Metaframe War Series Buddy Read- The Crane War-November 1, 2022- November 30, 2022

[Nyssa]

Netanella wrote: "Nyssa, I started the book last night and I fell asleep on page two! I was so exhausted I couldn't even hold my kindle up.."

Hi good morning. I read the 1st 2 chapters last night and they were a lot of fun to get back into. I feel like I've been away from the series for such a long time, and it's only been 2 months. Reading last night was like returning to an old friend. The opening scene with Arthur Slayne in the underground vault was pretty exciting I can't believe I fell asleep in that.

The action is nonstop! You were obviously quite tired and needed the rest. Just be prepared for emotional turmoil going forward. :D


Graeme wrote: "My goodness, I never realised how powerful the first two pages were... 🤨😉😎😁"

LOL!

[Netanella]

I'm very interested in opening up all of the spoiler tags between Nyssa and Graeme, and I keep reminding myself of the "Marshmellow Test" and telling myself that I can delay gratification just like any intelligent primary school kid!

I'm about 30% into the book. The Mirovar Force Team (view spoiler)[ are now under the command of Arthur, attempting to take out the Panopticon! That's exciting in itself, but I'm finding myself more and more annoyed with Arthur's character. What an arrogant asshole he is! No wonder Ramin Cain was able to pin a double murder on him so easily. He may be a 'bad ass good guy', but imho he's just an ass! (hide spoiler)]

I've finished venting. I'm looking forward to some blood.

[Nyssa]

Don't do it! Please do not open spoilers until the appropriate time. :)

It's better to experience the story for yourself. (Plus, I'm a super emotional person and a lot of that is my speculating and venting about the events).

As for Arthur? Yes, and No - all will be explained.

[Denis (deez_bookish_adventures)]

I finished up this morning, and I will not drop any spoilers - but I have to agree with Netanella about Arthur. To me, he is a total D Bag!

Love the story, Graeme! I am excited about the final books! :)

[Netanella]

Congrats, Denis, on finishing!

I usually race through these books, but for some reason I'm not on this installment. It must be that D Bag! :()

[Graeme]

Regarding Arthur, have a look at the 2nd last scene of Chapter 10. He reflects on his hopes and fears, and judges himself.

There's a few nuances to Arthur ... and everyone is right ... he's not the most likeable of characters. 😁

(He's very much into desperate times requires desperate measures.)

[Graeme]

Netanella wrote: "I've finished venting. I'm looking forward to some blood...."

(Snort!) Mayhem lurks within the halls and chambers of the Panopticon fortress with eyes aflame...

I'm excited, Netanella, for what is in front of you.

[Graeme]

Denis (deez_bookish_adventures) wrote: "Love the story, Graeme! I am excited about the final books! :)..."

Thanks, Denis. Glad you're loving the story.

Working on the final book now.

[Netanella]

Graeme wrote: "... there's a few nuances to Arthur ... and everyone is right ... he's not the most likeable of characters. ..."

I think it's pretty typical, right? No one really wants the heroic figure in the story to have flaws, but it makes them more realistic and human.

[Graeme]

Netanella wrote: "I think it's pretty typical, right? No one really wants the heroic figure in the story to have flaws, but it makes them more realistic and human...."

I go for nuances. I like to have a mix of positive and negative traits in characters, although some characters like anyone in the Ramin Kain/Samuel Luther cabal were just horrible people.

Personally, flaws provide meat in the story. My gut response is that if I took away all the flaws, the story would vanish in a puff of smoke.

[Netanella]

So true, Graeme.

I'm almost at 50%. I know that someone from the Mirovar Force Team will (view spoiler)[die in this book, and I'm placing my bet now that Chiara is next for the chopping block.

Why, you might ask? Because she's female, she was a double agent, and she's slept with Anton. A fatal trifecta for a strong woman. (hide spoiler)]

Of course, I'm not a betting woman. My time in Vegas was spent watching other people waste their money.

[Graeme]

Ohhh.... chapter 10 reveals much and hints at more.

[Netanella]

That must be the killing chapter. :)

[Graeme]

Read on....

[Netanella]

My favorite quotable Graeme, so far:

The grenade flexed for a microsecond, grinding into the nano-ceramic plate of his armor, then it exploded. A molten copper whip shot through the vampire’s chest, carving a six-inch-wide hole through his body. The detonation of the grenade opened the rest of his body cavity like a can of tuna hit with a sledge hammer. His helmeted head sailed off his body, rising high on a tide of super-heated air. The rest of his body down to his knees evaporated in a red streaked ball of white fire. His legs below the knees skidded off in opposite directions.

[Netanella]

On a side note, I am having a tuna sandwich for lunch today!

[Graeme]

Netanella wrote: "On a side note, I am having a tuna sandwich for lunch today!"

(Snort!) There goes my morning coffee... almost. 😁