老虎机稳赢方法

This is the May Monthly Group Read discussion for Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier to satisfy prompt #15 A book by a Pacific Islander author. In celebration of AAPI Appreciation month in the US!

Stormie ~ Book Dragon ~ is the "bubbling bibliophile" who will guide this month's discussion! Thank you!!

Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read.

It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the location within the book noting your progress (chapter and/or page number) with the spoiler. That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...

TO ADD SPOILER TAGS:
Use this for spoilers, just remove the spaces:
< spoiler > write your spoiler here and close with < / spoiler >

Posts here should only be contributions to discussion about this book.

Hello Everyone,
Welcome to the discussion of Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier.

老虎机稳赢方法 blurb about the book:
/book/show/5...

About the author:
/author/show...

I just wanted to get some pre-discussion going here:
I haven't heard of this author before and I am grateful for these challenges because they inspire me to read books/authors that I haven't read previously.

Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres and this book has an HF tag, so, super excited about that. The only thing is, that I tend to research for myself to know more about the actual historical facts that are put into the books, and here were read the author's story about a plague (Black Death) and Princess Joan, as Lucier's inspiration for the book.

I am a History Geek, so books like this, I really mark up with my research notes. I have never heard of this Princess Joan that she mentions and I am really curious to know more about this, also in her note, she mentions that she started writing this in 2018 before the coronavirus was discovered in the US and she wasn't sure if she chose the right time to tell her story.

The blurb sounded really good, so, I can't wait to really get into this book and get the discussion going. If you want to share any pre-thoughts about this book, please feel free to do so.
I have already started reading and am hoping to get in at least 4-to 5 chapters tonight, while at work.

~ Happy Reading ~ Stormie ~

I wasn't planning to read this book, because I already read a book by a Pacific Islander for this year's Challenge. But I looked it up on Libby, and hey! it was available, so I borrowed it, and ooops! I'm already on chapter 3. This book is not enhancing my productivity.

I'm approaching it as fantasy, not historical fiction. It seems to be based in a fictional place, and the main character can talk to dead people. I'm sure other fantastical elements will emerge as I keep reading.

How realistic is the scene with the lynx (view spoiler)[who is infected with the plague? I googled a bit and it sounds like top predators CAN become infected by eating a body that died of plague, and you CAN become infected if you're bitten by a sick animal, but they do not show the symptoms described in the book. (hide spoiler)]

I started this on Sunday and I'm almost finished. I am quite enjoying the story. I quickly got caught up in the mystery and the lives.

@Nadine, I think it is a very good thing that the infected lynx is made up! They sound terrifying.

Started it on Saturday and finished it Sunday. I was enthralled with the story.

Starting it soon; picked up the audiobook but didn't vibe with it so I'm waiting on the physical copy from my library.

I also already covered the prompt for Pacific Islander author. Could this count as Own Voices SFF?

cat herine wrote: "I also already covered the prompt for Pacific Islander author. Could this could as Own Voices SFF? ..."


maybe? I think it depends on how strict you are with what that means. The characters aren't really described as being part of a particular ethnic group, they are just tall or short or young or old or straight black hair or curly hair ... etc. So, they COULD be the same ethnicity as the author? I'm only on chapter 5, maybe there is more info later in the story.

I'm amazed at how GOOD this book is and how much I just want to read it and do nothing else - why has the publishing world been sitting on this amazing author, why didn't I know who she was? Meanwhile there are established and popular authors whose books aren't nearly this good. I guess this is why I'm always trying to fit new authors in, because you never know when you will find a gem.


So, for those of you who are or have already read this: do you think this book is YA or not? I see it shelved as YA by a lot of readers, and the characters ARE young, but they are adults, and I don't think this is YA, although it certainly would have just as much appeal for teens as it does for adults.

Well, now you-all have got me intrigued! LOL

This is listed by 老虎机稳赢方法 members overwhelmingly as Fantasy first and foremost, then some also list it as Historical Fiction.

I also adore HF, but it looks as if the Fantasy aspect is very clear.

Sounds like it is a rather quick read. I plan to start it next week after I knock out a couple more Buddy Reads. (Definitely got a bit carried away with those this month! LOL)

This is definitely THE book I will use to fulfill the Pacific Islander author prompt.

I know nothing about this one beyond what is posted on 老虎机稳赢方法 and what you all have mentioned.

Nadine in NY wrote: "cat herine wrote: "I also already covered the prompt for Pacific Islander author. Could this could as Own Voices SFF? ..."


maybe? I think it depends on how strict you are with what that means. Th..."

Personally I'm not sure that I would count it as #ownvoices, like Nadine, I'm didn't really understand anything about anyone's ethnicity that would match the author's necessarily. But maybe I missed it?

I finished last night and quite enjoyed.

@Nadine, my library clearly labeled my copy as Teen but other than being a really easy read, I wouldn't consider it too YA. Yes the characters are 18 but they lived through some experiences and did not act young at all. I was wondering if part of it is the cleanliness of the romance?

@Lynn, it has some fantasy aspects- the MC seeing and talking to ghosts- but I wouldn't say that it is a huge or overwhelming part of the story. It is an engaging read.

cat herine wrote: "Starting it soon; picked up the audiobook but didn't vibe with it so I'm waiting on the physical copy from my library.

I also already covered the prompt for Pacific Islander author. Could this co..."


I just had a thought: since Cas can talk to ghosts, you could perhaps use this for "afterlife"?

I definitely wouldn't call it fantasy. I would classify it as paranormal if anything. for me, paranormal and fantasy can be mutually exclusive, which this book is. (view spoiler)[Nothing you would typically find in a fantasy (high or low) novel exists in this book. There is no magic or any sort of fantasy creature or peoples. Other than the ghosts, there is nothing fantasy about it. (hide spoiler)]

According to Baker & Taylor (where I buy the library books for work) it's Teen 7-9 grade.

Nadine in NY wrote: I just had a thought: since Cas can talk to ghosts, you could perhaps use this for "afterlife"?

Ooh, I think I could check that prompt off. Thanks!

In Chapter 9 he picks up a weapon much like the one on the cover (view spoiler)[and uses it to demolish a stone statue of himself, which must be why the figure on the cover has cracks in its head (hide spoiler)]. I thought that was a woman holding the weapon, but I guess that is Cas. I do LOVE it when the cover art perfectly fits the text.


Some of the foods described are from Guam (chicken kelaguen, red rice, and latijas/latiyas/latias - she spells it "latijas" but Google does not recognize that spelling), so it might be fair to consider this #ownvoices.

Nadine in NY wrote: "In Chapter 9 he picks up a weapon much like the one on the cover [spoilers removed]. I thought that was a woman holding the weapon, but I guess that is Cas. I do LOVE it when the cover art perfectl..."

You are not the only one. I thought it was a woman too.

I haven't had much time to read this week, but I'm about 50 or so pages in and it's grabbed me already. I love a good fantasy with some history rooted in there, so I'm excited to keep going with this one!

I loved that part of Chapter 9! Ventillas is such a great brother.

I will be starting this one later today. After reading the Prologue last night I was seriously hooked!

Thank you all for your comments! I am a bit behind on my reading, but so far my thoughts are at this point that this is a YA book. Not that there is anything wrong with that, and I am intrigued to find out what happens with Cas and I see he is nobility. (So far I have read up to chapter 3, as I had some other books to finish.) I am really hoping to see a bit more of the HF aspect in here as well, but if not, well then that's okay. So far I just see mentions of a rabid/infected lynx.

I usually have a lot more time to read when I am working the midnight shift and I have three nights this week instead of the usual two, so I am hoping to finish. I have some other books that I was trying to finish as they are due back at the library on Saturday.

~ Happy Reading ~

I just started this last night and am only a few chapters in, but it sure has a very good start. I'm pleased with how the monthly reads are really helping me out this year.

And I'm really grateful COVID was not as bad as this plague.

I had an event to attend today, so I read more of the book. So far I have made it to chapter 7. The part where he sees his brother and tells him what happened to him was incredibly emotional to me.

Jen K wrote: "I loved that part of Chapter 9! Ventillas is such a great brother."
I'm only through Chapter 12 but I would agree!

I am through Chapter 12 and totally intrigued to discover (view spoiler)[the archer's identity. I'm just starting the part where Cas is trying to inspect Dimas' attic. I don't trust this guy. Especially since he was well known to have NEVER given his staff ANY time off, but now all of a sudden gave them all that whole day off? Seems suspicious to me! He appears to be a blowhard.

I love Lena! She's my kinda woman! LOL(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Nadine in NY wrote: "In Chapter 9 he picks up a weapon much like the one on the cover [spoilers removed]."
I'm so glad you pointed that out. I always remove the dust jacket while reading a hardcover book, so hadn't even noticed! That is soooo cool!

And thanks for the food info!

Teri wrote: "... And I'm really grateful COVID was not as bad as this plague. ..."



LOL no kidding!!!

Lynn wrote: "I am through Chapter 12 and totally intrigued to discover the archer's identity. I'm just starting the part where Cas is trying to inspect Dimas' attic. I don't trust this guy. Especially since he ..."



The book is pretty heavily broadcasting who it is, so your guess is probably correct (in a way). The mystery becomes not "who" but "WHY" (and then the "why" leads back to the "who")



And I guess I'm very food-driven haha! I had to look up the unfamiliar terms! That latiya sounded really good!!

So, Nadine, this is yet another book on which we agree! YAY!!

I loved this! I would definitely love a sequel!

I want to know (view spoiler)[if Ventillas returns after 5 years and where exactly did he go and what did he do? I seriously wondered if maybe he was going to kill himself... I hope not. I did end up understanding why everybody chose to go along with the hoax regarding Jehan/Mari. I admit I was fooled! (I usually am! LOL)

And speaking of Ventillas, I really appreciated the way Lucier handled his relationship with Kemen (Was that his name?), no big deal, just "Oh, yeah, neither of them married and they were best friends..." Accepting.

I assume the King will allow Mari to continue playing the charade of being "Queen Jehan" since the peaceful interlude depends upon that marriage. And there is little Ventillas to consider... Heir to the throne.

I appreciated the two brothers depicted as basically kind and caring, though fierce when it came to defending each other. Ventillas went ahead and killed Faro after promising not to...just because of his betrayal of Cas and the others. And then Cas almost killed Bitto to prevent him betraying the truth of Ventillas' lies to the King... I thought that felt realistic. (hide spoiler)]

I plan to read Isle of Blood and Stone in the near future.

Lynn wrote: "So, Nadine, this is yet another book on which we agree! YAY!!

I loved this! I would definitely love a sequel!

I want to know if ..."


I thought it might be!!! I would love a sequel to this, too! (Although, I appreciated that it was a standalone when I started it - I didn't want to get hooked into another series, but here I am wanting to get into another series anyway.)

It felt like a complete story with a satisfying ending, but there are also a lot of things the characters have to do next.

Some of the characters said they might have trouble (view spoiler)[ if anyone from Jehan's kingdom comes to visit, but ... after years of Plague when so many people died and others have been physically scarred or just changed from the stress ... who is really going to know?? Except for her own parents or siblings or nanny ... perhaps THAT could be in the sequel! Plus, what Ventillas got up to in the last five years, and how things are going with Lena & Cas. (hide spoiler)]

I also want to read more by this author. But I have a huge waitlist of books on hold at the library to read "next" so it wont' be soon.

When I was reading the plague bits (view spoiler)[(especially the part where Cas has them beat the tar out of him and his pustules break) (hide spoiler)] it reminded me of a movie from the 80s called Flesh+Blood. It also featured the plague and something similar happens

I really enjoyed this, especially the friendship aspects with a lot of the characters. The brotherly affection between Cas and Ventillas, in particular, was touching and really fun to read - thinking about you, chapter 9! "My ears!"

Just finished this. Great book, and like many above, I would definitely enjoy a sequel, or something else in this world, and will also check out others by this author.

I would say YA, just due to the lighthearted tone of the book (despite the subject matter) and relatively younger characters.

Nadine, I had a little issue with how the book presented the issue you discussed of (view spoiler)[ dealing with future visitors from Jehan's kingdom. I take your point that it had been awhile and nothing might happen, even if someone came, but in the book, it was presented as such a major issue with the plan that those who were involved didn't think about - and yet, when they decided to continue the deception, no one addressed how that concern was met. You've thought of some things, but no one in the book mentioned it! I also forget if Mari and Jehan were described as relatively similar in appearance in the prologue, or different - does anyone recall? (hide spoiler)]

I also liked Cas' power and how it was dealt with. (view spoiler)[ It wasn't all tied in a bow by the end about about how he came to have it, or what the rules were - it sort of implied that he might see people just until anything keeping them there was met, but never confirmed, and never really went down that road. (hide spoiler)]

And, finally, agree with the Ventillas love. The part with him (view spoiler)[ visiting his lover's grave (hide spoiler)] was just heartbreaking. His further adventures are the sequel I'd most want to see.

Joanna wrote: "Just finished this. Great book, and like many above, I would definitely enjoy a sequel, or something else in this world, and will also check out others by this author.

... Nadine, I had a little issue with how the book presented the issue you discussed of ..."



Yes it was a bit frustrating that that was raised as a huge obstacle and then never discussed again. Lucier's editor should have caught that and insisted on some sort of resolution.

Just started this last night and read about 75 pages in one go! I AM CAPTIVATED. I love a story with a horse, especially one with such a personality.

Nadine in NY wrote: "How realistic is the scene with the lynx."

I took it as the Lynx had rabies, not the plague... 馃し鈥嶁檧锔忦煠封�嶁檧锔�

Nadine in NY wrote: "The book is pretty heavily broadcasting who it is, so your guess is probably correct (in a way). The mystery becomes not "who" but "WHY" (and then the "why" leads back to the "who").."

Perfectly described Nadine!

Lynn wrote: "I loved this! I would definitely love a sequel!

I want to know if Ventillas..."

ME TOO Lynn! I want to know the same exact thing. I thought for sure we'd get a (view spoiler)["5 Years Later" scene where the brothers reunited. (hide spoiler)]

I finished today and I really enjoyed it! I'm so glad this was the group pick for this prompt.

Was anyone else a little mad that (view spoiler)[ Jehan just went out in flames (literally) after fighting so hard to get back at Mari, it left me a little deflated. I was hoping for a little better confrontation. I'm also not sure what adding the doctor that stole Jehan's body for experiments really added to the story, besides making Jehan's life even more miserable. (view spoiler)[

I loved the ghosts and Cas- I wish we got more of these interactions, but Izaro really endeared it for me. I loved the banter between Lena & Cas and especially about the horse! The silk ribbons in her mane made my heart soar. I'm such an inner horse girl. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Yeah, I felt the build up sort of fizzled out in the end (view spoiler)[especially since Jehan had agreed to be left there in the first place, you'd think she would take revenge on the doctor, the hospital staff, and even the people the way Cas initially felt very wary towards Jehan/Mari. I think the experimentation was more for shock factor as it didn't really add anything to the story, imo. (hide spoiler)]

Also, (view spoiler)[agree about Cas and seeing ghosts. I wish it were explained a little more since at times it felt a bit convenient. That he wasn't able to see the artist staying at the inn, nor did he even think to look for her. I think it would have been better to have it established early on that he can't see all ghosts. (hide spoiler)]

Britany wrote: "I finished today and I really enjoyed it! I'm so glad this was the group pick for this prompt.

Was anyone else a little mad that ..."



Yeah I thought there'd be more to that. (view spoiler)[Jehan and Mari talked once, but I wanted more confrontation and airing of grievances. The story with the doctor was to explain how she became murderously insane, but it felt a little shoved in there. (hide spoiler)] But I did really enjoy this book!!

Nadine in NY wrote: "Joanna wrote: "Just finished this. Great book, and like many above, I would definitely enjoy a sequel, or something else in this world, and will also check out others by this author.

... Nadine, ...

Yes it was a bit frustrating that that was raised as a huge obstacle and then never discussed again. Lucier's editor should have caught that and insisted on some sort of resolution."
I would tend to disagree. To me, this doesn't need to be mentioned and hence the reader keeps wondering... What if? ;) But I like those types of "loose" endings!

cat herine wrote: "Yeah, I felt the build up sort of fizzled out in the end [spoilers removed]

Also, [spoilers removed]"
I did think the (view spoiler)[experimentation details were for shock value, but also to help give reasons for Jehan's brutal revenge upon the others? Not sure it worked for me, but I did ponder the after-effects (PTSD symptoms, etc.) for her...

Again, I'm evidently in the minority, but I felt Cas' ability to see some ghosts and not others was a successful suspense ploy as well as a thought-provoking aspect for the reader to ponder, "Why?" (hide spoiler)]

I just REALLY want a sequel! I feel there is so much unfinished material that it is perfect for MORE! And I now own a copy of Isle of Blood and Stone which I hope to read in July!

Nadine in NY wrote: "Britany wrote: "I finished today and I really enjoyed it! I'm so glad this was the group pick for this prompt.

Was anyone else a little mad that ..."

Yeah I thought there'd be more to that. [s..."
Ha! I love that descriptor--(view spoiler)["murderously insane"! (hide spoiler)] LOL

I had to set this book aside and just finished it last night. Really enjoyed it. Cas, Lena, and Ventillas were great characters. For reasons some of you have stated, it wasn't a perfect book. But also for reasons you have stated, I WANT A SEQUEL!

Teri wrote: "I had to set this book aside and just finished it last night. Really enjoyed it. Cas, Lena, and Ventillas were great characters. For reasons some of you have stated, it wasn't a perfect book. But a..."
Cool! Glad you enjoyed it as well!