And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga #1) by Kiersten White - Restarting November 4th 2021

[Maddie]

Finally got this from the library, so I'll be starting this soon. I'll be finishing my current audio today, and then start this one :) Keen to!

[Maddie]

Chapter 28 (view spoiler)[This book is boring. Nothing's really happening, apart from Vlada being a really hard child to manage, and Mahmed and her liking each other. Boring. I suppose listening to audio does change things though. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Abby wrote: "Chapter 14 (Approximately): [spoilers removed]"

I reckon gross!

[Maddie]

Abby wrote: "Chapter 28: [spoilers removed]"

Oops read this without finishing 28 haha. My bad. At least you didn't say what he did.

[— Massiel]

Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[I'm loving this book so much! Lada is such a unique character I'd never met anyone like her and such a strong women, just love it! Radu is pretty amazing too I wanna know where Bodgan is, to be honest I think he is dead... (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 24

(view spoiler)[So much changes in a few chapters, DAMN! Radu is such a cutie pie, the brotherhood between he and Lada feels so real to be honest.

I can't stand Mehmed to be honest... he felt off like so plain and I don't trust him at all in other part I like so much Nicolae and Huma. (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 32

(view spoiler)[LADA KILLING EVERYONE
RADU'S FIRST KISS *screaming fangirl*
LADA BEING MEHMED'S MISTRESS
RADU BEING THE MASTERMIND AND TAKING CARE OF MEHMED AND LADA

THIS BOOK IS TOO MUCH FOR ME!

Radu must be protected at all costs! THIS IS GETTING SO GOOD! TOTALLY LOVE IT!

To be honest I kinda ship Lazar with Radu.

Someone please kill Halil Pasha, I hate him :( (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 38

(view spoiler)[I'm afraid where this plot is going :( but I don't like at all this distance between Radu and Lada, I don't get what Lada and Radu sees in Mehmed to be honest.

Radu is amazing I just hope he finds happiness and more than that accepts himself.
Lada is such an amazing and independent woman, I'm surprise how well done is the plot and the characters in this book. (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Girls...

Sorry for taking me to long to post my comments in the thread to be honest I'm lately pretty busy and totally forgot I join this buddy :( I haven't finish the book yet so I'll keep discussing the book

[Maddie]

I was seriously considering DNFing this, but then it would all have been a waste, so I may as well keep going.

[Maddie]

Got another 2hr10 of listening to go, so I'll be finishing this soon.

[— Massiel]

I think I'll finishing today

[Maddie]

I'd like to but who knows.

[Maddie]

So I finally finished!

Review: Thank god that's over. I listened to the audio, and I disliked it immensely. Everyone else seemed to be raving about the characters and the plot, and the twists, and I just didn't follow any of that. This book was so dull to me. No action, nothing exciting, it was centered around the characters finding themselves, and the political action. It might have helped a little if I understood the titles, but I just don't like that stuff, I'm not into it. I wish it was more involving. I know listening to audio I do tune out, but this one just couldn't hold my attention. Maybe reading the physical would have been different, but nope. Won't be continuing this one.

[Sunny]

Maddison wrote: "So I finally finished!

Review: Thank god that's over. I listened to the audio, and I disliked it immensely. Everyone else seemed to be raving about the characters and the plot, and the twists, and..."

Awh I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it. I really loved this book, and I thought how the characters finding themselves was my favorite aspect. But this book isn't everyone's cup of tea. Hope your next read it better for you!

[Maddie]

When I actually read the blurb at the end, I was so confused. Tried to realise what Wallachia was, because in the audio they pronounce is Villahia. Strange. And I didn't even realise Mehmed was from the evil side. See how much I missed...

[Maddie]

It is XD

[— Massiel]

FINISHED

(view spoiler)[Poor Radu, someone please protected my babie <3

I can't stand Mehmed, ugh, in every chapter HE IS MENTIONED for Christ's sake and just don't get what the hell Lada and Radu seems in him, I just hope Radu finds happiness.

I KNEW ABOUT FATIMA! OMG! Super cutie.

I didn't expect Lazar's dead I was shocked and kinda ship them, I'm not surprise at all Lada is going to become Valaquia's regent I was expecting it but I wanna know the way she is going to the throne. I thought Bodgan was dead, damn, was such a surprise when Nicolae found him.

I can't wait to read the second book, this book wasn't a disappointing at all instead was a huge surprise. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

I was confused reading your spoilers because I can't remember a thing XD

[— Massiel]

Maddison wrote: "I was confused reading your spoilers because I can't remember a thing XD"

HAHAHAHHA LMFAO

[Abi]

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Reading from the 20th of January 2018

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[Britt]

Oh I want to join this one if ya'll don't mind!

[Enne]

Oooh, I may jump in for this one!

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting February 8th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

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[Abi]

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Reading from the 1st of March 2018

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[Heather]

Chapters 1-2:
(view spoiler)[ why does he want to kill his daughter? I’m so confused hopefully it will get more clear to me. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 5
(view spoiler)[ Heather, I agree. The beginning of this book is wonky! I can't decide if I like Lada, or if she is too obnoxious for me. I definitely don't like I like Radu, he is so weak and boring. This is going so slow for me just reading about them being kids, I hope they grow up in the next few chapters so we can get to the good stuff happening. I didn't read any reviews or anything for this so I have no idea where this story is going. (hide spoiler)]

[Katina]

Chapter 1-4

(view spoiler)[
These a just a few moments that I enjoyed so far

When Radu was crying and she told the nurse to "smother him" I have to admit I laughed. The nurses later description of her as "contrary and vicious" is spot on.

"Next time you hit first, you hit harder , you make certain that your name means fear and pain. I will not be here to save you again" - Lada to Radu

Radu in my opinion is an invisible boy that is learning to use that to his advantage. However weak in body, his mind is sharp and cunning. I especially enjoyed that he stewed and plotted his revenge on his André' and Aaron. He reminds me of "little finger" from Game of Thrones although a much more timid version of that type of character at this point. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 6-13
(view spoiler)[ Katina that is such a good comparison to Little Finger!! I didn't think of it but now that you say that I can totally see it

For a little bit I was worried this was going to be another brother/sister marriage book, which is not my favorite thing, but now it seems like she is going to be married off apparently. What happened to the marriage contract that she was signing before she told the guy she was going to eat his tongue? I thought she was still getting married then they left to go out to the country.

This is kind of slow moving for me, I haven't gotten near as far as I thought I would. It seems to be picking up a little bit but I think I might have DNF'd this if I was reading it on my own.

Hopefully it surprises me! (hide spoiler)]

[Sydney]

Can't wait to read this with you guys! I started last night and I really like it so far!

[Katina]

Chapter 5-12

(view spoiler)[

I am so glad you see the connection Ashley for a minute I was like I may be doing to much lol.

For this update I decided to focus on Lada, Radu their father and God. I enjoyed theses chapters more than first 4 because we finally get to pick up the pace a little.

"One day she would build her own church and then God would see her too."

I have always found it amazing that back in the ancient days people assumed that possessions make you closer to God. I have always felt that it is the possessions that usually end up driving people further away.

But what I admire about Lada is that she is very open that her ties to religion is for political purposes, she only truly feels connected to God when she is at the highest point , she claims the birthright to her country. In this moment she leaves everyone below even her beloved Bogdan.

Their father is described as "contemptible and flimsy" I feel like this description is far too kind for him. At the beginning he is known to be this strong, proven, blood thirsty and assertive man. But now they see that he is just a man step in fletching for someone more powerful. Poor Lada, learned that her father wouldn't protect her when he allowed Bogdan to be taken. Where as the unwanted Radu has always lived in a state of being at odds with his father.

But what I thought was interesting is that even after her father's betrayal Lada still holds on to her countries God. I guess she now has to substitute both mother and father. Something that Radu was forced to do with his security blanket, the nurse

Radu's view of God and Father as "distant, unknowable, disapproving" had become so interconnected that for him it was easier to "convert" because he was always taught that he didn't deserve the comfort or acknowledgement from a God.

The more I read the more I feel that Radu is a mash up Tyrion Lannister and Little Finger from GOT just saying
















(hide spoiler)]

[Heather]

Chapter 4
(view spoiler)[ the way they are treating people are horrible! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 13-44
(view spoiler)[ I really like Nicolae, he is my favorite side character. I loved how he was just going to leave with Lada when she thought Mehmed was dead. I kind of want Nicolae to be the love interest, even though I really do like Mehmed, too. Huma is also a great side character, I hope she doesn't die, she seems so sick.

Lada should really be nicer to Radu, especially after he just sent them the letter warning them. He is useful now and I really started liking him when he was trying to get a sick Kumal home. Lada still wears me out sometimes with how mean and standoff-ish she is. Sometimes I wonder why anyone talks to her.

I'm starting to enjoy this book more (but it still seems like its too long for the amount of things that have actually happened). I wonder where Bodgan is? I was really expecting him to pop back up by now. Hopefully I can finish this book today!

(hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 45-end
(view spoiler)[ I finished it! I didn't like that ending and how she just left Mehmed. I know she had to, but it was still so mean. I wish she would have softened up a little but, but that wouldn't have been true to her character either (hide spoiler)].

[Katina]

I should have posted these on Saturday when I finished the book but here are some of my notes I managed to scribble down.

chapter 27- 37

(view spoiler)[
The one thing that saves Lada for me is her connection to her brother Radu. "Somewhere in the last 2 years her baby brother had become a man. He had grown fast and straight and strong. The cherubic roundness of his cheeks slowly fading to reveal check bones and a jaw of stone."

"... his large eyes where striking"

I find it completely amusing how jealous that Lada is because for once in physical appearance alone, Rada appears more beautiful, and stronger it irks Lada so much. Because I am short and my sister is quite taller than me, I liked this part.

For me the book stalled a bit again when Mehmed left. It was nice to finally see Lada miss someone besides Radu.

Lada being at odds with her womanhood and wishing she had other women to confide in made me sympathize with her. She didn't have a strong mother to connect with and the nurse she could have relied on, well she was taken from her. There is nothing good about not understand your body and knowing that Lada felt uneducated about herself was hard for me.







(hide spoiler)]

[Katina]

I finished this book sometime late Saturday night so here are my final thoughts on it.

The End

(view spoiler)[ overall it was a really interesting read it's not something I would usually go far simply because I tend to steer towards settings that occur in ancient rome, egypt or greece.

I'm not entirely sure if I like Lada or not she's one of those characters I've gone up and down with. Although I admire her tenacity, bravery and ability to stand up for herself she can be quite overbearing and at times whiny.

I'm still debating if I will read the next book in the series

(hide spoiler)]

[AHHHHHH]

Hey, can I join you guys? I know I’m late but I just got this book lol. I’m so excited for it because it sounds like The Young Elites and I was craving a story that’s just as delightfully dark as that for the longest time!

[Rae]

Chapter 1- 10 (view spoiler)[ I am bored.... really. So at first I was real angry that they treat the girls like that, especially when Radu doesn't seem like that much of a Manly MAN. But its getting a bit annoying now with Lada, either being a B*tch because she thinks everyone is looking down on her because she is a chic... its usually true so far but come on. (hide spoiler)]

[Rae]

Wow all the sheets were covered... Talk about a heavy flow...:-/

[Rae]

Chapter 11-20 (view spoiler)[ Ok Radu is growing on me, he loves Lada and worries for her so much, it really touches my heart. SHe is so cold towards him. Mahmed is awesome, I like his sarcastic tone he has with pretty much everything. Lada is so jaded, instead of seeing the romance in the story while they were in the pool she just poked holes in the logic. (hide spoiler)]

[Rae]

Chapter 21-30
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... How did I not see that!


(view spoiler)[ So Radu is gay? He has these feelings for Mehmed. I can totally see that. Radu is really coming into his own with the spying stuff! I can't see Mehmed and Lada together, I don't even know why Huma is pushing for that! (hide spoiler)]

[Rae]

Chapter 31 -fin (view spoiler)[ You should have known she wasn't going to marry you guy... lets be serious about this!!
I feel so bad for Radu and even Mehmed but I get why she is going. I am happy that the book ended with Lada having some type of emotions showing of love. (hide spoiler)]

[AHHHHHH]

CHAP1-4
This started off so interestingly! I love Lada and Radu both so much. I also love that nurse too lol.

[AHHHHHH]

Chapters 5-10
(view spoiler)[Radu is so precious oh my gosh. And I love how fierce Lada is! But she needs to treat Radu better. I love how she protects him, but she belittles him so much. (hide spoiler)]

[AHHHHHH]

Chapters 10-15
(view spoiler)[ I would like to present to you the reason why Radu is great:
“In Wallachia, it is customary for...betrothed couples to...threaten each other. As a sign of affection”. 😂 😂
Also how did Lada not figure out that Mehmed was the Sultan’s son earlier. And she was just so nonchalant when she found out lol.
(hide spoiler)]

[AHHHHHH]

Chapters 15-20
(view spoiler)[ ok but can we talk about how they’re so young and already planning out war strategies. Like whAT is this this. Lada is 13 and already so well informed on how political ties work. And Radu knows so much about court gossip and who supports who and he’s like 11 or 12. I know kids grew up fast back then, but they feel like they’re at least 15-16. But I still love the story so far. And I’m glad Radu found a friend in Mehmed! Hopefully it can last. (hide spoiler)]

[AHHHHHH]

Chapter 23
(view spoiler)[ add Huma to my list of intimidating characters (hide spoiler)]

[AHHHHHH]

Chapter 24
(view spoiler)[ Wow I didn’t expect that to happen but it’s a smart plan. Except Mehmed will probably find out and I really don’t want him to get into a fight with Lada and Radu. LET THEM BE FRIENDS FOREVER. (hide spoiler)]

[AHHHHHH]

Chapter 30
(view spoiler)[ I feel so bad for Radu! I do feel happy for Lada I guess, but Radu can’t even express his feelings to anyone at all, because he could be killed. He must be so heartbroken! (hide spoiler)]

[AHHHHHH]

Chapter 31
(view spoiler)[ What just happened, oh no (hide spoiler)]