YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

A safe haven between four realms. The girl sworn to protect it -- at any cost.

Hidden deep in the mountains of Colorado lies the Inn at Havenfall, a sanctuary that connects ancient worlds -- each with their own magic -- together. For generations, the inn has protected all who seek refuge within its walls, and any who disrupt the peace can never return.

For Maddie Morrow, summers at the inn are more than a chance to experience this magic first-hand. Havenfall is an escape from reality, where her mother sits on death row accused of murdering Maddie's brother. It's where Maddie fell in love with handsome Fiorden soldier Brekken. And it's where one day she hopes to inherit the role of Innkeeper from her beloved uncle.

But this summer, the impossible happens--a dead body is found, shattering everything the inn stands for. With Brekken missing, her uncle gravely injured, and a dangerous creature on the loose, Maddie suddenly finds herself responsible for the safety of everyone in Havenfall. She'll do anything to uncover the truth, even if it means working together with an alluring new staffer Taya, who seems to know more than she's letting on. As dark secrets are revealed about the inn itself, one thing becomes clear to Maddie--no one can be trusted, and no one is safe...

Checking in!

I started this a couple nights ago but each time I pick it up I fall asleep after a few pages. I'm going to try to read a good chunk tonight and update later.

I understand completely! I didn't end up starting it yet because I have like ten thousand books right now but I'll start it tonight. I've been feeling so sick lately i'm sorry.

It's okay, I'm still only like 45 pages in. I was hoping to read it in a few days and jump right into House of Earth and Blood, but I might end up switching back and forth between them for the next week or so. The story isn't bad or anything, but I just never want to sit down and read a good chunk for some reason.

I understand. I did the same thing the first time around if I remember correctly. I did not read this all in one shot or read in big chunks. Thank you though for understanding <3

I haven't even thought to pick this book up for the last 5 days, and my loan from the library was almost over. I went ahead and returned it since there were 7 people waiting for my copy and put myself back on the hold list. I'm hoping by the end of May when I get it back I will be in the right mindset for it, but right now my brain isn't willing to focus on this one.

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date changed. Restarting March 8th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Starting this a few days early! Hoping to get through in 2 days, shouldn't be too tricky!

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[Already into this, it's so fun! Portal fantasy, and they already said that Fiorderkill looked like Narnia for a reason XD

I didn't realise this was a queer story, but I mean the first person who's introduced to us in a love-interest way was Taya, sooo I'm assuming because it's YA (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[Is it weird how I don't feel her and Brekken? Theirs just feels like a relationship made out of expectation. But her and the Silver Prince, I felt something. Not insta-love, but a curiosity? How forward he was. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[Things are heating up! I wonder if that's why I didn't really feel anything between Brekken and her.. Because he's bad? But where did he go... I can't wait to see what's going to happen! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[Something's going on with Taya. Ever since she was first wandering the grounds at night. And the fact she still remembered her name and her story after the wine.. Fishy. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[Hmm a young girl Solarian? Why do I feel like this book's leading us in circles.. I feel Heiress is still bad, and she's trying to get the objects for herself.. But why is Marcus selling hmmmm. And I never got bad vibes from Silver either... Also is Taya bad, or is there a rebellion type thing going on in sympathy of misunderstood Solaria?

How is this going to wrap up in 60 pages! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23 (view spoiler)[I didn't call Taya being Solarian, and it's weird how they don't know they are, similar to werewolves in that they just change.

Also didn't really pay much attention to Terran backstory, so wasn't too shook to find out Nate is Terran. (hide spoiler)]

Finished!

This one started off with a list of the Adjacent Realms and their characteristics, settings and magical affiliations. I thought 'oh dear, this is going to be a confusing book', but once I'd gotten that all down, it was so easy to follow. The writing style was great, and while the font was small, there weren't many pages in it, and it was a really good story! There's something about Holland's writing that sucks me in.
.
The main character has the same name as me and spelt the same way which was cool to see! Maddie was a really relatable character, how she thought she knew what she wanted and then it got given to her under unfortunate circumstances and she realised she wasn't ready. She needed support, help and outside advice, and she did what she thought was best, which wasn't always the right choice. It was so nice to see!
.
This book really messed with my head, making me think one thing and then another. And oh boy! I have to say I wasn't really following it too much, but I didn't get that vibe from the bad person! I liked the dynamic!
.
Can't wait for Phoenix Flame!

This has been on my TBR pile for too long...time to get onto some of these lurkers (the BR points will help).

Yes haha get rid of the random books on there!

I kept getting notifications on this thread and was like, why? I don't know what this is.. HAHAH, I forgot I wanted to read this so I went ahead and put the notification thing on.

13% (view spoiler)[Already I like that the world is being explained. I hate when fantasy/magical book don't explain. (hide spoiler)]

Maddie wrote: "Chapter 3 Already into this, it's so fun! Portal fantasy, and they already said that Fiorderkill looked like Narnia for a reason XD

I didn't realise this was a queer story, but I mean the first pe..."

Yay! Also, I love when books reference other real world books/movies. It's so funny.

Krystal wrote: "13% [spoilers removed]"

Yes! It felt info-dumpy, but it sorted itself out

Krystal wrote: "13% [spoilers removed]"

There's a strange sense of familiarity to the world, though there are obvious differences.

Up to ch8. (view spoiler)[ Don't want to imagine her childhood friend is behind this attack, but the signs aren't good. (hide spoiler)]

Karen wrote: "Up to ch8. [spoilers removed]"

Right!!! That's definitely sad.

48% (view spoiler)[ I'm liking her bringing Tara into the mix so she doesn't have to do this all alone. It's a mystery and the element of the trading magical items is an interesting one. (hide spoiler)]

Up to ch12. Not sure if the Prince should be trusted or not.

Up to ch14. Weird how everything keeps coming back to the incident with her brother. Taya’s interest seems unusual.

I need to go out and buy Phoenix Flame! Would you guys want to BR that?

If things go as I predict, then yes. Do you want to set a BR up to start this weekend?

Could we start closer to the end of the month? My book budget's blown this week already

That’s fine-just let me know what date suits.

Will do!

Maybe around the 26th?

Maddie wrote: "Chapter 3 Already into this, it's so fun! Portal fantasy, and they already said that Fiorderkill looked like Narnia for a reason XD

I didn't realise this was a queer story, but I mean the first pe..."

I think that might come later.

Maddie wrote: "Chapter 12 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I don't think the wine was given, but Maddie's inability to see what's right in front of her is a little irritating. (hide spoiler)]

Maddie wrote: "Chapter 20 Hmm a young girl Solarian? Why do I feel like this book's leading us in circles.. I feel Heiress is still bad, and she's trying to get the objects for herself.. But why is Marcus selling..."

(view spoiler)[ Interesting comment about pacing here, Maddie. There's a lot of detail about the world initially, and nothing really happens for substantial chunks (or not that Maddie notices). (hide spoiler)]

Krystal wrote: "48% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I get the feeling that what comes later might be more interesting as it'll focus on the history/thoughts of the other realms. (hide spoiler)]

Finished. Review on home page.

50% (view spoiler)[ Wouldn't it be funny if the beast who came through the door was Maddie's brother who turned into one and was taken to the S land and had been trying to get out for many years? (hide spoiler)]

Karen wrote: "Krystal wrote: "48% [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Absolutely.

Karen wrote: "Up to ch14. Weird how everything keeps coming back to the incident with her brother. Taya’s interest seems unusual."

I cannot wait until we find out what truly happened with the brother!

Maddie wrote: "Chapter 12 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ She is definitely not what we think. (hide spoiler)]

Are you up for the second? Think we were aiming for 26th.

Karen wrote: "Are you up for the second? Think we were aiming for 26th."

I just saw this. I know I probably won't be able to join for the second one right away as I still need to finish this one. If yall are doing the second one on the 26th, I'll make sure to get this one done and join on April 1st.

I can't seem to find this instore anywhere, so may need to order it online next week, but it won't arrive for a few weeks. Sorry Karen!

Don’t worry. If you get it, April?

Yeah April!

Let me know if you guys do it in April and when! I'm trying to finish this one up today.

Sounds good!