Final Discussion Post - The Enchanted

Final discussion post! Whether this was a book you loved, or didn't, I really hope it was at least something outside the box for you. I would have never picked this up if it hadn't been chosen, and I'm thankful that it was.

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Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. This last chapter had a lot of revelations in it. A lot of things were wrapped up, the final pieces of the puzzle put into place. How do you feel about everything that happened? Were you happy with the ending?

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My Thoughts:

I'm honestly kind of at a loss as to what to say at this point. This last chapter left me breathless, and the last pages especially just kind of blew me away. I would never have picked up this book on my own. I don't read a lot of adult fiction, unless it's something specifically suggested to me, or it's horror. So to read this? Something so dreamlike and prosaic? It was a treat. Something outside the box for me. Something new. I loved every little minute of it.

First off, all the emotions flowing through this chapter floored me. I felt sad at the passing of the new female prison guard and of York. Anger at all the things that were going on every day in this prison, on the fringes of public knowledge. The description of the food they were given hit especially hard. I felt pity. Pity for the broken boy and all the other prisoners like him. Then, a bit of glee when he took his vengeance. It was a cold victory, but one nonetheless. No one deserved to die more than Conroy. The best part though? The fact that our Priest and our Lady were able to make a life together. I so hoped for that.

The ending bit at me. I'm a soft-hearted person at the best of times, but watching Arden die just did me in. Despite anything else, our narrator was an honest man. Maybe a little crazy, perhaps a shattered man, but always honest about the way things were for him. I was sad, but also happy that he could be free at last. What can I say? Nothing else, really. This book wasn't perfect, but it was definitely something I'm glad I read.

Final Discussion Post - Side Effects May Vary

Final discussion post of the month! Wow, how time flies. Thanks for a wonderful month of discussions on this book :).

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Discussion Questions:

* A lot happens in these chapters, especially at the beach house. How did you feel about what transpired between Harvey, Alice and her family?

* What do you think of Harvey's transformation in attitude? Does it change the way you feel about Alice at all?

* Here's the one you've been waiting for. The ending: yay, or nay?

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My Thoughts:

Whether you love Alice, or want to throw her out a window, I know that the beach house will prove to be an emotional setting either way. This is a pivotal part of the book. A piece where things are said, and done, that can never be taken back. Hearing Harvey finally admit that there's a huge piece of him trapped with Alice always breaks my heart. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Seeing Alice broken, and hearing Deborah be there for her despite that? Heart shattered. And then the scene with Alice and her parents on the deck. Well, seriously it didn't matter that Alice and I aren't exactly buddies. All of that still got me.

In terms of Harvey's attitude, I'd have to say that's what really struck home. He finally knew how wrapped up in Alice he was, and how easy it was to let her manipulate him. He realized how many times he'd let himself get hurt by her because he cared. I think part of me still wants to be mad at him for completely ignoring her, but the other part totally understands. Harvey did what he had to in order to separate himself from that. He took the space he needed, even if he didn't necessarily want it at first.

So, on to the ending. While I wouldn't say it's my favorite ending of all time, it fits with the story. It was kind of Alice to do something so personal for Harvey. Especially after all the ways that she used him before that. I have to say that I liked this book a little more during this second read through. It's still one that I'm on the fence about, but I think this time I was more willing to try to understand Alice and her motives. I hope you guys enjoyed it too :).

7 Places To Find That Book You've Been Wanting!

Hey there awesome reader friends! I was thinking about the fact that some of you out there might not know what resources are available to you when you want to snag our monthly books! I know I'm lucky, as a person who has a stellar library system. I've been on the other side of that though, and I know it's tough to locate books you might want to read without spending a ton of money. So get ready, here's your guide to all the places you can spend that bookish cash!

1. Your local library

As I said, I know that not everyone has access to a local library. If you do though, this would always be the place I'd check first. Remember, libraries exist because you support them!

2. Amazon

This is the next place most people think of when they're looking for a book. Yes, I know not everyone supports Amazon. Don't worry, there are more options coming. If you have a Kindle, or a tablet/phone with the free Kindle app, this is a great place to buy books. They'll automatically transfer to your device, and all you have to do is download them to read them. Don't have a smartphone or tablet? You can also download a free Kindle app for your computer! Or, read in the cloud and never download anything at all.

3. Barnes & Noble

The last man standing in the big box book stores, Barnes & Noble is another great choice to find your book! If you're not in the mood to buy a brand new paperback, you can also buy ebooks through them as well. Own a Nook? This is your destination for easy to download, easy to read books. Once again, if you don't own an e-reader, Barnes & Noble offers free reading apps for phones, tablets and computers! They also have cloud reading available.

4. Abe Books

Not an e-reader person and want a paper copy? Well, at Abe Books you can probably get it cheaper! They list thousands of used copies of many of the books we read. Their site is easy to use, and has some great deals. Hey, look at that! Cycle of the Werewolf for only $3.50 and free shipping? Done.

5. Half Priced Books

Another great choice for inexpensive reads is Half Priced Books! I've ordered through them many times, and never been disappointed. Their price points are low for used books, and they run sales all the time on new ones too. Sign up for their newsletter! Every year they run a crazy 50-75% off sale. Your TBR pile has been warned. Here's We Have Always Lived in the Castle for about $2.34.

6. IndieBound

For those of you who want new books, but also want to support small bookstores, check out Indie Bound! Their website allows you to find a local bookstore near you, and shop with them through the website.

7. Book Depository

I love Book Depository. First off, they ship for free nearly everywhere. Their International is quick too. Secondly, they run sales all the time on even new books. You can get a brand new title for anywhere between 15% and 30% off normally and check out the bargain bin for books that are 50% off. Once again, sorry TBR pile. You've been warned.

Know of any other great places to shop for books? Shout it out in the comments! My whole point in doing this is to let you know that it's always possible to get the book you want. Most of the time, for cheaper than you think. So join us! We're all bookish here.

Discussion Post #3 - The Enchanted

Confession of the week? I totally teared up while reading this set of pages. There, I admitted it. I'm smitten, and I don't care who knows it.

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Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. This week we've been given a lot more information about our characters. We've seen into their pasts, and finally know more about how they are. What are your thoughts on these new revelations?

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My Thoughts:

So this set of chapters has cemented fully in my mind that this is a book I'm going to love. Unless the ending is horrible, which I doubt, this will rate highly on the "Jessica loved this" scale. All of the new things we've learned about our characters floored me. I don't even know where to start. From the quotes about life that glare at me off the page, to the fact that even the "good" characters in this story are so deeply flawed, this is nothing but interesting to me.

First off, it was startling to finally see names present on the page. Our Priest and our Lady still have no names, but it made me smile a bit that she knows all the names of the inmates. Perhaps even more than the guards around them do. I was also agape at the fact that the Lady has so many similarities to York. Up until now, I just assumed she was doing the same work for him as any other case she'd been assigned. Now that we've met her mother, and heard her story, I think there might be something more to it.

When it comes to the Priest, his story broke my heart. You can see the deep sorrow inside him. The fact that both he and the Lady are broken, and that they are now reaching out to one another, makes me feel a bit happier but also wary. Am I rambling? I'm rambling, I know. This book seems to do that to me. Even our still nameless inmate, and his story are so dark. I don't know what else to say. I just love this book.

Discussion Post #3 - Side Effects May Vary

Your next post is here! Can you believe it's the first day of Fall? So Cal isn't feeling it yet, by any means, but still. I'm all for sweater, latte, and boot weather! Bring it on!

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Discussion Questions:

* There's been a few more peeks at Alice's bucket list in these chapters. Have these events changed your views of Alice? How about Harvey?

* What do you think about Eric and Deborah's inclusion in the story?

* We've now seen that Harvey is definitely capable of holding his own against Alice's sway. What do you think will happen in the next chapters?

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My Thoughts:

Now we come to the part of the book that made this inch up on the rating scale for me! Yup, this book was a roller coaster of a ride the first time, and it's the same this time around. Alice's stunt at the play was actually pretty humorous, and I wasn't upset with her for it. We all know Celeste is an ass, and honestly? It wasn't even that terrible. At least she didn't have to flash her naked behind to the whole world ;). Add in the fact that Alice gives a puppy to a little girl, and you start to shatter the ice around my heart. Plus, Harvey starts to show some balls, so he's off my list too.

Eric and Deborah play an essential part in this story, each of them giving our main characters a chance to be apart. I think Eric was good for Alice because she realized how much she wants something stable, but how afraid she is to hold onto it. I also think Deborah is great for Harvey. She not be his Alice, but she keeps him grounded. Plus it gives Alice a glimpse at that envy that she harbors inside her. When she admitted that she wants him, but she also wants him to be happy? Huge freaking grin on this girl. Progress girl. Progress.

As I said before, this is when Harvey starts to come into his own. He realizes that he needs something of his own, and that he can only be there for Alice so far as she'll let him. I've already read the ending, so I'll leave it to you to predict what'll come next. Make sure you don't spoil :). I don't doubt some of you have already finished this!

The October Book Pick is...

Fall quick approaches my friends. Well, for those of you who live in Southern California like I do, it's not quite so quick as we'd like. Nonetheless, October generally means cooler weather, and also the promise of Halloween! 

In honor of that, we'll be reading two classic horror novels. Both are rather short, and I have faith that you'll love them!

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First up is We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson. This weighs in at only 160 pages, and should be a quick read for everyone!

Visitors call seldom at Blackwood House. Taking tea at the scene of a multiple poisoning, with a suspected murderess as one's host, is a perilous business. For a start, the talk tends to turn to arsenic. "It happened in this very room, and we still have our dinner in here every night," explains Uncle Julian, continually rehearsing the details of the fatal family meal. "My sister made these this morning," says Merricat, politely proffering a plate of rum cakes, fresh from the poisoner's kitchen. We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson's 1962 novel, is full of a macabre and sinister humor, and Merricat herself, its amiable narrator, is one of the great unhinged heroines of literature. "What place would be better for us than this?" she asks, of the neat, secluded realm she shares with her uncle and with her beloved older sister, Constance. "Who wants us, outside? The world is full of terrible people." Merricat has developed an idiosyncratic system of rules and protective magic, burying talismanic objects beneath the family estate, nailing them to trees, ritually revisiting them. She has made "a powerful taut web which never loosened, but held fast to guard us" against the distrust and hostility of neighboring villagers.

Or so she believes. But at last the magic fails. A stranger arrives -- cousin Charles, with his eye on the Blackwood fortune. He disturbs the sisters' careful habits, installing himself at the head of the family table, unearthing Merricat's treasures, talking privately to Constance about "normal lives" and "boy friends." Unable to drive him away by either polite or occult means, Merricat adopts more desperate methods. The result is crisis and tragedy, the revelation of a terrible secret, the convergence of the villagers upon the house, and a spectacular unleashing of collective spite.

The sisters are propelled further into seclusion and solipsism, abandoning "time and the orderly pattern of our old days" in favor of an ever-narrowing circuit of ritual and shadow. They have themselves become talismans, to be alternately demonized and propitiated, darkly, with gifts. Jackson's novel emerges less as a study in eccentricity and more -- like some of her other fictions -- as a powerful critique of the anxious, ruthless processes involved in the maintenance of normality itself. "Poor strangers," says Merricat contentedly at last, studying trespassers from the darkness behind the barricaded Blackwood windows. "They have so much to be afraid of."

The chapter/page breakdown is coming in the next newsletter. I'm waiting for my copy of this to arrive from the library. You should be able to find it there as well, or at the following places:

Amazon / B&N / Indiebound / Book Depository / AbeBooks

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Second book of the month is Stephen King's Cycle of the Werewolf, which has been praised quite profusely by many readers I know! This book is also short, coming in at a 128 pages in length.

The first scream came from the snowbound railwayman who felt the fangs ripping at his throat. The next month there was a scream of ecstatic agony from the woman attacked in her snug bedroom.

Now scenes of unbelieving horror come each time the full moon shines on the isolated Maine town of Tarker Mills. No one knows who will be attacked next. But one thing is sure.

When the moon grows fat, a paralyzing fear sweeps through Tarker Mills. For snarls that sound like human words can be heard whining through the wind. And all around are the footprints of a monster whose hunger cannot be sated...

Again, chapter/page breakdown is coming soon. Just waiting on a library copy :). Links below for this book as well:

Amazon / B&N / Indiebound / Book Depository / AbeBooks

It's time for the first annual SPOOKY SWAP!

ARE YOU READY? You'd better be, because it's time to swap!

To start, please make sure you read the General Guidelines post. If you get to the end of the document and still have a burning question, email me or comment here! I'm always happy to help.

ON TO THE DETAILS!

This swap is Halloween themed, or Fall themed if that's better for you. I understand not everyone celebrates Halloween and so please don't be worried that I'll run you off if you don't. The theme is open to interpretation!

The following items are required in your package:

* One Fall/Halloween item that is wearable (socks, gloves, beanies, earrings)

* One Fall/Halloween item that is edible (CANDY! Ahem...or something less sugary)

* One Fall/Halloween book 

* One Fall/Halloween themed item of your choice (think pumpkins, leaves, etc.)

* A note to your swap partner! 

Money Limit: 

Your box must contain items that add up to at least $20. Anything beyond that is your own personal choice, if you'd like to add extras. You may also add items that are not on the theme list if you so choose!

        * Some helpful hints:

                 - Check out dollar stores. You can get lots of fantastic and fun items there!

                 - Shop the dollar spot at local stores like Target or Walmart.

                 - Go thrift store hunting. This is perfectly okay! Just make sure the item is in good condition.

                    (A good rule of thumb is to think, "Would I want to receive this?")

                 - Re-gift something of yours (in good condition of course) that you think fits the box.

                 - Make something. It's cool to include something handmade. Again, just make sure it's something     

                    you'd like to receive yourself.

Shipping Information:

This swap is open to all our members, but please make sure to include if you are not located in the U.S. or, if you are in the U.S., whether you're willing to ship internationally. All delivery confirmation numbers must be in no later than October 25th. This also means your box should be shipped no later than this date. You must procure a delivery confirmation number when sending your package, and include it in the form located here. No delivery confirmation means you won't be eligible for future swaps.

Ready to join in?

Fill out THIS FORM completely to sign up. 

I'll match you with a swapping buddy and send out information as to who you will be mailing to. Please know I try to keep this a surprise, so you won't know who is mailing to you unless you specifically ask.

***Sign ups will be open until October 3rd***

Late sign ups will not be accepted. I need that time to match people up and still give you ample time to go and do some shopping!

REMEMBER:

If you sign up, your are promising to send a package. Please make sure you can follow through! I never want anyone to end up without a box. Thanks!

General Swap Guidelines!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Periodically we run member swaps, giveaways, and buddy reads here on the book club blog! There's nothing going on at the moment, but check back soon!

*Next scheduled swap: FEBRUARY 2015*

SWAP GENERAL GUIDELINES

The Basics:

WHAT EXACTLY IS A SWAP?

A swap consists of a group of people who sign up to send packages to one another. The specific details will change, but the main guidelines will always stay the same. Give a package, get a package! That's the way it works!

THEME REQUIREMENTS:

Each swap will have its own separate theme, which will always be explained. There will be a general set of items thatmust be included in each package according to the swap guidelines. For example, a Halloween swap might include a candy item, and something orange or black. Which candy item or orange and black thing you include is up to you! Thus the general requirements.

SHARING INFORMATION:

One of the most important parts of a swap is allowing your partner to know what you might like to receive! In order to make sure you get a package that is tailored to you, it is asked that you share some personal information. Be assured that this information is entered into a locked document and will never be shared with anyone except for your swap partner. Once the mailing deadline has passed, all information is purged from the system.


Official Rules and Regulations:

OPEN TO:

Depending on the swap, and how much time there is to set it up, they may or may not be International. Please pay special attention to this section to see who the swap is open to.

MONEY LIMIT:

Each swap has its own money limit! Most will be no more than $15, with the ocassional bigger swap being $20. You must agree to spend at least this amount on the items included in your package. Whether you choose to spend more is up to you. This does not include your shipping costs.

DEADLINES:

Each swap will have a set of deadlines attached to it. There will a sign-up deadline, along with a date at which all packages must be sent out and delivery confirmation numbers sent in. Please do not sign up for a swap if you cannot meet the deadlines. It might cost someone else their package.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPPING:

Members are required to get Delivery Confirmation with their packages. A Delivery Confirmation  form will be put up following participant information going out. Please make sure to fill it out! Failure to obtain Delivery Confirmation may result in you being excluded from future swaps.

WARNINGS:

Just to be on the safe side, please do not send the following to ANYONE: tobacco products, alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, weapons, or pornographic material. If shipping perishable items, consider the heat!


When You Get Your Package: 

SAYING THANK YOU:

Once you get your package, please share a photo or write your swap buddy a thank you note! Our Facebook group is a great way to do this. If you're not a part of the Facebook group, send me an email with a picture and your note and I'll post it here for you!

Discussion Post #2 - The Enchanted

Does anyone else feel like this book just keeps getting better? Maybe it's just me, but I'm excited to see what you guys have to say about it this week!

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Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. This week, let's talk atmosphere. What do you think of the overall atmosphere of this book? Is it still keeping you interested? Is there anything that you're eager to find out?

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My Thoughts:

I've said it above, but I honestly feel like this book just keeps getting better the more I read. Is it a different style of writing? Yup, definitely. Is it a little vague at times? Yes to that as well. In this case though, I feel like it works well for the story. Not having anything particularly concrete to hold onto adds to the overall atmosphere of this book. It makes it feel almost like you're intruding on a dream, or a nightmare depending on how you swing it. There's something lilting about the way this is written, and it charms me into wanting to read more every single damn time.

I love that this week we were able to learn more about "The Lady" and her past. Her interactions with the aunt, her thoughts on the peaceful setting that is the woods, all of it made me feel like she is someone who I'd like to know. It seems like she might not always enjoy her job, but she does it with a zealous fervor nonetheless. I'm hoping for more about her. I also like that this story hasn't sugarcoated the terrible things that happen in this prison. I can't remember the exact line, but the one about how tv shows and stories make prison out to be one place, when in fact it's something all together different, amazed me. I don't even know what else to say.

I can't put my finger on why, but I like this book. Looking forward to more.

Discussion Post #2 - Side Effects May Vary

Here's hoping that your reading went smoothly this weekend! I know a few of you aren't exactly feeling this book, but I wanted to say that I appreciate the fact that you're participating in the discussion anyway. You are all amazing.

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Discussion Questions:

* Now that you've had some more insight into Alice's disease, and Harvey's reactions, has your opinion of either character changed? 

* As show by the "Then" chapters, Alice always expected the cancer to beat her. Would you say her outlook shaped her actions as a character?

* What are your opinions on Alice's "bucket list" so far?

* Imagine you have the power to change one event in this book. After what you've read, what event would you change? Why?

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My Thoughts:

Thanks for plugging along with me on this read guys! To those of you who are enjoying yourselves, I'm so happy. To those of you who aren't, thanks for joining the conversation anyway. It's nice to see that we can have a vibrant discussion no matter what! 

My opinions on both characters remain solidly the same as before, except for the fact that this is the part of the novel where I stop feeling bad for Harvey and start feeling frustrated. He's an enabler and, while I totally understand that it comes from a good place, it makes me feel like shaking him until he understands. I don't hate Alice. Honestly, I don't. Dealing with cancer is hell, and she has every right to be bitter and angry. What I hate is that she takes it out on those around her. I don't expect her to be a happy, optimistic, flowery kind of girl. I just want her to be a bit nicer, I guess.

I do see why the "Then" chapters are so essential though. As the cancer took over, Alice always expected to loose. She expected to die, and be done with it all. When you're living your who life with no consequences, because you figure you won't be around to deal with it all, finding out you're going to live must be brutal. I can't even imagine trying to go around and pick up the pieces like that. So I do see why her character is the way that she is. It doesn't mean I agree with it though. We've only had a small glimpse into Alice's bucket list, but I can promise you it continues to be just as evil and petty. Vengeance never is a pleasant thing though.

If I could change one event in the book so far? I'd stop Harvey from saying he loved Alice. Honestly. I feel like it would have stopped a lot of what causes him to be so hurt by everything. Poor guy. He's too chivalrous for his own good.

Member of the Month Vlog!

As promised!

Yes, the face it decided to use as the placeholder is awesome. You're welcome. Questions asked: *Top 5 Romance Recommendations *If you have to pick one genre to read for an entire year, which one would you choose and why? *Top UF Recommendations *How would you describe yourself in one word? Why? *What classics do you think are overrated? And are there any "must read" classics that you don't ever intend on reading? *Which would you choose? Truth or Dare? Why?

Discussion Post #1 - The Enchanted

I'm hoping some of you out there have started reading this book as well! I picked up it, intending to read only the chapters assigned, and almost wasn't able to put it down. It took all my willpower not to read ahead. I'm anxious to see what all of you think.

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Discussion Questions:

Due to the short nature of this book, I'm going to keep the discussions very general, instead of giving you specific questions. Mostly, I'd like to see what readers of this book think of the writing style so far, and the fact that most of our characters have no actual names. Are you feeling this story so far? Or is it something that's not quite what you were expecting?

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My Thoughts:

To be honest with you, I'm enamored with this book without exactly knowing why. It's something about the descriptive writing I think. About the fact that these characters, who languish away in a hidden prison underground, don't even have the luxury of having names. Other than the prisoner that's in the spotlight right now, of course. At first, I was a little thrown off by the way this is written. The atmosphere of it all soon drew me right down in though and, by the time I realized that these are inmates on death row, I wanted so badly to keep reading.

I'm actually kind of sad this book is so short. So far, it feels like something that I'd want to keep reading. I just hope it continues on that way. I'm anxious to see what's coming next. Wondering if we'll get to know our narrator better, or if he'll always just be a nameless, faceless entity. I'm intrigued.

Discussion Post #1 - Side Effects May Vary

Good evening my bookish cohorts! Are you ready for your first discussion post for Side Effects May Vary? I was really happy to see that there are quite a few of you joining us for both reads this month! I can't wait to see what you have to say.

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Discussion Questions:

* You may have noticed that this book isn't broken up into chapters, persay. Rather, it switches between Alice and Harvey's POV and back and forth in time. What is your opinion on the way this story is told? Is it easy to follow? Would you prefer a single POV?

* Now that you've had some time to get to know Alice and Harvey a bit, what are your initial thoughts on them as characters? Is there one you identify with over the other?

* What do you think of Alice and Harvey's relationship?

* When Alice first finds out she's dying she decides it means she can live without consequence. Until, of course, she finds out she's actually in remission. What do you think of Alice's outlook on her disease? On her choice to live without consequence?

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My Thoughts:

So, this is actually my second time reading through this book. The first time around I read it as an advanced copy, and I remember thinking about the POV. I'm still on the fence about it. On the one hand, getting to see from both Alice and Harvey's point of view is pretty fantastic. It's nice to see how each of them handle a particular topic, or event. I actually really like being in Harvey's mind. The one thing that threw me off, and still kind of does on this second read through, is making sure that I know whether this is the past or present I'm reading about. It makes starting each chapter a little more difficult because I need to orient myself in time.

As for Alice and Harvey, I've already told you I like Harvey. I think he's a huge sweetheart, and I love that he has such a close relationship with his mom. I love how emotional and honest he is. He's one of my favorite male characters in YA. Alice on the other hand? I still don't like. I didn't like her the first time, I don't really like her now. What I do like, is that she's brutally honest. She knows that being sick sucks, and she's not afraid to admit it. She's honest about being afraid of death, about not knowing what the future holds once she finds out she's better. The problem, for me at least, is just her negativity grates on me. That, and I absolutely cannot stand the way she treats Harvey. It makes me livid.

Which brings me to their relationship. So far we've skimmed the surface of them together, but I'm sure you can tell that it isn't exactly a happy relationship. Harvey is a very giving character, and Alice takes. And takes. I feel bad that Harvey has it so bad for Alice. That she can't seem to be able to let him go, but can't keep him too close either. I know I'm biased, because people like that drive me crazy, but I truly don't know how Harvey tolerates being at arms reach all the time.

In regards to the last question, I've kind of already answered it above I guess. I actually don't mind Alice's outlook on her disease. It's not often that a character is brutally honest about cancer. She doesn't see the need to be eternally optimistic, or to play the vibrant healing patient for her parents. I can respect that. As I said, cancer is the worst. I only wish she hadn't decided that it meant it was okay for her to live without consequence. You'll see why, coming down the story line, but I think that is what bothered me the most.

Magic Bites - Final Discussion Post

Yes, yes, I know this is late. Feel free to throw things in my direction. AFTER, of course, you shout out your final thoughts on Magic Bites!

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Discussion Questions:

* Now that you've made it to the ending, what are you final thoughts on this story line? Still a Kate fan? A Curran fan?

* Was there anything that you were hoping for, that was missing from this story?

* Do you see yourself continuing on with this series?

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My Thoughts?

Look, you all know how much I love Kate. You all know how much I love Curran, and the sparks that fly between these two characters when they're together. There's nothing I love more than a strong female character, especially one who is so multi-faceted. It's because she's so very human that I can empathize with her. It makes her feel real to me, and that's what I love. Kate and Curran, forever and ever and EVER!

Ahem.

I know that a lot of people are going to be upset that more background on Kate, her abilities, and her birthright, aren't present in this book. I can promise you though, it's for good reason. This series builds everything equally. Atlanta changes, Kate changes, and nothing is ever left unexplained for very long. I think the one thing I remember missing most from this installment was, ironically, romance. I say ironically, because I used to be a total hater of romance. It always felt so cheesy. But with what Kate and Curran have? I actually missed it. I shouldn't have worried, but it's the truth.

You know I've kept up with this series, and I hope I've inspired a few of you to do the same! These books just get better. I can only tell you to make sure you're ready, because there's a lot of madness and sadness coming around the bend.