Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
Daybreak
Previous BRs - Authors; A - D
>
Connor, Ellen - Daybreak (Buddy Read) Jan. 9th 2011
Here are the questions for the next six chapters. I’ll post them under a spoiler, in case someone hasn’t read this far.Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 20-25
(view spoiler)
Megan's Answers for Chapter 7-13 9. The ritual that Pen goes through seems excessive. I can see this need for her ritual getting her into trouble later for the time needed. Thoughts?
I just think she needs it to maintain control...this horrible event she keeps remembering seems to all be about when she lost that control.
10. Our Pen isn't just a pixie flower, she's rather brutal and kick ass! Does this jive with you and your thoughts about Pen and what you've read so far about her?
I guess it does...I knew she'd grow up to be pretty powerful.
11. Though Pen has been with other people in the past, it seems as though she gave herself as a reward. I'm not sure why I found that odd and sad, but I did. Do you think that Pen might be more closed off to humanity than Tru?
I found it pretty sad and horrible as well. The women in this series seem pretty cavalier about sex...maybe it is because there are so few females left? I think they're both closed off, but it could be that Pen is more than Tru, though it doesn't seem like she's aware of it all; whereas, Tru seems ultra aware of it.
12. I don't think anything Pen dreams about should be taken lightly. What did you think of her dream in the beginning of Chapter 9? Who do you think the following dream comment was referring to: I gave you my all, love. I did, I did.
I'm not sure...but maybe this is the point where she will have to make the choice spoken of in the prophecy? I belive it has something to do with Tru...it could even be from his past.
13. Was I the only one that was irritated and sad at Pen's thoughts on Jenna and Mason? So little info and insight, though we did find out that they had a baby. Pen and Tru both seem so cavalier and a little uncaring toward their old adoptive parents. Thoughts?
It really bothers me...at least Tru thought about going back to visit them. I kind of think this ties in with their "loss of humanity"...maybe they stay away to protect both them and theirselves.
14. Pen's need to take down O'Malley seems like a destination to her rather than a desire. Do you agree or disagree? Could a vision or dream showing her the fight or end result be a driving force?
I don't know....I feel like it's something she believes she was meant to do.
15. Shades of Mason. Tru is so reluctant but forthcoming with Adrian. Does this scream too much a repeat and taking away from your enjoyment or are you just liking what your reading and not making comparisons?
Extreme shades of Mason...but that relationship was one thing I loved about the first book, so I don't mind seeing Tru pay it forward here with Adrian.
16. What in the world happened to Tru while he was on his own??????? I have a theory and let me know if you agree or have another thought: From the thoughts he has had so far I think he got involved with a woman and they had a child, but he lost them both. Thoughts?
I was thinking a woman, but not a child...hmmmm, that would be pretty devastating, and make me more apt to forgive his cruddy attitude.
17. So Mäkinen’s camp has been waiting for Pen. I thought it was rather ingenious of the camp's hiding spot. And we finally meet Finn!!! I almost forget about him. Your thoughts on this reveal and this island of magic?
The island is pretty cool, but for some reason I get the feeling that all is not well here. Don't ask me why. I did not think Finn was going to be an actual person, and was surprised when that was the deal.
Megan's Answers for Chapter 14-19 18. I was sure going WTF when I read Tru & Pen’s first sexual encounter, were you? On one level I understood what True was doing, but that didn’t mean I had to like it, LOL! You? But before I could stay too upset, boom! Chapter 15. How did you feel about Pen using magic to make her second sexual experience with Tru more…well, magical?
Um yeah, I was highly disappointed! It seemed like Pen was a little disappointed, too. I was not a fan of the magical seduction....the encounter was hot, but it felt a little uncomfortable knowing he had no control over it.
19. Okay, if Arturi has “no magic” then how did he know to tell Burke (the guy who took Tru to the mainland) that Tru would show up. Did Zhara tell him? How did he remain unknown to the others when Pen was a little girl? How did he keep track of her while she was growing up (and she had given him up to a figment of her childish imagination)?
This is why I'm saying something isn't right here. Now that we know he has no magic, it does seem like he's the leader spoken of in the prophecy.
20. Well, Tru didn’t get very far. Were you surprised he stopped and stayed at the orphanage? What did you think of Mary Agnes, Bethany, and the rest of their cadre?
Nah, I don't think he really ever had intentions of leaving her behind. He just had some issues to work through.
21. Who is the traitor? Jack, Shine, Preacher, Reynard (has scar, good with a crossbow, turkey vulture), Miranda (baboon), Koss (twenty, marmot)… and is it fair to not tell us about all the rest? Is Zhara in the clear just because she suspects Pen, or could that be her strategy? See how I’ve turned around here? I guess, since she doesn’t trust Pen, then I no longer trust her. Is Zhara jealous of Pen? For that matter, could it be Arturi himself?
I cna't decide who the traitor is, but I find myself doubting Zhara, too. I certainly don't trust Arturi either.
22. Are you curious as to what Tru made when he was in the tannery that “doubles would never see the light of day” – something for Pen or Adrian or both?
I must see these things!!! I hope it invokes a tender moment between these two...I'm ready for a little of that.
23. Ugh. So Pen can turn a person’s brain to mush. Sounds like that driver deserved it. But what could her history be that she considers that murder “again”?
I've read ahead so I won't say, but her past with this power does factor into the reasons for her behavior.
24. Where you surprised the truck was empty, or where you expecting something to gum up the works on Pen’s test?
It couldn't have been THAT easy!!
I have to say, reading ahead....I totally forgive Tru for his earlier behavior!
@ Megan#9 – I agree; it is a control thing.
#10 – True!
#11 – I think you’re right on all counts.
#12 – Forgot about the prophecy; I had to re-read it. What can I say? That was different than I was thinking.
#13 & 14 – Agree with you on both of theses. I think she feels compelled.
#15 – I don’t mind him “paying it forward” either.
#18 – Oh, yeah, Pen was disappointed!
#20 – Again, I agree!
#21 – Mind Meld!
#22 – Gheez! I might as well just say, “Ditto!” right down the line.
#24 – LOL! True.
Just re-posting the same questions, but w/o the spoiler now. ☺Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 20-25
25. Reynar told Pen that Jack’s machine gun jammed and then went off when he unjammed it. Is there a lie here; if so, who’s telling it?
26. Was I the only one who felt that the set-up of the raid was great, and then…nothing came of it - poof! It was all but resolved? I was expecting more action, I guess. It was just used to set up the whole boat thing, true?
27. Pen teleports when she is afraid. Do you think she has any history of “bailing” on someone by doing this in the past?
28. Awww. Finally, I smiled when Pen led Tru to shelter between the two boulders by tugging his hand as in the past. Did you?
29. Tru finally opens up and we read his sad story about the “cleaning” and the loss of his family. Comments?
30. I didn’t get what he meant when he said Pen tried “to whammy” him “a second time.” There was a second attempt? I missed something, I guess. Unless he meant the end of Chapter 21, when she was going to use magic to keep him safe. So, that’s not allowed either? WTH? Comments?
31. Before Pen revealed all, did you think you understood her feelings about killing a man with the use of her magic as opposed to her going mano a mano with a knife? To equate it to today’s fighting of just “pushing a button” on a distant land, does it make a difference? (Of course, once her Big Reveal is further explained, I can see how she has “control issues” and concern for her sanity.)
32. Did Tru say the exact right thing to her about the violence he lives with as a skinshifter?
33. Well, Chapter 24 was nice. Did it make up for earlier? Was it a little too rough? Was there a little episode of “mind melding” there? If so, what does that mean? Are there going to be “consequences” for (view spoiler) there at the end ?
34. Were you surprised that Tru told Pen he adored her neck? Is there more meaning to that?
35. Whatever kind of plan does Pen have in mind? Will Tru follow it?
I got caught up in another book, so I'm mega behind on this. Will try to catch up later today.
CaroB's Questions for Chapters 1-61. What's your take on the first part of Chapter 1: The flower = Penny, The Lion = Tru, The Leader = ?
What LK said
2. Penny sees Angela in the darkness but it doesn't seem to bring her comfort and she doubts her own sanity. This and Tru's asshat behaviour were definitely not what I expected! How are your expectations being met in the adult characters compared to the children we read about previously?
I kept thinking the bigger asshats they are, the juicier their coming together'd be.
3. When the lion first jumped onto the truck, did anyone else think he'd actually come to save Penny?
Nope, she didn't give any indication that she was working with someone.
4. Is the interaction between Tru and Penny now ringing as believable to you from two people who'd once had such a connection? I'd thought they were childhood friends in what was a traumatic time in the history of their current world. Wouldn't something like that have bonded them together or did I read too much into that?
No, Tru was an awkward tween while Pen was so young she just looked at him like he was her big brother or something.
5. Not to belabor the point, but what did you think about Tru never having gone back to visit Mason and Jenna, or even given Penny a thought in years?
Him leaving..that I understand. He felt he needed to see the world. Not going back, well you'll see soon enough.
6. Were you intrigued or disappointed by the sex bargain?
Intrigued!
7. In Tru's willingness to "pay-it-forward" with Adrian and look out for him for a year, is he showing he's not quite as beyond redemption as he thinks himself? Will Adrian continue to play a key part in Tru and Penny getting together?
Yep to both.
8. Part question, part grumbling: The cover shows two dark haired people, but I'm reading about her blond highlights (where do you get those in the world after the Change, that's what I wanna know!) and his golden hair. Grrr. Am I misreading descriptions?
I don't want covers to match the book EXACTLY as long as they're pretty hehe
Heather's Questions for Chapter 7-139. The ritual that Pen goes through seems excessive. I can see this need for her ritual getting her into trouble later for the time needed. Thoughts?
She's more worried what she might do, if she lost control. So no, not excessive.
10. Our Pen isn't just a pixie flower, she's rather brutal and kick ass! Does this jive with you and your thoughts about Pen and what you've read so far about her?
What Megan said.
11. Though Pen has been with other people in the past, it seems as though she gave herself as a reward. I'm not sure why I found that odd and sad, but I did. Do you think that Pen might be more closed off to humanity than Tru?
Oh you've no idea!
12. I don't think anything Pen dreams about should be taken lightly. What did you think of her dream in the beginning of Chapter 9? Who do you think the following dream comment was referring to: I gave you my all, love. I did, I did.
I thought it was Penny saying that to Tru.
13. Was I the only one that was irritated and sad at Pen's thoughts on Jenna and Mason? So little info and insight, though we did find out that they had a baby. Pen and Tru both seem so cavalier and a little uncaring toward their old adoptive parents. Thoughts?
I didn't feel they were uncaring towards their foster parents.
14. Pen's need to take down O'Malley seems like a destination to her rather than a desire. Do you agree or disagree? Could a vision or dream showing her the fight or end result be a driving force?
Partly that and maybe if something happened to her that she blames the general for?
15. Shades of Mason. Tru is so reluctant but forthcoming with Adrian. Does this scream too much a repeat and taking away from your enjoyment or are you just liking what your reading and not making comparison?
I think Tru realizes that he's doing what Mason would have done.
16. What in the world happened to Tru while he was on his own??????? I have a theory and let me know if you agree or have another thought: From the thoughts he has had so far I think he got involved with a woman and they had a child, but he lost them both. Thoughts?
Yep, you nailed it.
17. So Mäkinen’s camp has been waiting for Pen. I thought it was rather ingenious of the camp's hiding spot. And we finally meet Finn!!! I almost forget about him. Your thoughts on this reveal and this island of magic?
Thank God, Pen isn't crazy?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 14-1918. I was sure going WTF when I read Tru & Pen’s first sexual encounter, were you? On one level I understood what Tru was doing, but that didn’t mean I had to like it, LOL! You? But before I could stay too upset, boom! Chapter 15. How did you feel about Pen using magic to make her second sexual experience with Tru more…well, magical?
Me either. Since she thought that'd be the last time she'll see him..hehe
19. Okay, if Arturi has “no magic” then how did he know to tell Burke (the guy who took Tru to the mainland) that Tru would show up. Did Zhara tell him? How did he remain unknown to the others when Pen was a little girl? How did he keep track of her while she was growing up (and she had given him up to a figment of her childish imagination)?
Its just intuition. About his connection to Pen, RAFO.
20. Well, Tru didn’t get very far. Were you surprised he stopped and stayed at the orphanage? What did you think of Mary Agnes, Bethany, and the rest of their cadre?
No, he didn't really wanna live. I loved the girls.
21. Who is the traitor? Jack, Shine, Preacher, Reynard (has scar, good with a crossbow, turkey vulture), Miranda (baboon), Koss (twenty, marmot)… and is it fair to not tell us about all the rest? Is Zhara in the clear just because she suspects Pen, or could that be her strategy? See how I’ve turned around here? I guess, since she doesn’t trust Pen, then I no longer trust her. Is Zhara jealous of Pen? For that matter, could it be Arturi himself?
Zhara and the husband are just too obvious choices, so no. I didn't dislike Zhara because she was fighting hard not to like Pen, even when she was jealous.
22. Are you curious as to what Tru made when he was in the tannery that “doubless would never see the light of day” – something for Pen or Adrian or both?
Yep, for Penny.
23. Ugh. So Pen can turn a person’s brain to mush. Sounds like that driver deserved it. But what could her history be that she considers that murder “again”?
Desperate times..
24. Where you surprised the truck was empty, or where you expecting something to gum up the works on Pen’s test?
The latter.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 20-2525. Reynar told Pen that Jack’s machine gun jammed and then went off when he unjammed it. Is there a lie here; if so, who’s telling it?
RAFO hehe
26. Was I the only one who felt that the set-up of the raid was great, and then…nothing came of it - poof! It was all but resolved? I was expecting more action, I guess. It was just used to set up the whole boat thing, true?
True!
27. Pen teleports when she is afraid. Do you think she has any history of “bailing” on someone by doing this in the past?
Nah, didn't think that.
28. Awww. Finally, I smiled when Pen led Tru to shelter between the two boulders by tugging his hand as in the past. Did you?
:-D
29. Tru finally opens up and we read his sad story about the “cleaning” and the loss of his family. Comments?
Poor Tru. Hug?
30. I didn’t get what he meant when he said Pen tried “to whammy” him “a second time.” There was a second attempt? I missed something, I guess. Unless he meant the end of Chapter 21, when she was going to use magic to keep him safe. So, that’s not allowed either? WTH? Comments?
He meant the magical sex, of course.
31. Before Pen revealed all, did you think you understood her feelings about killing a man with the use of her magic as opposed to her going mano a mano with a knife? To equate it to today’s fighting of just “pushing a button” on a distant land, does it make a difference? (Of course, once her Big Reveal is further explained, I can see how she has “control issues” and concern for her sanity.)
No, it was an issue with her and I got that.
32. Did Tru say the exact right thing to her about the violent he lives with as a skinshifter?
I think so, yeah.
33. Well, Chapter 24 was nice. Did it make up for earlier? Was it a little too rough? Was there a little episode of “mind melding” there? If so, what does that mean? Are there going to be “consequences” for (view spoiler) there at the end ?
Yep, it did! No, it wasn't. It'd be something similar to what Jenna and Mason had? Hope so!
34. Were you surprised that Tru told Pen he adored her neck? Is there more meaning to that?
It was cute and also baring your throat to a predator means acknowledging their authority or trust.
35. Whatever kind of plan does Pen have in mind? Will Tru follow it?
Probably something to do with Finn and Tru'd hate it but he'll follow her lead.
@ Midu#1 – Now I’m wondering if I was right, and doubting it, LOL!
#2 – Oh, you’re bad!
#6 – ☺
#8 – Well, this cover is pretty.
#12 – Really?
#25 – You and your RAFOs! I think you enjoy them a bit too much. LOL!
#34 – All true.
Heather's Questions for Chapter 7-13 9. The ritual that Pen goes through seems excessive. I can see this need for her ritual getting her into trouble later for the time needed. Thoughts? That's a good point, I hadn't thought of the time, but I can understand how she'd need something to centre herself before she used it. Seems she's a bit scared of her own magic, to me.
10. Our Pen isn't just a pixie flower, she's rather brutal and kick ass! Does this jive with you and your thoughts about Pen and what you've read so far about her? It doesn't jive with what I've read, but I'm not too suprised. I think to survive in this world, and to get the awe that she inspires, she'd have to be very able to look after herself. LOL, I'm seeing being kick-ass as a survival skill in the world after the Change.
11. Though Pen has been with other people in the past, it seems as though she gave herself as a reward. I'm not sure why I found that odd and sad, but I did. Do you think that Pen might be more closed off to humanity than Tru? Oooh, loving these questions Heather! I wouldn't call it closed from humanity, as such. I think people see her as The Orchid first, not Pen, and she fills that role for them. But I think she's very aware of her humanity, which is why healing is so important to her and why she worries that her sanity can't be trusted when it comes to leading others.
12. I don't think anything Pen dreams about should be taken lightly. What did you think of her dream in the beginning of Chapter 9? Who do you think the following dream comment was referring to: I gave you my all, love. I did, I did. That's been haunting me! I'm waiting for it to show up in the story, I agree her dreams shouldn't be taken lightly.
13. Was I the only one that was irritated and sad at Pen's thoughts on Jenna and Mason? So little info and insight, though we did find out that they had a baby. Pen and Tru both seem so cavalier and a little uncaring toward their old adoptive parents. Thoughts? Ditto. It's so frustrating that they've both travelled to much and yet neither has returned. And yet Mason's example seemed to be such a guiding force still for Tru.
14. Pen's need to take down O'Malley seems like a destination to her rather than a desire. Do you agree or disagree? Could a vision or dream showing her the fight or end result be a driving force? Hmm, I hadn't thought of that. I agree with the way you put it though, it's a destination for her, like a given.
15. Shades of Mason. Tru is so reluctant but forthcoming with Adrian. Does this scream too much a repeat and taking away from your enjoyment or are you just liking what your reading and not making comparisons? I'm not making comparisons, and I'm enjoying seeing that Mason's effort with Tru is being paid forward.
16. What in the world happened to Tru while he was on his own??????? I have a theory and let me know if you agree or have another thought: From the thoughts he has had so far I think he got involved with a woman and they had a child, but he lost them both. Thoughts? Yes, that's the insinuation. How sad!
17. So Mäkinen’s camp has been waiting for Pen. I thought it was rather ingenious of the camp's hiding spot. And we finally meet Finn!!! I almost forget about him. Your thoughts on this reveal and this island of magic? I thought it wasa great plot twist about Finn! But it does intrigue me, I want to know about the deception that was surrounding the scouts, and how a man with no magic has been able to communicate with Penny all those years.
@ Lisa Kay:#12- Her mother? Oooh, that's intriguing.
@ CaroB#10 – Really. I don’t think we’re going to see a meek heroine in this series.
#11 – I agree!
#12 – Enquiring minds want to know!
#13 – I’ve been thinking on this… maybe it’s a distance thing. Not like there’s a lot of plane, trains, and automobiles in the post-apocalyptic world.
#14 – I know; isn’t this a great question?
#17 – Mind Meld! ☺
@CaroB and Lisa Kay#13 - Maybe it IS a distance thing, but I still feel like it's a strange character choice for the authors to make. Also, not a very satisfying reward to a reader (like us!) who has read all the books and would like a good update on our original main characters. It sort of seems like a cop-out from them.
I have to say I'm enjoying this book much more now than I was at the beginning of it.
I agree, Megan -- a bit of a copout. I wanted to know more and have them interact, actually.I'm enjoying it more too.
Good point Megan - I was expecting a completely different story, there's no way I could have imagined that the quiet little Penny who just knew things from Book 1, would become some kind of Healer/Warrior/Witch and the passionate young Tru who became a warrior by the end of Book 1, would become so removed cold. It's like they've given us completely different characters and are fitting the story to show how those changes happened, rather than giving us the characters we fell in love with previously.... lol, but for all my grumbling, I'm definitely enjoying the read.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 14-19 18. I was sure going WTF when I read Tru & Pen’s first sexual encounter, were you? On one level I understood what Tru was doing, but that didn’t mean I had to like it, LOL! You? But before I could stay too upset, boom! Chapter 15. How did you feel about Pen using magic to make her second sexual experience with Tru more…well, magical? I'm not saying ti was right, but I think it shows how much she wants him that she was desperate enough to do that.
19. Okay, if Arturi has “no magic” then how did he know to tell Burke (the guy who took Tru to the mainland) that Tru would show up. Did Zhara tell him? How did he remain unknown to the others when Pen was a little girl? How did he keep track of her while she was growing up (and she had given him up to a figment of her childish imagination)? I'm starting to have a very bad feeling about him. At this atge I'm thinking it's possible he's so powerful that he's worked out how to hide his magic.
20. Well, Tru didn’t get very far. Were you surprised he stopped and stayed at the orphanage? What did you think of Mary Agnes, Bethany, and the rest of their cadre? Definitely surprised, but then, as Mary Agnes mentioned, maybe it's fate at work. The people at the orphanage are interesting but very very secondary.
21. Who is the traitor? Jack, Shine, Preacher, Reynard (has scar, good with a crossbow, turkey vulture), Miranda (baboon), Koss (twenty, marmot)… and is it fair to not tell us about all the rest? Is Zhara in the clear just because she suspects Pen, or could that be her strategy? See how I’ve turned around here? I guess, since she doesn’t trust Pen, then I no longer trust her. Is Zhara jealous of Pen? For that matter, could it be Arturi himself? I'm guessing it could be Jack, Miranda or Preacher... or even Arturi himself. I don't think Zhara is feeling jealous, just protective of Arturi.
22. Are you curious as to what Tru made when he was in the tannery that “doubless would never see the light of day” – something for Pen or Adrian or both? oh, I hadn't given it much thought but now I'm intrigued.
23. Ugh. So Pen can turn a person’s brain to mush. Sounds like that driver deserved it. But what could her history be that she considers that murder “again”? I think she may have lost control and killed everyone around her in that way, maybe during that day that she told tru about the raw meat.
24. Where you surprised the truck was empty, or where you expecting something to gum up the works on Pen’s test? i was more surprised by the early shot.
CaroB wrote: "It's like they've given us completely different characters and are fitting the story to show how those changes happened, rather than giving us the characters we fell in love with previously.... lol"Yeah, I’ve pretty much resigned myself to the authors doing this… since they’ve done it twice now. They have an agenda - and character type - that they want and they're not going to show the metamorphosis.
@ CaroB#18 – Oh, I agree with you 100%.
#19 – That is what I was wondering.
#20 – Ah, too bad. Maybe if they extend this series or do a spin-off.
#21 – Hmmm. You don’t? Even a twinge of jealousy?
#22 – ☺
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ CaroB#21 – Hmmm. You don’t? Even a twinge of jealousy?..."
Hmm, you may be right, but more like jealous of the connection they had/have rather than jealous that she'll threaten her relationship. I think.
CaroB wrote: "Hmm, you may be right, but more like jealous of the connection they had/have rather than jealous that she'll threaten her relationship. I think."Yeah, you're right. ☺
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 14-19 18. I was sure going WTF when I read Tru & Pen’s first sexual encounter, were you? On one level I understood what Tru was doing, but that didn’t mean I had to like it, LOL! You? But before I could stay too upset, boom! Chapter 15. How did you feel about Pen using magic to make her second sexual experience with Tru more…well, magical?
I'm feeling rather emotionally disconnected from this story. The first encounter was part of this overall feeling I have with Tru being soooo emotionally missing, and his deliberate steps to stay that way. As for Pen, I felt like it fit with her need to sorta hide behind her magic as she has with the whole Orchid thing. Disappointing all together.
19. Okay, if Arturi has “no magic” then how did he know to tell Burke (the guy who took Tru to the mainland) that Tru would show up. Did Zhara tell him? How did he remain unknown to the others when Pen was a little girl? How did he keep track of her while she was growing up (and she had given him up to a figment of her childish imagination)?
I think he can mask his magic behind charisma (I'm currently in chapter 20 and still feel that way), but he could be using Zhara for the magic if that's not the case. Also, when Tru didn't answer about joining the cause, Arturi might have figured that he wouldn't stay.
20. Well, Tru didn’t get very far. Were you surprised he stopped and stayed at the orphanage? What did you think of Mary Agnes, Bethany, and the rest of their cadre?
Now this is the kind of blend of humanity that fits for me after the change. I really think Tru lost some kind of child for him to be so connected when childern are involved. (Not reading anyone's answers or questions for future chapters so I can stay in my bubble. lol)
21. Who is the traitor? Jack, Shine, Preacher, Reynard (has scar, good with a crossbow, turkey vulture), Miranda (baboon), Koss (twenty, marmot)… and is it fair to not tell us about all the rest? Is Zhara in the clear just because she suspects Pen, or could that be her strategy? See how I’ve turned around here? I guess, since she doesn’t trust Pen, then I no longer trust her. Is Zhara jealous of Pen? For that matter, could it be Arturi himself?
I get that Zhara is very protective of Arturi and the island because he took her in and made a home for her, but I think there is manipulation of him doing so to make her feel that way (I do not trust him). So I can understand Zhara being reluctant to trust Pen. I'm not sure who is the traitor, as we just got a snippit of each, but Jack is a stand out currently.
22. Are you curious as to what Tru made when he was in the tannery that “doubless would never see the light of day” – something for Pen or Adrian or both?
I think it was something for Mason and Jenna's child maybe? I like the thought that it was something for Adrain and Pen, but his comment that would never see the light of day makes me think its something longer/older than than just their recent parting.
23. Ugh. So Pen can turn a person’s brain to mush. Sounds like that driver deserved it. But what could her history be that she considers that murder “again”?
Maybe she did some brain mashing in the earlier incident where she was with the girls. Not sure yet.
24. Where you surprised the truck was empty, or where you expecting something to gum up the works on Pen’s test?
I didn't think it would be empty as I thought she was tested already with the early gunfire and brain mush. Though it made sense that O'Malley finally got smart enough to change things up.
Megan's Answers for Chapter 20-25 25. Reynar told Pen that Jack’s machine gun jammed and then went off when he unjammed it. Is there a lie here; if so, who’s telling it?
I'm not sure...I actually don't trust any of them at this point.
26. Was I the only one who felt that the set-up of the raid was great, and then…nothing came of it - poof! It was all but resolved? I was expecting more action, I guess. It was just used to set up the whole boat thing, true?
I think you're right.
27. Pen teleports when she is afraid. Do you think she has any history of “bailing” on someone by doing this in the past?
I definitely think she does have a history of that.
28. Awww. Finally, I smiled when Pen led Tru to shelter between the two boulders by tugging his hand as in the past. Did you?
Sweet!! I love all the time in the cave.
29. Tru finally opens up and we read his sad story about the “cleaning” and the loss of his family. Comments?
I forgive you, Tru!! And I'm sorry for hating on you so much at the beginning of the book. But still, go back and visit Jenna and Mason, alright?
30. I didn’t get what he meant when he said Pen tried “to whammy” him “a second time.” There was a second attempt? I missed something, I guess. Unless he meant the end of Chapter 21, when she was going to use magic to keep him safe. So, that’s not allowed either? WTH? Comments?
I'm not sure...I think he doesn't like her using any kind of magic on him without his permission. He'd already told her he didn't want her to heal him, so maybe that's why he got upset? I was actually a little confused by it as well.
31. Before Pen revealed all, did you think you understood her feelings about killing a man with the use of her magic as opposed to her going mano a mano with a knife? To equate it to today’s fighting of just “pushing a button” on a distant land, does it make a difference? (Of course, once her Big Reveal is further explained, I can see how she has “control issues” and concern for her sanity.)
I think it would be a scary thing to wield that kind of power, whether you'd had an incident in the past or not. With great power comes great responsibility LOL!
32. Did Tru say the exact right thing to her about the violent he lives with as a skinshifter?
It was pretty good...I enjoyed their talk.
33. Well, Chapter 24 was nice. Did it make up for earlier? Was it a little too rough? Was there a little episode of “mind melding” there? If so, what does that mean? Are there going to be “consequences” for (view spoiler)[ not withdrawing (hide spoiler)] there at the end ?
I hope there are consequences!! Yay for consequences! Of course, then I kinda want their kid to grow up and leave them never to be seen again....just as payback. I liked when Pen lost control a bit and he saw what she was thinking...pretty hawt!
34. Were you surprised that Tru told Pen he adored her neck? Is there more meaning to that?
I loved that moment...so sweet, and a good way to show us just how much Tru is changing. That whole exchange made my mushy heart happy.
35. Whatever kind of plan does Pen have in mind? Will Tru follow it?
Only time and more reading will tell!
@ Heather#18 – I can see why you say that. I’m liking the story more as it goes along… but it hasn’t grabbed me enough to pull and “all nighter” to finished it – or to pick up another book!
#19 – Good point about Arturi thinking that about Tru; maybe it was just Arturi’s ability to read people.
#20 – Good you’re staying in your bubble. ☺ I’ve done that, myself, sometimes.
#22 – Oh, now there’s a thought; I didn’t think of Mason & Jenna’s child.
@ Megan#25 – Wise woman!
#26 & 27 – ☺
#28 – It was sweet. I like sweet.
#29 – LMAO!
#30 – Yeah, I think it is that he doesn’t want he using magic–-of any kind—on him.
#31 – True!
#33 – LOL! Yay for consequences. ☺ You’re too funny, Megan!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 26 - 29 36. I just wasn’t expecting that boat wouldn’t make it back to the island. That surprised me. You?
37. Tru can partial shift? Oh. Tru can partial shift! Thoughts?
38. What did you think was going on when they first got back to the island? All I kept thinking is that it was like a scene out of the Twilight Zone.
39. Pen had a strange kind of blindness, in that she could not see, but she could see auras. This is something different for me. You? Did she see auras a couple times before this, but w/o the blindness?
40. Wow, the demise of Jack was almost over with too quickly, IMHO. Right?
41. So, it is confirmed: Arturi has no magic. His connection with Pen was all her. Now I have to ask: Why did she connect with him? Because of who he is destined to be?
42. Was I the only one who thought Arturi might not hang the prisoners? That maybe General O’Malley was somehow using coercion to get them to be traitors?
43. Whoa. Maybe General O’Malley isn’t the Big Fuc#er; maybe it is the red flash that is working alongside him.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 26 - 2936. I just wasn’t expecting that boat wouldn’t make it back to the island. That surprised me. You?
Same here. I was like did I miss something?
37. Tru can partial shift? Oh. Tru can partial shift! Thoughts?
IKR!! It was awesome! Curran awesome!
38. What did you think was going on when they first got back to the island? All I kept thinking is that it was like a scene out of the Twilight Zone.
Thought that Arturi was behind it all.
39. Pen had a strange kind of blindness, in that she could not see, but she could see auras. This is something different for me. You? Did she see auras a couple times before this, but w/o the blindness?
Yeah, it was weird. I kept feeling like I missed something here too. No, that never happened before.
40. Wow, the demise of Jack was almost over with too quickly, IMHO. Right?
Hehehe you're just picking thoughts right outta my head, aren't you?
41. So, it is confirmed: Arturi has no magic. His connection with Pen was all her. Now I have to ask: Why did she connect with him? Because of who he is destined to be?
I think she was just broadcasting and he was the only guy who allowed himself to accept this was happening to him. People were really cautious and superstitious about magic in that world, weren't they? How'd they react if they suddenly started hearing voices?
42. Was I the only one who thought Arturi might not hang the prisoners? That maybe General O’Malley was somehow using coercion to get them to be traitors?
I did. I hoped so too.
43. Whoa. Maybe General O’Malley isn’t the Big Fuc#er; maybe it is the red flash that is working alongside him.
Hmmm.RAFO? hehe
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 20-2525. Reynar told Pen that Jack’s machine gun jammed and then went off when he unjammed it. Is there a lie here; if so, who’s telling it?
This is where my suspicions about Jack began.
26. Was I the only one who felt that the set-up of the raid was great, and then…nothing came of it - poof! It was all but resolved? I was expecting more action, I guess. It was just used to set up the whole boat thing, true?
I was expecting more from the raid itself too, but I think it was actually just the catalyst for the drama around the trip back.
27. Pen teleports when she is afraid. Do you think she has any history of “bailing” on someone by doing this in the past?
Never thought of that. I thought it was an internal self-help thing, as she seems too be rather selfless when it comes to others. She didn't teleport out of the truck in the beginning.
28. Awww. Finally, I smiled when Pen led Tru to shelter between the two boulders by tugging his hand as in the past. Did you?
It was nice to see a glimmer of the old Penny and Tru. =)
29. Tru finally opens up and we read his sad story about the “cleaning” and the loss of his family. Comments?
I'm glad my earlier excuses for the man were justified, though I'm still not overwhelmed with his character.
30. I didn’t get what he meant when he said Pen tried “to whammy” him “a second time.” There was a second attempt? I missed something, I guess. Unless he meant the end of Chapter 21, when she was going to use magic to keep him safe. So, that’s not allowed either? WTH? Comments?
That read like lack of communication to me. She seemed to want to use magic to help, but then it sorta just leaked out of her when they were kissing, so she didn't use it properly and give him the chance to say it was okay or decline the help. He overreacted in my opinion.
31. Before Pen revealed all, did you think you understood her feelings about killing a man with the use of her magic as opposed to her going mano a mano with a knife? To equate it to today’s fighting of just “pushing a button” on a distant land, does it make a difference? (Of course, once her Big Reveal is further explained, I can see how she has “control issues” and concern for her sanity.)
She just doesn't want that power. She'll use it, but is scared of it too. She's like Tru in that they both need to have control after having lived through a past where they didn't. I can understand her worry over it and what others (aka Tru) would think of her, but he was right that he has the same ability when he goes lion so I hope it gave her some perspective.
32. Did Tru say the exact right thing to her about the violence he lives with as a skinshifter?
LOL, brain-meld with #31.
33. Well, Chapter 24 was nice. Did it make up for earlier? Was it a little too rough? Was there a little episode of “mind melding” there? If so, what does that mean? Are there going to be “consequences” for (view spoiler) there at the end ?
I liked that they connected and I'm liking that when he's lion he calls her his mate so the sharing thoughts makes sense even if they both don't realize it yet that's what's happening. I don't think their will be consequences, this time.
34. Were you surprised that Tru told Pen he adored her neck? Is there more meaning to that?
There has to be meaning behind it, but I have no idea. Is it a lion mating thing? lol It keeps coming up. Or is it just his stubborn way of saying that he adores her and doesn't want anything happening to her? Not sure.
35. Whatever kind of plan does Pen have in mind? Will Tru follow it?
I wasn't sure about that. (I'm in chapter 26 now and I don't think her plan ever came to be when it shifted to something else in order to trap Jack)
@ Heather:#25: I totally missed it! Good sleuthing hehe
#27: true, another good reason!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 26 - 2936. I just wasn’t expecting that boat wouldn’t make it back to the island. That surprised me. You?
Neither was I. Surprised me too, though I guess the twist with Zhara being taken made the story more interesting.
37. Tru can partial shift? Oh. Tru can partial shift! Thoughts?
Haven't seen this before so I had no idea these shifters could do that. Not sure I can get completely behind it as a plausible thing but more like a fast writing solution (as I'm further in the book and it hasn't come up again).
38. What did you think was going on when they first got back to the island? All I kept thinking is that it was like a scene out of the Twilight Zone.
I thought it was rather odd because one boat did come back already so it didn't make sense to me that no response or lookout was waiting.
39. Pen had a strange kind of blindness, in that she could not see, but she could see auras. This is something different for me. You? Did she see auras a couple times before this, but w/o the blindness?
She's been seeing auras, I just don't understand way Jack being there caused her to go blind. This is another plot twist that was used as a drama pusher but didn't make sense. (Can you tell me luster for this book is rather dull? lol)
40. Wow, the demise of Jack was almost over with too quickly, IMHO. Right?
YES!!! He was killed with everyone else. That made no sense to me. It's like the plot points where it makes sense for the drama to be are not and other purposeful plot points are made more dramatic than needed. Sorry if I'm being too negative here.
41. So, it is confirmed: Arturi has no magic. His connection with Pen was all her. Now I have to ask: Why did she connect with him? Because of who he is destined to be?
This is my thought. The whole beginning prophecy and her ability to see things.
42. Was I the only one who thought Arturi might not hang the prisoners? That maybe General O’Malley was somehow using coercion to get them to be traitors?
I was expecting more O'Malley interference there, but Arturi needed to show control, order and action so the hangings made sense to me.
43. Whoa. Maybe General O’Malley isn’t the Big Fuc#er; maybe it is the red flash that is working alongside him. Oh, I think O'Malley is a Big Fuc#er, I just don't know what power or enticement he has over the red flash dude. lol
@ Midu#36 – Yeah, I had a bit of that “did I miss something” feeling to, as I took a break from the book for a day… I was like, “Huh?”
#37 –
#38 – Me too!
#40 – I am! (view spoiler)
#41 – Good point.
#42 – Yeah, I’d kinda like to think the next post-apocalyptic leader would be a little more compassionate.
#43 – You’re bad! ☺
@ Heather#26 – I love that word, “catalyst”! I haven’t used it in a while. Maybe I’ll make it my “word of the day”. **hee hee**
#27 – Good point. I was actually thinking of her childhood, when she was afraid. I forgot that the authors have left all that behind. (view spoiler)
#28 – It was nice!!
#29 – LOL! You’re entitled.
#30 – (view spoiler)
#31-32 – (view spoiler)
#34 – I think it was the lion mating thing…(view spoiler)
#36 – Yes, the Zhara twist make it more interesting.
#37 – Interesting that it doesn’t come up again.
#38 – Yeah, what’s the explanation there, with one boat already returned?
#39 – Yeah, I can tell. ☺
#40 – You’re absolutely right!
#41 – Ah! I forgot about the “her ability to see things” connection. Duh **smacks forehead**
#42 – Too bloody to me for his “compassionate” character. Too quick to judgement.
#43 – Well, I guess I just have to do what Midu suggests and RAFO.
:-D loved the crystal ball, LK!
I've only read one more chapter, Midu. **sigh** I need to focus!
Focus,LK! *sprinkles magic focus dust on her*
LOL! Thanks, Midu!
Finished it yesterday. I don't know if there will be anymore in this series for sure, but I think I'm done with it and possibly the author either way. *sigh*
Awww...Heather! I need to finish it off, that is for sure. Haven't checked to see if there will be more.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 20-25 25. Reynar told Pen that Jack’s machine gun jammed and then went off when he unjammed it. Is there a lie here; if so, who’s telling it? Now I'll admit to know absolutely nothing about guns, but how would Jack have known his gun had jammed unless he'd tried to use it. This never made sense to me and made me suspect Jack, not Reynar.
26. Was I the only one who felt that the set-up of the raid was great, and then…nothing came of it - poof! It was all but resolved? I was expecting more action, I guess. It was just used to set up the whole boat thing, true? Yes! It felt like it was very awkwardly done. I found myself questioninig things the whole way along. If it really wasa a test of Pen's leadership/ loyalty, why risk that many people (including the orphans) on what amounted to a raid?
27. Pen teleports when she is afraid. Do you think she has any history of “bailing” on someone by doing this in the past? I hadn't thought of that but I guess it would make sense in the fight/flight spectrum.
28. Awww. Finally, I smiled when Pen led Tru to shelter between the two boulders by tugging his hand as in the past. Did you? D'oh, I hadn't made that connection. I was happy they were "bonding" again.
29. Tru finally opens up and we read his sad story about the “cleaning” and the loss of his family. Comments? I'd had suspicions by that stage but the telling was so sad and redeemed Tru for me shortly.
30. I didn’t get what he meant when he said Pen tried “to whammy” him “a second time.” There was a second attempt? I missed something, I guess. Unless he meant the end of Chapter 21, when she was going to use magic to keep him safe. So, that’s not allowed either? WTH? Comments? Yep, I think he doesn't want her to use her magic on him without his prior approval. And he sees it as a lack of trust in him.
31. Before Pen revealed all, did you think you understood her feelings about killing a man with the use of her magic as opposed to her going mano a mano with a knife? To equate it to today’s fighting of just “pushing a button” on a distant land, does it make a difference? (Of course, once her Big Reveal is further explained, I can see how she has “control issues” and concern for her sanity.) Actually, I thought it was pretty lame. Not that I don't want her to feel guilt over taking a life, but in the age they're living in, it made no sense that she would wallow in that, wouldn't learn from the experience and start learning hwo to use her magic with more control.
32. Did Tru say the exact right thing to her about the violence he lives with as a skinshifter? Yes. And I liked how he said it. Suck it up princess.
33. Well, Chapter 24 was nice. Did it make up for earlier? Was it a little too rough? Was there a little episode of “mind melding” there? If so, what does that mean? Are there going to be “consequences” for (view spoiler) there at the end ? I'd hope not. Just once I'd like to see a couple who wants to focus on their relationship before bringing kids into it, rather than becoming a family within the first year of being together.
34. Were you surprised that Tru told Pen he adored her neck? Is there more meaning to that? No, maybe just revealing that he's also a bit mesmerised by her.
35. Whatever kind of plan does Pen have in mind? Will Tru follow it? Hmmm, Tru's ego is pretty massive, but he's been happy to let her take the lead before.
Megan's Answers for Chapter 26 - 29 36. I just wasn’t expecting that boat wouldn’t make it back to the island. That surprised me. You?
I felt like something had to happen, but I didn't know what.
37. Tru can partial shift? Oh. Tru can partial shift! Thoughts?
I agree with Heather that the writers had themselves in a corner and came up with this spur of the moment, otherwise I think it would've been mentioned before.
38. What did you think was going on when they first got back to the island? All I kept thinking is that it was like a scene out of the Twilight Zone.
It was soooo weird, wasn't it?
39. Pen had a strange kind of blindness, in that she could not see, but she could see auras. This is something different for me. You? Did she see auras a couple times before this, but w/o the blindness?
I didn't understand where that came from either? Maybe her subconscious trying to make her see what she needed to know. Or destiny...this all seems fated somehow.
40. Wow, the demise of Jack was almost over with too quickly, IMHO. Right?
LAME!!
41. So, it is confirmed: Arturi has no magic. His connection with Pen was all her. Now I have to ask: Why did she connect with him? Because of who he is destined to be?
I would say yes.
42. Was I the only one who thought Arturi might not hang the prisoners? That maybe General O’Malley was somehow using coercion to get them to be traitors?
I was really disappointed in Arturi here....I felt he was too wimpy. The fact that Pen had to make him stay and watch really brought him down in my eyes.
43. Whoa. Maybe General O’Malley isn’t the Big Fuc#er; maybe it is the red flash that is working alongside him.
Nah, I think he's behind it all.
I finished as well...not sure there will be more, but I would read Adrian's story, just for some closure. I don't think I'd read anything else set in this world, or another series by these authors working together. Although, maybe they could learn from their mistakes in the future?
I don't know Megan. I agree with you that I probably wouldn't read any more from these two authors working together again. Just seemed they repeated their mistakes from the previous books. I can't fault the writing, it does have a way of sucking you in but the characters and the plot left me disappointed and towards the end of this one, it got to the point where it had distracted me from the story. Not sure if that makes sense. Tired.
I agree with both of you, but I might be more hard line with it. It was, for me, like reading the same story 3 times and none of them were very good. Just progressively worse with each due to the repetitive nature of it. Also, it was like they needed to destroy the fundamentals to build something new and they didn't need to do that. If that makes sense.
I still need to wrap this one up. Maybe today (but I'm away from home). But I would have to say I agree with all of you; some on one thing, some on others. I was with CaroB.; it did suck me at a certain point (but not enough for me to still be glued to it, or I wouldn’t be behind you ladies).The thing that bugged me the most was that, in order to enjoy it -- because it was certainly “well written” -- was that I had to pretty much shrug and say, “Oh, well!” to the lack of character continuity from one book to the next. Loved Mason in the first book; though he was a macho kickass a$$hat, he changed b/c of love. Yet I felt the authors tried to keep his character type throughout the series, with only glimpse of the original heroes’ personalities (Chris & Tru), instead of going with the great foundations that they already had!! So therefore it was formulaic. That and a couple of set ups that switched agendas…
Like Megan, I might read Adrian's.
Yes, Lisa Kay....you summed it up perfectly. They destroyed the original characters we liked so much in book one to turn them all into Mason. For me, it just seemed like they didn't want to put too much time or effort into working with the characters they'd already built.
Yes, there were times when I thought this was going to be a 4 star for me...b/c the writing did hold me. But then they did little things where I was like, "Huh?" For example, getting rid of the Villain Jack. I actually had to do a search on my Kindle for his name after that passage b/c I missed where he was killed. Missed opportunity, IMHO.
I think the sentence he died in was even short, LOL!
Formulaic! Perfect description. I've seen a few authors who tend to revert to a certain story type, but they always make the characters different enough to have the story feel different and interesting. Here it was same macho asshat male character. The same traumatised female with leadership qualities who's afraid to love. The same bloody world, the same bloody series. Ugh! It worked well in the first book, but the second repeat through was the last straw for me too.
18. I was sure going WTF when I read Tru & Pen’s first sexual encounter, were you? On one level I understood what Tru was doing, but that didn’t mean I had to like it, LOL! You? But before I could stay too upset, boom! Chapter 15. How did you feel about Pen using magic to make her second sexual experience with Tru more…well, magical?
19. Okay, if Arturi has “no magic” then how did he know to tell Burke (the guy who took Tru to the mainland) that Tru would show up. Did Zhara tell him? How did he remain unknown to the others when Pen was a little girl? How did he keep track of her while she was growing up (and she had given him up to a figment of her childish imagination)?
20. Well, Tru didn’t get very far. Were you surprised he stopped and stayed at the orphanage? What did you think of Mary Agnes, Bethany, and the rest of their cadre?
21. Who is the traitor? Jack, Shine, Preacher, Reynard (has scar, good with a crossbow, turkey vulture), Miranda (baboon), Koss (twenty, marmot)… and is it fair to not tell us about all the rest? Is Zhara in the clear just because she suspects Pen, or could that be her strategy? See how I’ve turned around here? I guess, since she doesn’t trust Pen, then I no longer trust her. Is Zhara jealous of Pen? For that matter, could it be Arturi himself?
22. Are you curious as to what Tru made when he was in the tannery that “doubless would never see the light of day” – something for Pen or Adrian or both?
23. Ugh. So Pen can turn a person’s brain to mush. Sounds like that driver deserved it. But what could her history be that she considers that murder “again”?
24. Where you surprised the truck was empty, or where you expecting something to gum up the works on Pen’s test?