Lawrence, Mark--Grey Sister (Book of the Ancestor, #2) informal buddy reads July 1, 2018

[Elize]

Loving all of your thoughts!

So far I think this one is better than the first. Maybe because there is not as much world building as in the first (obviously.)

[Sunny]

I finished it and oh my god was this a rollercoaster. When is the next book coming out??

[Alison]

Elena wrote: "Up to chapter 30
[spoilers removed]"

I find it almost impossible to figure out (view spoiler)[what Abbess Glass is up to. What's deliberate and what's not. I thought she was hoping to go to the Emperor's palace rather than Sherzal's so that she could fill him in on what his sister has been doing behind his back (hide spoiler)]

[Alison]

Sunny wrote: "I finished it and oh my god was this a rollercoaster. When is the next book coming out??"

Think it's April 2019 so there's a bit of a wait. I do wonder why there had to be such a gap when it was written edited and ready to go before Red Sister was published. So inconsiderate ;)

Does anyone have any predictions for Holy Sister? I'm thinking....(view spoiler)[
We'll finally find out what happens at the end of the big battle they've been foreshadowing since the start. I think part of it will be Yisht and Nona having a big showdown (my money's on Nona but with it being the final book I'm not sure she'll survive either).

Keot is going to be important either in terms of swinging the fight or something to do with his origins. Was there not some suggestion that the Arks (or was it the shiphearts) pre dated the four tribes coming and were in fact the draw?

We'll finally find out what happened to the missing (I am so curious about them now)

I don't think it's going to end well for Zole, with the demons inside her now and the fact she's never been mentioned in the flash forwards I've got a bad feeling.

I think there's going to be a bit of romance between Nona and Regol although it did also seem like there might be something between Nona and Ara (I really hope Ara gets a bigger part in the next book) (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Finally got my copy from the library! I'll be starting tomorrow!

[Elize]

Around Chapter 29

(view spoiler)[ I love how this is taking place more outside the convent this time. As in the last book I found the middle section where they were mainly going to class a little slow.

They are really adding depth to the characters which I like but I wish we had a bit more insight to this in the first book as we know they were all written before they were released. For example I don't remember anything from the first book about the Abbess losing her child and the fact that she used to be an inquisitor? (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Alison wrote: "Sunny wrote: "I finished it and oh my god was this a rollercoaster. When is the next book coming out??"

Think it's April 2019 so there's a bit of a wait. I do wonder why there had to be such a gap..."

(view spoiler)[ Totally agree about Keot--and I really hope to see him, I know he was all murdery, but I liked him and I really missed Ara too. I know Zole isn't in any of the future, but I really hate to lose her! She was my favorite in this one! Also about the shiphearts and Arks and the missing, I am excited to learn more, and yes, the fact that the demons are drawn to them is going to be important. (hide spoiler)]

[Elena]

Finished it the other day and loved it! (view spoiler)[The only thing that bothered me a little was lack of depth in Joeli's character, she was such a cliche "mean girl"! If she plays any part in book three I'd like to see more conflict.

Zole was so great! The fact that she brought shipheart to nuns and not Sherzal speaks volumes, and she treasures her friendships as much as Nona does even if she doesn't show it. I too am worried about her with demons and all, but hopefully there's a chance for her to survive it - she's a four-blood, has absolute control that she won't easily give up and Nona will most likely be there to help.

And remind me to never play chess with Abbess Glass! :) I'm in awe of this woman, her ability to see a thousand steps ahead is extraordinary but even if things don't go her preferred way she remains so collected and wise and just the best she can be. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Wasn’t planning on reading this but when I went to the library yesterday it was sitting front and center in the New Books shelf calling to me. So I guess I’m in! I read the first five chapters today.

Alison wrote: "I am so happy the author did a here's what happened in the previous book section. I didn't think I would need it given I jus..."


I agree about the recap at the beginning being very nice! I wish all series authors did this!

[[deleted user]]

Teri wrote: "Page 36 Chapter 5
[spoilers removed]"

That’s just what I was thinking, (view spoiler)[a new person to hate! Oh, that Joeli. I hate when lying characters get away with setting other people up! That was a narrow miss for Nona. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Alison wrote: "I'm up to around the end of chapter five now. Not sure how I feel about the prologue/flash forward at the start (and I'm assuming at the beginning of each part). I love how it's continuing the stor..."

I am also finding this one easier to read without so many time jumps.

Keot - (view spoiler)[ That’s a little scary that this demon was able to jump from Raymel to Nona. But I guess it’s also disturbing how much she enjoyed repeatedly stabbing him in the back. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

It's been slow going for me :( I managed to get to the end of chapter 17.

(view spoiler)[Nona drives me insane with her half-cocked plans and thinking she knows better than the adults! I was impressed with her Shade Trial. I thought it was ingenious! I wanted Apple to praise her, but I guess that's expecting too much.

And Joeli. Argh! Don't like that manipulative girl at all! (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Through Chapter 5:
(view spoiler)[ Poor Nona- ever time she gets around a new group of kids, she gets picked on again. You'd think eventually the others wold learn that it never works out to go up against her. Also, the Sisters are getting on my nerves in the beginning of this book- voting to kick Nona out makes no sense. I know the ones who voted against her have their own prejudices, but it's stupid. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Erin wrote: "Through Chapter 5:
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I was also surprised with the Sisters wanting to vote her out. I honestly thought they would see her potential. But I guess the prophecy was not enough to like/support Nona. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Finished chapter 10 and I’m actually starting to like Keot! His interactions with Nona are cracking me up. (view spoiler)[I loved when they were in the tunnels and found the skeletons and Keot was like RUN!!! LOL Even he knew there was something in there they shouldn’t mess with. (hide spoiler)]

I’m finding myself bored by the blade path lessons. I want to just skim over those parts but I’m afraid I might miss something good!

Zole is growing on me — I am tentatively starting to like her. (view spoiler)[I was grateful that she spoke up to defend Nona being accused of trying to kill Joeli. Ugh, I hate Joeli! These bullies are always getting away with harassing students. So maddening!

I’m also sad that Nona is the only one who wants to avenge Hessa. She was murdered and it’s like the nuns don’t even care. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Nicole wrote: "Erin wrote: "Through Chapter 5:
[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[That made me mad too. They’re so wise but they can’t see through Joeli’s lies? Ugh! (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

I finished Book 1 a couple days ago & enjoyed it so much that I wanted to jump in to this one right away (while everything was fresh)!

Thru Chpt 13 -

(view spoiler)[Don't know yet if I like the addition of Keot. He is amusing at times but does she really need another voice to help fuel her rage? Interesting that no one seems to know about him except for Zole, unless we just don't know that they know.

Hate Joeli, but since Zole is more cordial with Nona & Yisht is nowhere to be seen, guess they needed a new villainous character. Hoping Nona beats her down & soon. Still can't believe that there were so many votes against Nona at the convent table! You would think the sisters would've caught on to how manipulative Joeli is since she IS older than Nona & had to have been there a lot longer.

I thought Yisht had died so was surprised to read that she actually got away with the heartstone!

The creature in the cave - wondering if it's Nona's shadow? And awww, Nona went back for Ara :) (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Erin wrote: "Through Chapter 5:
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I was thinking the same thing! Just want to say People, leave her alone! She's still young & still has training to do but why does she have to prove herself over and over again with the other novices?! Most of the time it doesn't work out in their favor so you'd think they would've learned by now! (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Talia wrote: "Finished chapter 10 and I’m actually starting to like Keot! His interactions with Nona are cracking me up. [spoilers removed]

I’m finding myself bored by the blade path lessons. I want to just ski..."

Agree about the blade path lessons. We went thru a lot of those scenes in Book 1 so it's getting a little old.

Zole - (view spoiler)[I am not as suspicious of her/her actions now & want to like her so much more but she's still so very stoic. Wish she would hang with the group & open up more. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

It's ramping up! & must say that it is a lot more exciting than book 1.

Thru Chpt 24 -

(view spoiler)[Poor Nona! First she's banished/threatened that she's going to be killed/forced to leave the convent, then she looks for her town & everything's been destroyed. And to top it all off, her mother is dead. I didn't want to stop here today after she's been poisoned & passes out but had to do all my updates on GR.

That Joeli needs to go down. But first Yisht. Then probably Sherzal. But Joeli is definitely in the top 3.

What is this long game Glass has in mind? And how does Nona get back to/is accepted back at the convent??? (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Just got to the end of chapter 22. And I'm so mad at Nona! She doesn't think! Just goes head first into something, damn the consequences.

[Nicole]

Cathy M. wrote: "It's ramping up! & must say that it is a lot more exciting than book 1.

Thru Chpt 24 - "

I totally agree about Joeli. (view spoiler)[That little bitch! (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

(view spoiler)[ Yeah Joeli is the WORST! I was disappointed in a lot of the things the nuns have done over the course of the books, but I think there is a reason behind it. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Just finished chapter 27 and...

(view spoiler)[Zole's quiet statement "She is my friend" hit me in the feels. That was powerful and so meaningful. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Nicole wrote: "Just finished chapter 27 and...

[spoilers removed]"

YES!!(view spoiler)[ that was very powerful, especially with her being so quiet and we don't really know how she feels, but she does care and I loved that! And it was so Nona-like (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Nicole wrote: "Just got to the end of chapter 22. And I'm so mad at Nona! She doesn't think! Just goes head first into something, damn the consequences."

(view spoiler)[So true, it was her fault but going in without thinking what the consequences could be.But banishment or death was a bit extreme! (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Nicole wrote: "Just finished chapter 27 and...

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I actually teared up it was so unexpectedly sweet!! But damn, what did she do to that guy?! She punched thru his head O.O Shows how strong she really is! (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Cathy M. wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Just got to the end of chapter 22. And I'm so mad at Nona! She doesn't think! Just goes head first into something, damn the consequences."

[spoilers removed]"

This whole world is brutal. Parents selling their kids. Kids learning how to kill and defend themselves at such a young age.

[Erin]

Through Chapter 12:
(view spoiler)[ I'm really starting to like Keot! Probably not the best influence on Nona since she already has major rage issues, but I find him really funny.

All the attacks from the other girls are getting ridiculous! You'd think they'd learn that it's never a good plan to go up against Nona... (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Talia wrote: "Finished chapter 10 and I’m actually starting to like Keot! His interactions with Nona are cracking me up. [spoilers removed]

I’m finding myself bored by the blade path lessons. I want to just ski..."

(view spoiler)[ I completely agree about Hessa- it seems wrong that no one besides Nona is interested in getting justice for her murder. I guess they're all focused on the "bigger picture," but if I were one of their students, watching them shrug off the murder of one of my classmates would make me reconsider if I really wanted to be at the convent. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Just got to the end of chapter 35...

(view spoiler)[What in the ever loving hell was that? I didn't realize one could swap bodies? Or whatever the heck Kettle and Nona managed to do since they are thread bound.

And can we take a moment to give Nona a standing ovation. Locked up. Shackled. No food. In the dark. Weak. Tired. And she still manages to whip Lightless and Noi-Guin asses! (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Just got to the end of chapter 42...

(view spoiler)[Sheesh! So much happening? How the heck Nona is standing, I don't know. I was a bit sadden when Keot left her but the reason for it was great. An example of good triumphing over evil.

As for Clera's return...as much as it is appreciated, she still betrayed Nona and Ara in the worse possible way.

And where the heck is Zole? I wanted her to come out of the rocks and help Nona against Yisht.

Glass is a badass. I just hope things work out the way she wants them to. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Finally finished and OMG!

(view spoiler)[Zole came through in the end but at what price??

And I loved Nona's shyness in front of Regol. A reminder that she is a young girl, who feels/reacts like normal girls do in front of cute boys. I was wanting something to happen between her and Ara but will be happy if something happens with Regol instead. Nona needs something good. Something to make her feel loved and wanted.

Abbess Glass! That sly old lady. I was worried at one point that her little maneuvering would not work. I'm hoping Brother Pelter got shot by one of those stray arrows.

Kettle...I really hope she makes it back to Apple. She was there for Nona and helped her so much.

Keot I kinda missed in that last scene. He was like the little devil on Nona's shoulder and it actually helped her not to succumb to her rage.

Joeli. I'll say it again: that little bitch! Her time will come! She had a chance to change the course but instead stuck to her vengeful ways. She deserves a slow, torturous death for what she's put Nona and her friends through. And also justice for Darla. I teared up a little when Darla died. (hide spoiler)]

I can't wait for the next one! In April 2019 😭

[Erin]

Through Chapter 18:
(view spoiler)[ Wow, Nona really can't get a break- I mean,I know she's always making rash decisions, but now they want to drown her? Obviously that's not going to happen since the book is only halfway through, but it's still a harsh sentence. And I just went from disliking Joeli to really hating her! (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Whew, finished! That last like 30-40% was crazy good. It was fast-paced & non-stop!!

(view spoiler)[Poor Darla. She really grew on me the end of last book & in this one as an addition to their gang. Damn that Joeli!!! She needs to die & painfully too...

Zole - holy crap. Does that mean she's going to start going crazy like Yisht? I really hope they find a way to either control them or get rid of them in the next one. But she brought them a shipheart :D It shows that where her loyalty lies.

So surprised by Clera's reemergence and also surprised that she helped them get away. In the epilogue in the 1st book, she was with Lano Tacsis so did expect her to stay back and not leave Sherzal's palace with them.

Was so hoping that Nona would finally kill Yisht but wonder what Keot will do to her mind. Maybe he'll drive her even crazier? She still needs to be taken down. Keot ended up growing on me... just in time for him to leave Nona. What caused that?

Glass - I had no idea where she was going with everything but love how she turned it around on Sherzal.

Nona - she was starving & hurt yet she still managed to fight & then help them get out of the palace. She is seriously badass. Also
loved the connection she had with Kettle who is becoming another favorite. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Erin wrote: "Talia wrote: "Finished chapter 10 and I’m actually starting to like Keot! His interactions with Nona are cracking me up. [spoilers removed]

I’m finding myself bored by the blade path lessons. I wa..."

(view spoiler)[I wondered about that too but remembered that though the 1st chapter started right at the end of Book 1, it then jumps ahead 2 years. So can understand why they aren't thinking of Hessa's death as much. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Nicole wrote: "Just got to the end of chapter 35...

..."

I'll join you in that!!

[Cathy M.]

Nicole wrote: "Finally finished and OMG!

Zole came through in the end but at what price??

And I loved Nona's shyness in front of Regol. A reminder that she is a young girl, who feels/reacts like normal girls do..."

(view spoiler)[I teared up too :(

I think that's one thing you sort of forget about these stories - they are still so young!! It was cute how she reacted to Regol but not sure we'll ever get a love match in this series. There is just too much uncertainty & fighting! But do hope as well that she could find/feel love. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Erin wrote: "Through Chapter 18:
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I thought that too! It was unexpected, especially when the crime was that she was in the cave, not having killed another novice or something as serious as that. And the response from some of the sisters! (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Through Chapter30:
(view spoiler)[ Zole coming in clutch! I love that she came after Kettle and Nona- one of my favorite things in this series is that characters keep changing, which makes sense since they're so young. They might start as rivals, but they aren't stuck in that dynamic forever.

Glass is so shifty, I can't tell if being taken to Sherzal is part of her plan or not. Is she actually upset, or just pretending? (hide spoiler)]

I've been reading this one pretty slowly, but I have some free time the next couple days, and should have time to finish it tomorrow!

[Teri]

Erin wrote: "Through Chapter30:
Zole coming in clutch! I love that she came after Kettle and Nona- one of my favorite things in this series is that characters keep changing, which makes sense since they're so ..."

Totally agree (view spoiler)[ about the characters, people I liked or didn't, it keeps changing, we see them grow or figure things out or at times I was just plain wrong about them--love that! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Nicole wrote: "It's been slow going for me :( I managed to get to the end of chapter 17.

Nona drives me insane with her half-cocked plans and thinking she knows better than the adults! I was impressed with her S..."

Just finished chapter 20 and I agree, Nicole, about

The Mystic test - (view spoiler)[ That was an impressive performance by Nona! Clever girl. (hide spoiler)]

And Joeli - (view spoiler)[ Ugh, I hate her so much. She must be destroyed! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Cathy M. wrote: "I finished Book 1 a couple days ago & enjoyed it so much that I wanted to jump in to this one right away (while everything was fresh)!

Thru Chpt 13 -

Don't know yet if I like the addition of Keo..."


Regarding Joeli - (view spoiler)[ Yeah, it drives me crazy that the sisters fall for her lies every time. You’d think they would be smart enough to see through her tricks! (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Talia wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I finished Book 1 a couple days ago & enjoyed it so much that I wanted to jump in to this one right away (while everything was fresh)!

Thru Chpt 13 -

Don't know yet if I like th..."

(view spoiler)[I think Glass sees through her but hopes she becomes better/nicer. (hide spoiler)]

[Annalisa]

I'm just starting this now. I really like the writing style and how we get a little more of the opening fight at the beginning.

The first chapter is wow. (view spoiler)[I'm glad we get Apple's perspective on leaving her assignment and going to Kettle. I'm feeling like this book might have a stronger opening than Red Sister and I really liked that opening. (hide spoiler)]