RETIRED: The Bridge of D'Arnath Series by Carol Berg - buddy read (#4 Daughter of Ancients), June 2023)

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "Hahaha! I am looking forward to getting to those books:)"

You will love them! Looking forward to rereading them with you!

And very much looking forward to the final book in this one...

[Carol]

Must say, Daughter of Ancients is one of my favorite of my books, ever. Can't wait to share it with such friends!

[Laura]

I just love it that everyone loved this book and series as a whole.
This BR is amazing. 😍

I still haven't finished because we are on a family trip and there isn't pretty much any time left for reading.
But I will try and get through at least a few chapters and leave some comments as I go if my app isn't acting up again.
I'll pick up the pace on Saturday evening after we get back and will open all your spoilers as I go.

When do you ladies want to start book 4?

[Carol]

Looking forward to it!

[Nirkatze]

Laura wrote: "I just love it that everyone loved this book and series as a whole.
This BR is amazing. 😍

I still haven't finished because we are on a family trip and there isn't pretty much any time left for rea..."

Early month is crammed full of other BRs I want to join, but I'll squeeze in book 4 whenever y'all start.

[Tammie]

I can start whenever. I'll work it in between other books.

[Tammie]

Has anyone started book 4 yet? I'm probably going to start it tomorrow.

[Carol]

Hooray!

[Laura]

I am just about to finish book 3 and will instantly jump onto book 4.
Because I don't want to bring up the read end again.😅
I'll post my comments here a bit later today. For book 3 that is. Then I'll change the book in the folder description and add the next book gif to separate the thread/comments.

I would also like to ask Yanique to make us threads for Collegia Magica starting August.
One book a month should be ok right?

[Tammie]

Sorry Laura, I didn't realize you were still finishing up book 3. I'll probably be slow anyway. One a month for Collegia Magica works for me.

[Laura]

I am the one who's sorry for dragging my feet. These last few weeks haven't been stellar.
I'm feeling bad for holding you all back and that's why I'll also jump straight into book 4 today. So it doesn't happen again.

[Tammie]

I'm so sorry you had a rough few weeks. I hope things are better now. I didn't mind waiting a bit. I've had a lot of buddy reads going and was feeling a little overwhelmed anyway.

[Laura]

Tammie wrote: "I'm so sorry you had a rough few weeks. I hope things are better now. I didn't mind waiting a bit. I've had a lot of buddy reads going and was feeling a little overwhelmed anyway."

That's ok Tammie. I finished the book today and will start on book 4 after I put the kids to bed tonight.
I'll just open some spoilers now and leave some comments here.

[Laura]

At the end of The Soul Weaver

I'm with all of you saying it became unputdownable.

Radele
(view spoiler)[I had a profound dislike for him and realised he was up to no good but still, the fact that he was behind it all took me by surprise. I didn't expect it to be him - the one who killed the Preceptors and used Gerik to drive Karon to the limit. And I was even more surprised when his own father killed him.
Was that because he was ok with manipulating Karon but not ok with using the power of the Lords? (hide spoiler)]

The Bonded
(view spoiler)[ Their world was fascinating and I loved the fact that those outcasts and rejects and broken gathered in a home for Gerik. Because everyone deserves to be loved as they are and everyone deserves a chance at hapiness without scorn. I loved the concept and the world was fantastic. (hide spoiler)]

Roxanne seemed truly a (view spoiler)[ wretched brat at the beginning and I swear I would have had to count to ten in Gerick's place to stop myself from slapping her. But she grew into a downright wonderful and smart young lady, changing before our eyes. I ended up loving her in the end. (hide spoiler)]

Ven'Dar was a wonderful surprise and I loved his chapters. He was like a breath of fresh air full of hope.

And Paulo stole the show. He is one of the most wonderful sidekicks ever written if you ask me.

Karon had me angry at him more than half the time and sorry for him the rest of the time.

And Gerik
My heart broke for him so many times over.
Speaking of heartbreak, I'll add another comment about that.

[Carol]

Laura wrote: "At the end of The Soul Weaver

I'm with all of you saying it became unputdownable.

Radele
I had a profound dislike for him and realised he was up to no good but still, the fact that he was behind..."

Laura, I hope life is easing up on you. So good to have you back! Your comments are always so thoughtful.

Radele: (view spoiler)[ Yes, Men'Thor scorned all "mundane" influences on the Dar'Nethi and he believed he knew best about...just about everything. He was ruthless, but there were lines he would not cross. That his son (whom he had trained to be ruthless) would actually use the Lords' corruption to accomplish their goals showed him his own failure to communicate any ethical boundaries along with the ruthless righteousness. (hide spoiler)]

I am so happy that you all loved the Bounded folk. I loved them too.

And Roxanne...I really wasn't sure how she would develop...but I wanted her to be smart...and clever...and I liked that she was someone who had no reason to be anything but terrified, and yet she stepped beyond that victim/hostage role. Yes, she made me happy.

And did I ever mention how much I love Paulo. And in the next book...more.

Yes, I wanted Ven'Dar to embody what was best in the Dar'Nethi.

Gerick, yes. Again, one of my most complex and beloved characters. Only 16 at the end of Soul Weaver. A kid who believes he is not only evil, but irredeemable. Yet touched by a love which he does not fully understand.

[Laura]

@Carol - Thank you!!

And before I add in another probably funky place holder to split the series and start commenting on book 4, I just wanted to let you know that I literally wanted to hurl your book at a wall. The Soul Weaver that is. I swear if it had been a paperback and not the kindle version it would have kissed the wall. That time
(view spoiler)[when Karon and Gerick were dead. I was hoping they'd be fine but then Seri started accepting it and saying goodbye and I was like; NOOOO! (hide spoiler)]

That is the moment I would have called to tell you; 'Carol, you are SO mean!!!'
And then I would have kissed you because (view spoiler)[they both came back!! (hide spoiler)]

You ripped my heart out with that scene when (view spoiler)[Paulo took a beating. I was frantically turning pages and hoping so damn bad that he will be ok.
And when Gerick was told he's the killer... like an ice cold bucket of water dropped on your head in the peak of summer. (hide spoiler)]

These were scenes that went straight to my heart and will stay with me long after, alongside Seri's love for her child.

This series of yours is FANTASTIC!!

[Laura]

On to book 4 Daughter of Ancients

[Carol]

Laura wrote: "@Carol - Thank you!!

And before I add in another probably funky place holder to split the series and start commenting on book 4, I just wanted to let you know that I literally wanted to hurl your..."

I know I am really mean to my beloved readers. But if they stick with me....

[Tammie]

Up to chapter 6 of book 4. Laura, you are going to go back to thinking Carol is mean! Haha. (view spoiler)[I can't believe after all the horrible things that Karon has been through that he is now having to deal with slowly dying from a painful illness. It must be something like cancer. I know he says he's ready to die, but I'm not ready for him to die. (hide spoiler)]

I'm really curious about this D’Sanya and how she fits into things. (view spoiler)[It seems she could possibly be a love interest for Gerick, but she could also be on the wrong side. I'm very suspicious of her, but at the same time, I want to like her.

Also, when Roxanne was introduced, I thought she might end up being a love interest for Gerick, but she's married now, so I was wrong about that.

Speaking of marriage, it was nice to find out that Kellea was married to the Sheriff and has children with him. (hide spoiler)]

In chapter 5, I loved the part with the song weaver (view spoiler)[ and how Gerick finds out what makes her so special. Then Paulo's reaction made me giggle. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Super excited for book 4!!! Hoping to join y'all before next week. Also excited for Collegia Magica up next!

Carol, I love it when you're mean to us! I feel a little weird saying that though. More pain, more gain?

Really enjoyed your ending thoughts, Laura. And looking forward to more Paolo!

[Carol]

Nirkatze wrote:
Carol, I love it when you're mean to us! I feel a little weird saying that though. More..."

I take it with the best possible interpretation.

[Choko]

Daughter of Ancients #4

Prologue - Ch. 1... (view spoiler)[ Now that was interesting. The prologue said it has been 2 years since the Dar'Nethi war and the strange girl claiming to be the daughter of the dead king and sister of D'Natheil showed up. But then, in Ch. 1, Seri said it has been 5 years since they moved into the house...

I can't believe Karon is dying!!! Tammie, you are right! It's not fair that he was able to live through so much only to be slowly dying of cancer...:((( I am not ready for him to go either...

Kellea and the Sheriff married with kids! Wow!

Gerick and Paolo got to visit with Karon on his sick bead... I love their friendship! And I loved that Seri called Paolo Karon's son as much as Gerick is... Ooohhhh!

I wonder why walking The Bridge has been difficult of late... I am glad to see Ven'Dar again. I am kind of sad that he is taking Karon away from home to try to heal him... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Daughter of Ancients #4

Ch. 2 - 4 (view spoiler)[ I also totally thought Roxanne will be Gerick's love interest, but alas, she is already married...

Jeraint, the new hot dude Ven'Dar has announced as his heir, is rubbing me wrong. I kind of feel like he is too perfect, and we have learned, those are easily led astray... His argument with Ven'Dar over the new girl, who apparently is a miraculous healer who has been acting like Sleeping Beauty for at least a thousand years, tells me he is too ready to believe in fantastical outcomes without thinking of what they really cost. I can't believe he will turn out to be evil as such, just easily mislead...

Which brings me to the girl, Lady D'Sanya. I have no idea what to think, but I don't trust her either... I have a feeling she might have been corrupted by the Lords, but when you think about it, Gerick has been corrupted by them too... I don't know... I tend to trust Ven'Dar's gut feeling...

Gerick has been thinking about marriage and how unfair he has been to Paolo by taking him for granted... Interesting. And here comes a gorgeous young lady and Paolo is back in love with the sightless lady. Coincidence??? (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Choko wrote: "Daughter of Ancients #4

Ch. 2 - 4..."

I agree with your thoughts on Jeraint and D'Sanya.

[Carol]

Choko wrote: "Daughter of Ancients #4

Prologue - Ch. 1... Now that was interesting. The prologue said it has been 2 years since the Dar'Nethi war and the strange girl claiming to be the daughter of the dead k..."

It's been two years since any Djiid (Zhid in the early editions) have been sighted. It took a long time to mop up the Lords' armies after the end that happened in Soul Weaver.

[Choko]

Daughter of Ancients #4

Ch. 5-7... (view spoiler)[ Song weaving being a talent of beauty, Gerick thinks is not something he could ever have, was kind of a sad look at how he sees himself...

It is not fair , but very understandable, that the people of the inn kicked out the wood shaper who had been Jahid... But what could those people do now??? Not all of them were brainwashed to a point where they couldn't be rehabilitated... This is how you create new and lasting enemies again... Made me sad somehow...

O-o! Lady D'Sanya is being way too interested in Gerick! I don't like how Karon doesn't remember anything from the first several hours he was in her care either. What if she did something to him to corrupt him too??? Weird that I just assume she is corrupted already... And that hospice seems more like a prison, with the patients feeling healthy, but stripped of their magic and unable to dream. And the "thing" that makes the Der'Nethi who they are, is missing from their souls...

That curse, I wonder what it means for Gerick now... Could they still be using him like they did before? Or are they using Lady D'Sanya the same way the Lords used Gerick?

" Head my last word, Destroyer! You will never be free of us. No matter in what realm we exist at the end of this day, you will not escape the destiny we designed for you. You are our instrument. Our Fourth. Every human soul, mundain or Dar'Nethi, will curse the day you first drew breath! "

So, Gerick can reach some of the Lords memories, but is very sensibly afraid to do so...

Did Gerick just get abducted? The young girl from the hospice and her father is his slave, Safara, while he was in training at the Jevna camp... And the girl, Jen, is the one he branded and sealed!!!! I don't blame her for hating him. But she is working for Lady D'Sanya now... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Djiid! Got it:))) So, two years since the last stragglers from the War. But now that this mysterious lady shows up, we once again have Djiid roaming the countryside... Hmmm... Another coincidence? I think not!

[Laura]

Up to end of Chapter 10

First of all, I agree with your thoughts regarding Karon - So NOT FAIR!!
(view spoiler)[ Poor Seri has lost him already so many times and now she stands to loose him again due to illness? A healer dying of an incurable disease. The irony of that!! (hide spoiler)]

We're also on the same page regarding Jeraint. (view spoiler)[He kept watching Gerick all the time and that made me think there's something fishy about him. (hide spoiler)]

I love the way Gerick is realising (view spoiler)[what Paulo means to him and worries about his happiness and I honestly hope Aimee will choose Paulo instead of the other guy. (hide spoiler)]

I am wondering if Gerick's (view spoiler)[feelings for the Lady D'Sanya aren't due to an enchantment. He seems to be craving her presence more and more, especially when he looks into her eyes. And I am glad he is not telling her everything and keeping back the fact he was/is Dieste.
The Lady rubs me the wrong way. She is apparently too pure and too good to be for real. The first time she appeared in the desert she was having a bloodied knife in her hand and there were dead djiid nearby. So I'm guessing it was her who killed them.

Her healing is the rotten fishy kind. The kind that stinks for miles. First of all, Karon doesn't remember anything of it. Second, he is somehow empty now. As if his essence is missing. Perhaps absorbed by the Lady, the way Gerick was taught to absorb rage and darkness by the Lords?

I think the Lady is the cause of everything that started to go wrong in Avonar, as well as the realm of the Bounded and is also connected to the crossing being harder.
And I think she is the one the Lords had tried with but failed before Gerick. I remember a mention of a try before Gerick and their glee at doing good the second time around.
Or do I remember wrong? (hide spoiler)]

As Choko mentioned, I do not believe it's a coincidence the Djiid (view spoiler)[started roaming the countryside from the time the Lady shows up. My bet's on her having something to do with it.

And I do wonder if she is actually aware of who Gerick really is. Maybe she's just trying to snare him up precisely because of who he is. I mean, it's so unlike Gerick to forget everything else and run behind a girl, even when that girl is someone he may be falling in love with. He has always been so responsible and able to keep his head even in the hardest times that I cannot help but think the Lady's influence is a bad one. (hide spoiler)]

I love the fact that (view spoiler)[ we got to meet Sefaro again and I admire his daughter. She has the guts to smack a LORD on the head, truss him up like a pig and almost gut him just because she wants justice, but is not so rash to actually kill him without her father's consent. And she stopped and actually listened to her father's reasons. Plus, she is slowly starting to REALLY change her mind while following Gerick everywhere. I can't help but like her and I have a feeling she'll be instrumental later, just as Paulo was before. I really love the way she is written. Just as much as I love Sefaro's wisdom.

And I do wonder why the Lady is so put off by the collar marks of former slaves. Why can't she stand looking at them? There must be something big behind her apparent aversion. (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Daughter of Ancients #4

Ch. 8-10... (view spoiler)[Hmmm, after the game of hide and seek, I am wondering if Lady D'Sanya is not mentally unstable... I know young ladies of that type of setting are supposed to be frivolous and silly on a whim, but there is a frantic note to her behavior... I am actually even more distrustful of her now. The way she heals also seems too... I don't know exactly how to explain it, but too whimsical, instead of let's say, the deep giving that healers like Karon did, using up their own resources, true giving... Maybe it's my distrust talking, so I might be nitpicking...

Gerick's cover as a builder is a good idea. She might try to recruit him as such. I don't know if I am Ok with him confiding in her about all the horrible things he had to do in the Desert and what he did to other prisoners... Actually, I am really not OK with it and with how much he is obviously getting infatuated with her...

Jen is something! I understand her anger completely. I feel horrible for both of them...

D'Sanya is very observant of Gerick too... Is she really smitten or is it something more sinister...

Djiid in the city. I thought healers like Karon could heal them until their souls returned. Why haven't they done that???

I can't believe the Djiid still think of Gerick as their Lord ... That outburst in the city was very uncomfortable and doesn't pertain to anything good in the future... Aaaannnd yes, Lady D'Sanya healed the Djiid's soul... They sure are sad and kind of hopeless once they are "returned"... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Laura, I totally agree with your suspicion that She has something to do with things going wrong everywhere and the Bridge!!! Good guess on her (view spoiler)[ absorbing the essence of her charges through the "healing"...

Ooooo, I didn't remember the first "unsuccessful" try of The Lords!!! Very possible that was her!!!

Hahaha! Yes, Sefaro's daughter, Jen, is a spirited and gutsy one! And yes, she has better self control than I would have had were I in her place. She is being quite reasonable actually:))) (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Ch. 11 - 13... (view spoiler)[ Jen hasn't had her magic gift manifest, possibly because of the slave collar. This gives me hope that it might still show up eventually...

Her childhood and Sefaro's life as slaves has been horrible!

It is great to see Jen's POV. In the audiobook she has Russian accent:)))

Hm, she thinks D'Sanya is "craving" the healings for herself!!! Laura, your guess might be totally right! She must be consuming the "sparks" somehow... And she looks at the ex-slaves as dirty and beneath her ... Yep, Jen seems to be very observant too...

D'Sanya and Gerick talking about her magic - exactly what I was wondering about!!! It's just not how healing should work! And she is very vague about it...

Again, I just don't like how enchanted Gerick is with her ... Wake up!!! Don't fall for her!!! Now he is going with her to the city and putting himself in danger, just to be with her... And those silver rings, what are they for?

But finally he is feeling something is dreadfully wrong! And they get attacked by Djiid! How many times can he get abducted??? He needs to be more aware of his environment! And once again, he killed people... Is this meant to return him back to the evil inclinations which The Lords tried to instill in him?

Jeraint saved them, but I wish it wasn't him. He is too judgemental. I hate not being able to trust our allies...

Oooh, her "you are my protector now" speech completely convinced me that she is playing him like a fiddle at a country fair!!! And yeah, why didn't she protect them against the Djiid, who were trying to take her alive? ...

Her showing him that place next to the Bridge that nobody else knows about?! ... (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

I'm in chapter 12 right now. Laura, I've been thinking this whole time that (view spoiler)[ Lady D'Sanya might have some sort of enchantment over Gerick, and she could be the failed first attempt by the Lords too. There is so much mention of her eyes, and her wearing Jewels and gemstones that I think it's connected somehow. I also agree that she could be absorbing their essence. (hide spoiler)]

I am really enjoying Jen and her father's parts in the book.

[Carol]

I so love reading your speculations!!!! Some are right on...some not...and I certainly will not say which. I love all the characters in this story. Thank you for sharing this with me.

[Choko]

Ch. 13-17... (view spoiler)[ It's always good to be back with Siri!!!

Poor Paolo, so very smitten with Aimee! I think they would make a great couple, despite their difference in station.

See, the horse D'Sanya healed has turned viscous and not like himself. And things are "not right" with Karon!!! That bitch is hurting, not healing them!!! The question at this point is is she doing it of her own will, or is she being controlled by The Lords and their corruption... Is she redeemable?

An ex Djiid was also checking the library about The Lady D'Sanya...

The Gardner who first encountered D'Sanya went mad and tried to slaughter his work group... Right after meeting her... Hmmm... I feel very sorry for him. A young man taken by the corruption, obviously...

Thank goodness for Sari's persistence! She will figure things out for sure! That very powerful and chaotic magician whom she visited, was a wonderful character! I hope we see more of him! So, he told Seri that D'Sanya is a metal magician. This is what all the silver rings are for! And things have been going really bad for some of the trees and plants she has "helped heal or grow"... She is siphoning them somehow, isn't she!!!

And something is really wrong with Karon too, while Gerick is feeling withdrawals from not being around D'Sanya... And I can't believe after his delving into The Lords memories, he is even more convinced she is innocent!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Wow! Ch. 18... (view spoiler)[ He finally decided to tell her about his being The Fourth, and finds her working with "her instrument of enchantment", which was what The Lords were using. And she crafted it!!!! Occulous! She also created their masks! However, that almost makes me think she is an unwitting participant, not an evil genius. And I still think she might be mad, mentally unstable and unwell... (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 19 - 21 ... (view spoiler)[ Ooohhhh, Karon is teaching Paolo to read!:)))

So now D'Sanya is torturing Gerick and Jen, being as curious as a cat, was soul-weaved by him into escaping from the roof while spying... Of course, she has no idea what happened. I guess he also guided her to his mother. I am glad she got to learn the story so far...

Hahaha! Aimee is perfect enough for Jen to dislike:))) I love her Imaging powers!

Paolo and Jen become reluctant teammates:) Kind of adorable. She doesn't have any powers, but she called Paolo a mundain, hahaha!

The beginning of another war:((( (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Ch. 22 - 26... (view spoiler)[ She moved Gerick into another detention prison cell... Am I getting this right? At this moment, while she is torturing him, I absolutely hate The Lords and D'Sanya!

So, she had him in the old Lords' compound, and he is the one who had the illusions of Djiid camp around, in order to keep folks away for their protection... Good thing Jen and Paolo are not the skittish type. The old Drudge lady said D'Sanya has been out for 2 years, stayed with them for 3 months, and made them look for obviously radioactive metals for her creations, which have been maming and killing the drudges who handled them... I hate how the Lords created themselves a working class by fear and breeding out intelligence and initiative from them through the years... And ingrained fear of their masters:(((

I am so glad our mundane duo were able to get Gerick out. Doesn't D'Sanya realize she is doing to him exactly what The Lords did to her, even worse? I am telling you guys, she is mentally broken! That whole scene of the torture and rescue was heartbreaking!

Bless Paolo and his protective, loyal nature! I love this young man!

Jen using the broken sword to take down the Occulous, was a great idea! I am only sorry she doesn't have the power to disarm it, before burying it. And D'Sanya had a tantrum, causing an earthquake! Yay! Small victories.

4 weeks since he had been taken!!! What?! That sucks!

"Your mother is very persuasive":)))

So, from the conversation between Gerick and Paolo, I take it he thinks she is aware of what the Occulous does, but was trying to pretend she didn't... Once again, is she insane or evil? (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Tammie and Laura, I try not to think that a young person's infatuation is because of an enchantment or glamour. For some reason I have this aversion to the idea, for two reasons. The first is, young people and hormones - you don't need anything extra to make them feel stupidly in love with every attractive other young person they feel drawn to for one reason or another. But second, and more relevant for me, is how men through the ages have used the "she bewitched me", or "she is a witch and put a spell on me" to justify their own lack of control over their own lust, or just when they are truly in love and don't think that is natural for them, so somehow the woman made them that way... I hate it! Not once in history has there been a trial of a man for spelling a woman into loving him or sleeping with him. This is why I tend to hate that line of thinking.

In our case, Gerick said from the beginning that he had been thinking about getting married, and lo and behold, a beautiful young person, who has gone through almost the same things he has, who he feels could understand him, who is charming and beautiful, and performs miracles for the people and his father, and his predisposition, his hormones, and just being a young man, is enough to lead him to believe he is in love... This is how I choose to see it. But I might be naive:)

[Tammie]

Choko wrote: "Tammie and Laura, I try not to think that a young person's infatuation is because of an enchantment or glamour. For some reason I have this aversion to the idea, for two reasons. The first is, youn..."

I've considered that as a possibility too. It could be either. I hope it's what you are saying and not the other. I agree that the "she bewitched me" argument is very infuriating.

[Choko]

Ch. 27 - 29... (view spoiler)[ The Librarian is an interesting character. I like her!

Chaos around the city. How much is real, and how much is the panic, I have no idea yet. But D'Sanya has posted Gerick's description and is telling people he is The Fourth Lord returned!!! She needs to be stopped! People believe her, for some reason, and even if he survives, once again he will be treated like an enemy...:(((

Ooo, the bookshop dude is attractive, in his 30's, and doesn't like that our librarian/archivist has a feminist bent:))) I am intrigued...

D'Sanya has been disowned. It's kind of sad. The King had tried to free her twice, and then, when he failed, he disowned her, so the Lords don't gane control over The Bridge.

Seri is being detained on "behalf of the Princess D'Sanya"! Whaaaaat?!?! She acted fast and got herself crowned! Damn it! And she is being imprisoned into the hospice... And Ven'Dar has been dubbed a traitor and is imprisoned in the palace dungeons...:((( What a crock of s@#t!

What is Gerick thinking, trying to go back to Avonar? Think of something else! Plan something different!

Jen is the one who is thinking here. She is hopefully going to get rid of his aversion to magic. I don't like how she constantly calls herself ugly, mostly because I can relate and see it for the very damaging self image that is...

Now that he is more willing to work with magic, he needs someone to teach him how. Now with her perfect memory and his magic, they can achieve some things. I guess destroying the power of the Occulous is a good start. (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 30 - 32 ... (view spoiler)[ OK, now I am thinking Jen would be a perfect love partner for Gerick! They are reluctantly learning to trust each other. And disabling that artifact together gave them a jump-off point. And they made a portal together!

Aimee is so nice and her and Paolo would make a wonderful couple! Jeraint is, as I suspected, not evil, nor a knowing accomplice, but just blind to things he can't believe could be true, and a bit of a snob.

The Occulous in the Hospice is feeding the energy to the Djiid and feeding their uprising. If he disabled it, it would stop, but will also stop feeding the enchantment that keeps the patients, including Karon, alive... And it's obviously corrupting the magic of the Dar'Nethi...

D'Sanya keeps calling him The Destroyer. And once again, he was captured. Thank goodness again for Jen! (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Ch. 33-36... (view spoiler)[ Gerick planned ahead to free himself through Jen. I am glad that the self-hatred he feels because of what he learned as a youth, didn't stop him this time from acting. His loathing for himself has been making him useless in moments of crisis, but Jen's spirit seems to be influencing him just the right way:)

Those memories he experiences all the time because of the Occulous' enchantment, are so demoralizing! It's amazing he is capable of going on! So glad they destroyed it! But is it the last of those things?

It seems like she has used molds for other metal works. That doesn't bode well...

Gerick is not once again The Fourth Lord! I am sure he saw this as the only opportunity to stay alive in this situation. I really hope Jen doesn't start doubting him for real...

The Lady Seriana!!! She is so cool! If I have one complaint about the book so far, is that we don't have enough Seri!

Another rescue by Jen, this time Ven'Dar. He is a wise dude, and even under these circumstances, he is still methodical in his thinking. He is my Prince, not that self-important disowned, most probably insane D'Sanya... And as much as this is mostly political intrigue, there is a real war going on and people are dying for real... That is the tragedy here...

I understand all the questioning of Gerick's allegiance and motives. The people can only judge what they see, they don't know him or his heart. They only know the rumors and they see him leading an army on their city... I get the doubts... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Ch. 37 - End ... (view spoiler)[ Gerick taking control of the link between D'Sanya and The Bridge and his understanding that the corruption has been happening from before the time the Bridge was built, I think he is going to destroy it and try to start a new, so all the Worlds would survive... That was an intense scene!

Jen is so protective of Gerick, it makes me smile. I know he is possibly poisoned, but I am sure he will make it:)

Yep, D'Sanya wasn't purposely killing the Worlds. She had been broken by the Lords, and she wanted her daddy to come and save her. But she is definitely insane!

Now they have to figure out how to keep Gerick from the Dar'Nethi killing him.

Yep, Jen is in love:)) But I have no idea why she is still questioning Gerick. Obviously, only his mother, Paolo, and us, the readers, trust him to know what the heck he is doing...

Dar'Nethi power is not destroyed and it's purer than ever!

The interrogation was fun, with Aimee projecting it in pictures, and I think Jen's powers as a Speaker are awakening... Later the very powerful chaotic magician, Garve, found the answers - Gerick IS the Bridge now... Of course, I want to know what exactly that means for Gerick and for the different worlds if G-d forbid something happens to him, or as he is ageing and possibly dying... Is it hereditary, is it transferrable, there are a lot of questions...

He missed his father's death bed ... At least Jen got to visit with her dad...

Seri is an expert lecturer on the Magic and how the way they treat it in every world, has effected their history and how it will keep on effecting them...

Ooohhhh, Karon lives in Gerick, not literally, of course, just metaphorically, but we have to make that distinction in this series:)))

Paolo is with Aimee and have a little girl named after Seri!!! And he was terrified of being a father to a real human child, rather than a foal:))) Hahaha!

The powerful young Speaker of growing influence, decided to stay with The Bound:))) And a powerful healer has been healing people, including Jen's dad, and the gardener... Go ladies!!!

Jen and Gerick<3! (hide spoiler)]

It was wonderful, and fun, end exciting, and it finished just as it was supposed to!!! Thank you guys for letting me read this magical series with all of you!!! ❤️ Now we will move on to the next one, The Collegia Magica! Next month at the same time, right?

[Nirkatze]

Up to Chapter 10 of #4 Daughter of the Ancients and loving my reread! (view spoiler)[Like Choko commented, I love that acknowledgment of Paolo as a son--Karon being carried by "his two sons" just made my heart swell.

And I'm also on Team Aimee & Paolo. Surely a woman of her talent, to see into the beauty and heart of things without eyes, can see the beauty of Paolo's heart. Paolo just needs to get up the courage to ask! Which may also have to do with what y'all pointed out, with Gerick worrying that his demands on Paolo may be keeping him from pursuing a relationship further....

I actually like Gerick opening up to D'Sanya. Even if she is not who she seems--Gerick needs to talk about this. He needs to work through his trauma... and even if D'Sanya isn't the best person to do this to, it's a start... I'd like to see him open up more to Jen, honestly. I like Jen! Like Tammie said--she has the guts to smack a LORD on the head!! That's a keeper!

Unfortunately, I remember the ending so I can't join y'all in speculations. But like Carol, I'm enjoying seeing y'all's guesses! (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

You are right. It was good that he started opening up to anyone, period. If the situation after doesn't completely close him off, then he would have started on a path of healing...

[Tammie]

Up to chapter 17. Choko, I pretty much had all the same thoughts as you while reading chapters 13-17.

(view spoiler)[The jewelry makes sense now that we know she's a metal mage. (hide spoiler)]

And the conclusion that Seri comes to at the end of chapter 17! I didn't think of that, but I believe she's right. (view spoiler)[Now it's a matter of if D'Sanya is doing all this on purpose or is being controlled. (hide spoiler)]

[Carol]

Choko wrote: "Ch. 37 - End ... ..."

<3 <3

[Choko]

Tammie, that was my dilemma throughout the book, really. But I think Carol did it just right:)))

Carol, it was a pleasure! You will be joining us for the next series, right?:)

[Nirkatze]

Tammie wrote: "Up to chapter 17. Choko, I pretty much had all the same thoughts as you while reading chapters 13-17.

[spoilers removed]

And the conclusion that Seri comes to at the end of chapter 17! I didn't ..."

Dittoing y'all's thoughts too! (view spoiler)[I was so sad to hear about the gardener!! And yet, he still managed to help Seri out, even in his state. I really hope that whatever was done to him can be undone.

I think it is so interesting how a affixing enchantment to something like metal can be so versatile. (hide spoiler)]

re: Chapter 18--(view spoiler)[And seeing how she reacted to Gerick's pleas and confession, it reminds me of how metal was so much a part of everything the Lords did, looking back. It makes a lot of sense.

I've also been thinking--Gerick opened up to her, and started talking about his time in Zhev'na, starting the healing process. But did she ever reciprocate? She spent her time talking about the wonderous things she wanted to do, but always ended any mention of the past with "I don't remember" and shut down. It also makes me think of something Jenn said at some point, about her liking to talk but being a crap listener. (hide spoiler)]

Dittoing Choko on the "bewitchment" issue--and I really like the historical aspect you brought in on it too. I think that Gerick, lonely Gerick, would very easily fall head over heels for a woman who is beautiful, kind, and who he saw as having come through the same experience that broke him as a whole, strong, person. I just wish he'd see (view spoiler)[that Jenn also shared his experience, quite literally alongside him--and is the one who actually came through whole and strong of spirit. I mean, she kidnapped him! Actually, I was trying to think of who it is she reminded me of--and I think the character is Fiona from the Rai Kirah series, dogging Seyonne's every move... (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "Ch. 22 - 26..."

I really loved (view spoiler)[Jenn & Paolo teaming up. There's one line somewhere about Paolo not having any talents, except being the kind of friend one might only see in a thousand years. That's a worth Talent there. And I think Jenn--it's not that she doesn't have any magic, just that she never developed a Talent. She can do the generic small sorceries of any D'Arnathi child, she just isn't very powerful. Her memory should be a Talent in itself though, as should her guts! (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "Ch. 27 - 29... [spoilers removed]

Ch. 30 - 32 ... [spoilers removed]..."

I'm rather disappointed in the D'Arnethi--(view spoiler)[They keep being taken in, again and again--so quick to turn on D'Nathiel, Gerick, Seri, no matter how many times they have saved them again and again. Jeraint is a good representative--so sure of himself. "Snob" is a good description.

But then there are people like the Arcanist, the librarian... and Jen! So I guess they can still be redeemed.

Still, I can't help but think for a people who praise themselves on civility and not even killing prisoners, they're awfully bloodthirsty when it comes to Gerick.

I love Jenn teaching Gerick! Together, they are mightier than alone! (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

I think that is one of the consequences of the corruption of the realm, which had started over 1000 years ago. I am talking about the erosion of the traditional Dar'Nethi social structure, their values and just the crumbling of their innate need for light and balance... I think Ven'Dar actually said something like that. Even just their bloodthirstiness doesn't fit with who they should be and what they believe of themselves. This is why whatever happened when the king and his brother split up, must also have influenced the stability of all the realms... At least this is kind of how I see it...