His Fair Assassin Series by Robin LaFevers ; Informal Buddy Read 19 November 2014; **REVISIT** Start 20 May 2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

His Fair Assassin Series



☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★


What is a buddy read?

An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book

Rules:
1. Identify the book you are discussing
2. Always post comments under a spoiler

EXPECT SPOILERS!

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

reserved

[Ezi]

I'm ready for this one. I'm thinking Wednesday for

[Ezi]

Btw, for those who have kindle unlimited, books 1&2 were available free

[K~Terror]

Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "I'm ready for this one. I'm thinking Wednesday for "

Mortal Heart -> Wednesday works for me!

[Cynthia]

Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "Btw, for those who have kindle unlimited, books 1&2 were available free"

Thanks for the Heads up! I found the ebooks at my library, but I would prefer to use KU so the library book is available to others.

And also so I can justify paying $10 a month for KU.

[K~Terror]

I was able to start this today and have read half way through chapter 13 before life got in the way. Compared to the other two books, I felt like this one grabbed me a lot quicker. Whereas the others seems to talk quite a bit about the politics, this one pretty much started at the heart of the story. :)

(view spoiler)[ I'm quite surprised at Annith and what's going in in that seemingly caring and meek exterior.. Inside she is quite fierce and seems to be questioning the direction given to her by the Abyss.

I suspect they want her to be the seer because they think she will easily conform to their wishes - rather than true visions from Mortain.

She is a smart cookie and I'm glad she is taking her future into her own hands but am interested to see how well thought out her plans are..

(hide spoiler)].

[Cynthia]

I started last night and I'm just getting into it. (My Kindle says pg 86 of 549). I haven't had any time to read today, but I hope to pick it back up after lunch.

It's better than I expected, so far.

[Ezi]

Cynthia wrote: "I started last night and I'm just getting into it. (My Kindle says pg 86 of 549). I haven't had any time to read today, but I hope to pick it back up after lunch.

..."

It's a good series

[Cynthia]

Kristin wrote: "I'm reading Dark Triumph and there is so much back story so far where as I just want some action. "

Gaaah! Don't tell me that! I just checked it out and wanted to start it right away. I don't need no stinkin backstory! I'll give a few days and maybe it won't be so annoying.

I really appreciate when an author limits the backstory bits. There's a certain author I love, but I swear he must copy & paste bits and pieces of character descriptions and stories because they're word for word in every book. It starts to grate around about book 7.

[Cynthia]

Okay, I've got it loaded it up. I'll get started and gab about it in a bit.

[Cynthia]

OMG! (view spoiler)[ Sabytha is d'Albret's daughter?!?! Did he send her to the convent? Crazy! (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

(view spoiler)[ This book is from Sybella's POV, while the first book was from Ismae's. The first couple of chapters cover some of the same stuff we read in the first book, just a different POV.

All of the girls at the convent are considered daughters of Mortain, and therefore are sisters. Ismae was taken to the convent by an herbwitch that rescued her on her wedding night, before the marriage was consummated. Sybella ran away and joined the convent because she believed it was the only place her father couldn't find her.

Ismae was physically abused by her father and Sybella was sexually and physically abused by her father and brothers, so both of them find comfort in believing that their fathers aren't really their fathers. Because they've been sired by a God, and are special.
It's the 15th century, so I guess they can get away with believing/claiming that. (hide spoiler)]

I'm loving this book. I was so curious about Sybella.

[Cynthia]

Ha! I hate the d'Albrets. I hated him in the first book, and meeting the rest of the family has only strengthened it.

I'm picking up the 3rd book at the library today, but only so I can have it if I get a middle of the night craving. I'm probably going to read a couple of other books before I start on it. I don't want to be the only one reading it, either. So I'll hold off.

[Ezi]

Cynthia wrote: "Ha! I hate the d'Albrets. I hated him in the first book, and meeting the rest of the family has only strengthened it.

I'm picking up the 3rd book at the library today, but only so I can have it if..."

I listened to this audio, and I couldn't spell half of those names :D

[Cynthia]

Kristin wrote: "
[spoilers removed]"

As far as I know, Beast is called Beast by everyone. I did hear him introduce himself to an Abbess using his given name, which IIRC started with a 'B'. I can't look it up because I've already returned the book.

[Ezi]

Kristin, Can you refresh my memory? What does the abyss have against sending Annith out (to do mortains will)? She's bern passed over twice and she's the most skilled...what gives?

Or is it revealed later?

[Cynthia]

Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "Kristin, Can you refresh my memory? What does the abyss have against sending Annith out (to do mortains will)? She's bern passed over twice and she's the most skilled...what gives?"

After the 1st book answer (view spoiler)[ The abbess never says a word about why Annith isn't sent out, and Annith isn't the only one wondering why. I believe in the 1st book that Ismae and Annith discuss it, but neither come to a satisfying conclusion (hide spoiler)]

After the 2nd book answer (view spoiler)[ We still have no idea why Annith hasn't been sent on a mission, although the Abbess does threaten Sybella with the possibility of sending Annith to kill d'Albret.

I don't know, because I haven't read the book blurb, but I suspect that the 3rd book may end up being from Annith's POV. She's the only other assassin I know by name, so it would seem far-fetched to pull one out of a hat. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Hey Ezi - I read the first 13 chapters and then set aside until there were other readers for Mortal Heart so I'm basically at the same place. They haven't said why that is but my suspicion is that Annith seems so (view spoiler)[sweet and easy to manipulate that folks may believe they will be able to have Annith support their various "agendas"... (hide spoiler)]

But that's just my initial thoughts on that.

[Ezi]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "Hey Ezi - I read the first 13 chapters and then set aside until there were other readers for Mortal Heart so I'm basically at the same place. They haven't said why that is but my suspicion is that..."

Thanks...I just feel like there's more to the story, almost personal. But she knows Anniths real parentage and there's something there.
I'm on chapter 3 now

[Cynthia]

It's taken me 27 posts to realize that we have TWO Kristins. Which is really sad considering there are only 4 of us in this buddy read.

I should be able to start tomorrow and catch up a bit.

[Ezi]

Cynthia wrote: "It's taken me 27 posts to realize that we have TWO Kristins. Which is really sad considering there are only 4 of us in this buddy read.

I should be able to start [bookcover:Mortal Heart|2052264..."

Lol. One of them is the Karine Halle junkie

[K~Terror]

Funny that we both spell KRISTIN the right way too! LOL!

I'll look for Mortal Hearts activity and join back in then too!

[Ezi]

I LOVED the Beast!!!!
I think we did a series read last year on PKC, I will try to locate the thread after lunch

[Ezi]

It can be Christine, Kristen, Cristine, Cristin.
I have seen all of those:D

[Cynthia]

To Kristin re Sybella and Benebic - (view spoiler)[
I think Sybella doesn't tell him all of the stuff about his sister and her brothers & father being evil slimeballs because she's afraid. She loves him, and that scares the hell out of her. I think she believes his forgiveness has a limit. She doesn't know what it's like for someone to truly love her. (hide spoiler)]

[Ezi]

I am beginning Chapter 4 of Mortal Heart.
Annith (view spoiler)[ has grown weary of being passed over to do assassin's work when she is the most skilled, so she is employing passive aggressive rebellion to move the Abyss to purpose.

I hope she knows what she is doing because the Abyss is a bitch (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Kristin wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "Funny that we both spell KRISTIN the right way too! LOL!


There is only real way to spell Kristin. lol. Once I was asked how I spelled my name and..."

HILARIOUS!!! That is definitely a new spelling I haven't ever seen before!

[K~Terror]

Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "I am beginning Chapter 4 of Mortal Heart.
Annith has grown weary of being passed over to do assassin's work when she is the most skilled, so she is employing passive aggressive rebellion to move t..."

I agree... (view spoiler)[ Its interesting to see how the anger is building underneath and yet Annith is able to hide it so well... I have no such poker face. I agree with you on wondering what else is in play here... I'll be back on this as soon as I'm done with my work day. (hide spoiler)]

[Ezi]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "I am beginning Chapter 4 of Mortal Heart.
Annith has grown weary of being passed over to do assassin's work when she is the most skilled, so she is employing pa..."

It's like going to training camp to play football, and watching everyone get into the game except for you, but everyone keeps saying you are the fastest, the most skilled etc.
Well if I am soooo great, why am I on the sidelines?

[Ezi]

I can't believe the Abyss' machinations.

(view spoiler)[ what is the deal with annith's birth? (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "I can't believe the Abyss' machinations.

[spoilers removed]"


LOVE the analogy Ezi - spot on! Sounds like you are around chapter 13?

[Cynthia]

I still haven't started . I'm so behind!

[K~Terror]

Cynthia - uh, didn't you just start this series like two days ago?? I, for one, am incredibly impressed with the speed you've been able to crank through these! I have no doubt you'll blow past me and finish before I'm at the half way point. LOL!

[Cynthia]

I'm very lucky that I have a ridiculous amount of time to read. I've been sidetracked with 2 other books, so I haven't been completely slacking.

I see so many people in the challenge that have kids, jobs, school, etc. and still find time to read. When I was in college I only read for pleasure on the weekends, in between laundry and baby wrangling.

[K~Terror]

Cynthia - The reading time sounds nice!!


End of Chapter 18: I honestly thought Annith had come up with a (view spoiler)[ fabulous solution to keep her from being stuck as seer... When they mentioned the criteria earlier in the book, I wondered how long it would take her to go there. Kind of bummed he didn't comply. What a fun-sucker... (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Both books are awesome! I just remembered that it does take a little time at the beginning to weed through the politics but from then on it more than makes up for it as all the details come together & weaves such interesting, original & suspenseful stories!

This last book I was prepared for a little investment of time at the beginning but it went right into the story. LOVED THAT!!

[K~Terror]

Mortal Heart - Chapter 21
I'm trying to figure out what (view spoiler)[ Annith's plan is... So far it seems like it is just to leave. First she left the Abyss. Next she left the hellequin..
And now she's with Arduena's daughters.. She discovers Magdelene is dead (no surprise) and has vowed to avenge her death. Did I miss what her real plan is?? I feel I must have because to me it just seems like she is just having her own adventures.

Annith just said her job was to take a man in the rear. **snickers**

(hide spoiler)].

[K~Terror]

Absolutely!! ;)

[Cynthia]

I'm only on Chapter 14. Possibly because it's boooring me to death. I feel like Annith could have gotten where she is now in about half this many words.

I think book 2 spoiled me with it's immediate jump into the action.

[K~Terror]

Same here. It started off promising.. Then I got lost with the purpose (view spoiler)[ of Annith's adventures... (hide spoiler)]

I'm at the end of Chapter 24 now and I feel like it may be picking up. I was hoping something was going to happen with her (view spoiler)[ possible love interest but then she ditched them. Sigh... (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

I'm not saying it's not good... Maybe there's just a bit of a lull... Better? ;)

[Cynthia]

Spoilers through Chapter 21 (view spoiler)[
So, is this Balthazar guy Mortain? His A #1 follower? How did he come to have her arrow?

I have to make a confession. In the first book, I just assumed all this daughter of Death business was just like any other religion and was held together with ritual and uniforms but not much truth.

By book 2, I was thinking they may be his children much like Christian nuns call themselves the brides of Christ, and superstition was how the children were sent to the convent. I still didn't see anything that seemed particularly magical or all-powerful God-like.

Now in book 3 we have a true Wild Hunt, complete with souls being lassoed and sent off to the Underworld. Are the daughters of Mortain literally his daughters? That changes my whole thought process. (hide spoiler)]

I agree. It's good, it isn't just as exciting in the beginning. It's picked up a bit, but still doesn't have the pace I enjoyed in Dark Triumph.

I've made it to Chapter 24, but I'm stopping for tonight so I can finish off Ready Player One.

[Ezi]

Kristin,
What's a "Hellequin"? I'm on chapter 15 and she just met a guy and she called that guy a Hellequin, but it doesn't say what that is....i'm on audio, so I think the book has a glossary. Is that a male assassin?

[K~Terror]

Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "Kristin,
What's a "Hellequin"? I'm on chapter 15 and she just met a guy and she called that guy a Hellequin, but it doesn't say what that is....i'm on audio, so I think the book has a glossary. Is..."

Mortal Heart
It seems they are the (view spoiler)[male extension of Mortain supporters. They "hunt" people who are supposed to make the crossing over to death. That was my understanding anyway. I'm on audio also... ( of course!)
(hide spoiler)]

Cynthia mentions them too in her spoiler above for Ch 21 so you will get more info on them. @Cynthia-(view spoiler)[ I've gone through a similar evolution of thought with the daughters. I do still think of them as a group similar to nuns... Where they've been touched by St Mortain in some way but have wicked skills to kill (and/or heal).

The arrow is driving me crazy. Have been trying to figure that out too...

Had not considered Balazar actually being Mortain.. I find that an interesting thought... Hmm... Maybe... (hide spoiler)]

[Ezi]

I think Annith yelling at the abbey was really her frustration more than her standing up for that dead girl

[Ezi]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "Ezinwanyi~the Troublemaker wrote: "Kristin,
What's a "Hellequin"? I'm on chapter 15 and she just met a guy and she called that guy a Hellequin, but it doesn't say what that is....i'm on audio, so..."

Thanks. I was thinking that but I just didn't remember. I got the book so I can look at the glossary. It will help me to have both

[K~Terror]

So now we can ask you Ezi! :D

MORTAL HEART
I'm up to Chapter 39 - It has REALLY picked up..

[Ezi]

I'm on chapter 32, she got a kiss.
This installment has been more plot and less romantic interests than the prior books.
But I see that will be remedied shortly.

It's nice to see the girls together.

(view spoiler)[ is the abyss her mother? Anniths mom? (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

My book has a map and a cast of characters, but no glossary.

IIRC, the hellequin - (view spoiler)[ like the novitiates, are dedicated to Mortain/Death. The are men that have died with great sins and are offered redemption. They ride around on horses at night looking big and scary, and they're job is to round up evil souls and offer them the opportunity to ride in the hunt, or to help lost souls that have been roaming the earth find the Underworld.

I can't remember if they kill people. Balthazar may not have said. I think they mostly deal in the already dead. Also, in an effort to accelerate this redemption (I guess) they refrain from mortal joys, would apparently includes bed rolls, sleep, food, sex, etc. The basic necessities.

That's all I know about Mortain's male entourage. (hide spoiler)]