Reaper (Cradle #10) [October 1, 2022]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

This is a Buddy Read for Reaper by Will Wight starting October 1, 2022.

[Monika]

Thank you Niki :)

[Narilka]

Starting this today. I have got to stay ahead of my husband. He's catching up fast lol

[Monika]

I'll catch up soon :)

[Narilka]

A comment about the series to this point. Making sure I remember something. Only wrapping in tags in case anyone who hasn't read this far in the series yet.... (view spoiler)[Ozriel is the Reaper, right? Kind of like Suriel is the Phoenix? (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

Through Ch 4 (view spoiler)[I think the openers for Ch 1 & 2 answered my question in comment 5. I wonder if this is the book when we'll get the answer to what happened to Ozriel. Is he the one trapped in the labyrinth? Or did he create Subject 1 and trap it there?

"Kicking Eithan. Lindon would have to try that." Bwahahahaha

It feels so good to be back with these characters. Funny and sad just how stubborn Lindon's dad is and he wasn't willing to believe the truth about Lindon's power until he saw it on full display with the emperor. If he could swallow his pride, he'd be a lot better off. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 5 (view spoiler)[A mini Orthos. I love it!!!

Oh my. Are Jai Long and Lindon's sister being set up for a relationship?

I love how Lindon is helping them to advance (Jai Long, Jai Chen and Kelsa). Little Blue sparing with Kelsa lol (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Narilka wrote: "A comment about the series to this point. Making sure I remember something. Only wrapping in tags in case anyone who hasn't read this far in the series yet.... [spoilers removed]"

Yes... altho he had a different, longer, name before ascension... (view spoiler)[Ozmandius maybe?,,, been so long since Eithan's orb recording has been mentioned... (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Narilka wrote: "Through Ch 4 ..."

Chapter 4: Answers ARE coming... with only 3 books left, including this one, it's time to start resolving things and preparing for the next step...

Chapter 5: If you remember, from early on, and Suriel's flipping through the time streams, a common future in the original timeline was for Lindon and Jai Chen to end up together... (view spoiler)[this just mirrors that... or flips it around... (hide spoiler)]

[Monika]

I think I'll join you tomorrow in reading :)

[Narilka]

Ch 6 & 7 (view spoiler)[I am loving this little bit of slice of life. It's nice that the characters can have some breathing room and just be people. Even though it's only temporary.

Eithan's powers are growing. Him getting serious is scary. He's definitely sensed Reigan Shen's actions. Didn't they have a pact though? Not that I expect Shen to explain everything to Eithan, I would have thought Eithan would have a general idea. I mean he is Eithan.

I like the idea that Eithan can sense fate. (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

Ch 8 (view spoiler)[Dross :( My heart breaks right along with Lindon. On the bright side, at least he has a functioning presence again even if it's not really Dross yet. Fingers crossed he can bring the full Dross back. (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Yes... altho he had a different, longer, name before ascension..."

You were very close! (view spoiler)[Ozmanthus (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

Ch 9 (view spoiler)[Ozriel's backstory is interesting.

Things are getting complicated. I'm sure Malice is going to be furiouser (more furious?) once she realizes our party of fearless heroes has entered the labyrinth while all the cults gathered. I'm guessing she's going to have a chance to live up to her name in this book. (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

Ch 13 & 14 (view spoiler)[Woah. The stakes have just raised everywhere. Two mini cliffhangers!

I wonder how our little group is going to fare against Reigen Shen. Form a temporary alliance or will we have a battle? Hmm. In Reigen's weakness, since he's taken the full force of the suppression field for months, our heroes might actually have a chance. Lindon and Yerin have pulled off impossible fights against much stronger opponents before and now they have a team so it's not outside the realm of possibility.

I'm forgetting. Was it ever stated why the Mad King wants Cradle so badly other than it would be an achievement to kill such a protected world? And why the mention that the Vroshir "save" lives? Is there something else on the other side of chaos or is it some twisted death logic?

Ch 14 in particular feels like a hook to the future series. At this point I'm assuming Eithan, Lindon and Yerin will ascend at a minimum. I'm not sure about Mercy, who has her family to consider even after she works out her issue with her unstable progression. Ziel doesn't seem like he'll go farther but you never know.

Very interesting times ahead :) (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Narilka wrote: "Ch 13 & 14 Woah. The stakes have just raised everywhere. Two mini cliffhangers!..."

I've started my re-read, and reached chapter 16, so I can accurately respond :)

(view spoiler)[I think it's an argument of Fate vs Free Will, given how much control the Abidan have, when they have time to exert it... the Vroshir want freedom...

And the Mad King maybe wants to attack at the home of Ozriel?... Ozriel did try and talk to him about his Reaper plans... not sure on this one, honestly...

Re:power: Monarchs and Dreadgods are the only options for continued lopsided fights, at this point, given the ways Lindon and Yerin (and Eithan) keep breaking the rules of the power scale, constantly winning as "underdogs"... (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

The closer to the end of this book I get, the more I want to just continue into the newest book... get all the available answers... been awhile since I've been on even footing with other readers :D

[Narilka]

If you do, be sure to leave us spoilers to open when we catch up :D

[Monika]

I'm soooo behind :D

[Narilka]

Ch 15 - 17 (view spoiler)[The battle with Reigen Shen did not disappoint! Even weakened, a Monarch is damn strong. I'm confident we have not seen the last of him. I wonder how he'll fare against Subject One. Can't wait to find out.

Oh dear. King Dross lol I wonder how Lindon will get that worked out.

Yay!!!! Mercy finally progressed to Overlady :D (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Narilka wrote: "Ch 15 - 17..."

The Labyrinth reminds me of the Cube movies with the rearranging rooms...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Narilka wrote: "If you do, be sure to leave us spoilers to open when we catch up :D"

#11 is bonkers... I'm 2/3 done with it already... but it does give me some hope that maybe there will be enough short-term resolution to the vague Abidan plotline, that waiting a few years for Will Wight to start writing the sequel series won't be too bad, after #12 comes out next year...

;)

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Cradle #11, Dreadgod, Chapter 15-17: (view spoiler)[I can't believe how much the loss of Jai Long hurt... he came so far...

Yerin ascending to Herald felt kinda inevitable... the way she so easily dealt with the scholar revenant of the Blood Sage was a bit of a surprise, tho...

It's hard to imagine Lindon getting much stronger, given how OP he's become even at Sage/Archlord...

This Dros POV tho... the revelations of "Dros the Edgelord" as I started calling him in the past page or 2 :D... so happy he's returning to his book 9 personality...

I've missed Eithan in the story, like other reviewers seem to have mentioned, but I can see how having him back in the Abidan story can give it a bit of resolution and a break until the sequel series... and we still feel his presence, with unused joke plans (if Lindon learned to steal his voice), and with Ziel trying to fill the void, sneaking up on Yerin & Lindon :D

Something about Little Blue growing stronger and using Lindon's unsouled magic and then hiding behind Yerin's leg just seems so cute... and kinda like Scrappy Doo swinging fists :D (hide spoiler)]

Recorded this here, for posterity, because I don't think there's a Dreadgod thread yet...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Finished Dreadgod: this is the cliffhangery-est book since the Uncrowned King tournament was split into 2 books...

But honestly, if stuff kept happening, I dunno what would have been left for the finale (and/or, how there's be any room left in the plot for another training montage ;) )

I really enjoyed it, and can't wait to see how everything resolves in the finale....

[Narilka]

I finished. This definitely feels like a set up for the ending. (view spoiler)[Loved the reveal about Ozriel! Though now I'm sad that Eithan is out of the story, at least the Cradle planet portion. It's funny but my husband called this back in book 3 I think. He's on book 8 at the moment. I can't wait to see his reaction once he's proven right :D So much has happened in the books between that I think he's given up this line of speculation or at least hasn't mentioned it at all lately.

Yerin's reaction to Eithan's reveal is priceless! Eye twitch and all lol OMG can't wait for them to ascend in book 12.

Lindon being the heir and also tied to the Labyrinth's power has got to play a part in the remaining two books.

And how the heck are they going to fix Dross? At least Eithan confirmed it's possible if difficult. (hide spoiler)]

I'm looking forward to the next book. Also sad that the journey is nearing it's end with an unknown wait for the sequel series.

Any recommendations for other progression fantasy that can fill the Cradle sized hole in my heart?

[Nirkatze]

Starting this today... anyone else actually starting in October?

[Monika]

I'm in about 65% of it at the moment. Very good read so far :)

[Nirkatze]

Chapter 1 Void Spaces clarification (view spoiler)[So, Reigan Shen thinks about how hard it is to open Void Spaces in the labyrinth... but didn't Lindon just mention, and at the end of the last book, that Father Whisper somehow kept the Sword Sage's void space open for the past few years?

Am I getting that comparison right? Or did Father Whisper do something completely different? It definitely seems that regardless, he has some interesting abilities up his paws. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

It must be a coincidence, right... Abidan & Dreadgods--all of this is information from previous books, so spoiler tag is just perfunctory. (view spoiler)[

Dreadgods:
Bleeding Phoenix (Red Phoenix)
Wandering Titan (Black Turtle)
Weeping Dragon (Blue Dragon)
Silent King (White Tiger)

Abidan:
Suriel the Phoneix
the Titan
Reaper
Hound
Spider
Fox
(more I can't remember)
I don't think anyone's been called Dragon or King or Tiger yet--but there seem to be some similar themes floating around.


Just coincidence right?
(hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Yeah, Father Whisper is definitely a deep water...

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "Yeah, Father Whisper is definitely a deep water..."

I had always wanted to see more of him--it only took 9 books to get back 'round to it.

Favorite bits so far:
Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[“Lindon! Lindon. Lindon. How dare you say something so hurtful and yet so accurate.”--Eithan.

Lindon still having to deal with people underestimating him.
Lindon popping up in Mercy's dream like it's no biggie. Rather made me think he was pulling a Dross there.
Lindon & Ziel talking shop--sweet moment between a new Sage and a former leader of a sect... and powerful friend-declaration too. (hide spoiler)]

More to come.

[Nirkatze]

@Narilka & Iain, re: Chapter 4 & 5

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[Kicking LOL!! I can just see the Emperor posting that dream tablet all over Cradle's version of youtube, twitter, tik-tok, instagram... and if you zoom in and slow down the recording, you'll see Eithan flying in a nice reclining posture doing a peace-sign.

I also really felt for Lindon facing his father. Makes me think of all those characters in stories who achieve success--but it is never as good as their sibling/cousin/other person their parent holds them up to, no matter what heights they have reached. What will it take to finally get through his father's head? Thankfully, his mother seems to understand... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[I NEED a picture of Lindon with Little Blue on one shoulder and Orthos on the other...

Jai Long actually admits that Lindon had good reason to kill his friend? Wow.

Definitely getting some sparks between Jai Long & Kelsa. There was some back in the previous book too. I like the flipped idea, Iain.

I like that both Lindon and Jai Long are considering their paths--the main impetus that drove them to advance is gone (so they think), so what is their goal now? Not just them either--Lindon's family is also dealing with being off-balance with the world.

And I need a video of Kelsa getting her behind kicked by pint-sized Little Blue. (hide spoiler)]

[Monika]

@Nirkatze Kelsa vs Little Blue that was something for imagination! Having a video of it could be 'yummy' :)

[Narilka]

Nirkatze wrote: "It must be a coincidence, right..."

I noticed that too.

[Choko]

Little Blue, Orthos, Dros and Eithan are scene thieves every time! And I think we all kind of figured the big reveal early in the series, but it is nice to finally see it shown to us...

[Nirkatze]

@Narilka, re: Chapter 6&7 (view spoiler)[the little slices of life were really sweet. But also went by so fast! It's like Cradle works on opposite time--years go by in a page! But minutes take a chapter. I honestly felt a little discombobulated when Lindon said it'd been a year...

And the little bit when Eithan burst in on Lindon & Yerin's private dinner and was like "Don't worry, I know when it's ok to interrupt people" and Yerin blushed! Awwww. It's also nice to know that Yerin & Lindon's romantic relationship is still going strong after a year without constant advancement--even if we didn't get to see any of it grumblemumblewumble. Then again, this isn't a romance series. (hide spoiler)]

re: Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[But oh poor Dross! When he first came out colorless, I kept expecting him to go "Hah! Made you look!" and it all turn out to be a big joke... but no... waaaaaaa! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter um... 10, I think? Made me laugh (view spoiler)[Eithan: My weakness is enforcer activities... and imported silk.
Dross: Noted.
LOL

And I love how Lindon is still in points-mode. Which is short hand for put-everything-I-can-use-in-my-bag mode. Void-key thing is going to really bug him eventually though. (hide spoiler)]

In general, I would love to see Cradle turned into an animated series, like Avatar the Last Airbender.

[Nirkatze]

So, I've been looking at the cover of the book and trying to figure out what it is, and I finally got it, I think--(view spoiler)[It's Ozriel's marble...with a crack in it. But what could crack them? They're supposed to be indestructible. So... I imagine it would take the power of an Abidan--maybe even the scythe itself--to crack one of 'em... (hide spoiler)] Looking forward to finding out why...

[Monika]

Book 10 finished! OMG! That was something!

[Narilka]

Nirkatze wrote: "So, I've been looking at the cover of the book..."

That will be answered :)

[Nirkatze]

Narilka wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "So, I've been looking at the cover of the book..."

That will be answered :)"

Whoo hoo! Looking forward to it...

Up to Chapter 23--things getting fun... I was just thinking about how much I appreciate the detail Wight put into the advancement process, and all of the techniques entailed. I was think of Harry Potter in comparison, and how the last time I read through the books--I didn't really get any sense that Harry and co and learned anything in their years at Hogwarts. Except for maybe the bits in the DA. Otherwise--the gap between students and teachers seemed waaaay more than the 7 years at Hogwarts could account for. But here, I really feel like we've been watching Lindon & co go from little babies to towering protectors, and it feels real, and well thought out.

[Nyssa]

I will be starting this one later today.

[Nirkatze]

Yay Nyssa!

I finished a few days ago but forgot to come back and post.

Ending--(view spoiler)[the handshake! I fell off my chair laughing. "Sorry, it's a new arm." LOL Yeah, like you totally didn't do that on purpose, points-man.

I loved all the little hints we were getting through the book--like when Eithan said that guessing Ozriel's intentions would be completely pointless for him, and more too. And trying to inspire the icon of Joy--makes me feel bad for Eithan. I hope he can still inspire the icon of Joy.

On that point--can people inspire more than one Icon--like be Sage of multiple things? It seemed to suggest they could... (hide spoiler)]

Planning on going back through comments I missed...

[Narilka]

@Nirkatze, icons (view spoiler)[I think so? I vaguely remember an Abidan part where someone had more than one. But I could be misremembering too. Hopefully someone else chimes in :)

I too hope Eithan (and he's always going to be Eithan to me) can inspire it some day. (hide spoiler)]

[Tonari no Emily]

I need to get to this one soon! Probably after I finish Golden Enclaves in the next couple days...

[Nirkatze]

Narilka wrote: "@Nirkatze, icons I think so?..."

Ditto on Eithan, all parts. (view spoiler)[I think he'd rather be known as Eithan too--he was, after all, essentially trying to rewrite his history by slumming it down in Cradle... not only looking for companions to walk the road with him, but also looking for a path that would lead him to something other than Ozriel the Reaper...

And I really liked how Lindon's Archlord insight mirrored Eithan's path and choice, not "I" but "WE will always advance." Like, Eithan's prodigy is making the choices Eithan wished he could have made, the first time through. Except that the icon of the Void is so not the icon of Joy. LOL (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

Nirkatze wrote: "Ditto on Eithan, all parts..."

True. (view spoiler)[Though the icon of the Void is very much Lindon! So I think it's all working out. There's no way Lindon would have ever reached the icon of Joy lol (hide spoiler)]

[Tonari no Emily]

Having a hard time getting back into this one >< Might need to slow it down and concentrate a bit more

[Nyssa]

Tonari no Emily wrote: "Having a hard time getting back into this one >< Might need to slow it down and concentrate a bit more"

^This was me with Bloodline. Take your time.

I am enjoying Reaper so far.

[Tonari no Emily]

Thanks Nyssa, I was able to break through a bit. Around chapter 6 or so (view spoiler)[ Why is Lindon's dad being so petty? Ugh just be happy your kid got further than you would have ever expected. Also obviously showing favoritism for his daughter here... >< (hide spoiler)]

[Nyssa]

Tonari no Emily wrote: "Thanks Nyssa, I was able to break through a bit. Around chapter 6 or so [spoilers removed]"

I'm glad you're able to get into it now. I've slowed down a bit, but that's because of real life, not the book.

Per your spoiler: Yes! (view spoiler)[ He (Lindon's dad) annoyed me to no end!! So rude and dismissive. My heart hurt for Lindon, who is trying so hard to do right by his people. (hide spoiler)].

[Narilka]

Nyssa/Emily - me too! Ugh. (view spoiler)[The characters (and author) are better people than I. I wanted someone to teach Lindon's dad a lesson so bad. (hide spoiler)]