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- [00:09]
A
Hello, everybody, and welcome back to another episode of I'll read what she's reading. I'm Reggie.
- [00:14]
B
Oh, I'm Kennedy.
- [00:16]
C
I'm Mikayla.
- [00:17]
A
Today we're discussing, everyone, the book talk sensation, Quicksilver by Kali Hart.
- [00:24]
C
Yeah, we are.
- [00:25]
A
Before we begin, our book club book for February, we just picked it so quick because the reviews have us so curious. And someone said in a review that it is Daisy Jones and the Six meets Magnolia Parks. And so my intrigue.
- [00:45]
C
This cover.
- [00:46]
B
Yeah, the COVID is also a sports romance. And people, the reviews that I saw on Goodreads said that it's a really good audiobook.
- [00:55]
A
Yes, it is. The favorites by Lane Fargo. Lane Fargo.
- [01:02]
C
Why do I feel like I've heard of that author, but I'm looking at her books and I've never seen anything.
- [01:08]
A
So this is going to be new for all of us. And it also just came out, like, two weeks ago. The reviews have us intrigued, so we're really looking forward to. It's about a figure skater. Yeah. Like Kennedy said, sports, romance. Supposed to be pretty messy drama.
- [01:23]
C
Yeah, messy.
- [01:24]
A
I'm excited.
- [01:25]
C
I love messy.
- [01:27]
A
I feel like it will be a book that, from what I can. What I'm seeing, we'll have a lot to discuss.
- [01:32]
B
Yeah.
- [01:33]
A
Which will be fun because we wanted to pick something, you know, for the month of love, something romance. You know, some romance books. It's kind of like a. Yeah, like, that was great. There's sometimes not a lot to talk about, so I think this will be a good one. So join us on our Fable. Follow along with us. It's really, really fun following along with each other on Fable.
- [01:56]
C
So, yeah, Quicksilver was fun because I feel like we had the most participation we've ever had for a book club book. And so it was really fun to see everyone's updates. And I feel like a lot of people read it really quickly. So you guys were way ahead of me, which was nice because when I would go to the chapter, there would already be, like seven posts about. So it was just fun to see your guys's, you know, comments on chapters in certain.
- [02:25]
A
Yeah. And then to see everyone's reviews at the end. So speaking of reviews, let's start. Who Is there anyone that's dying to go first? Oh, I went first last time.
- [02:39]
C
I guess I can go first.
- [02:40]
A
But I can go first if you. Oh. Oh, no. Go. That's great, Miha.
- [02:44]
C
Okay. I feel like when I ended this book, I was like, all right, I know what I'm reading it. But I felt like, since I've let it simmer, my rating has gone down. I think I'm gonna rate it just a three, three stars. Maybe we'll rate it lower than that. I don't know. I feel like it was a good book and I don't think there was inherently anything wrong with it. I just think it was very cookie cutter from a lot of fantasy books. And I was just expecting something to be like, different and unique and I just feel like I didn't really see that. But if you love like cookie cutter fantasy, like love the elements that it just like combined a bunch of series that I've read and there, there were things I liked about it, but it just wasn't anything revolutionary for me. And so that's why it's just, it was a good book, but it wasn't anything like, amazing to me. I can see why a lot of people rated it really highly because it does have elements of some series I really, really, really like. I just felt like it was kind of just like recycled material. So.
- [03:58]
A
Yeah, well said. Yeah, I would give it a 2.5. And I know that a lot of people listening might have their jaw on the floor being like, reggie, why? Like, I know this was a five star read for so many people and I noticed in Our Fable everyone was praising it. I felt like the entire time, and I was really happy about that because we always want the book club books that we pick to be ones that you guys really enjoy to kind of just like piggyback off of what Mikayla said. I mean, there were two things about this book that I really, really loved that I'll share in our loves. But other than that, there was nothing that really stuck out to me that I was like, I, I honestly think if this wasn't a book club book, I wouldn't have finished it. I was, I really liked the first couple of chapters and then I felt like every chapter after that I was like, I think I've seen this film before. Nothing. I, I, I anticipated so many things, like the amount of times I would flip a page and I'm like, I bet this is gonna happen on the next page or five chapters from now. And it did. It's because, like Mikaela was saying, there just weren't really any surprises because of, and, and I guess my question is for people who have rated this very highly, I'm curious what books they have read before this, and if they haven't read those books, I'm sure that's maybe why they really liked it. But if you really enjoyed this book. And you've read a lot of fantasy. I applaud you for being able to just like, shut your brain off and not think of other books you've read before because tried so hard to do that and it was almost impossible because there were things I don't know. I just. I also felt like the romance in this book didn't feel very romance y to me. It felt like it was just purely driven by physical attraction. And I know that Mikayla made a TikTok about this, but I don't know if it was about this book necessarily. No. Was it?
- [05:56]
C
No, it was. Because everyone is saying it's a slow burn. And I'm like, it's not a slow burn Burke book.
- [06:02]
B
I think they literally kiss in, like, chapter 15.
- [06:05]
A
Yeah.
- [06:05]
C
I can get into my thoughts and feelings about it, but I think it being labeled as a slow burn also really lowered my rating on it because that was my expectation for the book. And maybe that's my own fault. I sh. Yeah, I was really. I was really upset that people. That is not a slow burn, you guys. It's not. And I was really excited about that. I love a good slow burn. And it was about this book.
- [06:33]
A
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. But I just. I feel like what makes Romantasy really, really fun to read is when there's just like this insane chemistry. And no matter what the trope is, which most of the time it's going to be enemies to lovers. And I have always said Romantasy is my favorite genre. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope. But after reading this book, I had to really sit and think about it. I was like, is that actually my favorite? Because I feel like I've read so many at this point that they're all starting to feel the same. And I just really. At this point, I'm like, give me any sort of romantic book that's not an enemies to lovers because I just want to be surprised.
- [07:12]
C
Well, I don't think. Or actually enemies to lovers.
- [07:14]
A
And see, that's the thing is they're.
- [07:16]
B
Never true enemies to lovers. I feel like it's very rare that it's true. Enemies to lovers labels like rivals to lovers or labeled as enemies to lovers. But it's actually insta love. And it.
- [07:27]
A
You know, this felt like they hate.
- [07:29]
B
Each other, but they really love each other. Yeah.
- [07:31]
A
Yeah.
- [07:31]
B
I just looked it up. They kissed in chapter 12.
- [07:34]
A
Okay.
- [07:35]
B
And there are. How many chapters.
- [07:37]
C
I mean, to defend it. There were different motives behind when we initially.
- [07:42]
B
Yes.
- [07:43]
C
Was Happening. But still, that's. That's. That's not slow burn. Not slow burn.
- [07:48]
B
No, it's like slow burn to me is they graze hands on chapter 30.
- [07:52]
A
Yeah. I don't know. I. I think I really did go into this book with very low expectations because I knew that so many people loved it. And I think I also, as much as I had low expectations for it, I went into this book thinking, I think I know exactly how this book is gonna go. And it did. And that just. It just made it not a very fun reading experience for me. There was also a few moments I can get into this later that kind of took me out of the story, and I just. The only character I really liked was Carrion, so I also liked Onyx. Oh, Onyx. Yeah, I like Onyx. That was cute. But, yeah. Yeah, I don't know. And I. I really want to give credit to Callie Hart because I could never write a book like this that gets. She's got, like, a Netflix deal. It's blown up so quickly. So many people absolutely love it. I love that you love it. I'm excited to share a lot of the things I did love the things I did love about it and dive deep into it a little bit more. Yeah, sorry.
- [08:54]
B
No, that was great. I don't have a ton to add outside of what they already added. I'm going to rate it 3 stars as same as Michaela. And, you know, sometimes it's unfortunate that we have such similar tastes in books, because we really, genuinely do. There's not a lot of times where we disagree. And I'm sure as a listener, it's kind of sucky to be like, oh, here they go again. They have the same opinions again. But genuinely and seriously, we all have similar tastes. We didn't even say, well, there was a few things that we said on Marco Polo about the book, but we haven't talked about this book with each other at all. For me, I think, to Reggie's point, I do think I maybe would have enjoyed this book maybe at a different time in my life. My reading for this book was extremely sporadic. Like, I was on a work trip in Florida and I would be reading it on our drives for 15 minutes because I was trying to finish the book before Onyx Storm came out. So I do think it was a disservice to this book the time that I read it, because I was trying to finish it so that I could read Onyx Storm. However, I think as a reader, I'm to the point where I have Read the same Romantasy books over and over and over so many times with the same tropes that it becomes predictable. Kind of what these two said. I'm to the point in my reading journey where I just truly enjoy books that almost. What do people say? Romantasy has like a romantic plot with the fantasy subplot. And fantasy romance is a fantasy book with a romantic subplot. Right. I think I prefer fantasy romance because I just need a little bit more plot. I need a little bit more world building. I need a little bit more scheming and political intrigue. It just was very heavily reliant on the relationship for me. And I didn't even find the relationship super believable. But like these other two said, there were things that I really enjoyed. It's every romantic book that you've known to come in love. It's just the same thing.
- [10:59]
C
And I think that's actually why a lot of people liked it.
- [11:01]
B
For sure. For sure.
- [11:02]
C
Because I think there are people who love to read pretty much the same books.
- [11:07]
B
Oh, for sure.
- [11:09]
C
Which I don't think there's anything wrong with because it is. It's very similar to a lot of different books. And so that's. I think there are people that, you know, they're like, give me suggestions. That's like this book. And that's exactly what this book is. Yes, it is. Like other books. The morally gray character and the funny side character. The funny side character.
- [11:33]
A
The human who falls into a fae world. Yeah.
- [11:37]
C
It just. That's like a lot of books. And so I. I do understand why a lot of people really liked it. And don't get me wrong, I was. I was intrigued. I was entertained. This book was entertaining for me. Doesn't necessarily mean it was my favorite book. Nor, like, there were some things I really didn't like about it. And there were some things I did really like so well.
- [11:58]
B
And let's just put this out there. 3 stars is still a really great book. Star rating. 2 1/2 stars is still a decent rating. 3 stars for me means I really enjoyed this book. Would I read it again? No.
- [12:12]
C
Yeah.
- [12:12]
B
And I don't think this is a book that I would probably want to read again. Will I read the next one? Honestly? Probably just because I've read the first one. Why not? And to Mikayla's point, earlier in the episode, if you love this book, I wish I would have loved this book. If I would have read this book a year ago, I probably would have rated it higher. Number one and Number two, I feel like it was hyped up so much on booktok for so long that I had it in my head that it was going to be this top tier, amazing thing because I put off reading it for so long. So I feel like in the future, if there's a book that a lot of people are talking about it, I need to just read it right then and there to formulate my own opinion and not go in with preconceived notions. So I wish I would have rated it 5 stars. I really do. And if you did, I'm jealous.
- [13:00]
C
I love that you had that experience. It does make me really question. Not necessarily that I'm not excited for the movie deal that she got, but I'm like, why this book?
- [13:16]
B
Over.
- [13:16]
A
Yeah.
- [13:17]
C
Others.
- [13:17]
A
I was wondering the same thing.
- [13:18]
C
While maybe she. It was just like it got put into the right person's hands, like the book itself. But yeah, I was just. I was very curious. I. I can. I feel like this could potentially be a good movie.
- [13:32]
B
Oh, for sure.
- [13:33]
C
But I just feel like there's other.
- [13:34]
A
Books that I have similar elements that are a little better done.
- [13:39]
C
Yeah.
- [13:39]
B
Or maybe it's because when you really sit and think about this book, there's not a lot of cgi, there's not a lot of things. I feel like the budget could be decently lowish compared to other fantasy books out there. The budget has to be a lot higher because there's cgi. There's just a lot more things that go into it. I'm not saying this book is cut and dry because it's not. But.
- [14:01]
A
Yeah, no, I see.
- [14:02]
B
There's not a lot of.
- [14:03]
A
Yeah. Like creatures.
- [14:04]
B
Yeah. Yeah.
- [14:05]
A
Crazy. For the magic part. Yeah. That would be tricky. Yeah.
- [14:09]
B
But should we get into the things that we liked?
- [14:11]
A
Yeah.
- [14:11]
B
Because I feel like we've kind of been like.
- [14:13]
A
Yeah, Can I go first?
- [14:15]
B
Because I'm pretty sure we're all going to say this. Yeah. My favorite part. Well, okay. I'm going to say two things. Number one, the magic system was genuinely pretty cool. I do feel like the quicksilver part and the fact that she was a mist. Yes. An alchemist and she was making swords, that was really new for me and I found that to be so interesting. I just wanted more. I wanted more explanation. I wanted a little bit more exploit. Exploration on that. I love the magic system. And I loved Carrion. I loved him so much. All of his quippy little lines and just his cockiness and just saying things at the worst possible time. I loved him I loved him so much.
- [14:59]
A
All my favorite moments of the book included him. Like, when he brings him back, I was jumping up and down. I was so excited.
- [15:06]
B
I kept being like, where is he? Everybody's talking about this Karion Swift character. He was in for two chapters and now he's left in the human realm. Where is he at?
- [15:14]
C
I literally had no idea.
- [15:16]
A
Yeah, I didn't either.
- [15:17]
B
Well, I only knew about him because of that filter video we made. And we put him and Kingfisher really long. People were like, I can't believe you would put Carrie in so low.
- [15:26]
C
I thought we were ever going to see him again.
- [15:29]
A
Yeah, I didn't think so either.
- [15:30]
B
So I was thrilled, sad.
- [15:33]
C
I loved him, like, because when I got introduced to him, I was like, wait, I actually love this character. But I know it's not the love interest because the book cover literally gives it away.
- [15:46]
A
His tiny hands.
- [15:49]
C
And so. And so I was like, dang, like, he's really funny. And I felt like there are people that. I feel like there's a side character that's in it for a few chapters and then they either die or, like, they just never see them again. And so I was really excited when. I mean, it kind of sucked for her, but I was like, wait, this is kind of fun.
- [16:13]
B
I honestly, I'm sure this is not going to happen in the next book, but I would pay good money to read a book in his point of view.
- [16:21]
A
Yeah, I just. I think I would read the next.
- [16:24]
B
Book if it was to be in his brain. I don't know. I just have a thing for side characters at the moment. I just. Sometimes, the last few books, I'm like, I like the side characters more than I like the main characters.
- [16:35]
A
Yeah.
- [16:36]
B
Can we get more of them?
- [16:36]
C
Yeah.
- [16:38]
A
Yeah.
- [16:38]
B
He was my favorite part.
- [16:40]
A
And his. His. The ending. We don't have to get into that yet if we don't want to, but I. I thought that that was fun. He. He's what kept me going in this book. For reals? I don't think. I think had he not been in it, obviously things would have been a little different with the plot. But, yeah, I would have definitely been like, I. I can't read this book anymore. Yeah.
- [17:01]
B
One of my favorite things in. Well, I don't know if I was the only one thinking it, but I swear someone else said this in the fable when Kingfisher brings Carrion back, I was like, they're not blood related, are they? Like, please tell me they're not blood related. Hold on.
- [17:17]
C
Did I say yours.
- [17:18]
A
Oh, I was gonna say I. Were you done with your loves? Yeah. I really loved the vampire slash kind of zombie. It's just vampires, right? Yeah, yeah, kind of. Yeah, yeah.
- [17:30]
B
But then also there was those dead people that were kind of.
- [17:33]
A
Yeah, it was kind of. Yeah, I liked that because I think vampires are fun and you don't always get a lot of talk. I mean sometimes vampires are talked about in some fantasy books. But I liked the fae and the vampire kind of battle thing. I thought that that was fun. Honestly, I kind of really liked Malcolm's character for the sake of. I mean he reminded me of a lot of other villains but he reminded.
- [18:03]
B
Me of that Voltaire guy in.
- [18:04]
A
Yeah.
- [18:05]
C
Twilight.
- [18:05]
A
Yeah, yeah. That's what he was giving. But I think. I think that's like the one thing from this book that I was like, okay, it's kind of giving Twilight vibes. But I liked that it was because it's been, you know, a million years since I read those books. Yeah. So it kind of felt like nostalgic for me in a way. So I did like that. And then seeing like the. How the vampires and the fae were kind of interconnected and stuff, that was fun for me. I did enjoy that.
- [18:36]
B
I do think too in the same. This. This relates to your topic. The vampires and the zombie things. I don't know if you guys felt this way but at times it was a little creepy and a little. Not gory is not the right word. But she was rather descriptive especially about. Zombie's not the right word. But that's what I'm. That's what I'm going to use. Where their arms would be hanging off and it'd be by attendant. And it was just interesting because I don't feel like a lot of romantic books go into quite detail with gore in a sense. And I'm not saying I liked that, but I just thought it was different and interesting.
- [19:14]
C
Yeah, I feel I'm trying to think of something different. Okay. I will say this. This kind of goes in hand. In hand with my likes and dislikes. I enjoyed Kingfisher and Saris Serris. Their relationship at like towards the end when they were like actually getting to know each other. Which it should have been flipped where like they were getting to know each other.
- [19:52]
B
Yeah.
- [19:53]
C
Like I felt like their romance was very. But that's one of the things I dislike the most is that it was like she did everything backwards when it came to.
- [20:04]
B
Yeah.
- [20:05]
C
Their romance. Like some of my favorite scenes with them is like when they're in the tent, tents, like, having a conversation. I think. I think I took a picture of.
- [20:17]
B
She's talking about her mom.
- [20:18]
C
Yeah.
- [20:19]
B
That whole dialogue opening up about that.
- [20:21]
C
Yes, I. But it's also one of the things I dislike the most because I. The romance just felt very unconventional in how maybe that's what she was trying to do, but it just was not my favorite. And I feel like the approach of it could have been better, especially with, like. I don't know. I. I loved how much they joked with each other, but it almost was, like, too far for literally knowing each other for.
- [20:47]
A
Yeah, I wrote a note on that.
- [20:49]
C
A day and a half, you know. Sorry. I'm trying to. Give me, like, two seconds to find the page. I thought this was really sweet. For a moment, appearing to decide whether he'd answer the question. Then he said, I was wrong. You know, you are a good thief. And then it.
- [21:04]
A
She.
- [21:05]
C
She said, what have I stolen? But he smiled a small, sad smile, slowly shaking his head. Sleep. Sleep a little. The water will stay warm. I'll be back soon as I've spoken to Ren. And I was like. Because that was when she was, like, taking a bath. And, like, I just thought that was really sweet. And I'm just really mad that she kind of did. This is not supposed to be bash on Callie, but I feel like she kind of did the relationship a disservice a little bit.
- [21:32]
B
That whole situation happens. This happens later, right. When we find out why he calls her little Lotia about the butterflies. That's later.
- [21:40]
C
I think it.
- [21:41]
B
Or was it before?
- [21:41]
C
I think it's. I don't have the. Let me see if I did, like, a live where I can, like, see the page number. I think she finds out after.
- [21:50]
B
Yeah, I think it's after that. That. That situation because she doesn't know.
- [21:55]
C
They hadn't really talked about feelings at all. Yeah.
- [21:57]
B
I mean, I. I did love that part where we found out. Oh, this nickname that she thought was just this horrible thing.
- [22:03]
C
Yeah.
- [22:03]
B
Ended up being this beautiful, sentimental situation. And I agree with you.
- [22:11]
C
I think it should have been.
- [22:12]
B
I agree with you. I think it should have been flipped, maybe.
- [22:15]
C
Not necessarily like that. You know, the big revelation for sure, like. But I literally. Yeah, okay. I'm just.
- [22:22]
A
I. And I see what you're saying. I'm just like. I think it's, like, a taste thing, maybe. Because for me, I love. Like I said, I love when things surprise me. And so not that I wanted this to play out a certain way, but, like, I. I. You said Something about how they were just a little too intense with each other from the beginning for not knowing each other very well. And I know that there's people that have like, really strong personalities. It just didn't feel natural to me. A lot of the things they said didn't feel very natural. But then when you find like, the more they got to know each other, I was like, this feels natural. But then it almost fell out of place because. I don't know, I wonder if it's like a sense of like the dialogue maybe kind of took away from that. I don't know if that makes sense. But yeah, I definitely felt the same way because there. Because on my filter video that I did where everyone was bashing me for. You're gonna regret putting Kingfisher at the bottom. I still stand by my. My smashes or passes. Okay. Everyone kept saying, once you get to the end of the book, like, your mind will change. And was his actions towards the end of the book. Did I. Did I like him more? Yeah. But I knew he was going to do something like that and to.
- [23:35]
B
I just wouldn't put him above other.
- [23:37]
A
Men that I've read. Oh, yeah, for sure.
- [23:39]
B
I agree with you.
- [23:40]
C
If you have a choice and there wasn't like, you know, you had five passes and five smashes. I would probably put other people. But yeah, if I just free reign on.
- [23:50]
A
I mean, I'm sure he's a great smash. I'm sure he's a great, great smash.
- [23:54]
B
I will also say that there is a cute dialogue in chapter 37. Says, I'll be grateful for every second that I can say, I belong to you, Sarah. Saying, 80 years or 18 hours, it doesn't matter to me.
- [24:06]
C
I'll still be.
- [24:07]
B
It'll still be the highest honor of my life. So there were things that they. That was said to each other that was so sweet and so tender, but it came on so hot that it kind of took me out.
- [24:20]
C
K. If you think about it though, I. I love that. But if you were to give that dialogue to someone, no information, and then give the dialogue of them in, like, they'd be like this. This is two completely different characters. And you say, no, these are the same characters.
- [24:38]
B
Well, he calls her. I'm trying to remember the exact thing he says. He calls her like a feral. A feral cat or a feral. He calls her something in the very beginning because he can feel her heart racing. And he calls her like a feral multiple times in one chapter.
- [24:53]
C
And also. Okay, here's what I actually would have Liked to see. See in this book. Maybe I should just write a book. Just kidding. I would have personally loved for him because he knew it from the beginning. That's why I don't quite understand. He seems, like, contradictory. Like, he knew from the beginning who she was. Like, that she was his mate and he was, like, denying it. I would have rather seen him be, like, more quiet and, like, almost more reserved and because I know she has a really outgoing personality and tries to, like, push boundaries, which I don't mind at all, but I feel like he was also trying to push boundaries. So it felt, like, conflicting.
- [25:37]
A
Well, and it also had to have felt a little confusing. Like, I know there were a few things that kind of made that transition little better than maybe we're giving it credit for, but still, like, yeah, it felt. It feels like they were two different people in the beginning. Maybe that was the point. Yeah, and I get that, but I see what you're saying, because I. I.
- [25:57]
C
Feel like I would have. Because I feel like he's usually the guy that's, like, pining over it, and he knew they were kind of doomed from the beginning. So I would have liked to see her almost, like, pining and kind of like, why are you ignoring me? Like, why are you? Like, I don't understand why you're avoiding me. Like, I feel like that would have been much better, in my opinion, at least what I would have wanted to see for the kind of, like, a slow burn, slash build up towards how their relationship. Like, you're actually my mate. And, like, I've known from the beginning my mother drew pictures of you. And, like, I feel like that's. I probably would have enjoyed it better because I feel like I was just, like, reading and I was like, what is going on?
- [26:46]
B
Well, and he just was kind of mean. He was just mean.
- [26:49]
A
He called her an idiot a few times.
- [26:50]
B
Okay.
- [26:50]
A
I just don't know why. Here's.
- [26:52]
B
Here's. Here's what he calls her twice in chapter 11. And I remember being like, okay, that's. That's a little much. He calls her a bitch in heat twice in chapter 11. And I remember reading that being like, oh, and this is the love interest. Okay, That's. That's how that relationship is going to be right now. And I get that people love that. I get that people love the. The meat. The mean thing. But, like, I get that it's enemies to lovers. But, like, I knew they weren't enemies. Like, I want an enemy to lovers to be like, who is the love interest? I don't know who it is, but, you know. Yeah, you knew it was him, so it didn't ever feel like enemies. But I get why he was mean, because she was trying to make it feel like it was true enemies to lovers.
- [27:37]
C
Well, I feel like it would have been better if he was just cold instead of straight up mean, but I.
- [27:44]
B
Get what people like that.
- [27:45]
A
Yeah. And I think that also made him being so mean and arrogant, made the physical thing between them felt even more weird than it probably should have felt.
- [27:56]
B
Well, just, like, mean and intense, and it would just come out of nowhere.
- [28:00]
A
I remember writing, like, I understand he's beautiful. Okay. And, like, I can see, like, ooh, attractive even. He's grumpy. Attractive. In my mind, though, it just felt a little unnatural for him to be as mean as he was to her and then for her to be like, so, like, I need to pounce on him right now because I'd almost be a little more scared.
- [28:20]
B
But once again, also, people love that. Yes.
- [28:23]
A
That's just, like, a personal thing for me, I think, overall, I guess, like, maybe what the three of us are trying to say. Tell me if I'm wrong. It just. There were things about their relationship that felt a little unnatural. Obviously, it's a fantasy book, so, like, this is not real life, but I've read plenty of romance books where the chemistry and, you know, the transition from beginning to end is very seamless, or even when there's bumps in the road and, you know, things go up and down. I didn't really think. I think, overall with this book, now that I'm thinking about it, not. I'm not just saying this about the romance, but just everything about this book, there were things about it that felt really choppy. And I don't know if it was, like, the way it was written, but.
- [29:07]
B
I felt that way. But I thought it was because I was reading just so sporadically. So that makes me feel validated that I did feel that way.
- [29:14]
A
So, yeah, there are things that felt a little choppy, but I don't really even mean that in, like, a negative.
- [29:19]
B
Way, because here's the thing. Once again, as an average, we rated this book 2.75 stars. It's still a good book. I would still recommend it to some people, not everyone. And I personally probably wouldn't read it again. But, like, it's still a good book and I still enjoyed it. I was entertained at times. And I just want to stress that because I know there's a lot of people probably listening to this that absolutely love this book.
- [29:45]
A
They're probably valid.
- [29:46]
B
You are valid, in your opinion.
- [29:48]
C
Probably. Yeah. No, and I, I. To your point. I really loved the quicksilver aspect because I feel like that was very unique. And I liked how, you know, she was like this Smith.
- [30:05]
B
Yeah.
- [30:06]
C
Person. And I. I really, really like that. I just wish there were some elements that weren't written similar to other books.
- [30:15]
B
Yeah, for sure.
- [30:16]
C
Because I feel like I would have liked it a lot more if it was like, I've never seen this before. Like this. And the quicksilver part is something I've never seen before. And I was like, this is really cool. A lot of the stuff did go over my head when, you know, they were talking about, like, the combinations of different, like, metal is an elements. And I was like, what the. What am I reading right now?
- [30:35]
B
Or the fact that the. The quicksilver wanted to make deals every time in order for her to be able to give it the power that it needed. That was so cool. I just think, you know, there's certain things in fantasy books that people know works and that's what they use. And I understand why it sells books and people enjoy it. But like I said, I'm just kind of to the point in my reading journey where I want things to be unique and different, which I'm going to say one other thing that I didn't like about this book, and then I'll be done with my dislikes. And this is not a gripe on this book. It is a gripe to all fantasy books in general.
- [31:13]
C
Can I guess what you're.
- [31:14]
B
Yes, please guess. Because we all feel the same way. I know we do.
- [31:16]
C
Is it about roaring?
- [31:18]
B
No.
- [31:19]
A
Is it about mates?
- [31:20]
B
It's the mate thing. Listen, I get. I get why fantasy books have mates in. I ate it up the first five times I read it. But I almost feel like there's something more romantic about people choosing each other instead of just being fated.
- [31:36]
A
Yeah.
- [31:37]
B
I want them to want to choose each other. And I'm tired of the mate thing. That's. To all fantasy books out there. I'm. I don't want mates anymore.
- [31:44]
C
Yeah. I was really wishing from the beginning that it wasn't going to be, but.
- [31:49]
A
Then it was like I knew too soon that that's what it was gonna be. I didn't like that. I knew too soon. I like the idea, like you said, Kennedy, of someone being able to choose, because to me, that does feel more. It's like losing. It's losing its flavor a little bit to me. Because of. Yeah, how often the mates come up.
- [32:11]
B
Everybody gets a mate. You get a mate. You get a mate.
- [32:14]
C
Oh, I was. Well, I was gonna say is with fantasy authors using the terminology. He roared. I can't.
- [32:26]
A
Like, let's find some other words. Yeah, Growled. I'm just kidding.
- [32:32]
B
Any of them just. No, he roared, but with pleasure.
- [32:35]
C
That's what it is every single time. And I can't.
- [32:39]
A
I'm like, also, can we talk about. Are you sure?
- [32:42]
B
Do you need help?
- [32:43]
A
Can we talk about. What was the little sprite's name that brought her snacks after? And it was like, are you okay, ma'am?
- [32:50]
C
And she's like, I just move some furniture around. Yeah.
- [32:52]
A
I'm like, girl, just own up to it. Own up to a girl. She's all like, oh, I wouldn't just move your furniture. And he's all like, well, you did some heavy lifting. Like, let me bring you some water and some snacks. I loved that.
- [33:06]
C
Yeah, that was funny.
- [33:06]
A
That was funny. That made me chuckle out loud.
- [33:09]
C
I forgot one scene that I actually did really like and it's been a hot second since I've read this book. The one who sang, I love the whole scene where she's making the sword and, you know, the quicksilver is making a deal and she's like, I need a song. I loved it. And then there was like, I'm claiming you to have this sword. And that girl was pissed off and.
- [33:37]
B
I was like, yeah, it's Lorath that gets the sword, correct?
- [33:42]
C
Yes, I think so.
- [33:43]
B
Yeah.
- [33:43]
C
Lorath. I just loved that scene and I. I can imagine it in the movie. So I hope they don't flip and mess it up because I could totally see like this Viking esque, Irish is kind of like song and it being like so beautiful. I. I would just love that. I would love that so much. Which I also think that was a unique element that I thought was brought into it. And then them taking the song and none of them remembering it, I was like, that was kind of cool.
- [34:21]
A
Anyways, I forgot about that for some reason.
- [34:23]
B
See, here's the thing. Here's the thing. There are so many good pockets of this story. I feel like the story, for the most part as a whole, it was there. It's just the ro. It's the regurgitating of the fantasy tropes that everybody knows works. That didn't work for me. I just wanted something new in that aspect.
- [34:41]
A
Ditto.
- [34:42]
B
That's.
- [34:42]
A
That's all I have a few really random things I wanted to share.
- [34:46]
C
Okay, go for it.
- [34:47]
A
Rapid fire. Okay. So one. There were just a few times that, like, I was taken out of the fantasy world. Okay. At one point, they literally say. I think it was said two different times. You've been given the Cliff Notes version. Like, it was literally Cliff Notes. You've been given the Cliff Notes. So listen close until you've been given the Cliff. Yeah, yeah, It's. It was. They talk about, give me the Cliff Notes version or. And I was kind of like, I.
- [35:13]
C
Don'T remember that at all.
- [35:14]
A
Yeah, it's in chapter nine. I don't know. I just thought that that was interesting because I was just like, wait, Cliff Notes is. Is that. And I had to, like, Google it. I'm like, I know that people say. But it comes from a website.
- [35:27]
C
I don't know that just world yet.
- [35:29]
A
Or was that chapter seven in chapter nine?
- [35:33]
B
I think she was in the favor realm at that point.
- [35:36]
C
She was.
- [35:36]
B
Yeah.
- [35:37]
A
Yeah. I don't know. That just, like, kind of took me out.
- [35:39]
C
I didn't.
- [35:41]
A
I don't know. I don't know why I caught that.
- [35:42]
B
Yeah, I didn't.
- [35:43]
A
I don't know why I even caught that. But I was like, did he just say Cliff Notes?
- [35:46]
C
I think I was a bit delusional.
- [35:47]
A
Reading this book, so I actually don't need to say the other things. I'll just tell you guys. I don't know why, but anytime people say things in books like areola or, like, constipated, I was just like, why? Why do we have to even say those words?
- [36:02]
B
And I know.
- [36:04]
A
See, I don't even remember that.
- [36:05]
B
Yes.
- [36:05]
A
I don't even include that. But, like, do I need to search it for you?
- [36:09]
B
I think you should include that.
- [36:10]
A
That was like. And I know it's like, they're human. They're human things. I understand. Yeah. Tentatively circling my areola. I just. I couldn't with that. Then it literally says constipated. Let me tell you the.
- [36:24]
C
Hey. And people get const.
- [36:26]
A
Yeah, we've all been there. I just don't know why. There's just. And this is just a me thing. There's just certain times that, like, words are used that I'm like. It takes me out of the story.
- [36:34]
B
Yeah.
- [36:35]
A
Oh. He literally says to her that she looks constipated. I don't know why, but just, like, took me out. But it did. I don't have to include that.
- [36:46]
B
No. I love it.
- [36:47]
A
I know. People are like, reggie, what's the big deal? Everyone gets constipated. Everyone has areolas. I just was like, I can't. I really wish I would have highlighted some of the things Carrion said because, you know, top tier.
- [37:02]
B
They were talk.
- [37:03]
A
I loved him.
- [37:04]
C
Yeah. My favorite part, I think with him was when they're trying to get the witch. Oh. And they're like, you'll just flirt with the witch the entire time. And literally them coming back because. And getting the witch because of him.
- [37:22]
A
I also just felt like the relationship and just the whole dynamic between Carrion and Saris was so fun. I think the relationship I love most in this book was Carrion and Seras.
- [37:33]
B
Same.
- [37:34]
A
Please go.
- [37:34]
C
Him taking a nap.
- [37:39]
B
I'm telling you, he was the best part of the book. He just was so funny. Or when he's commenting on how the. The sprites were like rubbing and rubbing him down with the moss and he was just. I just. I just.
- [37:50]
A
Well, and also how he like just gets into. Obviously it makes sense later in the book, but when he just comes into the fae world and she's like, so this just is not shocking to you or anything. And he was just kind of like, oh yeah. Like this is great. I'm having a great time.
- [38:04]
B
And then come to find out he's literally the Fae prince who.
- [38:06]
A
Yeah.
- [38:07]
C
Like.
- [38:08]
A
And then she. Well. And I also liked that she was as confused as we were because she's like, you mean to tell me that for the past. How long had it been. She's like, you've just been chilling in the. The third.
- [38:21]
C
Whatever. It's like how unserious he is.
- [38:23]
A
So unserious.
- [38:24]
B
Such a intense, serious world. I feel he was just the perfect comedic relief. See, I personally would smash carrying before I'd smash Kingfisher.
- [38:35]
C
Yeah. Personally, I think that's his name. I don't know why it's King Fisher because he's not a king. I couldn't understand that. I would have honestly preferred just Fisher over.
- [38:47]
A
Well, honestly.
- [38:48]
B
I mean, they call him Fisher sometimes. Yeah.
- [38:51]
C
But I was like, why are we calling King Fisher? He's not King.
- [38:55]
A
Okay, so maybe we read.
- [38:58]
B
Yeah.
- [38:58]
A
We're a few reviews from our fable readers.
- [39:02]
B
We're adding a new segment to all of our book club episodes where we read five star reviews from people and where we read one star reviews from people just because I think it'll be fun.
- [39:13]
A
Yeah.
- [39:13]
C
Yeah.
- [39:14]
A
Is there one that from the fable that anyone left that stood out to you guys?
- [39:18]
B
I did find a five star review on Goodreads. This person says, this is my exact taste in fantasy. I don't even care and here's the thing.
- [39:27]
C
I love that.
- [39:29]
B
It's all about taste. It just, you know, those of you who are listening who rated it five stars, this is your exact taste in fantasy, and that's amazing. Maybe you read Red Rising and you think it's horrible and you rate it 2 stars, but that's my taste in fantasy. It's okay. Like, it's totally fine.
- [39:45]
A
See, someone said my first ever romantasy, and I was very skeptical going into it, but boy, oh, boy, it got me hooked.
- [39:51]
B
See? 5 star review.
- [39:52]
A
Honestly, a great intro. Romantasy book.
- [39:55]
B
For sure. For sure.
- [39:57]
A
Do I think there's better ones? Yes, but because it's like, her first one, I'm sure you absolutely ate it up. I know I would have.
- [40:03]
C
Yeah.
- [40:04]
B
Someone rated it five stars and said this book was stunning. A work of written art with intricate twists and hidden depths. I slipped into it like Saris slipped into the quicksilver pool. Cali, where's the next book? I need more Carrion and Kingfisher and Lorath, which. You know what? I loved Lorath. And I loved Carrion. I agree. We could also mention this right now. Did you guys see that? The release date and the name came out?
- [40:26]
C
Mm, it did.
- [40:27]
A
Oh, what's it called? I know. It's coming out in.
- [40:30]
B
It comes out September. Hold on. Hodderscape posted a video today. I had. I didn't see Brimstone. Yes. So it is called Brimstone and it comes out November 18th. So honestly, you don't have to wait too long for the next one.
- [40:46]
C
This is a kind of a side tangent. Why do people go and rate books before they've read them or if they've come out?
- [40:55]
A
I think people like having the likes on.
- [40:57]
B
I don't know. I don't know. I don't say. I don't know.
- [41:01]
C
Like, I went to go check it out and people had already rated it, like, five stars and it's not even out.
- [41:07]
B
Maybe.
- [41:07]
C
I don't know. Maybe they got arc books of it. I don't know. Advanced.
- [41:13]
B
I don't know.
- [41:14]
C
I don't know.
- [41:14]
B
Okay. This five star review, I'm obsessed with, it says, did you actually take your Kindle with you to brush your teeth? An actual thing my boyfriend said while I was reading this book. Not even dental hygiene could get in the way of me eating this up.
- [41:28]
C
Yes, I love that.
- [41:29]
A
I can't find the one star review that I thought was funny, but someone did say, by the grace of God, I will never listen to Booktok again. Oh, I Just feel like Booktok books are just a hit or miss, you.
- [41:40]
B
Know, they really are.
- [41:40]
A
And I feel like maybe you said. I think you said something like this at the beginning of the episode. Like had you maybe read it when it first came out, maybe you would have liked it a little more. Yeah, maybe.
- [41:55]
B
But I think it. It gets to the point, you know, on Booktok where people are like, this is the best Fae fantasy book I've ever read. And listen, I am also not perfect. There's been so many times where I'll get on the podcast, I will get on Booktok and I'll say this is the best book I've ever writt. You have to read it right now. Is it the best book? Probably not. And people will disagree with me. So I'm just slowly learning to chill out.
- [42:24]
A
Yeah. Okay. Someone left a one star and just said Karian made me laugh. That's why this gets a star.
- [42:31]
C
You know, Carrion really k the book. Oh, that was good. Michaela. That was Carrion book.
- [42:39]
B
Okay.
- [42:40]
C
He was. He was the shining 90 of the book for me.
- [42:44]
A
Same, same.
- [42:46]
C
I will read the next 5% of that was Onyx.
- [42:49]
B
Oh, yeah.
- [42:50]
C
The rest was the relationship. Yeah, I was kidding. I. That was a little harsh. But yeah, I'm really excited. Maybe he will get a point of view.
- [43:00]
B
Here's. Here's my hot take. Maybe I'm going to enjoy. I think honestly I'm going to enjoy the second book a lot more because they're together. There's not going to be that weird disconnect at the beginning. You know, Carrion's gonna be there also. She's a vampire. I'm here for that. The ending, I will say the last like 20 pages were a rush. It was fast paced. It was a wild ride. Loved it. The ending was really. Was really great. I think I'm gonna like the second book more. That's my takeaway. I'm gonna like Brimstone. Brimstone more than Quicksilver.
- [43:39]
C
I think possibly. Yeah. Yeah.
- [43:41]
A
Same fan cast. Do you guys have. Have some. Some, some stuff? Do you have anything? Because I have. I'm really excited about my King Fisher pick. But that's like the only one I'm feeling really good about.
- [43:52]
B
I can just be your resident MyCast IO ambassador.
- [43:57]
C
I. I only have Kingfisher.
- [44:00]
A
All right, who do you got?
- [44:02]
C
Do you want me to go first? It's a little out there.
- [44:05]
A
I love it. Starting off in the bang.
- [44:06]
C
I don't know how to pronounce his last name. Bill Sicari.
- [44:13]
A
Guard.
- [44:14]
B
Oh, Bill Scarzard.
- [44:15]
C
Yeah.
- [44:15]
A
Let me see him.
- [44:16]
B
Honestly, he plays it and he plays well.
- [44:20]
C
I'm talking about this one. Oh, he's so crow.
- [44:23]
B
Honestly, I'm here for it. I don't think it's that out there.
- [44:25]
A
Did I see a photo of him where he's. I know.
- [44:27]
B
You don't know what Bill Scars artist.
- [44:28]
A
No, I know. Well, I know. Yeah, I, I've seen his face. Like I know who he is.
- [44:33]
B
Some long emo boy hair.
- [44:35]
A
But I feel like, I feel like I just need a normal picture of him.
- [44:38]
C
I mean, I think he looks, he looks better when he is playing characters.
- [44:46]
B
Yeah, I agree.
- [44:47]
C
In my opinion.
- [44:48]
A
Yeah.
- [44:49]
B
Give him some long hair and I could see it.
- [44:51]
C
Anyways, it's a very out there cast. I just pictured and I was like, I'm going with it.
- [44:56]
B
Okay?
- [44:56]
C
I'm going with it. I mean especially, especially the crowd.
- [44:59]
B
I haven't seen the Crow. I haven't also seen. I haven't seen Nosferatu, but I've seen clips on Tick Tock.
- [45:05]
C
Not Nosferatu.
- [45:06]
B
I mean, you know, I could see it. I feel like I like it. I like it.
- [45:10]
A
It was.
- [45:10]
C
Yeah, it's very out there.
- [45:13]
B
I like it. Reggie, who's yours?
- [45:16]
A
Let's see if I can pronounce his name right. He's the guy in 365. Oh, oh, I'll just put pictures up. This guy, Michelle Morone. He's the guy. He's the guy that's gonna be in the housemate. Yeah, yeah, that's gonn.
- [45:31]
B
I could see that as well.
- [45:32]
A
The gardener guy.
- [45:33]
B
Yeah, I could see that.
- [45:34]
A
I don't know, he just looks like the AI fan art to me.
- [45:37]
B
I could see it for sure.
- [45:38]
A
And I feel like he can be like the kind of angry. Come across really mean, broody.
- [45:46]
C
Yeah, yeah.
- [45:48]
A
Also, I didn't know he's a singer. Italian actor, singer, model and fashion designer.
- [45:53]
B
I didn't know a jack of all trades.
- [45:55]
A
Wow. Anyways, I just think he's beautiful and there's something about him that like scares me but in like a good way. So he's my kingfisher.
- [46:07]
B
Someone smash someone on my cast. He's not the top one, but I'm not gonna say the top one. Aaron Taylor Johnson don't love that. But that's what the people on my cast are saying. Saris or carrion? I'll give you. I'll give you what my cast does.
- [46:21]
A
Okay.
- [46:21]
B
Yeah, you want that? Yep. Carrion is KJ Alpa on because he's a Fake redhead.
- [46:26]
A
And he always gets cast as the red.
- [46:28]
B
He's the redhead. He's the token redhead. And Sarah's fane is Phoebe Tonkin.
- [46:32]
A
I like Phoebe Tonkin. I don't know if I like KJ Apa.
- [46:35]
B
There's gotta be another redhead out there.
- [46:37]
A
And I mean, you can always dye people's hair. I mean, how about, you know, I will not lie. I did think of him, but I couldn't say him because I always say him. But he would be great. I love him.
- [46:50]
C
I just feel like some of these. It's really hard when fantasy writers say their height because King Fisher is seven foot. Yeah. And I. He is really tall. Like the guy. Own guy cast. I think he's like six, four, something something. But what's his name?
- [47:11]
B
Carrion.
- [47:12]
C
No, the actor that they cast for King Fisher. Oh, my.
- [47:17]
B
Oh, Aaron Taylor Johnson.
- [47:18]
C
Aaron Taylor Johnson is, I think, like five, eight.
- [47:21]
B
Oh, he's short.
- [47:23]
C
Actually. I could be wrong. I don't want to be canceled for that. I. It's hard because there are a lot of actors that are so short. And I'm like, it's hard to find someone. So you either have to have like a really short gal to kind of give the illusion of. But Aaron Taylor Johnson is. Because here's the thing, he's five'eleven okay.
- [47:46]
A
Not terribly the readers.
- [47:48]
B
If there's one thing we're passionate about, we're passionate about our fictional men. And if you don't get the fictional men perfectly right, there's going to be an outcry. So you got to find someone who is exactly the height that the author says, you know? Yeah. Yeah. I'm not saying I would be. I'm also passionate about my fictional man. There's nothing wrong with that.
- [48:09]
A
Yeah.
- [48:10]
C
I appreciate tall.
- [48:11]
B
Yeah.
- [48:12]
C
Male actors.
- [48:15]
A
The only other person I had one for was I did Hailee Steinfeld for what's her Bucket?
- [48:20]
B
I love her for.
- [48:22]
C
I feel like she'd do a good job.
- [48:23]
B
I just am obsessed with her, actually. I'm obsessed with her. She could also play. If it was, you know, an animation style. She could also play the voice actor for her.
- [48:31]
A
So, yeah, I just like from what she's been in.
- [48:34]
B
Yeah. I love her.
- [48:35]
A
She fits the physical description. I'd like to be so. Yeah, yeah, those are mine. I didn't feel very passionately or have anyone really in mind. I mean, maybe for Malcolm. Yeah. The Volcker or not Valkyrie.
- [48:46]
B
The Voltaire.
- [48:47]
A
The Voltaire guy. Oh, give him white hair, last thing.
- [48:52]
C
The Queen.
- [48:53]
B
Oh, it was too predictable.
- [48:55]
C
From the very beginning.
- [48:56]
A
Oh, yeah. Even like in the audiobook, just the way she voiced her.
- [49:02]
B
Yeah.
- [49:03]
C
I was like, okay, well, we'll see in a little bit. I think it's just because if there wanted to be an element of surprise, I think the queen could have been at least a little bit believable as like a queen of.
- [49:22]
B
Well, when she's like, she hasn't aged and she's been queen for hundreds of.
- [49:26]
C
Years, I was like, oh, huh. So she's Faye. Yeah. And also she was just straight up like the meanest person ever. And so I'm like, okay, well, she's going to be one of the villains anyways. Sorry, it was just too predictable. Because if we wanted to really surprise, like, we. I. I really like when villains pretend to, like, be this, like, generous leader or ruler and then like, their motives are actually, like, the worst, which is, I think is a great villain because everyone's like. Because no one liked her.
- [50:02]
B
No one did. No one did.
- [50:04]
C
Anyway, sorry, that was a way random tangent.
- [50:07]
A
No, you're good. I. I made a thing in my notes to bring that up as well, so I'm glad you said something. We apologize for being all over the place. I think we honestly were just a little bit nervous to do this episode because this is the first book club book we've done where we've rated it. Like, this is our probably. Is this our lowest rated book club book?
- [50:27]
B
I don't know. But also, I know a lot of people feel really passionately about this book.
- [50:31]
C
Yeah.
- [50:31]
B
Because they love it so much. And once again, I'm not yucking your yums because you would probably read some of my favorite books and you'd be like, this chick is crazy. This is bad. But that's the beauty of reading, is we all can have our own opinions. Opinions. And I wish I. I wish every book I read could be five stars. But that's just not the case.
- [50:49]
A
Yeah. Like, if you made it this far and you really loved the book, thank you for sticking around. I hope we didn't offend, but, you know, reading is subjective and thanks for tuning in. We appreciate you being here and we're very excited about our February book club book. So once again, the favorites by Lane Fargo. So tune in the first Wednesday of March for us to go over that. Join our fable to follow along as we read together and check out our merch. We have merch. In case you didn't know, it's on our website. I'll read what she's reading dot com. And you can follow us on Instagram and TikTok at what she's reading Pod. We'll see you next time. Bye.