travlbug

I wonder why Toby and Reid don't want Mrs. Quinn's help with their studies. I would think they'd be glad of someone to answer their questions. The ship's complement of doctors is well balanced and should prove effective in accomplishing the mission.

The author doesn't need defending: I'm very happy to go wherever he takes us!

Actually, if Chris had incinerated the rogues the moment they attacked, then no one else would have been hurt. So why didn't he turn them to ash immediately? Does it take time to amass the energy? Does he have to be angry in order to do it? Does he stay his power because of some misguided sympathy, thinking that some of the enemy might be worth salvaging? (As a corollary, does he simply hate the idea of mass killing?) By dithering, Chris allows Gustav to metamorphose into what is probably a demon (possibly his original form?), and when Gustav talks about his own masters, I presume he is referring to demon masters. His scratch is likely poisonous in his demon form, and I wonder if anyone--short of the Elves--will know how to save Chris from what may be a lethal wound!

Andy's parents are not supportive, and I don't blame Andy for leaving. (Perhaps they'll come around later, but they're not yet ready.) Yes, Pete is an asshole; but in his case, the hostility seems more of a protective mechanism than a true way of thinking. And he has Jordan's seal of approval.

Painfully realistic. This first chapter asks if the price of truth is, in fact, too high.

This chapter feels like a train barreling along the tracks at high speed--not out of control, perhaps, as I have faith in Sui, but it sure feels as if events are playing out in a way that neither Jihan nor Kastan wants or expects. Sadly, Kstan's order for Jihan to marry him becomes a punishment, not a cause for celebration. (The relationship between Jihan and Kastan is becoming so tangled that a loving alliance between the two seems all but impossible. ) Temu's speculation that Swallow is Jihan's present lover may have ultimately cost Swallow his life. What will be the consequences when Jihan realizes that Kastan has lied about Swallow's death? If Temu is the cause of Jihan's laying on the ground unconscious, then I fear for Temu's life: Even under the present circumstances, he should know better than to manhandle a Prince Consort--especially considering Kastan's actual feelings for Jihan--and especially considering the minimal provocation in Jihan's gentle needling. (Good bye, Temu, it's been nice to know you!)

Nice to hear that there are other medical facilities in these areas, because the ship won't be able to do everything for everyone. (James is asking for volunteers, and there's no guarantee as to what specialties will be represented--e.g, will there be a pediatrician? Gynecologist? Orthopod?) Also, no mention has been made of an x-ray facility; and while such a facility would be invaluable, retrofitting a salon, or portion of a salon, to be impervious to x-rays would be prohibitively expensive. Rather, the ship will be a superb adjunct to the medical services already in place!

James is a doctor inside and out, thinking of how the ship could be used to help others. His idea to use the ship as a mobile clinic is inspired, and I would bet the the government could even be persuaded to provide a grant to assist in outfitting the ship with the needed equipment! Unfortunately, this new use for the ship derails the school plans for the boys. As James would never send them to boarding school--he said so last chapter--they will have to be tutored while living on the ship, but their new lifestyle will come with it's own adventures!

I love that Preston shows how busy James is as a doctor even during the holiday season. (See, James, if you'd have drunk more alcohol, you would have had more time off! 😂) That James helps others instead of taking the time for himself and his family shows both the selflessness and sadness of being a physician. (Timothy is a good doctor's partner for accepting the lost time without saying boo--he expects it). The ship has arrived! A new home, a new car, and a new part of the county! Adventure awaits!

I'm still waiting to inherit my first yacht, but I think I'm in for a long wait! 😂 While I love the yacht, I'm happy that the charters are scheduled only for the weekends: I'm very much looking forward to any portion of the story involving James' adventures in the hospital and the kids' adventures in an aboriginal school! That said, I'm intrigued by the idea of living on a ship, so this aspect of the story should be fun as well!

Chris feels that he can snuff out the Blood Army operatives all on his own, and he has proven that he can turn six hostiles to ash at the snap of a finger: What if he forces kumhakta and channels the power overload into a killing burst! I'm not sure that Vincent realizes just how much of a weapon his boyfriend is! 😅

And what did they think of the explosion of power in the Elven realm? (I'm surprised that no royal envoy showed up to make sure that Chris was OK!)

Chris has become so powerful that routine releases of power cannot prevent kumhakta from sneaking up on him. Why is his power continuing to grow? If there is a purpose--if he needs to be this powerful--be very afraid!

First book? Just how many books of Phil's adventures are there--or how many are planned? I feel sad for Manu, but he's probably right that his wife won't make waves: As long as he gives her children, she'll have to be satisfied. But will Manu ever find happiness again? (Phil will never know what happens to his lover. 😢) And as for Phil, I wonder if he'll be leaving a lover in every p̶o̶r̶t time period? 🤗 Now that the enemy knows about Phil, will they also be tracking him through time as well? I have a bad feeling.... Many thanks for sharing your story with us! Can't wait for the next installment!

Wow, 15% of the agents were compromised! The High Council must be screened as soon as possible, not to mention the werewolf and human governing boards and their agents. At this point, virtually no one can be trusted, and getting everyone screened will be a logistical nightmare. (This scheme is a masterpiece on the part of the Blood Army: They are using good guys to fight other good guys, so that the soldiers of the Blood Army never put themselves at risk! I wonder just how long they've been planning for this moment? Months? Years? 😲)

Brad, you may not be prejudiced against Gays, but you are still a heterosexual pig! (Oink! 🐽) Love the "interviews" with Anne and Henk: The stories they tell reflect the experiences of too many veterans. And Carlos, please feel free to bash Trump as much as you want! 😊

I love that James makes clear to Toby the amount of time (and obvious dedication) that it takes to make a doctor. ❤ What a house (in Darwin)! As always, @quokka does a superlative job of giving us a tour! A doctor's life is not his own: If James is needed in Gove, then that is where he'll go. The kids are in for a unique experience, attending school where the majority of students are Aboriginal. I hope they find it eye-opening and enjoyable. And Toby is getting better. Yay!

Sad that he felt that he couldn't come out as an amputee during his lifetime; but considering the era--and the "perfect" people shown on screen--he was probably right to hide his disability. 😥

"But I ain’t homeless. I wouldn’t qualify." While Brad has a story worth telling, his inclusion in the documentary is akin to a "plant": That said, as long as the film clearly states that he is present for the experience, and is not homeless, then the film remains ethical. (I am not happy with CJ right now: When Brad reminds CJ that he is not "homeless or destitute," CJ responds, "Details, details," but those details are important for the sake of truth.)

Profoundly moving.

Victor, I appreciate that you trust your Sire, Luca, but NO ONE should be exempted from screening.

If Gustav predates even the Blood Army, is he actually an agent for them or does he have his own agenda?

Some people would withdraw--go into depression--after a life-altering accident: Reid wants to become a doctor and help others. He is also a loving brother. He's a life-affirming character, and I'm hooked!

“You promised never to do this to me,” Kastan said, getting to his feet. So much for brotherly trust. Though some monarchs would not tolerate such talk-back even from a family member, Kastan is not afraid to voice the betrayal. At least, Kastan's preference for Jihan is now on the table, and Kiyan says (after Kastan's departure) that he will accept a ”wedding with a Kamran child,” not necessarily Andiya. That said, Kiyan's plan contains a test for Jihan: As Kiyan says, “I need to see what Andiya’s brother will do after he reads that edict. You can only know the true nature of a man when his family is in danger.” The danger of marrying into the royal family, or does Kiyan have something else in mind? (Is he trying to determine if Jihan is worthy of Kastan?) And now, Jihan has to try to preserve Andiya's (and Ishan's) happiness while thwarting the will of his father AND an Emperor. Dangerous indeed.

I seem to remember someone letting slip that there's a sequel. 🥰