Buddy Reads discussion

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I just finished this set, and wow, what an interesting beginning! I’m not 100% sure on whether I like the writing style so far (there seems to be a lot more telling than showing, if you know what I mean) but the story is definitely really interesting! I love learning about Mexican gods and Mexican mythology, it’s really fascinating, and I also love Cassiopeia (not sure on that spelling ahah) and her determined personality. It will be really interesting to see where everything goes with the bone shard making Hun-Kané more human and all of that.... I’m excited for the next set!
And ugh, i can’t stand Casiopeia’s family, they’re all such entitled brats! I hope Cas is able to show her cousin how much better than him she truly is.

Ch 1
- [ ] Well that started off pretty depressing
- [ ] Her cousin Martin sounds awful and rude, he deserves that scar Casi gave him

Ch 2
- [ ] Okay wow that was quick haha!
- [ ] So this god of death, interesting indeed
- [ ] We shall see where their journey will take them
- [ ] I do like how quickly this story is going along

Ch 3
- [ ] Ha we get the POV of Martin, well this is starting to look really interesting

Ch 4
- [ ] I don’t trust Loray, he is like a card of chance, don’t know which way he would go
- [ ] But how scary is that, to have to cut her hand if all else fails? Yikes!

Ch 5
- [ ] Wow this is getting pretty intense
- [ ] I liked how Hun-Kame was able to make the illusion, looks like he has many powers, even his brother Vucub-Kame.

Ch 6
- [ ] I like how human? Hun-Kame is. Although he does seem very princely at times, he can be quite funny too

Ch 7
- [ ] Well, Martin is definitely convinced now so that he doesn’t have to serve under Casi, typical
- [ ] This was a good set of chapters, a good introduction to the characters and the setting the book is built on. I also like having the glossary and having a few of the words explained in good details
- [ ] I am hoping to the next set there is more action

Darce wrote: "I just finished this set, and wow, what an interesting beginning! I’m not 100% sure on whether I like the writing style so far (there seems to be a lot more telling than showing, if you know what I..."

I do agree now that you have mentioned it there is a lot of telling than showing, hopefully that changes. I do like learning of the culture though
Yes I agree! I don’t like that she had to be submissive because of the inheritance their grandfather promised her but I did have a slight feeling he wasn’t being entirely truthful. If he was to promise such a large amount of money why would he treat her so harshly? Why would he let Martin treat her like he does?
I despise Martin as well, I hope Casi puts him in his place by the end of it!

*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* wrote: "Ch 1
- [ ] Well that started off pretty depressing
- [ ] Her cousin Martin sounds awful and rude, he deserves that scar Casi gave him

Ch 2
- [ ] Okay wow that was quick haha!
- [ ] So this god ..."

i agree, it was an interesting start and a good introduction for the characters and setting! i also want some more action in the next set :))

*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* wrote: "I do agree now that you have mentioned it there is a lot of telling than showing, hopefully that changes. I do like learning of the culture though
Yes I agree! I ..."

yes exactly, she clearly couldn't trust her grandfather, and i feel like it's a bit naive of her to think he'll actually give her the money! in the beginning i thought he might be decent, and the cousin might be bullying Cas behind the grandfather's back.... but nope.
i also find the historical aspect interesting, the way that unmarried women couldn't be seen with men without being shamed?? it's always interesting (and a little bit heartbreaking) to see that aspect from the past!

Right? I guess a promise like that really made her believe him you know? poor thing
Right? it is very different how society viewed men and women together. it is quite sad to think that was the lifestyle previously. makes me thankful we are living in different times. but it is good to see what it would have been like in the past.

Okay so I finished these chapters and I’m quite excited! The writing style is a tad different from what I usually pick up but I’m not mad.
I went in having bare minimun knowledge on what’s it about and so far most surprising was the fact that we get chapters from Martin’s perspective. When he acted as complete pig but rationalized his words as somehwat of an apology? Makes my blood boil. And his biggest motive to stop Cas so he wouldn’t have to work for her... That family is a disaster.
Meanwhile Cas reads as a passive character, going with the flow? Which makes sense after reading how the family treated her and she ought to makes herself “little” to survive.

I agree, the writing was very different but it is nice and it gets easier as you read on
Me too! I was impressed we got other character pov. I really liked that touch
Martin can go bury himself in a hole. It is obvious he is narrow minded and only cares about himself and how people view him. Who knows how his story will end
I felt bad for the way Cas was treated with her own family. but I am glad she stands up for herself when she can, like the time she hit and scarred Martin for insulting her and her family. He deserves it
What are your thoughts on the gods ?

*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* wrote: "I agree, the writing was very different but it is nice and it gets easier as you read on
Me too! I was impressed we got other character pov. I really liked that touch
Martin can go bury himself i..."

I genuinely have no clue what turns Martin's story will take and it's a nice compliment since Cas story I see as typical main character story, don't mean it in any bad way though.
Yup, I'm too glad she manages to stand up for herself sometimes. Cas feels weak yet she gets under all of their skins and poses a threat in their eyes.
I'm clueless European and reading about Mexican folklore is fascinating! Kinda funny seeing Hun-Kame navigating mundane tasks. Although I'm still confused about their whole hierarchy and levels separating human land and Xibalba. What about you?

Yeah same, I have a slight feeling he is like an anti-hero or he will be redeemed by the end of the book? I don't know he seems like the person who would follow with however gives him the better option but then I don't know if that will lead him to be bitter or if he will take a 360 turn and see he has been in the wrong ? I'm not too sure but I really want to find out !
Yes I agree, Cas does have a stereotypical MC look but yes she does have really good qualities, like self respect and intellectual
Hahah! yes I am also clueless to most of Mexican folklore so this is a pretty great history lesson
I find it weird how there are all these gods and yet they are mostly catholic religious people now. makes me wonder does anyone worship the gods of Xibalba any more? or have they ceased to exist?
it's so fascinating, can't wait for you to read the next part!

i'm glad you're enjoying the book, Karolina! the writing style is definitely pretty unique and the Mexican gods are quite a change, i also know nothing about Mexican mythology, so this is a learning experience for all of us!
it's definitely interesting to hear from Martin's perspective, i love Karen's thoughts and also believe that it's possible Martin will have a redemption arc towards the end of the book. i guess we'll see!
hopefully you continue to enjoy the book :))