed to lie to and escape from.

I agree that Willa x Koy might be a thing but I can’t get over him trying to kill Fable in book one.

through the end of chapter 29:

Things feel like they are getting MESSY.
everything with Fable and Saint
everything with Saint and Clove
everything with Saint and West
everything with Fable and Holland
everything with Fable and West
everything with Fable and the crew of the Marigold
everything with West and the crew of the Marigold
everything with the Roths/Henrik
the fact that Koy is back and isn't terrible?

Knowing that we are almost 75% through at this point - how is everything going to get wrapped up? Gut feeling is that a fair amount of things will be left open and others will feel kind of rushed to a resolution.

Beginning to the end of chapter 29

Wow I know this book is gripping when I just read 29 chapters in a day. So much is happening that I’m not sure I even have all the words to explain everything I’m feeling. The revelation of Holland and Fabel’s family connection….her mother’s secrets starting to unravel. I 100 % understand her making a deal with holland to protect Saint because he’s her only family left. It can be hard to let go of those who have hurt you when they’re all you have left. I don’t think she’s right for it but I definitely understand. I’m also just curious as to why Fable”s mother felt the need to be so secretive about her life. I definitely agree things are getting mixed and muddled in the story making it kind of hard to follow but I think that has me invested in getting to the end. I really hope it isn’t an open ending but feel it’s heading that direction.

@Priya @Peyton yes, I know why Fable is wanting to protect Saint. Also get the feelings behind all of it. I just honestly wish it wouldn’t be like that, as I think it will even cause more problems and trauma. But yeah, I get it he’s family.

@Brianna True… There’s not much left in the book and a lot to reveal. We‘ll see how that gets handled. I hope it doesn’t get rushed.

Chapter 30 - 35
Well… They didn’t find the midnight and Holland knew it all along. It was all planned out from the beginning for Fable having to trade for her. At least Saint put his part with bringing the ring.

(view spoiler)[

Chapter 36 - End
ok, finished it today. As tomorrow I‘m back to work and I don’t know if I will have time. I‘m glad Saint finally stood up for his daughter so Fable‘s actions to protect him mattered in the end. And I‘m happy for her, that it worked out, the way she was truly hoping with her father.

The book is somewhere between a 2.5 and a 3 star for me. The story personally didn’t catch me like the first book, but it was an enjoyable read. Somewhere un the middle I felt I really had to force myself to keep on reading, thus why it’s not a 4 star. The beginning of the book was strong and the happy ending was ok.


(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 30 - 35
@Sarah-Vanessa - Understandable

I am so frustrated with/disappointed in West. I know his intentions are good, but he is so selfish in his actions, not considering Fable or the rest of the crew’s wishes. I didn’t care for him much in the first book, especially with the insta-love. I care for him even less here, with the plot holes and his actions making things worse.

I’m glad we got some father daughter bonding—even though the scene felt like it was trying hard to be "cool." I’d like to see Clove back, if possible.

Sarah-Vanessa wrote: "

Chapter 36 - End
ok, finished it today. As tomorrow I‘m back to work and I don’t know if I will have time. "

I also finished today because I have a super busy weekend so wanted to get a bit ahead (while simultaneously being behind on another buddy read lol): (view spoiler)[I would give this a 3.5 maybe but still rounded down. I liked being back in the world but it overall got a bit messy and hard to follow. I am glad we got a bit more explanation of everything with Saint and Fable but overall not a fan of how everything settled. It was just okay. (hide spoiler)]

@Priya I definitely agree with what you’re saying. He has great intentions but didn’t go about things in the right way. I do also feel as though the romance is rushed and at times missing so much so I practically forget they were a romantic thing.

chapters 30-35<\b>
I feel so bad for Fable and everything she has had to go through. I feel like she has been blindsided in a lot of this book but is sort of trapped in an endless cycle of trying to please everyone.

Peyton wrote: "@Priya I definitely agree with what you’re saying. He has great intentions but didn’t go about things in the right way. I do also feel as though the romance is rushed and at times missing so much s..."

I can see that - about Fable being trapped in a cycle of trying to please everyone. She definitely does that when she first gets on the Marigold. Probably on Jevali it wasn't so much pleasing everyone as much as protecting her self but there is still an element of not upsetting them involved.

@all - Does your copy have the Willa x Koy novella attached to it 👀

@Priya Yes, West is frustrating. I also somehow felt like the whole situation between Saint and Fable was just trying too hard.

@Peyton Definitely can see Fable being in a cycle of pleasing everyone. And the romance between Fable and West was definitely lacking build up and could have been elaborated with more detail.

@Priya No, my copy just ends with the main story.

Chapters 36 - End

I think the ending is decent, tying most of the things together. I’m glad Saint finally told Fable his true feelings. Still, I would have appreciated answers to a lot of questions that remained open-ended. Maybe they’ll be answered in Saint’s book.

Drift: Willa & Koy - Bonus Novella Review

Honestly, not over Koy trying trying to kill Fable in the last book, even though I can’t remember why. However, I guess people can change.

More action packed and, aside from the typoes, I preferred this to the main story.

Chapter 36 - End


@Priya I also agree the ending was decent and like you I feel like many questions were answered but I was also left with quite a few unanswered questions.

I also love that Saint finally confessed his true feelings about Fable, it doesn’t justify his actions but it gives us a better understanding of why he did everything that he did. My only wish is that with Fable and West’s romance was better integrated in the story since it often felt like an afterthought. Otherwise I quite enjoyed the story and all of its twists