February Buddy Read - Total Eclipse by Rachel Caine

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

And so, the conclusion to our Weather Warden series happens here. I've had so much fun buddy reading with you guys! We'll follow on with the Outcast series next month.

I'm going to miss Jo and David *sighs*

I can start this around Feb 10th or so if you guys are keen?

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

I'm super impressed! You're almost done with the series!

I still plan on joining you for the Outcast series in March.

Happy reading!

[Paris]

It is kind of bittersweet that we are at the end of Jo and David's journey. I've loved reading this with you guys. I don't know if I would have made it through the first one without you.

I'm down for the 10th.

Jean, glad you'll be joing us for the Outcast series. Hopefully that will be better for you.

[Lis]

So sad that this is the last one... I'm in! I'm glad I was able to jump in with you on the last couple of books. I've been slowly getting thru this series and you helped push me along.

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

I think buddy reads are the best way to make sure I get through a series (especially a long one).

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Yeah, I'm glad we stuck with this series, it was a rough start but I've loved it ever since. I wonder if Jo and David will make a cameo in the Outcast series, probably? I wish we saw more of Imara, she's awesome.

Glad you'll be back with us again Jean, buddy read Queen! :)

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

I hope I don't overbook myself for March. Yikes! I'll try to keep a spot open. :)

[Paris]

So glad you were able to read with us Lis! I am a huge fan of buddy reads now because they do keep me going even when I feel like I should probably stop and read something else.

Jeann I hope we see Jo and David too! And Jean, we won't let you forget us!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Hey guys, I'll actually be ready to start this within the next few days, how about you guys? I'm both excited and sad about this lol

[Lis]

I've got a Fantasyland book to read first, maybe later in the week.

[Paris]

Jeann wrote: "Hey guys, I'll actually be ready to start this within the next few days, how about you guys? I'm both excited and sad about this lol"

I can start anytime, so in the next few days works for me. Maybe Wednesday or Thursday?

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Yup ill probably start tonight or tomorrow. Yay for weather warden!

[Midu]

yaaay for starting Outcasts whenever! ;-)

[Lis]

Made it to chapter 3 today. David is even more of an elite bookie boyfriend, just when you think he can't get any better... Aawwww!

[Paris]

So I was going to be able to start, but I had to change my book for Fantasyland and both the new book and Total Eclipse are on my Kindle. I have to finish the Fantasyland book before Saturday and then as soon as I finish it I can start Total Eclipse. So excited to get back to David...and Jo. lol

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Hey guys, I went away for the weekend and managed to finish Total Eclipse and I thought it was so amazing! Definitely huge on the scale of epicness and I think the ending was really fitting.

Whole book spoilers -
(view spoiler)[It was really, really sad when Kevin died, feels like that kid never really got a chance. Poor Cherise, it's good she got a little boy out of it.

Lewis becoming the next Jonathan was only right. (hide spoiler)]

And in case you're wondering, there was no Ma'at. Dead plot hole!

I would write more but I'll wait til you guys catch up :)

[Paris]

Ugh. I hate dead plot holes. I'm hoping to really start today. I've been having a difficult time finding time to read this week. Didn't help that I was trying to read a book that was boring the hell out of me when I was trying to read.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Uggh that is the worst thing! I'm sort of glad I got heaps of time to read this over the weekend. Read it in two sittings and you really get sucked into the story that way.

It was sad to see Jo and David's story finally come to an end, but I'm really glad (view spoiler)[they finally found peace. (hide spoiler)]

Re. Lewis and more of ending:

(view spoiler)[I thought it was amazing to see the complicated, yet understanding relationship between Jo & Lewis, and Jo & David. One of the best love triangles thus far. It was always going to be Lewis meant for bigger, better things and he wouldn't have been good for her. David on the other hand, was keeping the seat warm for him. How amazing was it that Venna became the new Ashan? (hide spoiler)]

We see a brief glimpse of the new characters in the Outcast series too which is pretty awesome. I hope they make a cameo in that one. Outcast occurs before the events of the weather warden universe I think.

The thing I absolutely love about this series is that it's unpredictable and always epic. When you thought Ms Caine could not surprise anymore, she just weaves magic and weather and the aetheric just out of nowhere. It sort of matches the epic scale of my favourite show, Supernatural and that's what I love so much about it.

[Paris]

Of course once I started I couldn't stop. Just finished the book and it was a beautiful ending to a great series. Aside from the Ma'at dead plot, everything was wrapped up so freaking perfectly. Sometimes when a series ends I'm a little disappointed with the way it's wrapped up, but this one was extremely satisfying.

Spoilers are all for the book as a whole, so Lis you probably don't want to read them until you're finished.

Jo and David (view spoiler)[I so knew she was going to get pregnant before they even had sex on the ship. The minute that it was pointed out that they were both human it clicked for me. I loved them having time together as just plain old regular humans. And I love that they have found peace although at the end it still kinda seemed like he wasn't around as much which kinda sucks. I know that he's Djinn and he has responsibilities and what not, but I was hoping for a more "normal" existence for them.

Would love to see more of their son, maybe a spin off later of him as an adult. Or at least a novella or something.

And I have to say that although I knew she was going to be pregnant, I had to fight back my disbelief that she was still pregnant after bleeding out and being kept alive by Venna. It's fiction and magic, so anything's possible, but really? ;-) (hide spoiler)]

Cherise and Kevin (view spoiler)[So sad seeing Kevin die. I had hoped that someday he would have been able to shed the past and become a great person, someone more like Lewis. But it was great that if he had to go out, he went out as a hero. And Cherise, I'm so glad she made it through and her finding Tommy was an interesting twist. I always knew she wasn't as flighty as she seemed. (hide spoiler)]

Lewis (view spoiler)[His arc throughout the series was building to exactly what he ended up being, the ultimate conduit; even more powerful than Jonathan. He was exactly what the Mother and humanity needed. And I loved the goodbye between him and Jo and David. It was exactly perfect. Jeann, you're right. That was probably one of the best love triangles in any series.

With all that being said, there were so many times I wanted to murder Lewis. He kept sacrificing Jo, even at the end when he put David back in the bottle. What the f dude? What bigger purpose could that have truly served? Without Jo, you're all dying anyway, you could have spared David for the few minutes it would have taken for him to get Jo and come back. Yeah in the end he "sacrificed" himself, but really I think he knew that what he planned was going to work and it wasn't that much of a sacrifice. He gave up his human life for life as a Djinn. sure he saved the world, but he didn't nearly die five billion times (slight exaggeration) to give the world a fighting chance. He took one step, kissed Imara/Mother and then became what he was always meant to be. It kinda makes me a little bitter. lol (hide spoiler)]

I am so, so glad I gave this series a second chance and I'm really glad I got to read it with you guys. It made the experience even better. Sad that we are done with Jo and David, but glad that we still have something else to move on to. I liked getting a look at Cassiel and Luis, it'll be interesting to see where their books take place in the timeline. I thought it would be after, but now I'm thinking you're right Jeann and it'll be before.

Oooohhh and Jeann you're so right. This is very Supernaturalesque in it's epicness and unpredictable storytelling. Supernatural is one of my favorite shows too. So love me some Winchester brothers.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Wow I'm so glad you've gotten to the end! You are right, it's definitely such a satisfying ending. I'm really glad I buddy read this series with you Paris and Lis later on, it definitely gets better as it goes along and I'm glad we didn't see too much "Jo bashing" throughout.

Part of the Jo bashing on part was the whole (view spoiler)[Bad Bob thing at the start where no one trusted her because she had a demon mark. Then later on it was because she became a Djinn and hooked up with David. As the Wardens are so guarded you could probably understand to an extent why she was always on the outer circle. But Lewis always counted on her to sacrifice herself and he himself knew how dedicated she was to the cause. (hide spoiler)]

About Lewis (view spoiler)[You are so right about Lewis who kept on sacrificing Jo. I don't even know why he kept David in the bottle either, just to torture her a little bit extra for no apparent reason? It's kind of right that David wanted to murder him for the millionth time and he had good reason to, too. Fair enough Jo is powerful but he's more powerful than her, why doesn't he come to her rescue or even go sacrifice himself?

I really felt for Jo when she was alone out there seeing the Chimeras break loose on the world. The fact that I've seen the movie Cabin in the Woods probably added to how horrific that feeling must be. I'm glad they didn't make her die and come back to life again though, cos that would have been predictably boring. (hide spoiler)]

Cherise (view spoiler)[ My heart wrenched when she had died out for a second there! I'm so glad Jo was able to bring her back to life with everything she had. The moment where she found out that Kevin had been lost was probably the worst thing ever. I wonder who she ends up with in the end, or even if she does? (hide spoiler)]

Speaking of dead plot holes (view spoiler)[ What ever happened to Eamon and Jo's sister? I was so sure Eamon was going to come back, but wait was it David who killed him in the end or did he disappear after the sister ripped them both off? (hide spoiler)]

David and Jo (view spoiler)[ Ah ha, we should have known that there was more up the authors sleeve when she teased us with the possibility that they could both be normal, but showed us how miserable David and Jo both were without their powers. There will never be a normal for both of them, and having a normal son together is as good as it gets. I liked seeing how Djinn and Wardens were living happily together 8 years later. That was such a lovely ending. (hide spoiler)]

Haha no wonder we have a similar taste in books Paris! Seasons 1 -5 was the epic and everything after that is just a bonus, even though it isn't as good.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Here's my review on it: http://happyindulgence.wordpress.com/...

[Midu]

so how did you guys like Eamon & Jo's sis? lol

[Paris]

Lewis (view spoiler)[ I get that the Wardens needed a leader, but he was far more powerful than Jo and should have helped her more than he did. I just felt like he looked at her as expendable even when she didn't have to be, like with the chimeras. I felt for Jo during that time too. Especially since she was thinking that something happened to David, not that he was back in the freaking bottle. (hide spoiler)]

Cherise (view spoiler)[I always kinda wanted her with Lewis, but knew that wouldn't work out. I hope she was with someone in the end...perhaps a Warden, or maybe someone normal since she didn't seem to take anyone other than Tommy to the dinner. But then again, not sure a normal person would have been able to stay in the dark with the kids around. (hide spoiler)]

Dead plot holes (view spoiler)[I totally thought about her sister and Eamon too. I doubt he would get back with her after she became the bigger villian, but who knows. They were both nutso. (hide spoiler)]

David and Jo (view spoiler)[Have you ever seen the last of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies with Orlando Bloom in it? The way that Jo and David seemed in the end reminded me of that, how Orlando's character Will became the keeper of the ship and could only come on land every 10 years. I'm sure David probably sees Jo and Lewis more than that, but it just kinda felt like they had that kind of separation. I know a normal family life would never work for them, but I do hope that they get to spend more time together than it seemed like by the way Lewis ran to David. (hide spoiler)]

Part of me was bummed with Supernatural was renewed past season 6. That was supposed to be the end of the series, but the CW wanted more. It hasn't ever been the same, but on the flip side I can't be mad cause I get my weekly dose of Dean.

[Lis]

I put it on hold for a couple of days... I thought I was ahead of you and it was going too fast and I wanted to savor vs rush it. So I'll avoid peeking for a couple of days and be back.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Yeah, I actually watched the Supernatural special features on the disc too explaining the 5 season arc. Kripke actually retired as Director after the 5 seasons and handed over his seat to someone else on the team. I was really happy to see that there would be more Supernatural, and resigned myself to the fact that it was going to be downhill from there. I'm happy to see our boys on screen, but I know it's going to be nowhere as good as the first 5 seasons.

Cherise (view spoiler)[Oooh that would have been such a hot couple, and the whole thing with Lewis and Rahel was weird too. It seems like he's always had his eye on Jo, and everything other was just a diversion. I still struggle to think about the whole Kevin and Cherise thing, fair enough she was his shining beacon and his power/bad boy sort of thing attracted Cherise but after how he treated Jo in the past? So weird, but tragic. (hide spoiler)]

David and Jo (view spoiler)[Ah yes, that was pretty sad wasn't it! I think Jo is just thankful that she's able to have David wholly without having him run away due to Conduit duties. If anything, this was probably the best way they could end together, and still have their powers. Man how epic would the Weather Warden series be as a movie? Too bad that will never happen because apparently it's too much like Xmen *rolls eyes* (hide spoiler)]

Rachel Caine retweeted my review on the book and said she was really flattered :) Yay! Love twitter hehe.

BTW I made the Outcast thread here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

Awesome news, Jeann! Rachel Caine actually retweeted your review!! So exciting!

I'm on my way to the Outcast thread...

[Paris]

A Weather Wardens movie? Heck yeah. Sign me up. Not anything like XMen. That's a lame cop out.

I get what you're saying about David and Jo. It was the best ending for them that made sense for who they were as individuals and a couple.

Cherise (view spoiler)[Yeah I never did get the Kevin/Cherise pairing, but I guess when you're in situations like this end of the world and all, you kinda cling to whats available. Lewis and her would have been super hot though. (hide spoiler)]

Did you see Supernatural was renewed for another season? And I meant season 5 in my post, not season 6, but oh well. lol

I love Twitter for that reason too. I've had authors retweet my reviews or comment on them and it's just awesome.

So excited for Outcast Season!

[Midu]

Valentine's Day e-cards!

[Paris]

*swoon* thanks Midu!!!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

LOL thanks Midu...if only I was Sam's dog lol

Paris, I've been following Supernatural except not the latest Season (I think that was Season 7). Usually I watch it with my brother each week, but I've moved out! :(

[Paris]

Oh no...that's too bad. You should try and catch up. There's been some good stuff this season.

Glad we don't need to fight over who gets the boys. You can have Sam and I'll take Dean. lol

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Hahaha I do prefer Dean, but I don't mind Sam. Or Castiel. ;)

[Midu]

Dean letting you choose the music would be a big sacrifice for him hehehe

[Midu]

have you guys seen that episode where Cas is watching porn with Sam & Dean in the room?

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

HAHAHA yes that bit was gold!!! lol

I miss the old Cass :(

OHHH MIDU I can't believe you rated this book 3 stars only!!

[Midu]

i think i was expecting a happy ending after Jo had been almost killed a hundred times!

[Paris]

Jeann wrote: "Hahaha I do prefer Dean, but I don't mind Sam. Or Castiel. ;)"

Well I might be willing to share Dean. Did you ever see My Bloody Valentine with Jensen Ackles in it? Loved that movie.

[Paris]

Midu wrote: "Dean letting you choose the music would be a big sacrifice for him hehehe"

Totally...good thing we have a similar taste in music.

Old Cass was hilarious. Especially the porn watching.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

But it was a happy ending Midu! Lol

Of course I saw that movie :) It was sooo bad but Jensen Ackles was good hehe.

[Lis]

Awesome finish to a great series. Non stop action and challenges filled with emotional highs and lows.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Yippee, glad you loved it Lis!

[Midu]

Ladies, have you seen this:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

I like the cover.