The Ghost Bird Series, by C.L. Stone - starting with Book 2, First Days - beginning July 3rd, 2018

[Jennifer]

Book 2 Description:
Sang Sorenson used to be the invisible girl in class. As a new student to Ashley Waters High School, Sang hopes that her new friends will be the change she’s been craving and will make fitting in a breeze.

But Academy students aren’t there to take it easy. The high school is overcrowded and rife with violence. When fights begin, Sang will uncover the true reason the boys traded in their private school life for a public one.

This year, Sang will no longer be invisible. This year, Sang is a target.

The principal and vice principal are hot to take Sang down, and her own mother is determined to entrap Sang forever in her belief that the safest place to be is in the shadows. Despite this, Nathan, Luke, Kota, North, Silas, Victor, and Gabriel will discover Sang’s unyielding loyalty.

And they will sorely need it.

The Academy, supremely influential.

[Jennifer]

First Day - (view spoiler)[ I am not getting the feeling that Hendricks wants what is good for the school. (hide spoiler)]
Whatever you need - (view spoiler)[ The mystery thickens. Hendricks is definitely out for them, and Blackborne has his own secrets, doesn't he. He seems like the overall protector for the entire group. I hope he becomes more acceptant of Sang, otherwise he will have the power to break up this group. (hide spoiler)]
Inappropriate - (view spoiler)[ Ew, McCoy gives me the major creeps! (hide spoiler)]
Bait - (view spoiler)[ Finally! Someone is going to teach her some self-defense! I kept wondering why that wasn't the first thing they did with her.

I can't imagine living in a house like Sang's. Her mom is awful enough, but I also don't trust the sister. There is something going on with her, and I think it will end up biting Sang in the end. (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ so that's what the whole "ghost bird" thing means. I was beginning to wonder. I thought maybe her dreams were some supernatural power or something - so what do they mean? (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Sorry. Been busy at work. I will have some updates for the book today.

[Jennifer]

Not worries, Sharon! I’ve been without my computer all week so I’m behind on my comments and reviews. Should start to post again on Friday.

[Jennifer]

Saturday - (view spoiler)[ WTF!!! What the hell is wrong with her mother? Ties her up and forgets about her?? WTF? How is she not in jail? I know the guys want to keep her ghost status and all, but this is getting out of hand. I think the cops need to be called. (hide spoiler)]
Escape - (view spoiler)[ Something is UP with her dad. All these business trips all of a sudden?? (hide spoiler)]
Sang the Cheater - (view spoiler)[ Yeah, it is cute to see them all swimming and having fun. And how sweet were the guys to take her shopping to get clothes? And them gulping air when she comes out in her bikini - too adorable. (hide spoiler)]
The Academy, Capable - (view spoiler)[ Oh my goodness, these guys! I want some! I'm not sure how they pulled off all they did in her house - insulating and soundproofing an attic so she could talk on the phone?? Yep, gotta get me a harem of young studs. (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Holy crap! So, dad's gone, stepmom is gone for a while, evil sister is still around, and Sang will need to figure out who her real mom is, right? (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Secret Dreams - (view spoiler)[ I kind of wish they had kissed in the closet too! Poor Luke. (hide spoiler)]
The Raven Haired Girl - (view spoiler)[ yes! now she'll be in a closet with 2 of them! Please let something happen! (hide spoiler)]
North Unleashed - (view spoiler)[ Oh man, I know he was drugged out, but that was kind of hot in the back seat. Poor North, he doesn't want to share her. (hide spoiler)]
Accusations - (view spoiler)[ Ew, McCoy is so creepy. I hope they put him in a hole to never return! (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Ok, I think North is my favorite. I like his angry side and his intensity, and of course, he was the first to admit he loves her.

How did McCoy get away? Now we will have his imminent return over our heads in the future books. (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Reaction - (view spoiler)[ Ok, I thought the morse code was just some geek trying to be clever, but the picture - that's creepy! (hide spoiler)]
Victor Talented - (view spoiler)[ Oh great, now we have a new creepy guy that wants Sang. What the what? Is this going to be one of those series where she gets kidnapped in every book? I hope not. (hide spoiler)]
A dream and a Song - (view spoiler)[ Ugh, there I was digging how sweet Victor was for taking a bath with her and I was happy she finally told someone about her fear of showers, and then Victor's dad had to go and ruin my buzz. Why are most of the parents in this series such assholes? Erica is like the only one that is cool, even if she doesn't let Kota speak for himself. (hide spoiler)]
The Art of a Thief - (view spoiler)[ OMG, Luke! I totally thought she was going to kiss him to distract him, but no. How did he get the camera out of her underwear? (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Yay, Victor loves her too. He's a sweetheart too. (I still prefer North). Could this Volto guy be the nerdy guy she keeps running into? Could he be an academy guy too? He seems to know a lot about it, and he is certainly capable. Maybe he is from another group and wants to steal her away? And what happened to McCoy? (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Sharon, I know you've read this series before. I'm not sure which book you will start with - if you just want to pick up where you left off, that's cool. I'm committed to reading them all.

This series is the only thing I read while on my vacation this week, so I'm up to book 8. I just didn't have access to my computer to add the comments and reviews until today (I hate trying to do it through the phone app - it stinks!). I just didn't want you to see all the updates and feel pressured to reread if you didn't want to.

[Jennifer]

Perilous Gossip - (view spoiler)[ Oh man, I hate Danielle. She is horrible! And Jade is even worse. I bet Sang is right and she is behind putting the drugs in the drink, etc. (hide spoiler)]
Can't Run Away from a Fight - (view spoiler)[ I can't believe Rocky was like that - I actually thought he was an ok guy. I hope Jay is right and he is on something. I need another character besides the guys and maybe Derrick to be good - ya know? (hide spoiler)]
A Night Away - (view spoiler)[ I kept thinking, "North, God yes! Something is going to happen! I guess it did, but then it stopped. North did the right thing even if I was yelling, NOOOOOOO! (hide spoiler)]
Skipping school w/Blackbourne - (view spoiler)[ I think I am really going to like Mr. Blackbourne when we get to his book. He has that same vibe as River in the Kit Davenport series - like he is all about control and might tie you up to get it (yes, please!)

Previously...Serves Danielle right if she ODs; and even though I don't like her, I don't want Marie to be drugged out. (hide spoiler)]
Dr. Green's condo - (view spoiler)[ YES, she's finally been kissed! I didn't expect it to be Dr. Green! I would have totally lost that bet, but I guess it makes sense for it to be one of the older guys...maybe?? (hide spoiler)]
Cornered - (view spoiler)[ WTF! Was she just raped by Jade? What did she mean, "I can fix that"??? WTF! (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ I know this was Silas's book and all, but I thought the scene with North was the hottest. And the stuff at the end with Nathan?? I'm not surprised that he wants to run off with her - of all of them, I think he is the most likely to actually do it! (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Jennifer wrote: "Sharon, I know you've read this series before. I'm not sure which book you will start with - if you just want to pick up where you left off, that's cool. I'm committed to reading them all.

This s..."

I read up to book 9. However, I am reading from books 2 and onwards because I read it them in 2015-2016. So, I might just be slow at posting my updates, but I am reading I promise.

[Sharon]

Misery Loves: (view spoiler)[ OMG! Her mother is a control freak. I can't believe she made Sang kneel on rice. I feel sad for Sang and I love how concerned the boys are. The are great friends. (hide spoiler)]

First Day: (view spoiler)[ How did the principal know that they were in the Academy? I wonder if Principle Hendricks knows what is really happening. (hide spoiler)]

Whatever You Need: (view spoiler)[ I am now more suspicious about who Principal Hendricks is. I am getting a bit of a creepy vibe from him. (hide spoiler)]

Grounded: (view spoiler)[ OMG! I really dislike her mother. I wonder how a mother can make her child sit on a chair for the whole night until she tells them that it is okay to move. I really feel bad for Sang. I do not like the situation she is in at home. (hide spoiler)]

Trouble: (view spoiler)[ I laughed my butt off at this part where the boy, Mike came up to Sang and said Hi to her, and then asked her if she will marry him. First of all, you both are not ready for marriage, and you do not know each other. However, I thought it was cute scene. (hide spoiler)]

Ending Thoughts: (view spoiler)[ Now I know what the meaning of "Ghost Bird" is. I am wondering if Sang's mother kidnapped Sang when she was really young. Maybe that is why her mother is so paranoid. (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Complicated Dating - (view spoiler)[ Uh, yeah, how is homecoming going to work? Won't all of them want her to be their date? (hide spoiler)]
Focus your efforts - (view spoiler)[ a corset? just who's fantasy will she be fulfilling? (cough, Blackbourne, cough). (hide spoiler)]
Lost him already - (view spoiler)[ Ugh, this Volto guy is pissing me off. One thing I don't get though, why did the guys just run away from the masks? It seems counter-character. Shouldn't they have stayed and investigated instead? gotten some video tapes from the surrounding stores or something? (hide spoiler)]
How the Greeks...Kissing - (view spoiler)[ So are we being set up for Sang to "rescue" Theo from himself? Is this going to be another one of her talents? (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Not at all how I thought things would go down with Silas. I guess I am just surprised that they are essentially walking away from Theo. I get the whole, "some people don't want to be helped" thing, but it feels wrong for Silas and Charlie to throw him in rehab and walk away. (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

I'm trying to catch up on my comments and reviews for this series. I keep having to battle my kids for the computer - they won't stop playing Fortnight!!!


House of Coleman - (view spoiler)[ Poor Gabriel, he's embarrassed about his roots. Although, I can't believe Pam would accuse him of raping a guy when she walked in on them kissing. (hide spoiler)]
Gabriel Coleman, Embarrassed - (view spoiler)[ Whew, as if the first make out session wasn't embarrassing enough, this one with Pam's boyfriend is pretty bad - having to run out of the house naked. Yikes! (hide spoiler)]
Mixed Feelings - (view spoiler)[ Poor Gabriel! He has so much to offer, but he doesn't even see it in himself. I just want to hug him.
(hide spoiler)]
Restless Panic - (view spoiler)[ Going rogue? Does that mean he is on his way to run off with her?? Prior chapter: I almost forgot about Kota - how could I do that? It's funny how many of these guys at this age want the house with the picket fence. I really don't see how this whole plan will work out in the end - speaking of, how many books will we have by the end of this series? It took until book 6 for her to get kissed! How long will it take for them to all move in with each other, 35? (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Oh crap! Gabriel needs to tell someone! That kind of info could tear him apart inside, not to mention Sang when she finds out! Tell Blackbourne, Gabe, tell him!! (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Hide and Seek (20%) - (view spoiler)[ I can't believe they would suspect Luke of being Volto! (hide spoiler)]
A date w/Luke (40%) - (view spoiler)[ OMG, I can't believe they just got a pet skunk! (hide spoiler)]
The perfect kiss (43%) - (view spoiler)[ Holy crap, Luke almost made it to 2nd base! Was North really mad about the kiss or the fact that his brother was about to feel her up and not him? (hide spoiler)]
Games (70%) - (view spoiler)[ Aw, I like the scenes when they are doing something good for the community. I wish they had more of those in each book. As an aside, I still love North the best! (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Oh man! Who the heck is Volto???? I'm so glad it wasn't Luke, even though I don't understand why he kept so much info to himself about tracking him. I'm w/Luke, I don't think it is Marie, but maybe Derrick? Didn't he try out the path to the Academy? And hasn't he felt somewhat rejected by them as a group in the past? And where the heck has Wil gone? I thought it was him for a while too since he seems pretty tech savvy, but he hasn't really made an appearance in a book in a while.

One more thing that is really bothering me: so, did she just quit learning the violin? After they made such a big deal out of getting her one in the beginning of the series, she hasn't even been carrying it around or playing it, etc. How is she supposed to bond with Blackbourne later over music if she isn't learning how to play?? (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

A visit to the past (18%) - (view spoiler)[ Oh, that's so sad! They didn't even talk the whole time. Mr. Blackbourne must be broken; I hope Sang can fix him someday (soon). (hide spoiler)]
Unexpected Guests (42%) - (view spoiler)[It is going to be a really long week if Sang can't even muster up enough courage to talk to other people! (hide spoiler)]
New Recruit (59%) - (view spoiler)[ Yep, Sang sure did get suckered into everything they were worried about. How is Sang going to find time to talk to Kota? Although, Lake seems like she needs a friend pretty badly. (hide spoiler)]
A rift among friends (78%) - (view spoiler)[ Uh oh, I think Kota got the wrong impression completely! I think that sweet kiss they shared is going to end up biting Sang in the rear. (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Ugh, I am SO relieved that everyone is talking to each other! And everyone is at least aware of "the plan" even if it seems that they only have 6 more months to really figure it out. And the shower thing is out in the open too - I never understood why she was keeping that one to herself. Thank goodness - perhaps we can now focus on what the heck is going on with Hendricks and Volto, etc. (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Diving In (15%) - (view spoiler)[ Is it just me, or does Dr. Green seem a lot more......needy/unconfident at the moment? At least it sounds like Carol might be interested in Sang dating him...or maybe marrying her off to a doctor?? (hide spoiler)]
In the dark (30%) - (view spoiler)[ Ugh, I had hopes that Jimmy wasn't a bad guy, but here he is spying on her for his mother. Ick. I feel so bad for Sang right now - just when it looked like things were looking up for her, disaster strikes. (hide spoiler)]
Dolled (40%) - (view spoiler)[ OMG, I just can't believe Carol is that controlling. And it sounds like Sang looks more like a hooker than the demur Stepford wife that Carol was going for. (hide spoiler)]
Dinner (78%) - (view spoiler)[ Oh no she didn't!!!! WTF, now Carol is telling Sean what to do? Someone needs to put her in her place. That is just messed up! (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ I'm not sure how this solves Sang's problem permanently. Someone is bound to look for her while the divorce goes through and she will be named in the documents as a minor for custody. I guess we just have to take this one on faith.

I'm a little disappointed in Dr. Sean's book. I mean, we did get to know his past/family situation a little better, but not a whole lot happened between him and Sang. I'm also starting to get irritated that the Hendricks, Volto and McCoy plots have not progressed at all. (hide spoiler)] Stuff better happen in the next book...I'm just saying! It's Blackbourne's book, right? I think I've been anticipating his the most.

[Jennifer]

The plot that thickens (20%) - (view spoiler)[ OMG, I despise Danielle. What a little manipulative B! I don't understand her motives, other than to mess with them, and I'm thinking that her "helping" them with their little problem means that she plans on pretending that Nathan is her boyfriend or something - which will just piss off everyone. She's always seemed to have a thing for him and she's so selfish that she probably would come up with something that gets her what she wants under the guise of helping him. Ugh, I could just slap her! (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Left behind (40%) - (view spoiler)[ OK, this Volto person is really pissing me off, and I'm dying to know who it is! My money was on Wil, but it can't be him if she is talking to Volto on the phone while standing right in front of him - can it? (hide spoiler)]
Individual Feelings (60%) - (view spoiler)[ YES! At least Kota is trying to figure out how to make this all work. Of course they need rules, duh! (hide spoiler)]
Work alone - (78%) - (view spoiler)[ UGH, now Volto has someone working with him?? Could it be Derrick and Karen? They were at the football game together right before the smoke bombs went off. But I would think that Sang would recognize Karen's voice But Jasmine and Lavender aren't really masculine smells for Volto, yet the way Volto gripped her chin to make Sang look at him is the same way the guys do it. It is a masculine gesture. Ugh, this is going to drive me crazy! (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Ahhhhh! Here I thought we were finally getting a book about Blackbourne and it ended up being about Nathan again. Not that it is a bad thing - I like Nathan. At least we seem to finally be getting closer to solving the Hendrick's and McCoy problems. I guess we still don't know what they are really up to, but at least they are in jail, right? This Volto thing is going to drive me crazy. While I guess some of it makes sense that it could be Erica, other parts just don't. Yes, she has access and the know-how to give them all strep throat, but the possessiveness about what the guys are "doing to her" doesn't fit with a middle-aged mom character. I get the feeling that Volto is actually jealous of the guys and wants Sang for himself. If it is Erica, I also don't understand why she would continue to withhold information about Hendrick's plan at the school - how would that benefit her? (hide spoiler)] Ugh, I guess we will just have to wait for the next book to come out, and since this one just came out, I assume we will have a bit of a wait. :(

Do either of you want to read the Scarab Beetle series? It is Kayli's (Wil's sister) story.

[Sharon]

Jennifer wrote: "

Left behind (40%) - [spoilers removed]
Individual Feelings (60%) - [spoilers removed]
Work alone - (78%) - [spoilers removed]
Finished - [spoilers remo..."

Ya, I am in. I want to see what Kayli's story is like too

[Jennifer]

Maybe in August?

[Sharon]

Jennifer wrote: "Maybe in August?"

YES!!!

[Jennifer]

Ok, I'll set up a series thread for the beginning of the month! Both groups (YA and CC) ok?

[Sharon]

Jennifer wrote: "Ok, I'll set up a series thread for the beginning of the month! Both groups (YA and CC) ok?"

Great

[Jennifer]

Set for 8/6 - but feel free to start earlier if you like.

[Sharon]

Jennifer wrote: "Set for 8/6 - but feel free to start earlier if you like."

Thanks Jen

[Sharon]

9%: (view spoiler)[Her mother is really sick. I can’t believe that she tied her own daughter to a chair and put her in the shower. The woman needs to be locked up for abusing her own child. I am glad that the guys got to Sang in time. It could have been a lot worse. (hide spoiler)]

19%: (view spoiler)[Her mother has cancer and treats her own daughter like trash. I do not sympathize with her mother at all for the abuse that she has put Sang through. (hide spoiler)]

27%: (view spoiler)[I wonder what happened after her father went into the bedroom. I hope he starts to act more like a father. (hide spoiler)]

37%: (view spoiler)[What the heck? Why would you trade your sister’s clothes for your best friend’s and then give your sister the clothes that you did not want? That sound stupid and ridiculous. (hide spoiler)]

52%: (view spoiler)[Awww...Sang’s never been kissed. Also, I love how the boys are always protecting and helping Sang. I love friends who are there for each other. (hide spoiler)]

65%: (view spoiler)[Her dreams seem really vivid. I wonder if something really happened to her and she is having memories of what happened. That would be interesting. (hide spoiler)]

76%: (view spoiler)[They built her a new bookshelf and put new things in her room. That is so sweet. I wish I had a bunch of boys do that for me. (hide spoiler)]

86%: (view spoiler)[Finally the truth. She is not Sang’s real mother. That is why she is so cruel towards Sang. (hide spoiler)]

Ending Thoughts: (view spoiler)[The fact that her father has another family is insane. I wonder why he doesn’t care more about Sang, his daughter. It seems really cruel to just leave her with your sick wife. My gosh. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

I actually read up to book 9, but I did not have time to post my updates. I will be doing that today and tomorrow.

[Sharon]

Onslaught (5%): (view spoiler)[That water fight was funny. I am glad that Sang gets to enjoy herself with the boys. Also, I thought that the fact that she cheated at water gun fights was really funny. (hide spoiler)]

Lackey (25%): (view spoiler)[I would be worried just like Sang. The Principal and Vice Principal are trying to get the boys kicked out of school. Also, they are putting her in a tough situation because the boys are her friends. I wonder how this will play out. (hide spoiler)]

Jealousy (45%): (view spoiler)[I like how Nathan and Sang have the finger biting thing, while Kota and Sang have the touching noses thing. It is sweet and cute. (hide spoiler)]

The Limit of Jealousy (66%): (view spoiler)[Nathan jealous is really cute. I want to see him more. It makes the story more. (hide spoiler)]

Dear Agony (86%): (view spoiler)[After reading the chapter before, and seeing how things went down. I thought this was a glimpse of Sang’s despair. I did think she did the wrong thing by not telling the boys, but that fight with North was really something. (hide spoiler)]

Ending Thoughts (100%): (view spoiler)[The fact that Victor thought Sang’s birthday was an emergency was cute. Then, as the fire alarm goes off they are talking. (hide spoiler)]