March Buddy Read - Undone by Rachel Caine (new series!)

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

lol! Better luck next time...can't wait to get into , it's sitting on my couch just waiting to be read.

[Paris]

I just pulled up on my Kindle but I think I will wait until tomorrow to start.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Ok guys, I'm finally starting this today! Yippee.

[Midu]

I have to finish the book I'm reading before I start this one

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

That's cool Midu, join us whenever.

I just got offered a new job today!! Yay :D

[Midu]

woohoo!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

First chapter, you guys are in for a treat! (view spoiler)[ YAY Joanne and David, however brief they are going to be in here <3 (hide spoiler)]

[Midu]

I just realized how bad I am at this! Went and clicked the spoiler open! lol

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Lucky it was an awesome, making you look forward to it sort of spoiler :D

[Midu]

true hehehe

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

I'm on page 43, not far in at the moment. See it's really strange how the timing of this novel is, it's actually a few years back when David was still the conduit and they were still working through things. Maybe that's why around book 7 or so the timing of the Weather Warden books sort of went weird and there was a whole chunk missing out of that story line. Maybe this series will fill in the gaps for us.

But I must say, I'm really glad to be back in the universe. (view spoiler)[Love how Cassiel sort of reminds me of Castiel from Supernatural, because she's newly human and everything is alien to her, lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Alright I started reading and couldn't stop...I'm on page 183 at the moment and it's so good! I like how it retains the same universe as weather warden but it feels so different.

I think Midu and Jean will enjoy this :)

(view spoiler)[Cassiel's frank way of approaching human life and morphing into a Djinn that actually cares is really interesting.

It's no weather warden book with Jo's hilarious snarkiness, but not having the whole world throw things at her is kind of refreshing. I like hearing about her detached djinn perspective when it comes to human life and emotions. /spoiler>

I just love all the guest 'stars' in here! Also the name Luis is so close to Lewis, wonder why that is? (hide spoiler)]

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

OMG. I just finished, and this takes an unbelievable, unexpected turn that is just jaw dropping. Biggest cliffhanger ever!

General book spoilers

(view spoiler)[How freaking badass is Cassiel? She's detached, intelligent, has no limits. That's what makes her dangerous to the human race. Yet, she has a shred of justice and humanity that we didn't think the Old Djinn had, and being in human form kind of emphasises those feelings for her. She shed a tear for the fallen, saves little kids, and respects Mother Earth's creations. Probably why Earth magic is perfect for her. (hide spoiler)]

I just LOVED this. We got to see how Earth magic worked, and the return of the Ma'at! I knew Rachel Caine couldn't leave that one hanging, and here she's met our expectations.

What I loved about this book was how different it was to the Weather Warden books in general. That one was more on an epic scale, between Djinn and the Wardens, constantly battling the end of the world. This one is on a much more smaller scale, more about Cassiel and Luis's singular mission, but it was done really well all the same.

[Paris]

I got about half way through on the plane ride home last night. I hope to finish the rest of it today. Now I'm really looking forward to the end and all the good stuff that is bound to be there. I'm loving it so far. I like Cassiel and you're right Jeann, she totally reminds me of Castiel from Supernatural.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Yay, how was your trip Paris?

[Lis]

Was able to work it into this week's FL finally but not as far as you... On Chp 5 but hope to get in some reading time this evening. So far starting out promising and I'm enjoying the pace. I think the non-epic scale will make a nice change.

Since this series is coming in towards the end of the WW series and we know that we get a crossover in the final book... I wonder if and when this one will move past the WW timeline and if we will get to catch a glimpse of the WW characters.

[Paris]

Jeann my trip was fantastic but I'm exhausted. I'm hoping that my desire to veg out won't overshadow my desire to read. But right now it's looking like there might not be any reading in my immediate future. I don't know why I didn't take an extra day off of work to recover. I definitely needed one.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

@Lis - Yeah, now that we know who Cass and Luis are, I will probably go back and re-read the bits that they appear in the final WW book.

I read some other reviews that said Cass is quite unlikeable and difficult to relate to until later on, but I know that's in her character and it didn't affect me too much. Mostly I just found her a little funny.

@Paris - Oh great, take all the vegging out time you need :) I know what you mean about trips being fun but taking a lot out of you. Are you returning to work straight away?

My last day of work is this Friday and I have 2 weeks to bum around until I start my new job, yippee!

[Paris]

Yeah Jeann I got back at midnight last night and had to work at 11 this morning. I am having a rough time at work right now, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

A new job sounds awesome! congratulations on that and your free 2 weeks. Those will be nice.

In regards to Cass, I like her. I don't think she's unlikeable at all, but I can see where people might think so. The question I have to ask though is did those people read the WW series? If so, then her attitude shouldn't be difficult to relate to really.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Thanks Paris, really keen to leave this place lol. Just felt all the stress melt away when I resigned.

Yeah, that's a really good question. I think it might be a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with the weather warden series, especially about the Djinn and Earth magic and wardens and all of that. But with the m ixture of gang blood debts, djinn and weather manipulation, I'm surprised this series isn't more well known.

It sort of reminds me of a way better (only cos of the dark, gritty, gang side of things) and that one received really high ratings.

[Paris]

I totally know how that feels. When I changed jobs a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders even though I'm with the same company.

I totally agree with that. This is similar to that series. Perhaps that one has higher ratings because it is new and isn't a spinoff. Maybe people just either never tried this one because they didn't like WW or the people who loved WW are wanting something similar since it's the same world and all and were disappointed that it is so different.

I read some more while working and I'm now 63% in. Hopefully I'll finish tonight!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Yeah, I actually didn't like Blood Bound as much as I loved this one. So, it looks like you've finished already, keen to hear your thoughts!

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

[Paris]

I really liked this book. I think it's a great departure from the Weather Warden series, yet had many of the elements that I loved about that series. I am so happy that there were cameos from some of the characters we know and love from WW (view spoiler)[Loved seeing Jo and David, but it was seeing Imara and Johnathan that really got me excited. (hide spoiler)]

I think Cassiel is fabulous. She's very different from Joanne, but I think that's exactly why she works. We really got an idea of what the Old Djinn were like in the WW series, cold, calculating and uncaring. Cassiel is all of that, but as she spends more time as a human she's learning to be more.

I think it'll be interesting to see where she and Luis go from here. That ending was a crazy cliffhanger and not what I was expecting. And seriously (early in the book spoiler) (view spoiler)[I can't believe Manny and Angela are dead. That was a huge, sad moment that I definitely was not expecting. (hide spoiler)]

So when are we reading ?

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Next month definitely. I'm free on the 1st of April or the 15th of April, maybe mid month to give everyone else time to catch up?

(view spoiler)[Seeing Jonathan was so unexpected, but awesome at the right time. I loved how seeing his character here sort of gave us a resolution for where he's headed. But funnily, he didn't really have a reason to be there which was acknowledged, it was just to give us a nod to say that he has an even higher calling.

I really like Cassiel too, she really is an Old Djinn learning human traits. How creepy was the scene where the kids were in the forest attacking her? Definitely darker than the weather warden series already.

I thought it was interesting that her and Luis have an "understanding". Wonder how that relationship wouuld work, especially with crazy Djinn ex around the corner.

Very sad about Manny and Angela early in the book, poor Isabel. (hide spoiler)]

[Paris]

I'm down whenever for the next one.

(view spoiler)[I thought it was a great nod to those of us who read the WW series. Gave us some closure on Jonathan and gave us a hint of what his purpose in the world is. It's nice knowing that he's not truly altogether dead.

I like Luis and Cassiel as partners and would love to see that relationship develop. I hope we get to see it.

Dude evil kids creep me out generally and that scene was super creepy. And I love that this series is more on the dark, gritty side of things than the WW series was. I like that sort of thing. (hide spoiler)]

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

Congrats on your new job, Jeann! It sure is nice to hand in your resignation when you aren't that happy about the job in the first place, isn't it?

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Definitely is, although I've been going through a roller coaster of emotions! It's like a break up, but last day is this Friday :)

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

I started this one last night and read through chapter 4 (up to page 74). I'm really enjoying it. I'll avoid all of your spoilers for now. :) I can see how it would be important to read at least a few of the Weather Warden books before trying out this one. I was happy to see (minor spoiler for first 2 chapters) (view spoiler)[David and Jo. But boo to Lewis! Sorry but I never really liked him. (hide spoiler)]

One of my favorite parts of the early Weather Warden series (spoiler for I think) (view spoiler)[was when Jo turned back into a human. It was so funny to see how much it sucked to be human through her formerly Djinn eyes. (hide spoiler)] I think that's why I'm enjoying this one since that humor is basically expanded upon in this book. I don't think Cassiel is unlikeable at all. Maybe I'm just enjoying the humor in her situation. Plus, she has demonstrated some redeeming qualities already.

April 15 for works for me - although I'll probably be late again for that one. So many buddy reads...

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

Jeann wrote: "Definitely is, although I've been going through a roller coaster of emotions! It's like a break up, but last day is this Friday :)"

Yeah, it can be sad and really scary to leave as well, but it'll be worth it!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Yay Jean, good to have you back again! Glad to see you're enjoying this book. Yeah I love the humour, it's so believable as well. If you're never going to read the Weather Warden series, you should read some spoilers on what becomes of Jo, David and Lewis. I guarantee it'd blow your mind! :D

Awesome, April 15 it is then. I'll create a thread - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

I'm at the halfway point now (page 159 in chapter 9). I have to say that I was quite surprised that (major spoiler for first half of book) (view spoiler)[Manny and his wife were killed. Definitely didn't see that coming. I guess this is a good way to force Cassiel and Luis to work together. (hide spoiler)]

You're right, Jeann. I need to catch up on the Weather Warden series spoilers. Spoiler for first half of Undone: (view spoiler)[I was surprised to see Imara as the Oracle. She's the daughter of Jo and David, right? I think the last I heard she had died. Nice to know that she's still around. (hide spoiler)]

I'm enjoying all of the humorous quotes. Of course, now I can't think of any. :P

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Yay, great to hear you're enjoying it Jeann! (view spoiler)[Yeah, you're right about Imara. She wasn't around for long, but it's good to see her come back here. (hide spoiler)]

Maybe this will renew your motivation to read the Weather Warden series :)

[Lis]

Just reached page 200, she's not pulling any punches with the storyline... Major spoiler (view spoiler)[ Manny, Angela and now Isabel...WTH!! (hide spoiler)]

So far I am enjoying Cassiel and enjoy her slowly coming to care more and more for the Rocha's. Did not find her character annoying at all. Biggest surprise (view spoiler)[ Jonathan's visit, very happy to get a glimpse of him. (hide spoiler)]

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

How was your last day of work, Jeann? Any plans for your vacation between jobs?

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

I agree, Lis. I didn't expect any of that stuff in your major spoiler.

I'm almost done. I'm at page 260. I noticed in the buddy read of that you all wondered what happened with the (view spoiler)[Ma'at storyline. And now there's a Ma'at operative in this one - very briefly. (hide spoiler)] I wonder if that storyline will be resolved in this series instead...

[Lis]

Finished and really enjoyed it!

I thought it was a great start to the Weather Warden spin-off series. Choosing obscure characters and having them make a brief appearance towards the end of the WW series, so we are somewhat familiar. Happy it has the same world building set up as the WW and that we got a brief glimpse of our fav WW characters. Very touching moments as she adopts the Rocha family that takes her in and a lot of emotional ups and downs with all that entails. I like that she came from the "old djinn" perspective so we learn a little more about them.

I really enjoyed the scaled down drama in the first part of this spin-off as the WW are always fighting to save the world from one crisis after another. It was sweet to see her relationship with Manny's daughter Isabel unfold and become more human as she goes thru the discovery process of developing feelings for this family. I really think it helps to have read the WW series first, but might not be necessary. Definitely plan on continuing with this series. I like the less epicness of this one, but have a feeling that we might me headed back to the end of the world scenario with this one too.

[Paris]

I really liked the things you pointed out too Lis. The slow build in this was nice given the constant go-go-go of the WW series. I appreciate getting to be a part of Cassiel's growth and her learning curve. I'd like to maybe see more of the old Cassiel...the one she hinted at being, but I kinda doubt that'll happen. I'm excited about the differences between this and WW, but also the small similarities.

And Jean, I was really happy to see a reference to the Ma'at in this one and I hope that we see more of them. Getting some resolution there would be nice.

[Lis]

Yes those mysterious Ma'at might get some closure here, it seems that Luis is more familiar with them... Hmmmm!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

@Jean - Yeah, I'm really glad to see more of the Ma'at in this one. Perhaps it'd give us the closure we need, as you said.

I absolutely loved it too Lis. I liked what you said about how Cass is a Djinn that appears very cold at the start but she slowly becomes more human. I have a feeling she was an assassin for Ashan in the old days, how she hints at being "the worst of them" and everything.

When I got towards the end, I was like trust Ms Caine to make it all epic, hehe.

[Midu]

Finished it. Loved the scene with Jo getting Cassie to blow her nose-so cute.
Of course, David would be the first one to arrive on the scene!
Jonathan's appearance was a kind of indulgence.
The rest was all right, I think I agree with some of the reviewers about Luis' character having no depth- compare him to David and you'll see what I mean.

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

Finished it and enjoyed it. The best parts for me were when Cassiel was getting used to being human.

Midu - I agree that Luis could have been more... um, something. Maybe that was the difference between 4 and 5 stars for me.

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed at the end by the switch to epicness. Maybe I prefer more self-contained stories. I guess that's why I really liked this one. I'm hoping it doesn't end up being too epic, but I'm sure Ms. Caine will surprise me either way.

[Midu]

I was kinda expecting it to end that way. Cuz I've been reading reviews of the other books in the series & also cuz that's how Caine writes-nothing's too good, if the world ain't ending! lol

[Paris]

I totally agree with Luis being a little blah. I don't remember him being that way in his brief cameo in the WW series, but maybe I didn't notice cause well...David. lol Hopefully he's developed much more in the next book.

[Midu]

but maybe I didn't notice cause well...David. lol

a very valid reason hehehe

[Midu]

Hopefully he's developed much more in the next book.

don't hold your breath! just saying!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

HAhahah Midu you just made me giggle, David indeed. Why only 3 stars? You mystify me woman

[Midu]

it was the same formula, as much as I loved the Weather Warden world, I wanted something new too!

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Ah, I thought it was very different at least Cass doesn't get kicked about cos she's so badass :)

[Midu]

she's much less of a punchbag than Jo but then the series has just started!