Challenge Corner discussion

Witness the fate of beloved heroes - and enemies.

THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED...
The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.

WHO WILL CRUMBLE?
Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?

WHO WILL RISE?
Lila Bard, once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.

WHO WILL TAKE CONTROL?
And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay

Part 3 ch. 2 (view spoiler)[ Omg I'm so glad Rhy isn't dead!! I thought Kell and him were gone for sure phew. Also I have no idea how to imagine what a shattered glass eye looks like? Was the whole eye glass or like is it hollow idk. But like trying to picture Lila with a shattered eye is hard lmao. I want more Alucard!!! Him and Rhy <3 Also how tf are they going to defeat Osaron!?!? (hide spoiler)]

Part 6 ch. 5 (view spoiler)[ Ugh this is sad, it seems like they hardly have a chance against Osaron. But I'm glad Alucard survived the sickness or whatever, I'm sad his sister didn't. Also him and Rhy are so fucking cute like lord help me. Kell deserved that punch after he almost died from Osaron's trap too. These bitches need to work together better or I'm gonna lose my shit. (hide spoiler)]

Up to part 8 (view spoiler)[ I'm kinda holding my breath here, idk what to expect and it feels like the action is taking forever to actually happen. The King is totally doing something, I have no idea what but it's definitely for Rhy and has something to do with magic. Hmm I think he's gonna die by the end of this. Also I think it's funny how everyone is beating on Holland, but Alucard is right to be wary of his magic. (hide spoiler)]

Up to part 11 (view spoiler)[ Okay I absolutely loved the market in the sea. I have a feeling Maris's favor will be Lila taking over it and idk why but I have a feeling. I'm also super damn disappointed Kell burned the paper with the forgetting spell reversal. I wanted to know about his past dammit!! I WAS SO CURIOUS AND FROM BOOK 1 I WANTED TO KNOW WHY AM I BEING DEPRIVED OF THIS. And Alucard totally took that mirror so he can show Rhy why he left. These rings also might work, just maybe (hide spoiler)]

About part 11 (view spoiler)[ It's called Death at Sea and it's giving me anxiety. I don't want anyone to die!!! (hide spoiler)]

Finished!! (view spoiler)[ Holy crap the ending with all those deaths D; I wanted to cry when Lenos and Hastra died, I freaking loved them so much and then fucking Vesk betrayed them too!!! It was almost too much death to handle, shaking my fist at the sky angrily Victoria--yeah I'm looking at you. But wow I'm so glad Kell and Lila are alive. AND ALUCARD OMG HIM AND RHY ARE MY PRECIOUS BAES <33333 Also I really hope Holland found something good to do in White London, he deserves some good in his life. (hide spoiler)]

********** RESTARTING OCTOBER 12TH 2018 HAPPY READING! :D **********

Part 1.1 - Part 1.4: (view spoiler)[ I am so so excited to get round to this book! I really want to try and pace myself and let the book last but my reading insanity over recent months might end up making this a much shorter read than intended! I reread the last couple of chapters of 'A Gathering of Shadows' just to remind myself of what was happening immediately before this one. I am really hoping Holland will be able to get out of this horror story with Orason (I think that's the name?) and that Kell and Rhy come out of this ok! Hopefully Lila will think of something :) But yeah, more than ready to immerse myself into this world one final time, I can't remember the last time I've been this excited for a book! (hide spoiler)]

Part 1.5 - Part 1.11 (End of Part 1): (view spoiler)[Things definitely stepping up here. Ever so slightly terrified of Orason and what he's going to do to Red London. I am glad that Lila managed to find and save Kell though, and that Rhy somehow came back from the dead again? No idea how he managed to do it but I'm sure Schwab will let us know in due course! I feel like a broken record with this next statement but my poor Holland, he just wanted to fix his London - he definitely isn't a good person but he's not bad either and I feel very invested in his wellbeing right now. (hide spoiler)]

Part 2: (view spoiler)[ Trying to get this book to last as long as feasibly possible is really difficult 😂 Osaron's hold over everyone is terrifying to watch and I have no idea how he could be beaten. also what is up with the King and Queen, they can't just decide when Kell is their son and when he's not, it's so frustrating to read! But Alucard staying by Rhy's side unwavering is making me so confused as to why he would have left him in the first place? Also, this is the first time in all the books where I like Lila without getting really annoyed by her at the same time, hope that continues! And Holland, what a misguided dude, I can't help but want him safe but does he deserve it? I guess we shall see! (hide spoiler)]

Part 3: (view spoiler)[ Damn it, I swear I really am trying to pace myself with this one but it's so difficult! I'm just really enjoying it and my emotions are all out of whack. I think one criticism is that each Part feels like it ends on a pretty anticlimactic note which suprises me. Still loving the story itself though, I'm finding that the switching perspectives is actually making me intrigued for what's to come rather than exhausted in trying to work out what's going on which I've tended to struggle with in most fantasy books. Still really liking Delilah which is really confusing haha and seeing Alucard be this fierce protector of those he loves was a welcome development in character :) Loving how connected yet understated the romance between Lila and Kell is but Osaron I just have no idea how they're gonna stop him! (hide spoiler)]