Amazing photo by @hklovesbooks
Hello Fairy Friends!
It is day 1 of our readalong of Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova and I can’t wait to start this one!
Before we start on today’s chapters though, how is everyone? What have we all be reading? Let’s catch up in the comments!
Alright, now that we’re all caught up, let’s get on with the readalong!
Today, we start from the prologue and we will be reading to the end of Chapter 6! Grab a beverage of your choice and some snacks and snuggle down for a reading session and then join me in the comments to chat about it!
Please be warned, the following will include spoilers for Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova Chapters 1-6! Read only if you’ve finished those chapters!
-!SPOILERS!-
We meet Celeste, a Moria spy as she digs a grave in the dead of night for a fellow spy. We learn that an alaman stone can hold a living memory and whatever was in Rodrigues’ was important enough for him to die for it.
Celeste makes it home, the newest home of many, but almost instantly recognises that something is different from when she left.
The last surviving son of the King is waiting for her!
From the fact that she only used to call him by his first name I get the feeling that they used to know each other yet he wants information from her and will torture her for it.
Oooo the ring she wears helps power her magics. She can feel people’s emotions and manipulate them but they need to be in close proximity to her first. But Castien has somehow put a block on himself to stop her from being able to see his emotions!
I wonder where Dez is and why he is so important?
Celeste has accepted that she won’t make it out of here alive but first she wants to make sure the other Whispers will be able to find the alaman stone when they find her!
Ahhhh she drank poison! That’s what was in the vial! Nooo I’m sad she had to drink the poison!
The whole village went on fire after Celeste drank the vial and a day and a half later, two people watch it burn from atop a hill.
We found out that Dez is a unit leader for the Whispers and travelled here after getting a message from Celeste and Rodrigues!
The girl, who I assume is Renata, seems to be putting a lot of pressure on herself after thinking she let the team down by being caught on their last mission. She thinks she needs to find the missing alaman stone to prove she’s not a traitor.
Ohhh she’s a memory thief who, as people, are generally untrustworthy which makes her feel the need to prove she deserves her position as a spy.
Aww Dez is so sweet, saying that he’d find her no matter what ?
I have no idea how they’re going to figure out where Celeste hid the stone, or even find Celeste! I wonder if the guards actually left her there or took her with them?
Oh wow Renata had recognised Esmeraldas from a memory she had stolen and she couldn’t help but let it through! It’s really cool that she can basically relive people’s memory’s but I suppose only good when it’s a nice one!
Renata hears a voice and immediately races towards it, try into find whoever is in distress! She said it looked like this could be where the fire stared so could it be Celeste’s house.
Oh no so Celeste really is dead…but there’s someone else there, a child!
A young boy is trapped in the house and the second sweep is already coming in and Renata still needs to find the stone!!
Wow it seems a lot can go wrong while Renata takes memories! Ohhhh the boy saw Celeste swallow the stone so now she knows where it is! If she can get back to her body before the second sweep comes in she’ll hopefully be able to get it!
Oh no, the second sweep is here! Ahh so they come in to help clear things up, to try and make everyone think the King is a good guy even though he was the one that started it all.
Uh oh, she’s been caught and is contemplating drinking the poison! She has fought out though and she knows where the stone is!!
Dez bursts in like he just knew she needed help! Ahhhh his magic is powers of persuasion, but only if the impulse already exists! I’m loving this magic system, it feels so unique!
Yasss he has managed to make the soldier obey and he releases Ren.
And with the stone, they make their escape!
After meeting with the rest of their unit, they head off somewhere safer. Margo really doesn’t like Renata and she doesn’t hide it! She also doesn’t seem to like Dez that much either and he’s supposed to be their leader. There really is some animosity in the group! I wonder if it’s just because of her magic or if something else happened?
Oooo was that a memory she’s stolen or something from her own past?
Oh wow so she had spent 9 years in the palace being used by the King but she has hidden these memories even from herself!
I love these little moments between Ren and Dez, when we get to see them be themselves.
The time has come to read the alaman stone and find out what Rodrigues and Celeste died for. It seems so intrusive that Esteban is allowed into Ren’s mind to make sure she isn’t lying!
So Rodrigues had gone to rescue Lucia but had found her as a shell of herself! Ahh they’ve figured out how to strip Moria of their magic, and Dez already knew!?!? This could be so bad for them! Oh wow and it can also detect their power wherever they are!!
They head off on what sounds likes a torturous journey back to Angeles, disguising themselves as devout pilgrims in order to pass without suspicion. But when they get close enough to Angeles for Esteban to reach into the mind of Illan, the leader of the Whispers, they’re told not to return but instead to camp in a forest until the elders can meet them ??
This must be super serious now!
Surely there could be a better plan then spending two days like sitting ducks now that their faces are being shown to everyone and it would be so easy for them to get caught!
It’s frustrating how much Ren is treated like an outsider by most of the unit 🙁 even though they wouldn’t have been able to get the info out of the stone without her.
Poor Sayida must feel like a 5th wheel with the other two pairs joking about kissing each other ? but at least they’re including Ren in a conversation for once!
I love that through all of this they’ve managed to have a nice night together but I feel like I’m being lulled into a false sense of security here…
This royal family sounds horrific, not just to their people but also to one another!
Dez wants Ren to take one of his memories so she can practice but doesn’t he realise how dangerous that could be? What if she ends up taking them all!
Oooo why did Dez say he was home at the palace and did the prince recognise Dez’s father???
Oh wow this is getting steaamyy!
I am already loving this book! Are you enjoying it so far?
Let me know all your thoughts and I will see you tomorrow!
Love,
Amy
I feel like because of the comment Dez made about being home, that he’s part of the royal family or has at least lived in the palace before for some reason.
I can’t decide how I feel about this book yet but I can’t stop reading so it can’t be bad! I feel like the name of the book has been misleading so far and given me expectations which aren’t going to be met. Why is it called incendiary? I hope it gets explained.
I like that the group aren’t necessarily nice to Ren. I love groups that get along but it’s also more realistic that not everyone is going to be friends and it gives them room to grow as character. Hopefully they’ll bond over something eventually.
Is it called incendiary because that’s what some one the others have been calling Renata?
I noticed that but I still have no idea why they’re calling her that.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it so far!
Yes!! I can finally read on now ? It has been a long week, waiting to continue reading, so it’s nice to read this summary ?
I like Sayida, maybe because she is the fifth wheel but I also think she’s sweet & kind.
See you tomorrow ?
I’m so glad you could join us for the readalong! Yeahh Sayida seems really nice so far!
I’m interested so far. I’m really curious about how Castian has managed to shield his mind from the magics. Maybe he has some power of his own? ?
I’m very curious about that as well! It was very weird!
I admit I gave myself a bit of spoiler at the end. In any case, to me, when I imagine Dez and Castian in real life, I think of Prince Caspian and Dan Stevens (Beauty and the Beast). Total hotties! But while I admittedly find myself charmed by both princes (yes, even ruthless Castian), I find myself more drawn to Castian and find myself shipping him and Renata.
I love Sayida. The rest of the unit doesn’t like Ren, but the 2 persuari do.
So far, I rather liked the book in the beginning.
But since I started last week, I’m down to Day 5 allocated chapters. And since I just started a new job, I should finish the readalong to Friday anyway. Hooray.
I love the idea of Prince Caspian and Dan Stevens! ?
Oooo good choices of people to imagine! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying it!
This book is starting out great. So unique magical powers. I hope the rest of the group starts to warm up to Ren soon. I really don’t like them just sitting around and waiting since this thing that the King has can find them. It’s good though that they have traps around the place. Can’t wait to read more.
The magic is so unique! I’m so intrigued by it!
So far I’m really interesting. Dez is so cute but I’m not sure that Renata needs sweet guy. I really like Sayida, she’s a good friend and not judges people only by them past actions/behavior.
I’m so curious how Castian found the way how to resist the Moria’s magic and protect his mind.
Dez – Castian fight and moment when Dez’s father shows… something is wrong here. I smell mystery and maybe some plot twist.
yeah there’s definitely a few things that don’t add up yet and I’m excited to find out what they are!
Girl! That book….is brilliant
I have read ahead and am about 60% of the way through (started it a couple of days ago, I got too excited!) and I am really enjoying it! Obviously won’t spoil anything but I’m so excited to see what everyone thinks!
Oooo I don’t blame you for wanting to read on! I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
I don’t understand why the new weapon is so dangerous to their cause? Where did they learn that it could be used to track them down?
Obviously being turned into zombies is terrible, but the king/prince/Justice already seem expert at capturing, torturing and killing the Moria. How is the magic-stealing weapon supposed to destroy the rebels’ hopes of survival?
Hay im fine didnt read as much lately.
I cant decide yet if i love this book. But i cant stop reading so i think its not that bad.
Im more team Ren at the moment then Dez. Dont know yet why. But im out for now i have read till page 91.
See you guy’s later and stay safe
I’m enjoying it so far! I do think the magic system is pretty cool and I would love to know more about it. I honestly can’t wait to learn more about Ren; she’s a mystery that I’d like to solve, especially since she spent 9 years in the palace. I’m kind of curious what her connection to Castian is, if she has one. The unveiling of the new weapon seemed too convenient for my liking, though. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough (or I might read more lol)!
yeah I would love to know more about her time in the palace! Ren is such an interesting character!
Super excited for this readalong. Honestly I need some distraction and something to push my mind away from reality for a bit. This is perfect! I feel like Ren is someone important to the crown maybe a forgotten half sister, maybe the brother was drown because of his magic and they didn’t advertise the sister. Super curious about her past life. Also I feel like Dez might be the actual real prince. The coin and the story about the old rulers being over thrown. What if he is the rightful heir? I feel like there is a lot of history between these three and all is not what it seems. I am loving all the mystery to this book so far. See you tomorrow!
there is definitely a lot of mystery in this and I can’t wait to find out the missing pieces!
Okay, I have officially set a new personal record on how fast I can ship two people. Approximately five pages into chapter one XD I’m really loving this book already. The chemistry between Dez and Ren is already something I’m totally routing for, but I should learn from past experience and not do that. Seriously, why do I still do that?! XD the chapters are a little longer than I’m used to, but I feel like I’m flying through each one. I already can’t wait to carry on. Top three things I’m curious about are;
One: They keep calling Ren ‘incendiary’ and I’m trying to figure out why. Especially because incendiary basically means fire and from what we got so far, Ren is seriously spooked by fire at different times? I’m intrigued.
Two: Why is Margo so rude to Ren? At first I got the vibes that she liked Dez, but then she and Esteban got a little close in the forest. So now I’m torn.
Three: As some comments mentioned before me, why does the Prince Seem to recognise and fear Dez’s dad?
Bonus curiosity: is Ren already losing control of her powers because of the ‘weapon’? I have so many questions DX
Oh I can’t wait to carry on reading!
Oooo you have some really good questions there and they have really got me thinking! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!
Oh gosh, my thoughts exactly!!! Why Castian was terrified of Illan? And, why didn’t they just kill the prince and get it done with right then and there? I’m pretty sure the memory ended there for a reason!
And, Andres? A name no one else knows about?
Shaaaady xD
There is for sure something strange going on with that memory! And why did Dez offer that particular memory up in the first place? Clearly, there’s something within the Memory he wanted Ren to know. At least that’s the way my mind is going right now XD
This was a little bit of a slow build for me. I’m glad the book isn’t just ramming information down our throats.
I have a major fan crush on Dez but imagine this is going to get flipped at some point. No guy is that good!
Reneta is a fascinating MC and I am looking forward to seeing her come to terms with her strength and power.
Can’t wait for the next bit.
Ren really is such an interesting character! And I love Dez as well!
I’m really liking this so far, the magic system sounds really exciting.
I’m not sure how I feel about Dez yet, I think he’s got some secrets of his own and I’m not really feeling him and Ren together.
Looking forward to what comes next.
Me too, he’s been holding back and he burdened Ren with one of his most troublesome memories. Quite shady.
Can’t wait to see what’s really going on!
Definitely hooked me so far! Also I never trust a YA fantasy that starts with an established couple…
Ahaha, my thoughts exactly this whole time. I keep bringing to mind the stuff Sarah J. Maas has made us go through!
Hey everyone!
By now I have reached Chapter 8 because I need to dive back in the story first thing in the morning, hehe.
This book is amazing so far! I knew how good Zoraida’s writing is from the Brooklyn Brujas series, but I think I like it even more in this book.
The story is captivating.
The magic system is sooo good, although I’m also wondering how Principe Dorado has managed to shield himself.
And, that weapon his father uses, so cruel! I hate it but I love it for the story! If that makes any sense. Haha.
The only thing that set me a tiny bit off is that Chapter 6 ending, because usually when something like this happens this early in the book, there is bound to be some turn of events soon *sigh*.
Can’t wait to see how everything unfolds from there!
First day started out great, I love the story so far and the characters are intriguing!
I really like the dynamics between Ren and Dez, so I’m suspicious they’ll either suffer a lot and/or Dez will forget about Ren, either way, there will be lots of drama involved!
I like the magical system and can’t wait to know more. Onward to day 2! 🙂
I’m waiting for the drama es well ? let’s hope it doesn’t get to bad
I love this book already! It is so interesting anx the world building is amazing. I really like Dez so far as well as Renata of course. I’m so interested to see where this story is going. There is a lot in the Gray area fof Ren and I’m curious what it will tell us. Aaaah I just want to keep reading ?
Uh I’m a bit late for the start of the readalong but I will try to catch up tomorrow by reading chapters for today and tomorrow!
So far I like the book! I hope we will know more about Ren’s time in the palace, maybe once she can go past the gray part she will find something helpful to win the war.
Why Castian was afraid of Illan?? At first I thought he saw his father but it was Illan, it doesn’t make sense.. I hope we will know why, and hopefully it’s not because he is wicked.
I’m a little late to the party (too much of everything else going on) but I’m hoping to catch up today… if I can stop the clock from continuing to race ahead!
I’ve enjoyed meeting the characters and I like the dynamic between Ren and Dez. Although I’m not keen on Dez, he seems a bit of flip-flop personality – one minute one thing, the next another and what is with giving Ren another distressing memory? Seems a little selfish and childish to me. I’m getting mild Tamlin vibes.
For the group, I like the dynamic and I’m a sucker for an outcast. How they treat Ren is interesting. It’s quite a fluid distrust, like sometimes they forget that she’s a Robari and interact with her normally and other times they’re quite cruel towards her. I’m curious to see how Ren works in larger groups and the general attitude of others in the world towards her.
My guess towards the Incendiary comments are that she is ‘incendiary’ for what she is. It’s not necessarily a physical fire but a metaphorical (totally prepared to be completely wrong here). The Robari seem to be the ones that cause the most extreme reaction in most people. So perhaps their existence is more of a controversial topic than the other types of magic? Especially as her type of magic seems to be so inflammatory (see what I did there) towards people who should be on her ‘side’ and who should accept her. I’m not sure if she’s distrusted for her magic more than her past experience. Based on a couple of comments from the book, I suspect it’s a combination of the two. I’m looking forward to meeting other Robari and seeing how they are received and treated by the other characters.
Overall I’m enjoying these first few chapters. I’m certainly intrigued to see how it develops!
Interessting thought about the title ? Im not a nativespeaker so i’m often wondering if my interpretation is right. But that sounds quite reasonable for me ?
Finally managed to read the first chapters. I need to catch up.
At the beginning i was a bit confused but tat always happens when i read stories with a prologue ? I realy like Dez and Ren and i hope that nothing too crule happens to them. I’m not shure whether i like the others in the group. Why are they so against Ren? She was a child when she was in the palace and did that horrible things.
So excited to get to know more about the weapon and to meet the prince again. Why was he so shocked to see Dez’ father and why did Dez say that the palace was his home????
I am a bit slower I but finished this part now.
This is my first read along and love reading other thoughts about this book.
I am liking this book already. I like the different kind of magic and the caracters especially dez and ren.
I am curious what is hidden in the grey ren created in her mind.
trying to catch up with this. i am honestly struggling with this read right now. I’m not sure why but I just haven’t been captivated by the start of this book and have found myself skimming parts.
I agree the magic system is interesting and I was glad to see some romance between Ren and Dez towards the end of chapter six. The rest of the characters just feel too hostile. I’m hoping I can catch up and will enjoy the rest of the book but right now I’m really not sure if I’m going to enjoy it or not sadly.