2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Mallory as a misguided witch with a higher than normal attraction to dark magic...did that resolution make sense? Did it explain her being able to abandon everyone that meant something to her? Your thoughts about her and whether you think she should be forgiven? Do she and Catcher still have a chance?

This is the aspect of the book that irritated me the most. I absolutely hate it when an author tries to excuse evil. Evil cannot be redeemed and must be fought and destroyed. Since when is washing dishes for the shifters an appropriate punishment for trying to enslave someone?!

Urgh!!
OK, rant over, lol!

If at anytime I sensed any moment where Mallory seemed conflicted, maybe...just maybe I'd sort of buy her contrition. I've made no secret in the past of being distrustful of her so when she took this turn, it wasn't a big surprise for me. Deep down, I think she's a little bit envious of Merit and this was her opportunity to show she's "badder."

I agree with you, Lauren, about the evil aspect. There's a part of me that believes the author caved to outcry by fans for taking Mallory down this path. I always believed it was inevitable based on what I saw in the character.

Merit may find a way to maintain a relationship with her but I'd never trust her again. It would take years of her behaving for me to believe in her but I don't think she should ever hold the spot of best friend ever again.

Like you, I always disliked Mallory and also felt there was an element of jealousy in her actions toward Merit. I'll never forget her attempts at pushing Merit toward Morgan and criticizing her for rejecting a man she did not love.

I thought that Neill had taken a brave step with Mallory's characterization by having her turn evil and was disappointed that she took the easy way out with the redemption plot rather than continuing to develop Mallory as a villain - it would have made the story more interesting and less soap-operish.

I agree, Lauren. It was a brave decision and one that was perfectly in keeping with her characterization and story arc.

Oh, and I'd forgotten that stuff with Morgan which I really disliked at the time.

Jonetta wrote: "Oh, and I'd forgotten that stuff with Morgan which I really disliked at the time."

Yeah, its the little things to do with characterization that really make this series like candy!

I find this series is akin to a movie you really want to see but aren't sure if its 'movie theatre money' worthy. I enjoy the books when I read them as long as I don't think too long and hard about the story. I find a lot of 'convenient' things happen in this series and it has bothered me since the first book.

This is no different. Mallory was evil and now she's washing shifter dishes and people are starting to forgive her. I didn't like that at all. I think they're angling toward a reconciliation between her and Merit and I hate that idea. I also hate that everyone is thanking her for bringing Ethan back. Ummmmmm .... I don't really think that was a selfless or benevolent choice people!

I agree with you Lauren, it would've been interesting to see her continue as a villain!

In terms of Catcher. Grrrrrrr. I hate that I think he's going to take her back. Total raw deal for this awesome character.

Yes, there are lot of convenient coincidences, which show a certain lack of imagination on Neill's part. In fact, her decision to make Mallory a villain was one of the best indications that her writing was moving in a new and innovative direction. Unfortunately, she back-tracked.

I know what you mean about everyone forgiving her and thanking her. What's up with that? Not only do the ends not justify the means but getting Ethan back wasn't even her original purpose. She wanted to turn him into her familiar and use him. Urgh!

I'm in the minority in not loving Catcher all that much. There are some things that he's done that have really rubbed me the wrong way :0(

I'm hoping that forgiveness doesn't stretch too far. I'm not okay with that.

I remember our earlier discussions of this series that were much more creative than the stories Neill has written to date. So far, Mallory was the only conspiracy I nailed and, as you say, Lauren, she's (sadly) backed off of it.

Here's hoping the potential wealth of political intrigue pays off.

Has Catcher already done these things you're referring to, Lauren? Honestly I'm foggy on the series prior to this book. I have a rotten memory when it comes to series. Can you refresh my memory to the things he's done? Maybe I don't like him either. Lol!

I'm really enjoying the political angle a lot. I hope it continues in this direction!

Erin wrote: "Has Catcher already done these things you're referring to, Lauren? Honestly I'm foggy on the series prior to this book. I have a rotten memory when it comes to series. Can you refresh my memory to ..."

Yup he has!
In book #2, when Merit and Mallory are on the outs over Mallory pushing Merit at Morgan, Catcher lashes out at Merit and even refuses to continue training her.

In book #5, Catcher accuses Merit of being disloyal to Ethan's memory as she is working with Jonah.

Those are the two that REALLY annoy me, but there have been others. He's a little too sanctimonious and judgmental for my tastes.

Thought of another one. In book #5, when Mallory is acting all strange with her spells and Merit tries to talk to Catcher about it, he dismisses her concerns and basically tells her to mind her own business. So not cool AND not clever as it turns out...

I couldn't remember why I wasn't a big Catcher fan so thanks for the reminder.

As you can see, he bugs me A LOT and that is why I remember the small details.

I just had too big of a break between books:) I'm left with a sense of the characters but can't recall all the specifics...glad you did!

Damn. I really wanted to love Catcher. Lol! Those are not flattering characteristics. He was so wounded in this one that it just pushed all of my tortured hero buttons;). Maybe I'll reserve judgement for now. He's partly to blame for his wounds!

Here's our discussion about Mallory/Catcher.

http://www.shelfari.com/groups/100854...

Jonetta wrote: "I just had too big of a break between books:) I'm left with a sense of the characters but can't recall all the specifics...glad you did!"

I read the first 7 books one per month so I had it all fresh in my mind for that entire period. After that I had to wait for the next installments to come out one at a time, but actually re-read some sections just before the new releases to refresh my memory. Its been a while since I read Wild Things though so I'll do a re-read when you ladies get to it.

Very neat to read through that old discussion! I ended up reading the whole thing. It actually refreshed my memory about a few of the murky details. And apparently, although I disapproved of Catcher's choices, I was crushing on him even then :).

We are consistent aren't we?

I went through the book discussions before I resumed reading this book since so much time had elapsed. I'm grateful they were there!

Smart! I'm all prepared for the next one now. I was particularly intrigued by the reminder of the mysterious vision Gabe had about a child with Merit's eyes or something like that. I hope that gets addressed later. That was kind of a big moment in the story that I'm sure lots of readers grabbed onto.

Oh! I'd forgotten about that.

You know, she's always had this connection with the shifters. Maybe the child was Merit and it has to do with her history.

Oooh! Very interesting theory. I'm honestly having a hard time trying to read something else right now. I feel very immersed in Chicagoland even though I'm done this book. I want to stick to my reading plan for March but part of me wants to go with my whims and just keep cruising right along with Merit and gang. It's hard to say what I'll end up doing!

You should go with the mojo flow. I can't because I'm in the middle of Magic Rises and living it! Such a good problem:)

Such a good problem indeed! Loved that book.

Hope you'll join that discussion. I'll have questions posted by the end of the week.

Erin wrote: "Smart! I'm all prepared for the next one now. I was particularly intrigued by the reminder of the mysterious vision Gabe had about a child with Merit's eyes or something like that. I hope that gets..."

There is more info on the in later books. Not saying more...

Jonetta wrote: "Oh! I'd forgotten about that.

You know, she's always had this connection with the shifters. Maybe the child was Merit and it has to do with her history."

The child in Gabe's vision has green eyes like Ethan's ...

Aha! I knew it was something to do with the eyes. Lol! Thanks, Lauren. Can't wait to find out what that's all about.

Can vampires in this series have children? I don't remember seeing any vampire babies running around. Or would they be human babies? I don't recall any babies at all. Hmmmmmm. I wonder what this vision could mean.

I'm definitely interested in the Magic Rises discussion. I really should start making notes when I read books. My memory stinks. I'm going to try though! :)

Erin wrote: "Can vampires in this series have children? I don't remember seeing any vampire babies running around. Or would they be human babies? I don't recall any babies at all. Hmmmmmm. I wonder what this vision could mean. "

It would seem that vampires cannot have children. No explanation yet as to why not.

Good to know that this aspect hasn't been forgotten.

Erin, I take notes as I'm going along in preparation for developing the questions (just memorable moments, questions, themes). It's helpful, especially when listening to a book.

For Biting Cold I made notes and highlighted and bookmarked things but it was the first time I've done that. I don't know if I'd be able to do it while I'm listening because I'm usually doing something else like driving a car. Lol!