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

[Eva Luna]

54%
(view spoiler)[
I am finally getting a bit more into this book. I do believe it is totally overdone with the amount of different pov, it makes the book so slow and less enjoyable than the first three. I can't believe I am already at 54% from the 22 hour long audiobook. This means I have already listenined to almost 12 hours, and barely anything has happened. This book had so much potential but I just feel like it misses something.

The last battle was actually the part I have enjoyed most in this book. I felt like there was finally something happening.
(hide spoiler)]

[Eva Luna]

78%
(view spoiler)[ At first I was like: YES! Maven is finally captured.
But then I was like: Maven escaped? How did they let this happen...

I wanted Evangeline to order that tea, I want her to be happy with Elaine. I get that she is scared, but Elaine said she couldn't do this for much longer. Is it worth it to lose Elaine?

(hide spoiler)]

[Eva Luna]

Finished
(view spoiler)[Evangeline got away, finally choosing herself. Fleeing with Elaine, good choice. Your dad never deserved you, he used you only as a pawn.

GOOD, Maven didn't kill Mare. That would have been a very annoying end of the book. Maven is dead, good, finally. That was one evil boy. Cal could have never saved him, he needed to die, he needs to accept that,

I'm not happy about Mare and Cal, I just kinda wanted them to be together. They feel so deeply for each other. I get Mare needs time, but still.. meh.

So much happy feelings for Kilorn&Cameron and Julian&Sarah!

But this book just feels like it is missing so much, the start was very though to get through and the ending just felt incomplete to me. Meh.

(hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting June 1st 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[~T~]

Count me in for this one! :)

[Charlotte]

I'll try to join for book 3

[Gabi]

I just finished War Storm! But I also just got Broken Throne. Will anyone be reading that one soon too?

[Dannii]

I'm excited to get reading with you all :D I planned to start with Red Queen and read up until War Storm, but I'll see if I can get my hands on a copy of Broken Throne too :)

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Just started this morning. Hoping to speed through this :)
Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[So our heroine Mare is part of the Reds, the lowest class in her society. Given her age she will soon be sent to join the army as she has no apprenticeship and/or job. This society seems to mirror the Roman period when Gladiators fought to the death. Rather here Reds witness battles between Silvers, the class above them, in a move of superiority more than anything. (hide spoiler)]

[~T~]

Chapters 1-7

(view spoiler)[ Okay, so I’m trying to wrap my brain around everything. I’m probably going to be all over the place. One, we have Mare, who were realizing has some kind of power. We have Gisa, the sister, very curious as to what happens to her in the near future. We have Cal, the prince. Did he know she had a power? Why was he dressed as a servant and why did he send for her the next day? (Also, was not the least bit surprised when we found out he was, in fact, royalty.) Then we have Shade and the Scarlet Guard. This all has to tie together somehow. And Kilorn! Love triangle with Mare and the Prince? Hmmm. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Chapter 2-10
(view spoiler)[Well that was a perfect example of why nobility sucks. I was wondering where the title was going to come into play with her being a Red answer despising the Silvers. Now because of some fluke she suddenly has some power and must parade and mingle with those she hates. It’s all hierarchy and I hate it. I love ho much she’s a rebel so I can’t wait till she gets the upper hand. (hide spoiler)]

[Ari ☾]

Chapters 1-8
(view spoiler)[I am really enjoying this actually, it's going by pretty fast. I like Mare so far. I like that she is sassy, and imperfect. When her sister got her hand broken was super hard for me to read. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Chapters 11-15 (view spoiler)[ I’m so glad she got to see her family and bestie. Is it wrong of me to hope that her brother isn’t actually dead and then Crown lied to her family to save face?! And now she will have even more to worry about with jointing the Guard as well as her bestie. But I know Kilorn will do whatever he can to save her from her prison, which is exactly what she’s in. Afraid for her though more than ever. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Chapters 16-20
(view spoiler)[ Omg I’m so scared for everyone now. First Kilorn whose stuck in a cage bound to b tortured and executed. Then I still don’t know who to trust, I mean can we really trust Maven, he may just be an excellent actor and working with his mother to overthrow both Cal and the king. And damn am I upset about Cal, he really is ruthless and doesn’t care about the Reds, is he even redeemable, I’m not thinking so. <\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Chapters 21-24
(view spoiler)[ "I’m sorry but I really don’t trust maven and I really want to. I just keep thinking how much he despises his brother in so many ways, the way his father barely acknowledges him and how power hungry his mother is. Even the story he told about a Red friendship was possibly twisted and instead of seeing his friend killed I’m worried he did it himself. I can see him and his mom planning to kill cal and the king. Hope not" (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 25-27
(view spoiler)[ Sometimes I really hate being right and this isn’t certainly one of those times. I knew Maven was a pawn for his mother, I wish I was wrong. But omg to allow his mom to force his brother to kill his father, well, that’s whole new low. I cannot believe it went down that way and honestly I don’t know how they’re going to escape. And omg what about all the ppl in the Guard, especially her friend, are they Ok? (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Final thoughts Book 1: (view spoiler)[It’s funny and all most sad how predictable this story was for me. I knew about Maven and his mom and I even had an idea that maybe her brother was still alive somehow. Unfortunately power makes ppl do horrible things, blood be damned as witnessed by Mavens actions. I’m more sad by Mare who is more powerful than she gives herself credit for and was so used and manipulated. I’m so happy her family and BFF are alive and well. The road ahead will be dark, deadly and dangerous but I have hope the Reds will win in the end. A world with powerful silvers working and helping the reds will make a wonderful place for all. The world need not be such a hierarchy but human nature no matter what always insists we assert our dominance over others just because we falsely “see” them as beneath us. Hopefully the next few books can surprise me more and I really hope Cal can finally come around. Knowing now what happened to his mother and that maybe she was onto something by wanting a more integrated world, I hope he will see the light and join the cause. I’m still disappointed how cruel he was, with no thought to his actions and maybe just a little remorse. How can any person defend the Silvers, sure no death is acceptable but when thousands of reds die at the drop of a hat for every one silver that dies or is killers, there’s no justification no matter how much pretty words you speak. (hide spoiler)]

[~T~]

Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[
Okay had to come back after that bombshell. Didn’t see that happening so fast! But I’m eager to read more and also happy that she made a point to take care of her loved ones.

I feel like she’s gonna somehow come at a crossroads with the scarlet guard and her brother....

Also, I have a good feeling about Cal. Pretty sure I’m gonna like him quite a bit. <3 (hide spoiler)]

[~T~]

Through chapter 15
(view spoiler)[
I swear every time I decide I’m at a point where I can share my thoughts, the very next chapter ends up dealing us a bombshell of some kind. Julian has a power where he can make people do as he wants. Whaaaat? I don’t know how I feel about that yet. Or what exactly he can do. But like I said, I really like the dude, so anything that gives him relevance makes me happy at this point. I’m hoping he joins Mare and the Scarlet Guard. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

First quarter of - (view spoiler)[This is a reread and I could remember much about the trajectory of the plot, as I was reading it, but this hasn’t stopped me from being just as saddened at viewing the prejudice prevalent in this world. The novel starts really strongly and I already feel complicit with Mare’s rebellious thoughts after seeing how the reds attempt to survive in poverty and with limited opportunities in life. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter of - (view spoiler)[I really enjoyed the portion where the silver women compete for the prince’s hand in marriage and would have liked an extended focus and further understanding of their various abilities. I definitely thought Mare’s exposed abilities would have distanced her from the crown, rather than having her become heir to it. I also thought the King would have joined her with Cal rather than Maven. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

~T~ wrote: "Chapters 1-7

[spoilers removed]"

I think the novel sets itself up really well, by introducing so many characters early on. It can feel a little confusing but quickly comes together. Each character also felt really unique, for me.

[Dannii]

❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "Chapter 2-10
[spoilers removed]"

I adore a rebellious streak in my characters!

[Dannii]

Ari ☾ wrote: "

Chapters 1-8
[spoilers removed]"

That scene broke me a bit too! I love how different they both are yet how well they interact together. It makes for interesting scenes, when both are involved in them.

[~T~]

Through chapter 23
(view spoiler)[
Have I said I love Julian yet? I hope nothing happens to him. Also pulling for Cal still. He’s got a lot of good in him I can tell! I’m stoked to find out there are a bunch more like Mare and excited to see where this goes. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter of - (view spoiler)[Julian is my favourite character. I feel there are many depths to his personality and history within the palace that have yet to be properly explored. I’m enjoying Mare’s crown training. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter of - (view spoiler)[Damn, Maven! I completely forgot about this plot twist and was just as thrown by it as the first time. I was totally Team Maven before this but am definitely switching sides now! My second read is complete and am happy to say this remains a 4 star read for me :) (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

When do you guys plan on reading ?

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Courtney wrote: "When do you guys plan on reading ?"

I was planning on starting tonight at work but left my book in the car lol. Total fail. Instead I'll probably at least try to get a few chapters in later tonight :)

[Courtney]

❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "Courtney wrote: "When do you guys plan on reading ?"

I was planning on starting tonight at work but left my book in the car lol. Total fail. Instead I'll probably a..."

Okay :) I will start tonight or tomorrow as well then :)

[Claire]

Oh wow I am really late to this, I'll be starting Red Queen tonight!

[~T~]

Finished
(view spoiler)[
Ugh. Maven. There was something in me that preferred Cal throughout the book for some reason but I definitely didn’t see all that coming. No, Cal’s not perfect but I think overall he’s a good guy and I’m hoping the Scarlet Guard can accept him and vice versa! Did we find out what happened to Julian? Is that “to be continued”? Excited to see it all play out with finding the other ones like Mare and see what they do once they find them. (hide spoiler)]

I saw a lot of mixed reviews about this book from people I follow on here. I really liked it though and I’m super stoked to get on with the series. I have Glass Sword ready, starting ASAP. :)

[Dannii]

I started Glass Sword this morning :) It is my second time reading the first two books in the series but never continued the series on further than GS.

[Dannii]

Claire wrote: "Oh wow I am really late to this, I'll be starting Red Queen tonight!"

No worries, Claire :) I can check back in with your updates whenever you start. This book seems to be super polarising so I'm interested in everyone's opinions on it :)

[Dannii]

First quarter of - (view spoiler)[So this series is giving me a really swift turn around about my feelings for Mare and her love interests. I am so quickly becoming Team Cal, which was where my feelings were going at the end of books one and as the pair seem to have such great chemistry together, during the battle scenes.

Um, Kilorn? Hun? Are you okay? What was with that betrayal?? (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter of - (view spoiler)[I’m really enjoying the new characters that are getting introduced. The search for new bloods has been a little slow-moving and draining but I am still super interested in learning more about them.

I’m so glad Kilorn is still a good guy! (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Chapters 1-5
(view spoiler)[ While I'm glad everyone is still alive, they are nowhere near safe. But OMG I am so happy about her brother Slade being OK and the fact that somehow her family is miraculously waiting for her on the island. I also want to accept Cal, I mean after everything he went through that literally happened either the same day or yesterday via the timeline, poor thing has had no time to process and now he's thrust into a world of enemies. But I'm hoping he can see the light. There's no way he can atone for all he's done but maybe he can see the cause is just. Can't wait to see what more the future holds and seriously can Maven and his Mother be taken out, they have to go! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter of - (view spoiler)[These new blood abilities are INSANE! I’m really hoping they take over the kingdom but with so many books left in the series I can already tell it is not going to be so easy. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "Chapters 1-5
[spoilers removed]"

I completely agree. (view spoiler)[ Poor Cal has been thrust into an entirely new world, just like Mare was in book one. His brother however is CANCELLED! (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Dannii wrote: "❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "Chapters 1-5
[spoilers removed]"

I completely agree. [spoilers removed]"

Same. (view spoiler)[ Maven and his mom both need to go. I just hope the Guard don't like torture Cal or anything. Like Mare keeps trying to let them know, he'll be a formidable ally if they can get him on their side! I just feel bad he's not had any time to process anything that's happened to him :( (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter of - (view spoiler)[I just knew Shade was not going to make it!! I can see why his death was included as it adds great concluding shock factor and will have such an impact on the story-line to follow. Aveyard pens such great book endings. This book, as a whole, didn't impress me as much as Red Queen but the conclusions of both have been insanely good and made me immediately want to dive into the next series instalment. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "Dannii wrote: "❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "Chapters 1-5
[spoilers removed]"

I completely agree. [spoilers removed]"

Same. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I'm loving the dynamic of the two brothers playing off against each other with Mare stuck in the centre. I'm so team Cal and Mare and hope the whole of the Red and Silvers get to see how powerful they can all be if they work together in harmony. I am also interested to see what happens to Maven and if he has a turnaround with his intentions. (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney]

I will be starting as soon as I finish my current read.

[Dannii]

I'm going to move straight on to now as it is way shorter than I thought

[Dannii]

Okay, I’m a handful of pages in to and can already tell that this is going to be my favourite story in the whole series!

[Dannii]

Courtney wrote: "I will be starting as soon as I finish my current read."

Yay :)

[Dannii]

Queen Song from - (view spoiler)[I was immediately hooked on this story. What a precious protagonist! I just wanted to protect her throughout all of it and definitely shared with her growing paranoia. I loved how her character was introduced through her brother, in the central series, and so I already felt protective over her. Also, already being familiar with her outcome made this a heart-wrenching read. This has, so far, been my favourite part of the whole series! 4.5/5 stars (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Steel Scars from - (view spoiler)[I wasn’t as immediately sold on this story and found it initially to be a bit of a drag. Neither have really added a great amount of further understanding to the central storyline but my enjoyment of the first made me not care about that factor. Here, however, I was just waiting to learn something that was going to make this seem like a necessary addition. There’s also something about Farley and Shade’s relationship that doesn’t really sit well for me, for some reason.3/5 stars (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Glass Sword extract from - (view spoiler)[I was so suprised when the second story in this anthology ended and there was still so much of the book left, but then I saw it was filled with the first pages of Glass Sword. I’m also not a fan of such lengthy extracts being included in books. It seems like it may have just been included to bulk the page count. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Final thoughts on - (view spoiler)[This was a pretty unnecessary addition to the series and not one I’d really recommend, except to hardcore fans of the story-line. It doesn’t add a whole lot of further understanding and whilst I enjoyed the first story the outcome of it was already known and the second story was a little dull. (hide spoiler)]

[Ari ☾]

Dannii wrote: "Ari ☾ wrote: "

Chapters 1-8
[spoilers removed]"

That scene broke me a bit too! I love how different they both are yet how well they interact together. It makes for i..."

I really wish we could see more of their relationship together. D: