Challenge Corner discussion

A warrior princess trained in isolation, Lara is driven by two certainties. The first is that King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy. And the second is that she’ll be the one to bring him to his knees.

The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom enriches itself and deprives its rivals, including Lara's homeland. So when she’s sent as a bride under the guise of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture its impenetrable defenses. And the defenses of its king.

Yet as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question whether she’s the hero or the villain. And as her feelings for Aren transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she’ll save… and which kingdom she’ll destroy.

Started!

Chapter 1 is incredible I'm so sucked in right now

Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[
Only a year??
Her dad is the king of parental unrealistic expectations (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7

(view spoiler)[
The sister is hilarious-talking about Southwatch being defended by women. And earlier when she was trying on her dress. She gives me Mor vibes from ACOTAR. I’m here for it!

Also-the drugging scene steamy and unexpected (hide spoiler)]

I’ve decided to join you as this was on Kindle Unlimited.

Ruthie wrote: "Started!

Chapter 1 is incredible I'm so sucked in right now"

I agree! I wasn’t expecting such early dramatics!

I'm gonna join, will start tomorrow!

Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[ “ And there was one thing he was certain: Lara Veliant was not that woman.” there’s something delicious knowing how things are going to play out and anticipation becomes part of the reading pleasure! (hide spoiler)]

Emma wrote: "Chapter 6 [spoilers removed]"

YES! totally agree

Emma wrote: "Chapter 6 [spoilers removed]"

YES! totally agree

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ no self esteem issues here despite never having even been kissed- this is what can happen when young girls are not exposed to social media and advertising about the perfect way to look! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ she’s moving very quickly in her spy mission considering it’s her first full day on the island.. (hide spoiler)]

Started!
Chapter 15

I totally agree, the plot is moving so fast, it's hard to stop listening!

Cecilia wrote: "Started!
Chapter 15

I totally agree, the plot is moving so fast, it's hard to stop listening!"

It's IMPOSSIBLE to stop listening! I'm on chapter 15 now too!

Emma wrote: "Chapter 7 [spoilers removed]"

Yes! good call out

Emma wrote: "Chapter 10 [spoilers removed]"

I know the plot is fast-moving while character building I love it

Also, I love the narrator. She does Leigh Bardugo books if y'all didn't know. She's awesome

Chapter 18

(view spoiler)[

Sharks trained to be maneaters??? What?? That's terrifying (hide spoiler)]

just started!

I think im at ch 15 at least thats what audible says lol (view spoiler)[ This is interesting. I'm curious to know more about these two kingdoms and why they seem to hate each other so much. Also snakes, spiders and scorpions are all venomous not poisonous ugh (hide spoiler)]

ch 22 (view spoiler)[ I don't get why Lara is loyal to her father, like it doesn't seem like she has much reason to be. I was impressed by how she helped Aren's people during this battle though. (hide spoiler)]

ch. 31 (view spoiler)[ well now we see Lara's father is the real villain. I hope Lara will actually destroy those papers *nervously sweats* (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Well that was an ending. I can't say I was really impressed with this one, but the sequel has a lot of promise. (hide spoiler)]

I got so hooked, just finished the book and... Downloaded straight away part 2!!!
Oh well spotted Andy for the venomous / poisonous confusion, I hadn't noticed!
I'm curious to know how the author will get round the challenge Lara has to face in part 2, with a place "impossible to escape from"...

Damn forgot to had my comment has spoiler so sorry!!

Cecilia wrote: "I got so hooked, just finished the book and... Downloaded straight away part 2!!!
Oh well spotted Andy for the venomous / poisonous confusion, I hadn't noticed!
I'm curious to know how the author w..."

We should make a BR for book 2 because I also immediately started book 2 after finishing this one. Do you want to request the thread? Or request that this thread be turned into a series thread instead?

Chapter 22

(view spoiler)[

She is BA running into battle like that helping injured soldiers "Won Ithicana's respect" -cool line (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25

(view spoiler)[

I knew something was up about her country starving. Thought maybe her dad had something to do with it at the beginning that was one of my predictions. Of course your dad is a bad guy!!!! He was going to kill all your sisters!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26

(view spoiler)[
Your life has been dedicated to a lie!! Forget your dad and be your husband's ally! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 33

(view spoiler)[

Finally!!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 34

(view spoiler)[
I think he's gonna find out about your sisters, girl! Glad they are not dead (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 34

(view spoiler)[
I think he's gonna find out about your sisters, girl! Glad they are not dead (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 40

(view spoiler)[
This part is so sad (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 41

(view spoiler)[
GAH! That ending scene is so BA! Can't believe it ended like that! (hide spoiler)]

Andy wrote: "ch 22 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
your notes Andy
I don't get why Lara is loyal to her father, like it doesn't seem like she has much reason to be. I was impressed by how she helped Aren's people during this battle though.---Yes seriously !!! (hide spoiler)]

Andy wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[

AH! Can't believe you weren't impressed with it. I LOVED it! (hide spoiler)]

Ruthie wrote: "Cecilia wrote: "I got so hooked, just finished the book and... Downloaded straight away part 2!!!
Oh well spotted Andy for the venomous / poisonous confusion, I hadn't noticed!
I'm curious to know ..."

I'm planning to read book 2 this weekend, just let me know if that works and I'll set it up!

I went ahead and made the thread Ruthie so feel free to comment whenever!

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Andy wrote: "I went ahead and made the thread Ruthie so feel free to comment whenever!

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/..."

YAY! Thanks so much Andy!

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RESTARTING AUGUST 22ND, 2022


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Super excited for this one!!

Okay, I'm going to add comments for this tomorrow. Maybe tonight but I need a break from the computer right now.

Ch 1-10: (view spoiler)[Okay, I really like Lara. She's a badass. Can't believe she poisoned her sisters. I'm also enjoying the tension between her and Arwen. Just saying. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 11-20: (view spoiler)[Lots of enemies to keep watch over. Doesn't sound like an easy job. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 21-30: (view spoiler)[Ugh, if only these two would talk. I get that lies were told but dang, ask questions. BE SUSPICIOUS! Hot damn. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 31-Finish: (view spoiler)[HECK YES, LET'S GO. Her father definitely needs to pay and I'm so happy for the revenge. Let's go! (hide spoiler)]

Soooooooooo excited for the next book!

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RESTARTING SEPTEMBER 7TH 2024

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FINISHED(view spoiler)[Started off great, Lara poisoning her sisters, determined to save them from this fate, hated her father right from the beginning. Aren was likeable from the start. I felt like it took way too long for Lara to loose the blinders and realize her father was the bad guy and not Aren. She had so many opportunities to open up to Aren and save them the battle that came. As someone supposedly trained in the art of being a spy she sure sucked at seeing what was really going on. I liked it for the most part, i might continue the series but it's not on my top list of things to read. (hide spoiler)]

I'm starting this tomorrow