Harkness, Deborah; The Book of Life (All Souls Trilogy #3) "Informal Buddy Read" Start Date August 15

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Topic has been moved to our Buddy Reads folder.

[Rebecca]

That's a good point Leslie! I think the narrator definitely biased me towards Matthew. I think it was in trying to build his character as a vampire that the narrator kept describing his temper and his building / over protective nature more than his actual actions. It's understandable that he wants to protect everyone and will do anything he can even if it means offending his wife.

Also Diana wasn't being a push over about it at all, so she was just as stubborn and demanding as he was at times.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I'm only at Chapter 10, but I just started listening to the audio and it definitely adds a different dimension to the book. A passage I had already read "came to life" more on audio. Looks like I'll be taking my time to finish the rest of the book on audio ;)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I'm now up to Chapter 16 and it is getting really interesting. I love being at Yale and the descriptions of the old manuscripts and library. I also think the dynamic between Miriam and Chris is a nice 'comedic relief' for the book. I imagine they will end up together!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I finished!
Wow, I loved this book. What a great way to tie up the series and I felt that Harkness didn't get bogged down in detail this time either.

I like to think that with that kind of ending there may be another book ; perhaps a few years into the future when the twins are older. How marvellous that would be.

The only part that didn't work for me was how easily Diana and Matthew found being parents of newborn twins. And when they had time together they went for walks.... bahahahaha... any parent of newborn takes ANY available time for sleep... teehee
But, joking aside, I did think this was a wonderful book and I'm sad to say goodbye to the characters who became friends and family over the course of the series

[Ezi]

I am still waiting for the library to have this ready for me. :(

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Well if it is any consolation, I think the book is worth the wait

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Ezi, let me know when you are ready and I can be your buddy reader. I've had it sitting on the shelf for months.

[Ezi]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Ezi, let me know when you are ready and I can be your buddy reader. I've had it sitting on the shelf for months."

I will. Thank you

[Ezi]

i just got this book yesterday

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Oh great. When are you going to start it?

[Ezi]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Oh great. When are you going to start it?"

I was thinking Monday

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I'll start it too. I have a few books on the go, but don't we all, LOL.

Thanks Ezi, I've got the paperback copy at 582 pages + the buddy read that gives us both 80 points.

[Ezi]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I'll start it too. I have a few books on the go, but don't we all, LOL.

Thanks Ezi, I've got the paperback copy at 582 pages + the buddy read that gives us both 80 points."

This will be my first treebook in over a year. I am also waiting for Gone Girl, but I may just get the audiobook for a credit as I am in the 80's on the waiting list

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Started it this morning. I have to get my head back into the plotline, characters. I remember the main points - witch, vampire, big scary book they are searching for but some of the minor characters and nuances of the story are drawing a blank.

[Ezi]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Started it this morning. I have to get my head back into the plotline, characters. I remember the main points - witch, vampire, big scary book they are searching for but some of the minor character..."

don't forget (view spoiler)[ the pregnancy issue (hide spoiler)]

[Debbie (Doc)]

I just started the audio this morning. I would love to join you.

[K~Terror]

Me too! I haven't started it yet but have it and can start any time.

[Ezi]

Debbie wrote: "I just started the audio this morning. I would love to join you."

I am so jealous of you people. Freaking audio is popular at the library. when I got the paperback i just looked at it...I am not convinced that I still know how to read regular books. I am scared...I may have to break down and get it audible

[Debbie (Doc)]

I just got my audible credit... Well now I've used it. My library has 125 in front of me. Odds are good that I wouldn't see it until middle of next year!

[K~Terror]

I remember the last time you got like 40 discs from the library.. I was afraid to see how big the book was!

You ended up going audible then too I think?

[Ezi]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "I remember the last time you got like 40 discs from the library.. I was afraid to see how big the book was!

You ended up going audible then too I think?"

I did get book 2 at audible because the CDs was ruining the continuity and stuff. But the library has it in mp3 version as well as CDs and even the e-book for book 3. I was hoping I could get the iphone compatible version.

But it could be worse, I am #87 in line for . so I will probably get it Oct 2016

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Great to have you Kristen and Debbie reading it too. I'm up to Chapter 9 and there seems to be a lot of posturing between the main characters and the plot is slowly inching forward.

What do you gals think of Matthew as a hero? Diana as a heroine?

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I had a few days off reading this finishing another buddy read but I'm going to get stuck into this now and finish it.

[Debbie (Doc)]

I'm up to chapter 15. It is starting to get pretty good.

[K~Terror]

I am starting this book at least by Friday morning - rain or shine!

[K~Terror]

I'm glad to hear that Debbie - last time I think it took me about 34 chapters before I felt like I was in a good place with the book! (But maybe I'm just slow like that..).

[Debbie (Doc)]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "I'm glad to hear that Debbie - last time I think it took me about 34 chapters before I felt like I was in a good place with the book! (But maybe I'm just slow like that..)."

Exactly the same for me. Actually, I got so bored with it and tired of listening that I had to shut it off numerous times. It was giving me a headache!

This book doesn't include as much historical detail. I love historical fiction but it just got to be a little too much - detracted from the storyline for me anyway.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I'm in the middle of the book around Chapter 18. Finally the plotline is moving forward. Even though I do enjoy the premise of the book and even the characters the slowness of the storyline detracts from the book for me.

[K~Terror]

Debbie wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "I'm glad to hear that Debbie - last time I think it took me about 34 chapters before I felt like I was in a good place with the book! (But maybe I'm j..."

I'm especially glad to hear it as I wish I loved historical fiction more than I actually do...

I'm starting tomorrow morning for sure - for sure! LOL!

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I think my favourite character is actually Gallowglass. Chapter 23 (view spoiler)[ Awww... how sweet and poignant that he has unrequited feelings for Diana. (hide spoiler)]

[Lauren]

Started this one yesterday. I'm doing it on audio so I'm in for the long haul. I really enjoyed books #1 and #2 so I have high expectations for this one :0)

[K~Terror]

I'm listening to this one on audio and I'm up to Chapter 12 now and I agree this book feels like it moves at a much better pace than the last two.

I love that (view spoiler)[ Diana's parents loved listening to Fleetwood Mac. LOL! (hide spoiler)]

The last two books I felt like there was so much information to sort through that I was fairly confused a lot of the time. I'm kind of excited that so far I'm having a much easier time following what's going on.

(view spoiler)[ I agree - Baldwin is a gigantic pompous pain in the ass! Poor Matthew! Found it extremely interesting that it was brought up to Matthew that they thought part of him wanted Diana to become a vampire... I know he strongly denied that any part of him would want that - but, still, I can't help but think this is going to come up again....

What do you guys think of Marcus & Phoebe??? (hide spoiler)]

[Debbie (Doc)]

I'm on chapter 20. I'm not sure how much that I will get done this week. I definitely agree that it is going smoother.

I'm not sure sure what to think of (view spoiler)[ Marcus and Phoebe. She seems so young but appears to be crazy for Marcus. I really do like Sarah. She appears to be a very strong woman, especially after Emily's death. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Debbie wrote: "I'm on chapter 17. I'm not sure how much that I will get done this week. I definitely agree that it is going smoother.

I'm not sure sure what to think of [spoilers removed]"

I was surprised (view spoiler)[ she was all ready willing to become a vampire... Huge commitment right there! (hide spoiler)]

I'm up to Chapter 15 (view spoiler)[ where Diana's BFF Christopher has arrived and now they will all be working together. I'm kind of liking they are back at the college campus for some reason. Should be interesting watching the interactions between Matthew and Christopher since they haven't exactly hit it off yet... LOL! Too much alike?

Oh and that Benjamin is certainly a wicked piece of work... (hide spoiler)]

I hope to get some reading in tomorrow but Sunday may be iffy since it's my MIL b'day and we're having a surprise party for her.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I just finished Chapter 34.

Now that was a great chapter, after the slow unwinding of the plot, I'm hoping for a spectacular finish.

[K~Terror]

Oh nice Lisa - I'm really looking forward to getting there now!

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I finished it. The ending was good. I liked the book, my problem was how long and slow it took to get there.

Even though the trilogy has ended there is some room to continue on with the characters in some way, shape or form. (view spoiler)[ I would definitely read a book with Gallowglass as the hero. There was a lot more to him than was explored in this book. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

I'm up to Chapter 20

I was so happy (view spoiler)[ to see Jack show up but now it's so heartbreaking... Poor kid.. His emotions are all over the board. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Awesome!! I just started yesterday. Really liking this one so far.

[Lauren]

Sadie wrote: "That's great to hear! I've been looking forward to reading this for so long. I'm just a little intimidated by the size of it!"

Did you read the first two books, Sadie?

[Lauren]

Sadie wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Sadie wrote: "That's great to hear! I've been looking forward to reading this for so long. I'm just a little intimidated by the size of it!"

Did you read the first two books, Sadie?..."

Don't worry, Harkness does a pretty good job refreshing your memory within the story :0)

[K~Terror]

Lauren wrote: "Sadie wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Sadie wrote: "That's great to hear! I've been looking forward to reading this for so long. I'm just a little intimidated by the size of it!"

Did you read the first two..."

She really does - I hadn't thought is forgotten so much!

I'm on Chapter 24. Not sure (view spoiler)[ I like having Matthew and Diana apart.. Even though I understand why. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I think my favourite character is actually Gallowglass. Chapter 23 [spoilers removed]"

Wow (view spoiler)[ I was very surprised by this! How sad his life must have been for him knowing she would never be his. (hide spoiler)]

[Debbie (Doc)]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "Debbie wrote: "I'm on chapter 17. I'm not sure how much that I will get done this week. I definitely agree that it is going smoother.

I'm not sure sure what to think of [spoilers removed]"

I wa..."

I also like (view spoiler)[ the fact that they are back on campus. I really didn't care for the time travel, although I really enjoy historical fiction (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

I'm at Chapter 37 and I have to say I love this book so far. I just can't seem to put it down even though I should! This book makes every painful detail I've read through over the past two books worth it.

Debbie - I agree with you. (view spoiler)[ I'm not a fam of the time travel either! (hide spoiler)].

Sadie - yes, you should come to it shortly if you haven't yet..

[Ezi]

Karen wrote: "I'm about to start chapter 10.
Did anyone else find the switch to Diana's first person POV surprising? I can't remember the other books doing that
I still don't really like how Matthew seems to dom..."

I thought I was the only one who was thrown by the switch to Diana in the first person. But it also gave her a sense of control/power and authority.

[Ezi]

@Sadie: I agree, Phillipe and Ysabeau's fierce claiming of Diana is so freaking awesome

[Lauren]

I hate work!
Haven't had much time to listen .... Hope to continue soon.

[Ezi]

Lauren wrote: "I hate work!
Haven't had much time to listen .... Hope to continue soon."

been on it all day.