Challenge Corner discussion

In the world outside the Haven Institute, Lyra and Caelum are finding it hard to be human—and neither of them knows where they belong or who they can trust. When Caelum leaves without warning to pursue the dream of a place he belongs, Lyra follows him, convinced that together they will hunt down a cure for the illness that’s slowly consuming her mind. But what they uncover is a shocking connection to their past—even as their future seems in danger of collapsing.

After discovering the uncomfortable truth about her connection to the Haven Institute, Gemma struggles to return to her normal life. But when she learns that her controlling and powerful father has new plans for Lyra and Caelum, Gemma and her boyfriend, Pete, leave in the middle of the night to warn them of the danger they face. When an untimely accident derails them, they are mistaken for the escaped replicas and seized by strangers hired to capture them. The Haven Institute wasn’t destroyed after all, and now Gemma is the one behind the walls.

okay starting this one after my current read (should be done by tomorrow!)

I don't remember much from the first book but going to find some synopsis to see if it jogs my memory. This one has been on my tbr for ages

I’m hoping to finish up my current audiobook and then start this one. I think I read the first book right after it came out, so I’m with you on not remembering much about it.

Started this. I’m reading it as Gemma first then Lyra because that’s how the audiobook I have from my library has it. I wish they had the alternating chapters.

I’ll read as Gemma first as well! I have both versions of the audiobook

I’ll be starting soon, I’m hoping to get lots read while I catch my flight.

Hopefully you get lots of reading in!

Through Gemma Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[ So far I’m enjoying this. I wish I could do the alternating chapters, but whatever. I really don’t like Gemma’s dad and how he basically was the cause of her getting kidnapped. I’m hoping the mom steps up and realizes what’s happening with everything and that it was his fault for giving Lyra’s location away. (hide spoiler)]

Finished with Gemma (view spoiler)[I can’t believe what she had to go through. So glad she was found though. I feel like there is more to her story so hopefully there is closure with Lyra’s parts or else I feel like a third book is needed. Also glad that her mom decided to leave her dad. Also that other person was super crazy for killing people. (hide spoiler)]

Through Lyra 16 (view spoiler)[Im quickly losing interest in this book. It just seems a little boring at this point. I mean I like Lyra’s character and all with her navigating the world, especially when she thought the Elvis impersonators were clones too, but it’s just getting to be boring. (hide spoiler)]

Ashlyn wrote: "Through Gemma Chapter 13 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ too a lil to settle into the book but easy enough to follow along. I agree I think it’d give more to go back and forth between the characters but I guess this will do for now. Hoping Gemma is able to get to Lyra in time, I forget how they disconnected previously (hide spoiler)]

Ashlyn wrote: "Finished with Gemma [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ i feel like that wrapped up so quick!! One second she’s at the hospital/institute then the next she’s escaped with the other evil replica. (Who really doesn’t understand life). & next thing she’s being framed, trapped in a ditch then BOOM rescued and is saved. I felt that was pretty anticlimactic honestly…

Curious to see if Lyra’s part has more suspense or interesting factors, bc Gemma fell a little short. (hide spoiler)]

Ashlyn wrote: "Through Lyra 16 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ okay glad I wasn't the only one.. because yeah I was yawning during the book. there was just no umph or action.

It was cute with Lyra thinking the Elvis were all replicas, asking herself *why the heck would people all want to look the same*

honestly wild to think it's almost a 700page book for what reason? it really isn't necessary with all this extra filler detail (hide spoiler)]

finished on my way to work (view spoiler)[ honestly this was SO boring and I didn't really care for what was going to happen. I feel like it could have been told in 200 pages...

I don't remember the first book being this way (I mean I rated it 5 stars back in 2017) lol

lyra was a cute character coming into herself and emotions, especially with the detective. despite her saying she loved him? you barely met him (I know it was more of a platonic love) but still. maybe could have been worded differently. (hide spoiler)]

thank you for wanting to buddy read this with me!! I doubt I would have gotten through it otherwise. it's been on my tbr for AGES

Haley wrote: "finished on my way to work honestly this was SO boring and I didn't really care for what was going to happen. I feel like it could have been told in 200 pages...

I don't remember the first book ..."

I finished awhile ago but forgot to update. (view spoiler)[I completely agree. It was too long and boring for what it was, but also seemed like a quick read at the same time for some reason. The detective I liked that she finally was able to trust an adult for once, especially since she wasn't able to trust anyone. But still, it wasn't a good ending. I'm wondering if we would have liked it more if we had altered the POV, but still not too sure about that. (hide spoiler)]

So glad I was able to finally read it too! I've been putting it off for way too long.

yes yes! really quick for being 600+ pages...

I do wonder what the average rating was for the alternating POVs versus reading one story at a time. I don't know if even the alternating POVs would have added anything else, because it wasn't as if I was missing any information once I started Lyra's side.