Bunk Beds & Bookish Vibes: The Ultimate Summer Camp Reading List

by Donna Huber

When I was a child, my favorite summer activity was summer camp. It was a week away from home where we sang songs, learned new skills, made crafts, and just got to be carefree kids. A few years ago, I found an adult summer camp in the Smoky Mountains, and it recreated all the great things about the summer camp of my youth. It seems to be an idea that is catching on, as I've seen advertisements for Pages & Pines, a summer camp for book nerds. I've heard of a few others. 

Are you nostalgic for your summer camp days, or wished you had gone to camp as a kid? Relive, or experience for the first time, the carefree days of summer camp with this list of books.

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3 Books to Read for International Read to Me Day

by Donna Huber

Some of my favorite childhood memories are of sitting on my mom's lap while she read to me. Reading to children is important for their own literacy development but it also creates a bond between the reader and the one being read to. I loved reading with my niece and nephew when they were little. If you are looking for a book or two to share with the kid(s) in your life, here are some of my recommendations.

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Son of the Deep by K. B. Hoyle ~ A Review

By Elisabeth Scherer

Everyone in the sea knows that no one from under the waters can go above the water's surface.  Everyone on land knows that there are no such things as other people in the sea, in the air, or in magic. An accidental encounter between these worlds changes everything.

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5 Fantasy Series to Binge Read

by Donna Huber

You've been home for 8 weeks or so, the regular television season has basically wrapped up, and you've watched binge-watched all the Amazon and Netflix originals in a matter of days. So what are you going to do to keep you entertained? Pick up one of these fantasy series that are totally worth binge-reading even if you have read them before. Another awesome thing about these series - it is possible for you to read 3 of them for FREE!

The Bone Whistle by @KBHoyle_author ~ a Review #TheGatewayChronicles

by Donna Huber

I have now finished my third reading of The Gateway Chronicles and I loved it just as much as the first time I read it. I kind of dreaded reading The Bone Whistle partly because it would mean the end of the series. But I also dreaded the deterioration of the relationship between Darcy and her family.

The Scroll by @KBHoyle_author ~ a Review #TheGatewayChronicles

by Donna Huber

I'm almost at the end of the re-read of this wonderful series. The Scroll is book 5 and there are only 6 books in the series. This is my 3rd time reading the series (which I have also bought 3 times as I've bought sets for my mom and niece) and still absolutely love it. I'm excited that two of my neighbors are reading it after meeting K.B. Hoyle last Saturday at our town's book festival.

The Enchanted by @KBHoyle_author ~ a Review #TheGatewayChronicles

by Donna Huber

When I started re-reading this series, for the 3rd time, I couldn't wait to get to The Enchanted as it has always been my favorite book in the series. I didn't want to race through it, but I just can't put any of the books in this series down once I start. If I had this book in hand when I finished The White Thread I would've been a chain reader and picked it up as soon as I read the last word of The White Thread.

The White Thread by @KBHoyle_author ~ a Review #TheGatewayChronicles

by Donna Huber

The opening paragraph of the third book in The Gateway Chronicles may seem a bit mundane, but this story is anything but mundane. In The White Thread, we delve more into the prophecy of the six who are to rid the evil from Alitheia.

This Series Causes Me to Lose Sleep ~ #TheGatewayChronicles by @KBHoyle_Author

by Donna Huber

Even though I've read The Gateway Chronicles at least 3 times, I still stay up way too late reading it every night. I'm seriously sleep deprived at the moment, but I can't put the books down. If you haven't read this series now is the perfect time to start. K. B. Hoyle is releasing updated and, in some cases slightly expanded, editions this summer.

Review: Criminal by K.B. Hoyle #MondayBlogs

by Donna Huber

The wait is almost over for fans of K.B. Hoyle's dystopian series Breeder Cycle. The second book in the series, Criminal, is due out this week. Now would be an excellent time to pick up the first book, Breeder, to read for the first time or re-read.

I didn't have a chance to re-read Breeder before starting Criminal, and I really wished I had taken the time. There were a couple of times I found myself trying to recall a detail, but it has been too long.

Even with the lapse in my memory, Criminal was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

For some reason, I thought this series was suppose to only be 2 books. And about halfway through, I was starting to worry about how Hoyle was going to wrap everything up. In case you are of the same mindset as I was, let me assure you this is not the last book in the series.

I'm both happy and sad about this fact. I'm thrilled that there will be more to the series as I feel Hoyle has created a rich universe that we have just scratched the surface of.

I'm sad because now I have to wait to find out how everything turns out. And if you are a fan of Hoyle you know she takes her time to get the story right so we may be looking at a 2-year wait!

While Hoyle writes with young adults in mind, her books are well enjoyed by adults. Usually, they are sophisticatedly written with complex plots and characters. I think that is why one point bugged me so much. Please note I read an advance copy and perhaps this 'flaw' was fixed before final publication. There is a particular 'clue' that I'm sure Hoyle wanted readers to wonder about, but typically she is much more cryptic with her clues that the reader often glosses over them. With this clue, though, there are so many references to it that I figured out what it meant way before the discovery by the characters.

I'm reluctant to go into much detail about the plot for fear of giving too much away and I would hate to ruin the story for anyone. But we do get to meet more people from the resistance. We also get a look into the everyday life of those part of the UWO as they must infiltrate the Denver compound. Will everything get wrapped up in the next book? Like I said, there is definitely much more about the resistance and UWO that could be explored, but I could see Pria's story being completed.

For those wanting a bit more romance, you will be happy. Though it is still slow as Pria has no experience with concepts like love, relationships, sex, and marriage.

Go ahead and clear your calendar for the weekend, because once you start Criminal you won't want to put the book down.

Buy Criminal at Amazon

Donna Huber, founder & publisher. Donna is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

Book info:
available formats: ebook and print (419 pages)
published: August 2016 by The Writer's Coffee Shop
ISBN13: 978-1612133881
target audience: young adult
genre: dystopian
source: publisher


Get even more book news in your inbox by signing up for our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/mHTVL. A free ebook was provided for this review. Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.

The White Thread Read Along: Chapters 25-28 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

Today we discuss the last few chapter of The White Thread (The Gateway Chronicles #3) by K. B. Hoyle.  This second reading of The White Thread has endeared this book to me more than it did the first time through. I've always thought that The Enchanted was my favorite book of the series, but now I'm thinking maybe this book is. Which is totally funny because in my review, I said I wasn't totally crazy about this book.

So while Darcy was recovering, Dean and Baynard scouted for the Oracle's lair. Of course, just enough is shared with Darcy so that she thinks she can find it on her own. Is it a good idea that she goes off on her own? Isn't that what she did in the first book? At least she left a note this time. And I guess Rubidius kind of endorsed it seeing as he left her note and packed her a bag!

I found this kind of find this funny,

Darcy wondered if she should knock but then felt foolish for the thought. If this Magus fellow had walled in his doorway, he obviously didn't want any visitors. Still, it seemed uncivilized not to announce her presence.

What did you think of the magus Darcy encountered? And I guess I wasn't so off from the Wizard of Oz reference in the last book.

I have to say, Darcy did well for herself. She kept her head and stated her case. And when the floor literally falls out from under her, she's ready with a plan. I guess Hoyle had to keep the Oracle a little evil, but really unleashing a beast on her. I guess in his own way he is helping her after all time is passing quickly above ground.

Her discovery of Yahto Veli is both happy and sad. I think I was waiting the whole book for him to take his oath. It's so sweet. She has no clue that it is something reserved only for royals, though she does get that it is something super special. I also find something sweet in Tellius telling her she needs to say yes to finish the enchantment. Though he is shocked because he knows the implications, but it seems he also know Darcy doesn't know what to do - he comes to her rescue.

Then we get the cute talk between Darcy and Tellius and her kissing Perry. Just a teenage conversation. I wonder how many times Hoyle has heard similar conversations while teaching.

As we head into the last chapter it seems like everything is wrapped up and it is just the turn home voyage. And as it is the last chapter, we can assume it will be smooth sailing. Hoyle hasn't left us with a cliffhanger before and there is no reason to suspect she will do so now.


Usually the heart-to-hearts between Darcy and Yahto Veli and typically with Veli, so I thought it was nice touch for to have one here with Yahto. I do believe this is when I really fell in love with Yahto.

I guess with all the references to the six being pulled through the gateway no matter where they were on the day they were to return we shouldn't have been surprised that we were going to be left with a cliffhanger. What did you think of this?

Usually I think authors who end on a cliffhanger are evil, Hoyle softens the blow with the gang returning to normal life at camp and even with an epilogue that solves the mystery of the missing Colin (well not totally). So we are only left with the same uncertainity that the six feel.

And that's that. As this was a summer read along and well I don't think anyone else is really reading along with me, I think I will stop here. Actually I did finish reading the last three books - I blazed right through them! (If you want me to continue chapter by chapter discussion with the next three books, leave a comment. If there is enough interest I will continue).

I do hope that you did enjoy this detailed reading of the first three books in The Gateway Chronicles. If you haven't read them, you could win them long with the first book in Hoyle's new dystopian series. Be sure to enter below.

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The White Thread Read Along: Chapters 19-24 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

We are nearing the end of The White Thread by K. B. Hoyle and they have yet to fulfill any purpose this year. There were two things they could do this year: 1. investigate the possibility of a gateway near Fobos and 2. rescue Yahto Veli from the Oracle. They chose the latter (though Rubidius sent a scouting party of Fobos). However, there sea voyage to where they think the Oracle's lair is has been thwarted and they are marooned on the island of Theanisi.

Why is it that Darcy always seems to witness the most gruesome of horrors? She has just witnessed a man's throat being ripped out by a goddess like creature. And now she has to save her friends, which proves a bit difficult as they all believe they are in utopia.

It is kind of interesting that there have been times in the past years that Darcy has felt alone and abandoned and done some rash things as result. This time she really is alone, in that they are incapable of helping her, but she stops and thinks. Another good sign that she is maturing.

Darcy can become a master cat burglar as she can magically unlock doors! I wonder if Rubidius was thinking it would strengthen her magic skills if he locked the door. He knew she could "break and enter" if she wanted to and I'm assuming if he really didn't want her going in there without his permission he could have created a more secure spell.

Amelia has a bit of a fight in her. She seems to have a bit more of  a role in this book as does her talent.

I wonder why Apeti and the rest of the villagers are so upset about Darcy and Amelia breaking the enchantment. Are they just worried about upsetting Thea? Have they felt her anger before? Do they suspect something more is going on, but can't hold on to the suspicion because of the enchantment?

Ooh, Perry and Darcy are alone in a room...together. I think it is kind of funny that Darcy questions why they are alone. Darcy gets her first kiss! And there's no fireworks. Do you remember your first kiss? Was it any good?

Not only are there no fireworks, Darcy gets the big, fat NO feeling from it. Too bad she didn't figure it out sooner because a lot of people are going to be hurt and the boat isn't that big for all the teenage angst and melodrama that'll result.

Poor Tellius. Even after seeing Darcy and Perry kissing he is willing to defend Darcy. When will she get a clue?

My feelings about Perry mirror Tellius's,

"He's become arrogant and conceited, and he treats other people's feelings with indifference."   

Did this section of the book feel slower to anyone else? I wonder if it was purposeful - to give us the same feeling of a long voyage that the characters were feeling. You know like those long boring car trips where the kids asking incessantly "are we there yet?" Granted, Sam is dealing with an awful bout of seasickness, even she can't help by ask "how much longer?"

But the storm does give Tellius and Darcy some bonding time which is definitely needed to repair the rift that the Perry incident caused.  Though the bonding almost results in losing Darcy overboard.

And it is a good thing that she was mending things with Tellius because Sam just found out. Sam has always been a bit more on the mature side and even with her heartbreaking she still demonstrates that. While forgiveness isn't easy or quickly coming she knows she will forgive Darcy. How many of us, in the midst of a betrayal, can say that?

What do you think of the "white thread held in the balance" revelation? I think the first time through I was more on the captain's side.

With Amelia attending to Sam and Dean no doubt basking in having Perry back to himself, we get to see a bit more of Lewis. He's always been in the background, quietly observing. But when he does speak there is usually a well thought out usefulness to what he is saying.

We get a hint that perhaps Lewis has developed feelings for Sam that are beyond just best friend feelings. Or maybe not. Maybe he just has great admiration for Sam and his defense of her qualities is nothing more than a brotherly type affection. What do you think?

I think the most interesting part of the story is the exchange of dreams. It is an interesting plot choice. It allows Darcy and Tellius to reveal their innermost darkness without having to say a word. One of the biggest adages in the how to write discussions is that writers must show their readers and not just tell them. In away that is what Hoyle is doing with her characters. Sure she could have had Darcy and Tellius sit down and bare their souls to one another, but the emotional impact on the the person hearing the revelation may not have been as great.

I don't mind going to the zoo and seeing snakes or handling them at the nature center, but snakes just slithering around gives me the creeps me out. Soa the whole scene with the water and snakes and the boat being swarmed. was difficult to read.

But Tellius, with some help from Darcy, saves the day. What do you think about Tellius and Darcy experiencing a coroneia? I thought they were kind of rare, but Darcy has experienced twice this year.

But not all is well. Darcy has been bitten and again their journey is postponed. What do you think of Rubidius's sacrifice?

And their journey hasn't been totally impeded while Darcy recovers - Dean and the others have been scouting the island looking for the lair. And perhaps they have made the most useful of discoveries during this time.

Next week we will conclude our reading of The White Thread. Will Darcy be able to rescue Yahto Veli? Will they be able to return to Alitheia? I hope you join me next week and remember to enter the giveaway.

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The White Thread Read Along and Giveaway: Chapters 13 - 18 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

We continue our discussion of The White Thread (The Gateway Chronicles #3) by K. B. Hoyle. We ended last week on a sad note with a death of an important secondary character.  And Darcy's secret is almost revealed.

I think it important that we see Darcy being able to make the healing remedy, even if she had to consult a book to be sure. I think in a small way it shows how she is becoming part of Alitheia. And all the secret keeping she has been trying to keep has been in vain Rubidius already knows. I don't know how she didn't think he knew. I made comment of it in our discussion of The Six. Any nurse or healer worth anything would have wondered why that hand was colder when they were caring for her after they rescued her. But then again, don't we all like to think that no one knows of our shame, our sin?

Chapter 13 was quite the busy chapter. There's a riot of some sort going on outside the castle. You would think they would all be mourning their losses and regrouping after the battle that had ensued earlier in the day. A battle that was ultimately won. But it gives us and the six a glimpse of the unrest and discord among the citizens of Alitheia. It also pushes Darcy and Tellius together once more as she races to his side in effort to discover what is going on.

And to add to the already busy chapter there's an assassin in Tellius's room!

Tellius gets "in trouble" for using the secret passage in his room, but I don't really understand why. Why couldn't he use it? I can understand the nark being upset that the door wasn't locked, but to forbid him to use it seems a little excessive. Sure that meant he was leaving his room when the guards that he was in his room, but the assassin didn't get in because Tellius was using it to go to the Hall of Tapestries.

It's a good thing narks don't gossip (at least I would assume they don't - it doesn't seem like it would be part of their character) because even in Darcy's world it would be suspect why she was alone with Tellius in his room and having snuck into his room.

Chapter 14 was a chapter of revelation, whether Darcy and the others knew it or not. Clues that would give them answers to some of the big questions they have - a way to rescue Yahto Veli, where to look for the Oracle's lair, and the location of another gateway. Did you see the answers?

There journey to rescue Yahto Veli begins after Darcy helps Lewis figure out that he has already written what they needed to know and with the help of her air magic where to start looking for the Oracle.

Colin (is it really Colin) knows they are leaving as he appears as an apparition once again to Darcy. In The Oracle he appeared to her in the caves but no one else saw him. It seems that once again no one else sees him. Is it because of her curse?

Amelia poses a good question at the end of chapter 15,

I don't get the the connection between the two, though," Amelia said, "What do Colin and the crows have to do with each other? An why would Tselloch even care that we are going to rescue Yahto Veli?

Just because they are on an adventure, they don't get out of lessons with Rubidius. At least not at the beginning of the journey.

It is interesting how often Tellius and Darcy wind up alone. But it is difficult for her to get time alone with Perry.

Oh we are introduced to another mythical creature - zephyra. Interesting side note - if you look up zephyra in the dictionary it has two definitions.
1. literary - a soft gentle breeze.
2. historical - a fine cotton gingham

I just find it interesting that a word has two so completely different meanings. It's a word nerd thing.

Hoyle seems to have a knack for ending chapters with a pivotal  moment. Chapter 16 ends with Perry declaring Darcy his girlfriend in a fit of jealousy. Can we say awkward moment coming up next?

While a typical teen scene as they try to explain away "girlfriend" it still provides some levity in what has become quite a downer in plot. Another time honored passage of teen life is deciding who is more important - a teen love interest or your best friend? Did Amelia really believe she could get through to Perry about what his relationship with Darcy would do to Sam?  I always kind of liked Perry, he seemed like a nice guy that would be a good friend. But in The White Thread we see a different side of him. He seems more self-centered. In the beginning of the book when Darcy is chatting with him on the internet we start to see it as he goes on and on about his sports and his life without even realizing Darcy isn't really listening.

They are still pondering the white thread... Why didn't they put the white thread back when the tapestries where being restored? At first I thought they were woven tapestries and it could be very difficult to do, but somewhere there was mention tiny holes more like the thread was sewn into the tapestry like embroidery.

The zephyra doesn't want them to continue to the archipelago. She seemed to have been helpful up til now. Why the change of heart do you think? Does it have to do with the old sailor tales of a "Bermuda triangle? Or is there another reason she wants them to go off course?

We end this week's discussion by going ashore Theanisi. Sam gets to go on a mini adventure on her "own". She is often left behind or only gets to go when the whole group goes. But it makes since with her talent that she should be part of scouting parties. I always thought it was wrong that she stayed behind when they traveled in The Oracle. I mean, really if she is the companion shouldn't she always be along?

But back to Theanisi. I often forget just how long Alitheia has been under Tselloch's influence if not control until something like them meeting the people of Theanisi and learning that they are descendants of Alitheia refugees.

Are you getting the no feeling about this place?

What do think about this "side trip"? What do you think its importance was to the characters? to the story?  Why do you think Hoyle decided to include it?

I think it was to show that there are other evils in the world outside of the evil that is Tselloch. They are there to return balance to to the world and rid Alitheia of Tselloch, but there will still be evil present. I'm sure there are people there, maybe even Tellius and the six, who think once Tselloch is gone that Alitheia will be paradise. I think part of me thought so. Isn't that how fairytales go? You banish the evil witch and everything is idyllic?

While The Gateway Chronicles is fantasy and has a prince, it is not a fairytale. What do you think? Am I just rambling?

Join me next week to see if Darcy and the gang escapes with all their throats intact. And remember to enter the giveaway:

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The White Thread #ReadAlong & Giveaway: Chapters 7-12 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

I'm having trouble slowing down with this book. I just want to plow right thrfough, but part of the reason for this read along is to enjoy the books. I flew through each book as it was released the first time around and I would like to absorb more of the details of the story this time.

I always wanted to learn to fence and the swordplay with Tellius sounds like a lot of fun. But I don't think I could take the 4:30 am wake up call (though I did get up pretty early for swim team practice when I was there age).

I do like the growing relationship between Tellius and Darcy. I have said it from the beginning that the two needed a project and not forced to get to know one another through "interviews". And it seems to be working.

What do you think of Rubidius's reaction to finding Tellius teaching Darcy to use a sword?

I love the video game references for the effect of a coroneia. And the conversation comes back around to marriage between Tellius and Darcy.

What do you think of Voitto Vesa's trip to see the Oracle? The things people do for love, right? I mean, in a round about way the reason Darcy went to see the Oracle was a question of love. Would it be determined for her who she was to love and marry or was it her choice.

Were you nervous about Vesa telling Darcy the oracle?

It is nice thought that Vesa is willing to give Darcy the fighting chance to go on the journey to rescue Yahto Veli. She could have just told Rubidius instead of her.

The oracle:

With unraveled image, journey begins.
In error undone, destiny wins.
Pen of the Scribe shows the way.
Music, life-giving, holding sway
Held in the balance, the white thread reveals
The path, through lily fields
To serpent-eaters, down the hole
Once navigated the arcipelago.
Breath of life, breath-ed once,
Broken bond of covenant.

This probably the only downside of re-reading The Gateway Chronicles is that I know what the oracles mean. I remember the fun (and frustration) of finding out bit by bit what the riddle means. I've never been good at riddles so it took me a while to figure them out. This one was at least a more straight forward. Then again they needed to work it out over the course of one book and not the entire series.

It is interesting that Rubidius is treating Darcy as more than a child in chapter 9. Do you think she is more mature? She does seem to be trying to make better decisions this year.

Now the pressure is on Lewis. He hasn't really had much of a role in the previous two books so it will be nice to get to know him a bit more.

Though Darcy has little faith in her ability to work out the oracle, she does make an important discovery along with Amelia and Sam. And though it seemed in chapter 9 that Rubidius had confidence in Darcy's intelligence, in chanpter 11 he seemed surprised they had figured out part of it. Or was it because the answer was in the Hall of Tapestry? Darcy takes so much personally (I don't blame her I was the same. She thought everyone was accusing her of hurting Vesa.

We get more Tellius and Darcy time in the middle of the night. I think I like their interactions even better this time around.

What do you think about the history of the Ecclektos family? I don't think I realized how long they had been in hiding. His great-grandparents went into hiding. No wonder the people of Alitheia are frustrated.

And now everyone knows that Tellius is giving Darcy sword lessons. Well, they know they are doing something alone in the weapon room. It is also a catatlyst to a defining moment in Perry and Darcy's relationship. Poor Sam!

We get a closer look at the town surrounding the castle and meet one of Alitheia's loyal spies.

I'm glad Tokala is still making appearances. I don't think I noticed him much in my first reading, but he has definitely caught my attention this time around. Is there a character that you didn't notice until subsequent readings?

And now I know why I had a bad feeling about Badru during The Oracle. I was just a book off.

Oh and Darcy's secret is almost discovered when Tellius gets a little fancy with real swords. What do you think everyone's reaction be if the knew? I would hope they would be understanding, but I think a few may be reproachful. But most saw what bad shape she was in when they rescued her so I don't think those closest to her would be mad at her. I think they would be shocked, but want to help her. But I also get that she doesn't want to share her shame with the world or even those closest to her.

Next week we will discuss chapters 13 through 18 and be sure to enter the giveaway below.

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The White Thread #ReadAlong & #Giveaway: Chapters 1 - 6 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

We are starting on The White Thread (book 3 of The Gateway Chronicles) today. Chapter wise this book is a little shorter and there are 5 Sundays in August so we will only be reading 6 chapters each week.

Once, again, I'm reading a previous edition so there may be a few differences in it from the one you can pick up at Amazon.

I think the reason I didn't remember the beginnings of the previous two books being slow is because starting with The White Thread the story moves quickly from the first page. This is also the first book were we get to see a little bit about Sam's, Lewis's, and Darcy's time at school. Do you think Brandon Cooper really likes Darcy and is picking on her in that silly immature boy way?

Ooh. Colin Mackaby is missing. Did he run away or is he stuck in some other world?

Cool vocabulary word alert!
obliquely

I feel bad for Darcy as it seems like her and her dad's relationship is a bit strained this year. Their interaction at the end of chapter 1 is almost difficult to read because they always seemed to be so close.

What do you think of Darcy and Perry's developing relationship?

I can't help but roll my eyes at the opening to chapter 2.

It truly was a magical land of opportunities, a land where Darcy could shed the teasing and the heartache of the school year and become an entirely different personality. It was a place where reality was turned on its end and Darcy became, not the teased girl living with the outcasts on the margins of society, but a girl who was desired by a boy who was, not a prince, but a star athlete and the object of more than one girl's attentions. page 17

If you haven't intently read K. B. Hoyle's blog or read her interviews, you may not know that one of Hoyle's favorite books to teach to her students is The Histories of Herodotus, which she gives a little shout out to in chapter 2. Have read it? I haven't. I actually had never heard of it until I read this series.

Is Darcy changing into a tsellodrin? Are you as freaked out as Darcy when she saw her blood? What would happen if she did change all the way while still in her world? People would totally freak out.

At least she finally confided in Sam.

You may know that the six friends are somewhat based on the group of friends Hoyle made at camp. There was a boy that all the girls crushed on, much like Perry. I wonder if the boy of Hoyle's childhood had a bad haircut one summer or if it was purely her dislike of a current trend.

Do you think Darcy is obsessing over Colin? Or are the rest of them not taking it seriously enough?

After the encounter in the woods they are all anxious to get to Alitheia. The past two years they have gone through at the same time and it looks like they won't be able to get through early. It is interesting that Darcy feels compelled to beseech Pateros to open the Gateway early. I think there may be some importance to it. I mean, Pateros could have just opened the Gateway without Darcy asking. Or Darcy could have thought of it of her own accord. But she does it without thinking and it says she doesn't know what compelled her to do it.

So they are through the Gateway, but things are...different. No one is waiting for them. Even the fairies, gnomes and other creatures seem to be gone.

At least Darcy is a bit more confident this year. She stood up to Perry when she knew what they wanted to do was wrong. Too bad she couldn't talk the guys out of going whether they all went or not.

What do think about the golden circlet that formed when Darcy did her bit of air magic? A circlet is a type of ring.

And Rubidius is mad. What's new, right?

What do you think of the apparition of Tselloch?

Cool vocabulary word alert!
aquiline

So things aren't so good in Alitheia. It seems like this year the six are going to have to get serious about what they are here for. Yes, "they" say the first year they were too young, too uneducated, too unskilled. The second year, Darcy's quest took them off course. But I also think "they" didn't really know what the six were suppose to do to "fix" things so they've been doing what they could in the meantime.

What do you think about Tellius fit of rage over a slur against The Six?

Darcy was getting a little ahead of herself with the whole "Your Majesty" thing from Nurse Dembe. I thought it was kind of funny. And though Tellius is only 14 he seems so much more mature. I guess it is the pressure he is under.

I like the ending to chapter 6. I can just hear Tellius saying this with a bit of smug attitude.

"Eleanor is away. I'll handle Rubidius."

Next week we'll get into swordplay and more as The Six settle back into life in Alitheia. We'll discuss chapters 7 - 12.

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The Oracle #ReadAlong & #Giveaway: Chapters 23 - 32 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

When ended last week's discussion with the 12 emerging from the dark nightmare place. Though they get a short rest things aren't getting any better for them.

We get a bit more info about narks. And they have to decide if they should go into the village. Did the village give you the "no" feeling? I don't think it did at this point for me. But as the drew closer I was worried. And by the time they reached the first people I was "don't stop there".

What did you think of the village of Fobos? Can Botiheia be trusted?

A bit of foreshadowing perhaps?

"I have absolute trust in Yahto, it is part of what makes us a nark. So, no, I don not worry about the decisions that he will make because I know that he makes them wisely. Our lives, quite literally, rest in each other's hands." page 279

Did any else feel a change in Perry after the fight? Maybe it was something about seeing a girl in the heat of battle for him to see her differently, but I feel like he is attracted to Darcy. There is just something about the way he interacts with her.

Perry looked at Darcy significantly. "By the way, that was...cool, what you did down there. You saved all our lives, you know!" page 291

And it is pretty clear that Darcy is hoping that Perry is interested...

"Thanks," Darcy said, but a nlittle disappointedly. She had been hoping that Perry would do that her...O well. page 293

Probably the creepiest thing so far in the series happens in chapter 26 - Colin Mackaby appears in the cave. How did he get there? And what about the scar on his hand?

As if the tsellochim chasing them isn't bad enough, they encounter a dragon. Good thing Darcy has the gift she has otherwise there journey may have come to an end. Archaios may prove to be an important character. He sure knows a lot about Pateros and gateways and evil.

These people have a lot of faith and trust in Darcy. Without questions, when she tells them to go into the dragon's cave, they do so.

We learn of a tsellochim weakness - water. Too bad one of Darcy's magical talents isn't with the water element.

FINALLY someone remembers the note Lewis gave to Darcy at the beginning the trip. What did you think it meant? And was it all fulfilled in this book?

We get focused on the last lines "One friend / But not two". But I think there is more to the first part: "Wait awhile / Wait and I'll / come back to you."

Yeah it could've just meant that the gang needed to wait for Darcy, that Darcy is the "I", but knowing what comes later in the series I wonder if there is more to it.

And the journey is almost done. Are you with Darcy that the Oracle doesn't really move, but that the "entrance" does and the person is magically transported? It seems significant since Hoyle mentions it three times - once when Darcy thinks it, again while being transported to the Oracle, and then finally when Darcy tells her theory to Ribidius.

There is a mention of giants and I kept thinking that the group gets lost or stuck in the snow and there are giants or something like that. But since it didn't happen in this book it perhaps occurs later in the series or I'm remembering it wrong.

Then they arrive and....NOTHING. It is rather anti-climatic at first, but then everything goes crazy.

Do you think it was Yahto's intention to stop Darcy's fall or do you think he knew she was being "sucked" into the Oracle's lair and didn't want her to go alone?

Just as Darcy comes to the realization that Yahto cares for her, so do I. I think this is my favorite line in the book:

He tucked the bone whistle into a pocket of his jerkin and took Darcy's hand. "Come; I'm right beside you."

While Veli is her friend, I feel Yahto is more fatherly towards her. That is how I took the line above. It is like he is talking to a small child, yet not in a condescending way since Darcy isn't a small child (though with how long narks live she might be considered a small child by narks).

Then we "meet" the ominous Oracle. Do you get the Wizard of Oz feeling from this "guy"?

We get the "answer" to Darcy's question. Many times Darcy has been told that she asked a "stupid" or pointless question, but with the answer she receives do you think it will help everyone understand more about how Alitheia will be saved?

When I read this the first time I didn't really have any knowledge of alchemy. But after reading the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, the last part makes more sense. I know this drove my niece crazy while she read the series the first time through. What are you thoughts on "Twice wed, / Twice dead, / Twice stained red."?

The first time through the series I thought it had something to do with what would happen to Darcy in her world and in Alitheia. We knew that Eleanor "died" in their world so maybe that is what would happen. Though I was clues about wed and red.

And then the saddest thing happens - the Oracle demands payment. At least I didn't cry this time around as I was a bit more prepared.

But there is no time for grieving as they must flee towards home. We have another time warp thingy going on. Darcy thought she had been gone less than half a day, but for everyone else it has been seven months. More than half their time in Alitheia.

So my worry from the beginning of the journey about who would die have abated now that they are on their way home. They are all alive. But Hoyle isn't done with putting us through the emotional wringer. How do you feel about the death?

I think this is one of the more significant lines in the series,

Home, Darcy thought. Ormiskos. It really is home for me now, isn't it?

All that's left is to tell everyone what the Oracle said. What do you think about her keeping the last part to herself? I think she should have probably told Ribidius as I think it would give him clues he needed. Though it probably would be more fitting to confide them to Tellius. And with the possible pressure of marriage off them it does look like Tellius and Darcy will become friends.

Then it is about living through the year again in their own world. I can't imagine how difficult it would be for Darcy. There's only 5 people she can talk to about what happened. How do you process all that she went through?

And there's Colin. Like Darcy, I feel a bit bad for him. That perhaps his attitude isn't all his fault and may actually be a defense mechanism. And what about his hand?

And that's The End for now.

Next Sunday we will begin our discussion of The White Thread. Get your copy at Amazon.

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The Oracle #ReadAlong & #Giveaway: Chapters 12-22 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

So what did you think about the middle of the book?

Our discussion of The Oracle continues today at girl-who-reads.com

A photo posted by Donna (@girl_who_reads) on Jul 19, 2015 at 3:07pm PDT

We left off last week with Tellius's whispered words about The Oracle, but as we start chapter 12 things look to be pretty calm and perhaps Darcy will forget about what Tellius said. We get to see the animals again as the six are allowed out on the castle grounds.

As these books are for young adults, I have wondered if the reference to Mr. Ed was lost on the target audience.

I really liked this passage on page 116 (remember I'm reading the 2010 edition so page numbers may be different if you are reading the 2012 edition).

She still didn't fully understand the Alitheian concept of Pateros: the mysterious bear/eagle/stag creature that had created all of Orodreos, brought humans from her world to this world, and gifted all of humanity with hereditary magic; the character who had created the first gateways, given humans the ability to create them but had forbidden them to do so, and the one who was apparently in control of all of their destinies. The Alitheians regarded him as being some sort og god, she knew, and of course he must be if he could do all that, but she still didn't know quite what to think if him herself. He was good, she knew that; he had saved her life last year, after all, but why was he so distant from them? Her life sure would be a whole lot easier if he would appear once for them and let them ask him a few questions.

It serves the purpose of providing some background reminders - things we learned in The Six. But it also poses interesting questions that people ask of the Christian God. I know that Hoyle was inspired by and wanted to pay tribute to C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. In his series, he weaved the Christian message into his story. And in much the same way Hoyle has done that here. As with the Chronicles of Narnia, I wonder how many people missed this message.

Chapter 12 also propels us into the meat of the story as a man falls from the sky.

What do you think about the man having "Follow Me" etched into his skin?

It kind of goes with the thought I had last week about how time really works at Cedar Cove (I'm going to refer to the world the six come from as Cedar Cove as it will be easier to delineate between the two worlds) and what happens to Colin when the six goes through the gateway. Rubidius has an explanation of the veil between the worlds being thin and that someone on Alitheia's side can see into Cedar Cove.

Do you think Rubidius is right?

Does that mean they have a traitor amongst them still as there are wards and protections around the point with the gateway?

Any hope we had that Darcy had learned her lesson last year goes up in smoke in chapter 14. At least she did think about ask Sam to look at the book so I guess that is some progress, too bad she didn't think to wait for Sam before trying out the Invocation.

Though still younger than Darcy, Tellius shows much more maturity. He wants to invoke the Oracle, presumably he read the same passages as Darcy (maybe even more thoroughly), but he didn't just try it out as far as we know. Instead he sought out wise counsel. I think this is when I first started falling in love with Tellius (and it sounds kind of wrong for me to say that since he's 12 and I'm an adult, but I mean it in the if I was a kid kind of way - I hope that makes sense).

At at least people know the Darcy screwed up early on so they can help her with it. And she gets the individualized attention she was whining about last year in regards to her magic and talent. But in Darcy's defense 14 is an awful young age to feel like your life is planned for you and you have no control of anything.

This is just getting worse and worse, Darcy thought miserably. She was achy in mind, body, and spirit and beginning to wish that she had not come back to Alitheia, but that wasn't really up to her in the first place. it just seems like my whole life has been laid out for me, and when I try to do something to regain some measure of control over it, I end up in this situation! page162

I think the first time that I read The Oracle I  didn't really know what to think about Rubidius's oracle riddle. And alchemy was a pretty foreign topic to me at the time. What did you think about it?

We get a bit of levity as they prepare for their journey and the boys realizing they should have kept active while they were home. We see growth in all the six in chapter 17. No one is shutting anyone out and they are all being more understanding. I liked these gradual growths in maturity and the bonds of their friendship.

Darcy's also going to get some combat training. Since it is a female nark doing the training and knowing they don't let human girls train, I'm assume most people are against these lessons. Did you think that was what Veli and Vesa were arguing about? Or do to you think it is about what he doesn't tell Yahto? We get a hint that something isn't quite right when Sam is inspecting the 12.

And there are DRAGONS! in Alitheia. Though no emotions are really contributed to Darcy when Voitto tells her there are giant lixards, I'm pretty sure there was at least a hint of excitement in her voice.

I found it kind of funny that an alarm clock came out of Sam's bag. I guess it was better than a nark coming around the clock to make sure Darcy took the potion.

I love the interaction between Darcy and Tellius in chapter 18 as she is about to head out to find the oracle. While Darcy is being all sarcastic about it, I think Tellius is genuine in his regret.

If you have been following the read along discussion you know I have wondered when Tellius fell in like with Darcy (cause they are too young to call it love). Does he care for her because she is suppose to help save Alitheia and we know Tellius is devoted to his people? Or is he just a nice guy that cares for people in general? Or does he care for her because he knows it is his duty (we know he takes his role as the future leader seriously) as she is to be his wife? Or is there a part of him that is already falling in love with Darcy? What do you think?

Did anyone else feel uneasy as we are introduced to the traveling party? My main thought was who isn't going to come back.

I'm pretty sure Sam was beside herself when the bone whistle came out of her pouch and it was for Perry. I don't remember what the note Lewis gave to Darcy and I don't know why she hasn't read it yet. I would have pulled it out the first stop we had.

We get some more background on the Alitheia and the royal line. And a bit about where Tellius and Cadmus were hiding during the first book (we haven't seen much of Cadmus this book). It is hard to believe that they are the last three in the royal line. Why hasn't Tullin married and had children?

And what is up with all the T names. I think that is why I have trouble keeping some of the character straight. In my head I'm always confusing Torrin and Tullin.

And my lack of fantasy/mythology knowledge shows a little bit in this chapter. I had to look up Charon to figure out who that was. And I kind of think they should have had Sam come along. What if this ferryman isn't trust worthy? Veli just finished telling Darcy about the unchanged. What if he is one?

Every time we get to know one of the 12 better I worry he'll be the one to die. So far I'm most worried about Terra, Badru, and Tokala. Hoyle has given us enough details about them that we now care about the character so their death would have a bigger impact.

And then there is the whole business between Yahto and Veli. I love the way Hoyle made these characters. We automatically fall in love with Veli and probably feel like giving Yahto the cold shoulder. It really makes what happens later in the series so impactful.

And if I didn't already love Veli this exchange would have had me falling in love with him,

"But why was it so important for you to come that you would risk destroying your reputation as a nark?" Darcy asked insistently.
"Why - you, my friend."

Who else groaned when we read Darcy is practicing her talent to pass the time? Another case of not thinking through the consequences or maybe she doesn't really understand the danger they are in.

We end up this week's discussion with quite the thrill - the 12 are being chased by a pack of wolves and then there is the strange darkness that engulfed them in the valley.

While at this point I don't care much for Yahto his speech in chapter 21 is quite epic and totally called for. He hits the nail on the head with the following and I hope Darcy thinks about what he says.

"You really think this is all about you, don't you? he retorted. "it's always been about you - who you have to marry, what your future looks like, what makes you happy. You're so absorbed with yourself that you don'y even think before trumpeting your talent about to the entire animal kingdom!

So what did you think about these chapters? What were some your favorite moments?

Next week we will finish up The Oracle.

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The Oracle #ReadAlong and #Giveaway: Chapters 1 - 11 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

We start the next book in The Gateway Chronicles, The Oracle by K. B. Hoyle. If you missed out on our discussions for The Six follow this link.

I'm reading The 2010 self-published edition of The Oracle so there may be a few differences from the 2012 TWCS Publishing House edition that you can get at Amazon.

Since we are going to try to get all the way through The Oracle this month and posts got a bit long last month with The Six, I will just be hitting the high points for me (favorite quotes, character observations, questions that pop into my head, etc.) I hope you will share yours in the comments.

Let's get started....

We once again start with Darcy's family getting ready to head to Cedar Cove for family camp. This time around Sam, Lewis, and Darcy are friends and Darcy is totally looking forward to going to camp. We never did find out really why Lewis and his mom are so cold to Darcy. I get why Lewis was - he's been Sam's best friend forever and Darcy doesn't treat her very nicely even though Sam continues try to befriend her. But why was his mom the way she was in the bathroom?

Darcy mentions to Veli when they get to Alitheia that Sam, Lewis, and Darcy are picked on. Could it have been that Lewis's mom thought Darcy was one of the kids that made fun of Sam and Lewis last year?

In chapter 6, Roger is following the gang into the woods as they run for the gateway. Do you think he saw anything?

I have kind of wondered about it specially in light of his assistance in the last book of the series. It also makes me wonder about how time works. Does everyone freeze? Or do they continue on thinking the kids are missing until they return and then time resets itself?

Along the lines of time, I know Hoyle kept detailed notes and outlines of the story, but I've always wondered if it took her a bit of time to work out how old Tellius needed to be on The Six so that he would be the right age in the end. Or if she had to stop briefly each book and work out what his age was. I know I do, along with Darcy...

Two years ago? Darcy puzzled over Vesa's wording for a moment, trying to figure it through her head. A year ago we returned to our own world after spending a year with them in Alitheia. And the, of course, time continued on for them while we lived the same year over again. So, yeah, I guess it was two years ago that we first arrived. So that would make Tellius how old now? pg 61

Oh! And cool word alert on page 60. I love that Hoyle used the word SWARTHY. A great vocabulary word for the kids reading this story (and maybe for some adults too!)

When I read the series the first time, I don't remember the introductory chapters, those chapters before they get to Alitheia, being so slow to read. But again in The Oracle I realized how much faster I read once they get to Alitheia. Was it that way for anyone else?

When we get to Alitheia we see some of the same changes that occurred in Cedar Cove also occurred in Alitheia. Which world is effecting the other?

The log down in Cedar Cover is the same as the wooden causeway in Alitheia. That one involves some natural changes, but the one that really gets me is the Cal Meridian. That one is a little freaky as it involves two groups of people in different worlds make the same decision.

Speaking of the Cal Meridian. When Torrin says it will be the flag ship of the royal highnesses, did you, like Darcy, assume he meant Tellius and Cadmus? Or did you think he was referring to Tellius and Darcy?

I had forgotten that Darcy's infatuation with Perry really kicked up a notch in The Oracle. And it doesn't seem as one sided this year. I guess it makes sense since they will be entering high school next year and girls and boys really start noticing each other at that age.

Who were you shipping at this point?

Darcy and Perry?
Darcy and Tellius?
Sam and Perry?
Sam and Lewis?
Amelia and Dean?

The whole scene between Darcy and Tellius when the six first arrives (page 78 - 79) makes me smile a bit. From Darcy's description of the gangling teenager to Tullin's prompt to the actual greeting. You can just see the rebellious teenager in Tellius.

I love this line...

Darcy looked at him then and noticed that his ears were flaming red. We could start a "we blush with our ears" club, she thought ruefully. pg 97

Darcy is still hung up on having to marry Tellius and even challenges whether it is necessary for them to marry. She is looking for any technically even semantics to get her out of it. I find her reaction to Ribidius calling their marriage a reward very funny. Since Tellius is still a pimply boy and Darcy is a bit stubborn, I can see how they think it is totally ridiculous. Plus, right now if Darcy is doodling anyone's name on her parchment it is Perry.

Didn't I tell you in the last book that instead of playing 20 questions that Darcy and Tellius should have been assigned a project? Well, in this book they find their own project and it gets them communicating more than they did during the entire first year.

Oh and Darcy isn't the only one interested in someone else. I feel sorry for Tellius as he relates his "unrequited love" that was cut short because of the prophecy. He has lost so much and I'm sure he is lonely. He only has his brother Cadmus. At least Darcy has her other five friends.

And we end today's discussion with just a hint of what is to come as Tellius's last whispered words of chapter 11 are "the Oracle".

I hope you will join me next Sunday as we discuss chapters 12 - 22.

If you have been following the read along so far this summer, you know that K. B. Hoyle has been stopping by to share little tidbits and answer pressing questions. Please feel free post a comment in the questions for her.

Also be sure to enter the giveaway for an ebook pack (if you win and already have them, you can designate a friend that you think should read the series to receive the books on your behalf).

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The Six #ReadAlong & #Giveaway: Chapters 25 - 42 @KBHoyle_author

by Donna Huber

So we are back this week with a mega post as we look at the end of The Six. I will do better at pacing The Oracle this month. So let's dive in and remember to enter the giveaway at the end. If you need to catch up on the discussion see the posts here.

(Reminder: I'm reading the 2009 self-published edition. You can pick up the 2012 TWCS published addition at Amazon)

Chapter 25: Dropping Eaves

Darcy has passed through the grumps and seems to be spiraling into depression. I don't blame her totally. I mean she is underground and while it is suppose to be her summer vacation and she's stuck in lessons. The excitement of entering a magical world has totally worn off.

To top it off, she is feeling a bit ignored by Rubidius.

Almost four months had gone by an Rubidius had not asked to work with her individually since that day that he had passes her up for Amelia.

Do you think it was just a convenient plot point or do you think there was a real reason for Rubidius no to work with Darcy?

I also wondered if it because Rubidius didn't really know where to start with Darcy. The other kids all had "instruments" that gave him a starting point, but Darcy just has a ring that was already in existence before the prophecy. And maybe he is a little afraid of what her talent might be. The prophecy said it was something men have always sought. Maybe he thought he would be tempted to want it.

But things are looking up. They are planning on being moved, somewhere above ground this time. And Rubidius has asked to see Darcy!

Chapter 26: Not Ready

Rubidius is in quite a state this morning.

Did you ever wonder when reading it the first time why there was so much emphasis on his desire to turn lead into gold? Or did you think it was just a character point and a simplified way of reminding readers of alchemy?

We find out Rubidius's reason why he hasn't been training Darcy. Do you think it is just a matter of perception? Is Darcy just "imagining" the whispered words and avoiding looks of the other kids?

In this chapter, Sam's gift produces a mirror compact that belonged to Darcy's grandmother. Were you as confused about its appearance as the girls at this point?

Chapter 27: Unexpected Talent

The princes are arriving. I wonder if people in Alitheia marry at a younger age than we do here. A hundred years ago it wasn't uncommon for a 14 - 16 year old girl to be married. Or maybe arranged marriages are common. That would explain why they think nothing of Darcy and Tellius getting married (though they know it isn't this year).

A lot of excitement occurs in this chapter...

1. Darcy discovers her talent
2. Tellius and Cadmus arrive

So what do you think of Darcy's talent? And what about Lykos wanting to keep it a secret?

Then we have the arrival of the princes.

Do you think all of Darcy's nervousness can be attributed to her social anxiety and her knowing she is expected to marry Tellius or do you think even at this point there might be some fondness for him?

Chapter 28: Tellius

A chapter about Tellius! We get to see him and Darcy interact a bit, though  it does appear to be coerced interaction.

I smile every time I read this.

Darcy couldn't see Tellius's face because his back was to her, but Cadmus smirked and swept the pieces of their game to the side. "Not my guest," he said teasingly. Jumping up, he races to the door. "Come on, Tova, let's go see the lion!"

I can just hear him in his little brother voice saying it. The only thing better would be if he had stuck out his tongue, but that wouldn't have been very princely though.

Then there is their form of twenty questions. Could this meeting be more awkward? You would think they could have found a more natural way for them to interact. I get they are underground and in hiding. But get the group together to play a game or something.

This chapter does provide some amusement and levity to the novel.

Now see having Cadmus and Tellius have classes with the six is a much more natural way for Darcy and Tellius to get to know one another, except the sessions seem to be more like lectures than interactive. Maybe they should do a project together!

More amusement thanks to Cadmus as he teases his brother and they get into a fight.

What do you think about the fight between the brothers and the truncated conversation between the two brothers? Could Tellius already be smitten with Darcy? She is an older woman after all (lol).

Then we get Lykos again. I kind of want to growl every tie he shows up. But a little tiny part of me feels badly for him.

Speaking of feeling badly. My heart broke for Asa Rhea the first real meal they've had in months and it is interrupted.

Who do you think betrayed them?

My guess? Lykos.

Chapter 29: The Flight

Now we get an "edge of seat", nail biting chapter. Will they make it to Noineia?

We get to see the narks in action and Tellius is anxious to prove himself.

Was your heart beating fast in this chapter? Or was it completely wrenched out of your chest?

Chapter 30: Noineia

Darcy and Sam are a bit traumatized and totally exhausted by the time they reach Noineia.

What do think about this cloaked placed?

When Yahto says that Darcy isn't the only one who's sick, do you think he just meant Eleanor or was someone else having nightmares?

Chapter 31: Lykos

We don't know Tellius well, but he seems overly angry when Cadmus almost tells Darcy where they live. Is it just PTSD?

I feel bad for Darcy, because I don't think she really meant anything by it. She just wasn't really thinking about what she was saying, you know just making small talk. Though with what is about to happen it is good Tellius cut Cadmus off.

My only thought was - other adults should have been looking after the six. Perhaps then things wouldn't have spiraled so far out of control. (but then we wouldn't have had a story either!)

What did you think of Lykos and Darcy's first real conversation?

All I could think of was that Lykos is a master manipulator.

Chapter 32: Surrounded

Amelia and Darcy have it out. I thought Amelia had a valid point, though.

We find out who betrayed them. I still think Lykos had a role in it.

Chapter 33: Elemental Magic

Dean is getting really good at his talent. Now that we know a bit more about the talents of The Six, which one would you prefer to have?

"Eleanor!" she exclaimed happily, somewhat begrudging the easy way that Sam and Amelia hugged the older woman in greeting. She'd never been able to hug people so easily; she always felt uncomfortable.

Another characteristic I have in common with Darcy. I'm not a hugger either.

I watched The Last Airbender shortly before reading this book and the talk of elemental magic reminded me of the movie.

We get back to the mirror in this chapter. Sam is beautiful in the mirror and we know that Darcy is rather ugly and apparently Amelia is not as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside. I had forgotten that the others had looked in the mirror.

And my dislike of Lykos grows stronger with this comment.

Yes? He answered her. You called? He sounded amused, almost mocking.

Chapter 34: An Offensive Plan

We meet Lupidor in this chapter, though we don't know his role in the deception of Darcy. Speaking of which, Darcy has doubts about everything that Lykos says but it isn't enough for her to pursue her doubts. Completely understandable, but still saddening. I hope young readers of the series learns from Darcy.

Did you know what was really happening when Darcy imitated Dean's talent?

Chapter 35: Another Birthday Surprise

Maybe Rubidius is right and it is just a matter of perception. Darcy was convinced that the others had forgotten about her birthday, but they had not. In the last chapter when she had that thought, I wondered how the others knew in the first place when her birthday was. I guess since Sam and Lewis already knew her before camp that perhaps they knew the date.

So Dean is sick. Had you put two and two together?

A second item came out of Sam's pocket. A key. How mysterious? I can't remember if anything came out of Sam's bag for anyone else.

The group gets in a fight and we find out they have been distancing themselves from her. So maybe it isn't all in Darcy's head. Either way, it is the straw that breaks the camel's back so to speak.

Chapter 36: Leaving Noineia 

We have arrived at the part of the story that I have been dreading. The part where I'm yelling at Darcy to listen to her instincts.

Chapter 37: A Different Sort of Rendezvous

We learn the difference between tsellodrin and tsellochim.

I have to keep reminding myself that Darcy is only 14, but I can't help but wonder how she can't see how Lykos is using her, particularly when he gives her what to say to the wolves.

Chapter 38: The Vision

Unfortunately, when Darcy is seriously second guessing her actions it seems she unable to turn back.

We get our first look at Tselloch. It is interesting that his minions are often described as oily for that is how I think of Tselloch.

Did you think Darcy would be swayed by Tselloch?

Chapter 39: The Dungeon

The first time I read The Six I thought that Darcy's time in the dungeon spanned more of the book, but this second reading her stay felt much shorter (and indeed is only a small piece in the book).

Why do you think Tselloch chose to appear as a panther?

Darcy seems to finally being see everything clearly now, but is it too late?

How many of you tried to reason out a why for Darcy not to have really touched his nose? Would it have mattered if she had actually touched him since she had said she chose him?

I had forgotten about the man who removed her from her cell. I couldn't remember if he was friend or foe.

Chapter 40: The Sea

The melody rose in a gentle rhythm. Darcy had never heard music like it before, and she could not identify the instrument, but it was like an organic voice.

Did you think Darcy was having auditory hallucinations or did you think it possibly could be Amelia?

Darcy seems more confident in her swimming abilities this time.

Looking up from under the surface of the water, Darcy saw a strange, reddish light arcing through the air toward her and her captor. As though in slow motion, it grew closer and closer to them, flickering slightly. It was a flaming dart!

For a moment I thought it might be one of Dean's arrows, but then I remembered it was for messages.

Chapter 41: Recovery

Yay! Darcy's been found! And it seems all has been forgiven among the six and everything is explained.

Darcy almost choked at those words. "Tellius is coming here?"
"Naturally! He was here almost every day when you were sleeping."
Darcy's face registered her horror, but Sam grinned at her. "It's actually kind of cute, Darcy. He's been really concerned about."

This passage reminds me of later in the serious where Darcy is being nursed back to health. However, then there is no Nurse Dembe. It also lends more credence to my thought that Tellius likes her more than he lets on.

Chapter 42: Going Home

The Six has made up, now we see Rubidius's attempt to make amends. I felt we got to see a different side of Rubidius's personality. He has been gruff and at times seemed to be more impatient than he might should have been with them (he may have had some unrealistic expectations).

But in this chapter, I think we see the real Rubidius. One who truly cares for the kids, I think even outside of their role to save Alitheia.

And now it is time for them to go home. Though there is a party, it doesn't appear to be a farewell party. There are no real goodbyes.

Epilogue: Cedar Cove Again

And they are back! Since they got all their belongings back without anyone giving them to the kids, I assume Darcy's shoes reappeared too.

And of course, we can't end this without one more encounter with Colin Mackaby.

Do you really think no one else knows about what happened to Darcy? Surely the nurse discovered her unusually cold hand during her recovery. And even if she didn't know what to make of it, wouldn't she have let Rubidius know and he would at least suspect?

What were your favorite part of The Six?

We will start The Oracle next week. We will discuss chapters 1 through 11. I hope you will join me. If you haven't read it yet, get your copy at Amazon.



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