Archived: Tell the Wolves I'm Home

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Here is where we can chat about our buddy read .

A few rules:
~Please mark spoilers please

[Lori]

I'll probably re-read to join you... I devoured these pretty quickly.

Warning - I wasn't bowled over by the first book. But there was definitely something about it that drew me. Does that make any sense at all?

[Samantha]

Makes perfect sense, Lori. I'll jump in on the read as well.

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Thanks for the heads up Lori... Is there a lot of building the story in the first book?

[Lori]

Yes, that's a good way to put it. But for as much as you learn about Dex and Perry, there are many more mysteries that come up. I think that's why it hooked me - just enough "more" to know... just enough creepy.... just enough chemistry.

IMO, the series hit it's stride in the 2nd book, Red Fox.

[Stacia (the 2010 club)]

This book should still be FREE on B&N and Amazon (and maybe other sites). I hadn't had a chance to check, but it had been free for a long time, so I assume it still is.

[Lori]

Stacia (and her imaginary friend) wrote: "This book should still be FREE on B&N and Amazon (and maybe other sites). I hadn't had a chance to check, but it had been free for a long time, so I assume it still is."

The Kindle edition on Amazon is still showing as free.

I have to admit that I didn't "get" the title for quite awhile - d'oh!

[Leea, Escape Artist]

It's free everywhere...

First book is free on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Darkhouse-Exper...

Smashwords for all formats: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

Barns and Nobel free: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/darkh...

[Dee]

I have a rule to always give a series at least 2 books before deciding to continue or not

[Samantha]

Me too. The first tends to have a lot world building. By book 2, the author normally hits her stride.

[Ladyhawk]

I have to admit that I didn't "get" the title for quite awhile - d'oh!

Lol! Hello!

Finally, a book I've read. I started book four. And ya, I've missed Dex and Perry!
Looking forward to the discussion.

[Shanna]

I think I'm gonna join in as well. I really liked

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Ohhh, I really want to read Sins and Needles soooo very badly.

Can't wait for you to join us Shanna :) Like old times.

[Leea, Escape Artist]

I started a little early... I read a few chapters tonight because I can't read much tomorrow and I didn't want to get behind.

18% (view spoiler)[Well, Perry is quirky and honest and I like that about her. Perry was looking at the Lighthouse and ran into Dax. Now i'm wondering if he's a ghost? Put she had his business card. (hide spoiler)]

[Gwennie, Mrs. Bookworm]

I probably can't start tomorrow. I thought I would fly through my reread of Jellicoe Road fast, but I've been busier than I anticipated.

[Kay]

I'm only on Ch 2 and can feel some creepiness coming along. I like the writing style so I'm glad it is flowing well for me.

[Lori]

Leea and Kay - sounds like you're enjoying the read! I'm jumping back in this evening. I think a round 2 will really help. PLUS, I love being able to discuss these!

World-building... I like that phrase. It definitely applies to .

Most of the shorts (the books with fractions in their numbers) contribute to the world-building, though - filling in pieces, often from other POVs or characters. It's just a fascinating series.

I don't think there's an overall arc (like Harry Potter), but each book tends to build off the previous books - sometimes revealing something or adding something new to be uncovered. The big climax, to me, comes in , which is the scariest, hands-down, of all the books.

That's partly why I'm so excited for this group/buddy read!

[Leea, Escape Artist]

I'm up to 45% now and it's starting to get scary. Anyone else reading?

[Samantha]

I'm starting today.

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Yahoo! Can't wait to hear what you think Samantha.

[Kay]

I just finished. I loved it. The story and creepiness was great but to me it's the characters that really worked for me. Can't wait until everyone is done.

[Lori]

I started last night, but didn't get too far. But I like this 2nd read-through... I think knowing what's happening and what will happen even in future books makes it that much more satisfying, and it proves to me that this series holds up.

Kay, what about the characters worked for you? What are your impressions of Perry? Ada? Her mom? Her dad? Dex?

Can't wait to hear more!

[Leea, Escape Artist]

I'm loving this... not happy that I have no time to read but I do hope to finish tomorrow night or at least Monday morning.

I'm at 69% Chap 13...(view spoiler)[Perry's dreams are in a way becoming reality. She and Dex just learned that they're seeing ghosts or at least what they think. Dex was freaked out but now they're going back to uncle Als house to wait for dark and then back into the lighthouse. So many parts are creepy but then balanced with Perry's funny nature. Perry was just in the boat and saw herself coming out of the ocean... I know this all means something but right now I have no clue so i'm just reading and taking it all in. Wish Perry'd stop thinking she's fat, I mean Dex seems to like staring at her booty. Me like a little something to hold onto ;) (hide spoiler)]

Characters:I really am enjoying Perry's real-ness. I just feel like we're in her head and so she reveals so much about herself, those natural quirts, behaviors that we all have. I like Dex, not sure about the (view spoiler)[Girlfriend thing. I think it's funny he keeps calling her Kiddo!

I'm so glad you liked it Kay, we'll have to read the second book soon. (hide spoiler)]

[Gwennie, Mrs. Bookworm]

Ugh, I need to put this computer down and finish my book so I can finally start this!

[Lori]

Leea, I think the thing that made me the most crazy is (view spoiler)[that Perry seemed so clueless that her dreams were really psychic dreams. That what she dreamed came true or revealed what was going to happen. But on this 2nd read, I think that it's because of her childhood and her teenage years... the drugs and all the trouble and the psychiatrists. I knew that Perry had self-image and self-worth issues, but I didn't realize how much that affected her perception of reality. And I'd skipped over the childhood imaginary friends part... which makes so much sense to me now. Sorry - that will make more sense to you in a few books. But I thought - WOW! OK... (hide spoiler)]

As for Dex...(view spoiler)[there's definite chemistry there, and to me, that scared him to death. He's got a hot "wine babe" for a girlfriend. He's years older than Perry. And let's face it, Perry's a bit of a mess. She's 22 in a dead-end job (right now) and still lives at home with some weird parents. Plus, he doesn't want to admit, himself, the stuff he obviously perceives and sees, too. It's almost as if he wants Perry to see it and feel it, so that he doesn't have to. That made me really suspicious of him. What's his angle? Is it all just about the web-TV stuff? (hide spoiler)]

Even though Perry's sister, Ada, is a 15 year old brat and everything opposite from Perry, I decided I liked her when she was happy over how well Perry's taking over her blog for those few days went for Perry.

[Kay]

Lori...the characters are just all effed up. hahha. I just like that fact that the aren't perfect. (view spoiler)[I like how Perry isn't like other heroines...she has issues with her past, she use to see ghosts but thought were her imaginary friends, she was a drug user, etc. I don't like how insecure she is since she use to be overweight and she doesn't think she's attractive.

i really like Dex too. he's a mystery and when we get to the end, we realize that he probably is just as nuts as Perry. LOL I really liked how he defended Perry to his boss...that was a hero moment for me.

Her parents...well, I can tell her mom really wants her daughter to be "normal" They know she's a bit crazy and I also think they know she's not but are scared to face the truth.

I like Ada...a supportive younger sister who can act as her older sister too. (hide spoiler)]

that's just some of my thoughts.

[Gwennie, Mrs. Bookworm]

I'm going to start this now. A day late, lol.

[Ladyhawk]

I started a re-read too. I love how Perry had both (view spoiler)[ imaginary friends and enemies. That was funny.

Perry and Dex are really fighting multiple battle fronts. I'm sure they have each questioned their own sanity many times. Which makes them all that more endearing, knowing they keep going even though life keeps throwing them lemons. Or I guess in this case, ghosts! (hide spoiler)]

[Stacia (the 2010 club)]

I don't remember much about book 1 but I do think that the characters were awesome. Might get to book 2 later in the week.

[Ladyhawk]

Stacia!? How can you NOT remember much about the book? Especially given your awesome review of it??? ;0)

Happy to hear though that you DO enjoy Dex and Perry. I appreciate those fans who appreciate these two off beat characters. ( Lori, Kay!!)

[Samantha]

Almost half way through. Don't want to put it down.

[Ladyhawk]

Samantha wrote: "Almost half way through. Don't want to put it down."

I know! I made myself take a break from the series so I wouldn't read it too fast!! And I don't even like scary! But since I'm now 1/3 through #4 I keep scaring myself. Like i'll be washing my hands in the bath room and hope the lights don't go off and the door shut on me!!

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Let me know if/when your reading book two, Stacia. Might join you.

[Samantha]

OMG. I love when a book get me that involved.

[Samantha]

Leea wrote: "Let me know if/when your reading book two, Stacia. Might join you."

I need to get book 2. It seems like I might want to keep going. Lol

[Lori]

IMO, Book 2 is even better than this one!

It's tough to not race through the books - I know I did the first time through. And I'm sure it'll be a temptation this time, too.

Ladyhawke, I love that you love these books!

Perry - that name just makes me giggle, I can't help it.

What else makes me giggle is that the author uses her husband as the cover model for Derek. It makes me wonder how much like Dex he really is. (Beyond the physical, at least.)

[Lori]

Ladyhawk wrote: "Samantha wrote: "Almost half way through. Don't want to put it down."

I know! I made myself take a break from the series so I wouldn't read it too fast!! And I don't even like scary! But since I'm..."

Book 4 is the scariest book, hands-down. And the most intense. I don't tend to get creeped out by books or movies, but I didn't want to look in mirrors or under the bed when I was reading that book!

[Samantha]

I just finished. I have to get my thoughts together. I was not going to bed without finishing this up.

[Ladyhawk]

Lori, book 4 is scarier than 3??? Eeek! 3 was pretty creepy, disturbing! And pretty darn good! Ya I can't look in mirrors either. Lol

Book 2, is not a favorite of mine. I don't know why, just glad I'm past it.

Yay Samantha!

[Lori]

Actually it's On Demon Wings that's the scariest. I love and hate book 4 Lying Season.

[Ladyhawk]

Lori McD wrote: "Actually it's On Demon Wings that's the scariest. I love and hate book 4 Lying Season."

Oh great! You'll have to spoiler tag or pm me and tell me why you love/hate #4.

Perry Palomino. It's almost cheesy but it works! Ha.

[Leea, Escape Artist]

I hope to finish tonight. I can't wait to hear how far everyone is and what they think of the book.

[Samantha]

I finished Leea and I enjoyed it.

[Leea, Escape Artist]

I have a little bit left... Getting the boys dinner and then I can read :)

[Stacia (the 2010 club)]

Ladyhawk wrote: "Stacia!? How can you NOT remember much about the book? Especially given your awesome review of it??? ;0)

Happy to hear though that you DO enjoy Dex and Perry. I appreciate those fans who appreciat..."

I read so much that I have bits and pieces of each book mulling around in my brain. Some get lost a little bit after a while.

Leea, maybe closer to the end of next week, we can do book 2?

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Like 4/26 or the next week? But yes!!

I finished and wrote my review. I really enjoyed this first book in a series I can already tell i'm going to like.

[Stacia (the 2010 club)]

Maybe the 29th? If that's too far away, I can probably do it on the 26th.

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Nope, April 29th is perfect!! Can't wait!

[Gwennie, Mrs. Bookworm]

May 29th, or next monday? I may try my darndest to join in, lol.

I'm about 20% in and it's finally picking up for me. (view spoiler)[Dex disappeared out of the house after the unexplained lights and door slamming. And she went to work but her boss is sending her home (hide spoiler)].

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Opps I meant april 29th... lol!! I'll edit my post.