Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard - Reading from 'Red Queen (Red Queen #1)' from September 22nd 2019

[Maddie]

XD Yeah. I don't want to read King's Cage :/ I don't like that one much, I find it really repetitive

[Ashley W]

Chapter 20
(view spoiler)[ Kilorn is reminding me of Gale from Hunger Games. This new guy sounds weird. I would think he would be crazy if he could see everything. That's just too much to process. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Chapter 22
(view spoiler)[ Cameron isn't wrong. They really are just seeking the new bloods to help them. Obviously they want to save them too, but since Mare took Cameron against her will, it makes me wonder how far she's willing to go. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Chapter 26
(view spoiler)[ Oh no Shade. He was so great and Mare hadn't treated him the best no matter how much he did for them. Like she just used him and insulted him saying she didn't trust him. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

finished
(view spoiler)[ All that and she's really just right back at the end of the first book, a prisoner. Only now I'm not sure how many people care about her. This reminded me a lot of Hunger Games. Mare seemed c bit aloof and just wanted to throw Maven to help other Reds and is seen as poster child of the revolution though she's falling apart emotionally and alienating people. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

I know it's so annoying. I hate Mare. I always have.

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

✌ Ashley ☠ wrote: "Red Queen
Chapter 8
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I kind of had the same thought, but I suppose a telky could only move metal in it's current form. They couldn't manipulate it or shape it. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Lane wrote: "
Chapter 7 [spoilers removed]
Chapter 11 [spoilers removed]
Chapter 21 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I had some of the same thoughts. I was freaked out thinking that Kilorn may have betrayed Mare. I am so glad that I was wrong. I adore that boy more than words.

I also agree about Maven. His methods are extreme. He wants Mare so badly that he is going to kill babies. It really shows where his sanity is at.

I also had some similar thoughts about Kilorn and his feelings for Mare. I mean, in the first book he was clearly jealous of Cal when he took Mare to visit her family. But other than his jealousy of Cal he doesn't really make his feelings super clear. I actually thought that it could have made a very convincing love triangle if the author would have explored it. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

✌ Ashley ☠ wrote: "Chapter 13
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I hated Elara so much! But if I'm honest, though Evangeline is terrible, I do love her spats with Mare. It keeps things interesting. =P (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Gabi wrote: "✌ Ashley ☠ wrote: "Red Queen
Chapter 8
[spoilers removed]"

A magnetron can manipulate metal like a nymph can with water, a telky can only lift it. Still, I kind of wish there was a glossary at the..."

Yeah, I agree. I kind of thought that through the entire series the fight scenes were the best parts. At least, the parts that were written the best. Some of the other scenes fall flat for me. I also thought that it would have been helpful to have a glossary or guide in the back of the books for powers, Houses, and characters to keep everything straight. Instead, we just hear them mentioned over and over and over.

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

✌ Ashley ☠ wrote: "I got greenwarden. Not particularly great.

Chapter 16
[spoilers removed]"

Yeah, I agree. Not the best planning on their parts if they want to keep her secret, right?

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

@Ashley and @Maddison - So jealous that you work/have worked in a library! =P

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

✌ Ashley ☠ wrote: "Chapter 26
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I know! I was so sad when Shade died. And you're right about Mare. I did not connect with her at all throughout this series. She always seems so self absorbed. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

21% (view spoiler)[I liked the opening and how it showed how the Silvers lord their power over the Reds by making them watch the coliseum fights. It really lays things down well. And then going right into the conscription and the hundred year war was great.

I liked the meeting with Farley. I think that Mare going to such extremes to save Kilorn from conscription really says a lot about her.

Of course the person that Mare tries stealing from is the Crown Prince and of course, he gets her a job at the palace. At least he seemed sincere.

The only thing that truly felt unbelievable about Mare displaying her lightning ability is the fact she had no inkling about this power whatsoever. It just manifests on the spot. So now the royal family holds her captive, but they are marrying her to their son? Hmmm. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Vanessa wrote: "@Ashley and @Maddison - So jealous that you work/have worked in a library! =P"

I just shelved books, it wasn't the best XD

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

57% (view spoiler)[Cal seems too nice for the hoity-toity, dangerous world that he lives in. And Maven too, for that matter.

Elara is a witch. I have a feeling that there is more to her.

I like Lucas. I like Julian too.

I kind of like Mare's witty and snappy remarks for the people of the court. Especially Evangeline. Other than that she is very unlikable. I don't connect with her at all.

Cal seems very opposed to equality for Reds. I did think that the awkwardness was cute when Cal met Mare's family. Especially when her dad and brothers gave Cal the once over.

I am not surprised that Mare joins the Scarlet Guard after learning that he brother died. That would put me over the edge. I would definitely want revenge.

Cal seemed to think that Mare needed training, but didn't they think that maybe she would get hurt and would bleed where everyone could see? It seems like they should have given her private training. Regardless, I did enjoy the training scenes.

So Mare, Kilorn, AND Maven are joining the Scarlet Guard. Things are getting interesting. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Maddison wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "@Ashley and @Maddison - So jealous that you work/have worked in a library! =P"

I just shelved books, it wasn't the best XD"

I don't know. I think just being there would be soothing. Relaxed. =)

[Maddie]

Oh yes it was definitely a calm job.

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

74% (view spoiler)[I liked the dancing/kiss scene with Cal. I liked how it made Mare question everything. And it was kind of sweet because Cal seems so sincere.

So the assassinations at the Ball did not go as Mare thought they would. And Farley's torture was gross. It must have hurt so badly. I can't fathom it.

I'm not surprised that Mare talked Julian into helping her let the prisoners escape.

So now Maven is kissing Mare. She's popular with the princes. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Finished! (view spoiler)[ANYONE CAN BETRAY ANYONE!

Well, I didn't expect the twist at the end. Well, Elara I wasn't surprised about. I actually really liked Maven for the most part so it was actually rather convincing that he was secretly deceiving Mare. Though, before the Bowl of Bones, he actually seemed jealous of Cal over Mare. He seemed like he really cared for Mare, or at least wanted her.

At least Mare and Cal escaped from Maven and his evil mother. And Shade is alive!! And he has powers too!

Overall, I liked this book but I didn't love it. The story is good enough, but I didn't really connect with the characters. And Mare is just not likable at all! I can only hope that improves with the next books. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

21% (view spoiler)[I really love the dystopian aspect of the story and how Norta and the other countries are the remnants of the United States. I am a sucker for well planned out dystopian stories. And this one is even stranger because it reads like a fantasy book, but has dystopian undertones.

The Scarlet Guard is full of surprises. A train, a submarine, and a secret island military base? Pretty organized. I am liking Farley, but the Coloonel seems like a jerkwad.

I am glad that Mare gets to see her family again and that they are all safe! I hate that most YA books forget about families and parents altogether. At least Mare's are still here.

Oh, I do like Farley. When she gave Mare the key to where they were keeping Cal I automatically knew she was legit.

OMG, what? Did Kilorn just betray Mare to the Colonel? (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

45% (view spoiler)[In the bunker where they are locked up, Mare tells Cal that they can't make mistakes for each other anymore and Cal agrees. At least that is admitting that they feel something for each other.

Ugh, Mare is so backwards. She is trying to rebel against Silvers, but she is talking like she is one. She is kind of a hypocrite. I still do not like her.

Yay! Kilorn wasn't betraying Mare at all. Shade, Farley, and Kilorn helped them escape. And now they are stealing a plane to go after newbloods, hoping to get to them before Maven since he has the same list that she got from Julian. Adventure time.

Mare manipulates Cal into staying with them to hunt down the newbloods. Unsurprisingly, Cal stays. Even while blabbing on about not being a part of their revolution. Sadly, he doesn't really have anywhere to go now. He is stuck in the middle, not belonging on either side.

I like that Cal apologized to Farley about her arm and the whole torture thing. And I like that she accepted his apology.

Not surprised that Farley and Shade's former "friends" planned to betray them. That is a common theme in these books. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

68% (view spoiler)[The machine that Maven used on Mare in Harbor Bay must have been heavy duty. It almost killed her. But they got some newblood recruits. But it is clear that Maven is obsessed with Mare. In a creepy way, of course.

Kilorn really shows his jealousy over Cal. And then he actually admits his feelings for Mare to her. And she just shrugs him off saying that he is like family. She wasn't very consoling. I think that if the author would have explored a love triangle here it could have been great. If written well, anyway. But Mare doesn't feel the same way about Kilorn so whatevs. It sucks that he stops talking to Mare though.

The dead baby was pretty gruesome. Maven is so messed up. And his notes are too.

Mare is extremely self-centered in this one. OMG. Stop feeling sorry for yourself already and stop internalizing.

Jon is a strange one. I can't figure out his game though. Because of what he says they are going to go pull a prison break. Seems like a good idea. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Finished! (view spoiler)[So much went into the prison break. I am really upset that Shade died. Mare just got him back. But at least Elara is dead. And they saved a bunch of newbloods and silvers that were captured.

I didn't expect Maven to accept her deal and take her but not his brother. Or harm the others for that matter. He really does want her something awful. He is straight up obsessed with Mare. And Mare gave herself up after she said that she would never go back. So I guess that was a surprising end. Sort of.

Overall, this book was a bunch of traveling and running all over the place. Danger everywhere. That sort of thing. But I liked the addition of the new characters to the story. I still can not connect with Mare in the slightest. She still seems self-centered and she internalized everything instead of facing it. Ugh, this story is pretty solid to me, but the character development could use some work in my opinion. Or maybe it's just me? (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

22% (view spoiler)[Jon now works with Maven. Interesting. I still don't know what to make of him.

You can really see the decent of Mare early on. And for someone that wanted Mare back so badly, he ignores her an awful lot. Like, all the time. What's the use in keeping Mare locking inside a room constantly? A nice room at that. Maven seems very conflicted over Mare. Hatred, but also need or want. I don't think that he can balance them well. He gives in at Evangeline's pushing and lets Samson torture Mare with his mind powers and it wrecks Mare.

I don't really know if I like Cameron's point of view or not. Those chapters don't necessarily move me. I do like her spirit though. She is pushing to save her brother.

Even though Mare has hatred for Maven, she also mourns the boy she thought he was.

Maven makes Mare bait the newbloods into coming to him in a news broadcast. So manipulative. And the Guard watches the broadcast with some mixed thoughts about Mare selling out their cause. Most, of course, believe that she was forced to say what she said.

Maven is gicing Mare gifts now? Is she a prisoner or a piece of eye candy? Maven's story about his mother and how she went into his head and made him walk and basically tortured him his entire life actually makes me feel for him. So far, Maven is shaping up to be the best character in this series. He has more depth now that we know about his mother's interfering with his thoughts. It kind of makes sense now how he keeps Mare a prisoner, but at the same time sort of pines after her. He might actually love her, but it has been twisted by his mother into something wicked. Even Evangeline sees his obsession with Mare. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

33% (view spoiler)[I am sad that Nanny died. Mare begged Maven not to kill her, but in the end, Nanny swallowed a suicide pill. When Mare was thinking to herself and begging Maven she became self-absorbed again. She was crying for Nanny, but she said that she was also crying for herself. Because Nanny was there for her. Was her escape. This is so frustrating. If someone that I care about was about to be murdered or tortured, I wouldn't think about myself and my own plight for a second. I would be solely concerned for my loved one. I can't believe how selfish Mare always seems the further the series goes on. It is a character flaw, but not one that makes the reader care about her at all.

Afterwards, Mare shreds all the books in her room only to wake up the next morning to another gift from Maven. Her room is now filled with Julian's books. Gifts, torture, Maven really knows how to balance his feelings for Mare.

It is strange that the Piedmont princes come to question Mare about the Scarlet Guard. A missing prince and princess are interesting information. The assassination attempt on Maven scene was exciting. Too bad Mare couldn't escape when she had the chance. But Jon saved her life before he escaped. So maybe he isn't all that bad? Who knows? I guess he is still a mystery.

So now Maven is kissing Mare at breakfast. That poor poor is so messed up. Clearly mangled by his mother. If Mare were smarter, she would manipulate Maven's feelings for her. We get more insight into what Maven's mother did to him. I do feel sorry for him, though I can't forgive his actions. I guess that is what makes a good villain. A way to connect to them. The story about Thomas was endearing. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

62% (view spoiler)[So Maven takes his entourage, along with Mare, on a coronation tour all the way to the Lakelands border. Then he makes an alliance with the Lakelands and ends the war. As a stipulation to the peace, Maven has to marry the princess from the Lakelands. Of course, Evangeline and the Samos family do not like this.

The Scarlet Guard takes control of Corvium. Cameron rescues her brother and some of the Red soldiers from his legion that were taken hostage. They are all brainwashed against the Guard.

Evangeline tries to use Mare to convince Maven not to marry Iris. I actually liked the scene with Maven in the bath. He seemed less evil. More real. More relaxed than normal. He actually seemed to share some of his real feelings for Mare. He admits that he doesn't want to keep her prisoner, but that it's the only way she will stay with him. Which is sad. God, I love Maven now. Sadly, he is just about the only character that really draws me in. Maybe Farley. But Mare is still bleh to me. I think that the character's portrayal is the only reason why I don't absolutely love this series. Because everything else is working for me.

Maven marries Iris. During the wedding a newblood with Mare's power appears with a storm. Teh Scarlet Guard appear and a battle ensues. Evangeline helps Mare escape with the promise that she won't kill Ptolemus. Samson uses his mind powers to pit Cal and Mare against each other. Samson dies and they escape. Unfortunately, Maven and Iris escape on Maven's train. Though Cal tells Mare that he wasn't there for Maven. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Finished! (view spoiler)[I am not surprised that the Samos clan is starting their own kingdom. They were always so hoity-toity.

Mare gets to reunite with her family and Kilorn. Then she gets to tell the Guard everything that she experienced and heard while she was being held prisoner. Farley has her baby. The father is Shade, which just wrenches me inside. Mare meets Davidson. He is a Scarlet Guard General, and also the elected leader of Montford. They are the ones that kidnapped the prince and princess from Piedmont. I am not sure how I feel about him yet. Mare starts training a lot, both with Cal and with the other electricons. Cal tells Mare that he had been in contact with his grandmother and she helped them get her out of Maven's hands. Just another piece of the puzzle coming to light.

Cal tells Mare that he loves her. They fall into a routine of training. Cal and Mare finally become intimate. I thought that it was actually funny because Mare asks Cal if he has done it before and he tells her no. It actually makes me like Cal more.

Maven tries to take back Corvium, but the Guard wins out. The king of the Lakelands dies in the battle. After the battle the Guard leaders, the Rift leaders, and Cal's grandmother have a meeting to decide what comes next. His grandmother wants him back on the throne, along with her supporters. The Rift reluctantly agrees that Evangeline will be his betrothed again and support them. The Guard does not like this decision. Cal is reluctant to take the throne, but doesn't back down. Mare all but begs Cal to choose her and not the throne, while Cal is asking her to choose him. But he chooses the crown. So Mare leaves him. She decides to go with the Guard back to Montfort. The Guard wants to divide and conquer. Meaning that they want to let the Silvers destroy themselves.

Overall, this book was kind of disappointing to me. It is my least favorite of this series so far. It felt too long and drawn out. The only thing that I really liked was getting to know Maven more. Understanding him. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

18% (view spoiler)[War Storm starts out exactly where King's Cage left off. No time has passed. Everyone is still on Corvium plotting the next steps. Mare is still crushed over Cal's decision. Farley and Mare have a moment together. They speculate that if there is a way to break apart Cal's throne, it would be Evangeline. Since they know she does not want any part of it. Mare wants Farley to promise that even if they break apart his monarchy that Cal will live. Farley said that she will try. So they both return to the meeting. Davidson says that he has to petition his government for more troops and Mare says that she would like to see it, which upsets Cal, to say the least. Evangeline helps things along by pushing for her to go and suggests that Julian go along as well. Cal declares that he will go along with them to see the Republic for himself. And then Evangeline's father volunteers her to go along as well. OMG, so much drama. Hehe. I am definitely liking this book much more than the last so far.

I like Tyton. I hope that he and Mare get closer since she left Cal. I think that she and Tyton would actually make a cute couple.

It seems that Rash and Tahir aren't twins after all. They are triplets alongside Ibarem. Davidson agrees to relocate Mare's family to Montfort. I am starting to like him.

I don't find Iris's voice very compelling. Her perspective bores me. She plans to rescue the Piedmont prince and princess herself in hopes that it will look favorable to Piedmont.

In the end, they all leave Corvium in ruins so that Maven can't utilize it. Alongside Cal, Julian, Anabel, and Evangeline travel with the Guard to Montfort. They stop off in Piedmont to gather Mare's family and some supplies. Mare's family is very supportive after her separation from Cal, which is nice to see. They really support her, though they want her to stop fighting.

I wish that Mare wasn't so angry with Julian for supporting Cal. Them being at odds breaks my heart.

Everyone is super surprised about Montfort. It is not what anyone expected. Especially for Evangeline. The Premiere tells her that same-sex marriage is allowed in Montfort. It is not for the Silvers of Norta. They marry for power. This appeals to Evangeline and sticks with her. (hide spoiler)]

[Gabi]

@Vanessa You finished Glass Sword, went right through King's Cage, and then started War Storm, all in less than 24 hours. That is INSANE. Each book took me a week and a half!

For War Storm, this one is taking me over a month. It's 600 pages plus but I don't think that'll be a challenge for you ;)

[Ashley W]

Starting King's Cage. Please tell me its better than the constant travel that was Glass Sword.

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

@Gabi - It took me longer than 24 hours for all of them, I just couldn't get in any computer time. I just wrote down my thoughts as I went. =P I wish I could read three books in 24 hours. Hehe. I tend to like reading longer books though, so I usually get through them fairly quickly as long as I don't have distractions.

@Ashley - I hope that you enjoy King's Cage. It is certainly different from Glass Sword.

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

43% (view spoiler)[I am definitely liking this book better than King's Cage. I love the way that the characters play off of each other. So much drama! I love the tension and the possibilities.

I absolutely loved the dinner scene at the Premiere's home. So much snapping back and forth between everyone. It made me giggle. I honestly didn't expect the sirens and the raiders. I am glad that Mare, Cal, and Evangeline helped out though. That scene was good too. I loved how Tyton was with Mare. I so would love to see them as a couple.

I'm kind of surprised that Iris and her lot were able to successfully rescue the Piedmont royals. It seems like Montfort would be more secure?

Mare and Farley did a good job of swaying the government of Montfort to support the Scarlet Guard.

The scene with Maven setting fire to Mare's old bedroom in Piedmont was tense. I can't even imagine what's going on in that crazy brain of his. And I thought that the way Mare spoke through Rash and Ibarem is brilliant. And surprisingly (or not?) it works. I guess we should never underestimate Maven's obsession with Mare. She really pulled his strings. I am glad that they were able to get the prisoners released from the Piedmont base.

I am liking Evangeline in this books so much! Her character development makes this book! The way that she is trying to bring Cal and Mare together again in genius. I liked the scene in the training room. Having Mare, Cal, Evangeline, Ptolemus, and Kilorn in the same room while most of them train together was suspenseful. And I am really liking the chemistry between Evangeline and Mare. Still spouting things at each other, but definitely more relaxed and friendly. I loved their little sparring match. And I had to giggle after the match when Kilorn says "Girls are weird", and then Cal and Ptolemus nod. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

59% (view spoiler)[Iris's chapters are so bland and uninteresting to me. I don't know what it is about her voice that repels me. I don't know. I guess they are full of good information. I just don't like the character. It doesn't feel like she has a personality.

I was a little surprised that Anabel and Julian made a deal with Iris. I don't like the change in Julian. Or at least the way he is helping Cal is changing him. And Maven using Iris to front the battle at Harbor Bay? Not surprised there, Maven.

I was super stoked for the New Town scene. I am glad that they decided to free it. I almost lost myself when Kilorn almost died. I legit thought that the author was going to kill him off to make Mare rage all over Maven's army. I am glad that he didn't die though. I adore that Red angel.

Though I knew that Cal wouldn't die, the scene after the battle was tense. I expected Mare to blast lightning all over Iris after Cal fell in the water, but the electricons had her surrounded so she wouldn't hurt anyone. But at least they take the city.

Evangeline is still trying to push Mare and Cal back together. And it works! Not that it matters, I suppose. Not if they are still on opposing sides. Sleeping together won't change that. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Finished! (view spoiler)[I thought that Maven was taken too easily. I know that the Lakelanders made a deal with Anabel and Julian, but it still seemed uneventful. Though it was unsurprising that the Guard kidnapped Maven on their way out.

I would have liked to know more about Jon. It's sad that he pushed Kilorn's master, but it was what pushed Mare to keep Kilorn from conscription. And it was nice of him to warn her about the Lakelands attack on Archeon.

In the end, I thought that the fight scene with Maven and Mare was uneventful. I was expecting more. And Mare never went to see his body and nobody really mentions him afterward. Does anyone else think that perhaps Cal saved him and stashed him somewhere to try and look for someone to try and fix him?

I really loved Evangeline's character growth in this book. I'm kind of glad that she escaped to Montfort with her brother and Wren.

The ending was a little open-ended. I am not sure that I like it much. It's not much of an ending. I like the series overall, but I still have issues with a lot of things. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Here is my review of the series as a whole, as well as my individual book ratings.

Red Queen ★★★½☆
Glass Sword★★★★☆
King's Cage ★★★☆☆
War Storm ★★★★☆

(view spoiler)[I have read books one through three of this series twice now, and I am still just as much on the fence now as I was the first time that I read them. I did enjoy them more the second time around, but I truly think that it is only because I knew what to expect. When this series first came out I tried to stay away from all of the hype. Difficult, I know, when you are a part of the YA book community. Most people either loved it or hated it, but I felt myself smack in the middle, both loving parts of it and hating the other parts. I can honestly say that I have never been so emotionally frustrated by a book series because of this. Part of me wants to love it wholeheartedly, but other parts just can't. I am hopelessly, ridiculously thwarted from either loving or hating this book series.

The one thing that is lacking in most Young Adult books is the presence of family, but not in this series. While I thought that the main character's family could have been more involved in the story, I was still happy that they were there throughout the series.

I truly loved the premise of the story. I know that there are many books that have similar premises, but I adored it nonetheless. I loved the subtle dystopian aspect of the story.

The relationships of the characters were well written for the most part. I loved the friction and snappy dialogue between Mare and Evangeline. I loved the friendships that Mare forged along the way. Friendship is sometimes overlooked in Young Adult books and they sometimes only focus on romance, but this series surprised me there.

I loved the character growth of several of the characters. Their internal struggles and how they dealt with them as the story progressed. At the same time, I also felt that there were some characters that could have been more developed.

The plot was well done and the world well developed. There is a lot of political intrigue in these books. It makes me think of a line from the book that comes up many times, "Anyone can betray anyone." I am always a sucker for a "rich vs poor" trope, and this one was very believable.

One of the things that really brings the series down a notch for me is the romance. It was very bland. It certainly didn't leave me breathless or on the edge of my seat. While I became invested in the characters while reading, the story just feels incomplete because of the undeveloped romance. And it makes me angry because there was so much potential to have a romance that burns or even for some quite convincing and warranted love triangles.

Another thing that bothered me more than a little was that I didn't feel connected to the main characters at all. It is hard for me to love a story if I can't feel what the main character feels. I was disconnected from both Mare and Cal throughout the books. I knew their intentions (mostly) but I did not feel them. Both characters were very one dimensional. They lacked depth. And Mare specifically lacked likability. I don't even know how many times I wanted to smack her upside her head. She was very self-centered throughout much of the story. Most of all she just felt like words on a page, not someone that I was living through the story with. The disconnect with Mare is one of my most hated things about this series.

I did not care much for the ending of the series. Not one bit. It was vague, but not in a good way. I read the last words and thought, "Oh, okay. That's the end then." I didn't cry or express any sort of emotion whatsoever. And to me, that really speaks volumes.

There were several things that I would have loved to see in this series. I would have loved to see Maven recovered from his mother's torture and influence. Though I thought that Maven was one of the best characters in the story, I thought that his development could have been much deeper. He was a good character, but he could have been great. I would have liked to see things from Cal's point of view. I wanted to know what he was feeling and how he was dealing with all the traumas that he experienced in the story. We see things from Mare's eyes, and it really leaves things lacking. I think that it why I didn't feel much connection to Cal's character. Most of all I think that I just wanted Mare to be different. Or at least written in a way that made me feel something for her. I wanted to so many times, but it just didn't happen.

I suppose that this review wouldn't really help anyone interested in reading this series. I am quite in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to my feelings on it. But really, I am not in the middle at all and that is what is frustrating. One part of me in on the low spectrum and the other is on the high spectrum which just leaves me somewhere in the middle. -sigh- If I could impose anything on anyone that may be reading this it would be that I definitely think this series is worth reading. For bad or for worse. (hide spoiler)]

[Samantha]

Glass Sword Chapter Seven/Eight (view spoiler)[ I FREAKED OUT when Kilorn "betrayed" Mare. OMG. I totally believed it. Ooops. Sorry dude. hahaha.

I was feeling really bad for this girl in my book club who hard core ships Mare and Kilorn. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

@Samantha

I totally believed it at first too!

[Edit~A]

Starting War Strom :)

[Gabi]

@Samantha

Aaw... I feel really bad for that girl in your book club too. (view spoiler)[That ship never even got to leave the harbor. Kilorn better end up with someone nice! (hide spoiler)]

36%
(view spoiler)[ At this point I'm really starting to believe that Evangeline-Evangeline-loves Elane more than Cal loves Mare. I mean, I love Eve and Elane's relationship but Cal and Mare were the star couple since "thief" "obviously" :'( (hide spoiler)]

[Gabi]

Edit~A wrote: "Starting War Strom :)"

Ooh cool! I'm still in the middle of it. I hope you enjoy it!

[Edit~A]

Gabi wrote: "@Samantha

Aaw... I feel really bad for that girl in your book club too. [spoilers removed]

36%
[spoilers removed]"


(view spoiler)[ It definitely took a lot of time for them to act on their feelings in this book. I always was intrigued by Eve, and I am glad that in this book we saw another side of her and her brother. Cause, as it says, behind every villain there is a story. (hide spoiler)]

[Edit~A]

Gabi wrote: "Edit~A wrote: "Starting War Strom :)"

Ooh cool! I'm still in the middle of it. I hope you enjoy it!"

(view spoiler)[ I loved the book the schemes for sure made it interesting! however I feel like it was kind of dragged. I would have cut on some of these parts. Like kidnapping Mavin instead of just killing him. Yes, I know it was part of the plan, but I feel like the author did ot have to prolong it. (hide spoiler)]

[Edit~A]

Chapter 27
(view spoiler)[ I can't help but love her more and more at this point of this book. I really liked that she finally stood up to her parents, but I hoped to see more. I wonder why did not his brother act on his feelings as well as she did. He was a guy, he had more freedom than Eve. (hide spoiler)]

[Edit~A]

Vanessa wrote: "

Finished! I thought that Maven was taken too easily. I know that the Lakelanders made a deal with Anabel and Julian, but it still seemed uneventful. Though it was un..."

(view spoiler)[ Exactly my thoughts! Mavens abduction was kind of like meh... and Evangeline was the highlight of this book for me! However, overall, I really enjoyed this as a final book to this amazing series! Just wished there were more Cal and Mare, since we were seeing them for final time, but.... (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Can I still join this thread?

[[deleted user]]

17.0% (view spoiler)[ What???? He is the crowned prince? The soon to be king? I knew there was a reason Mare got that job! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

56.0% (view spoiler)[ Ummm idk Mare you are threading through dangerous waters here. Going to dance lessons with Cal is not a good idea. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

89.0% (view spoiler)[ Omg I wanna cry for Cal. How can that horrible queen make him do that and Maven just stands there you damn TRAITOR!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

99.0% (view spoiler)[ Yeah!!! I am glad he is alive and that he is “the flash” jk he can move fast lol. He can teleport!!! Poor Cal he is still so defeated. (hide spoiler)]