At the start of Chapter Twenty-Nine, we are introduced to two immortal sisters who helped Aris and Raker. What do you think of them?
What do you think of the Astral Queen helping Aris and Raker? Do you think she will do so again?
In a conversation with Este, Aris says “[p]ain is paralyzing. Revenge… Revenge is galvanizing”. Do you agree with her?
Aris realises the name of her sword. You’ve had to create a sword for the first challenge of the readalong. What would you name it?
Did you suspect that Aris’s sword was a godsword?
In Chapter Thirty-One, Aris and Raker join a group of travelling immortals. When the immortals’ light orb smashes, the demons come for them. The immortals, however, go for Aris. Do you believe that Raker did the best he could in this situation? Do you think Aris will come to understand that it had to be done?
Why do you think that after Aris apologises for attacking Raker, Raker asks her to fight him again?
In Chapter Thirty-Two, Raker shares how he got his sword. Do you believe that instead of Aris being immortal, Raker is?
Do you think it was really lightning that hit Aris? What do you think Raker knows to make him react the way he did when he saw the marks?
At the end of Chapter Thirty-Two, Raker reveals more about himself to Aris. Why do you think he is finally warming up to share more about himself?
When Aris is bitten by the snake, Raker sucks out the venom. What do you think of the moments that follow?
In a moment of desperation, Aris summons Vander. Would you have done the same?
10 responses to “Starside Day Six”
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Monique van Noordwyk (digitalbookshelff)
At the start of Chapter Twenty-Nine, we are introduced to two immortal sisters who helped Aris and Raker. What do you think of them?
I was skeptical at first but liked them as soon as they helped aris.What do you think of the Astral Queen helping Aris and Raker? Do you think she will do so again?
Yes i do.In a conversation with Este, Aris says “[p]ain is paralyzing. Revenge… Revenge is galvanizing”. Do you agree with her?
In some instances yes.Aris realises the name of her sword. You’ve had to create a sword for the first challenge of the readalong. What would you name it?
Arcane Axe was my weapons name.Did you suspect that Aris’s sword was a godsword?
No i knew it was significant but did not expect it to be that significant.In Chapter Thirty-One, Aris and Raker join a group of travelling immortals. When the immortals’ light orb smashes, the demons come for them. The immortals, however, go for Aris. Do you believe that Raker did the best he could in this situation? Do you think Aris will come to understand that it had to be done?
Yes i think raker was trying to protect her and i believe that she will see his reasoning later on.Why do you think that after Aris apologises for attacking Raker, Raker asks her to fight him again?
He wants her to be better, he wants her to be stringer and to be able to fight against him otherwise shes dead meat.In Chapter Thirty-Two, Raker shares how he got his sword. Do you believe that instead of Aris being immortal, Raker is?
I think they both might be but we’ll see.Do you think it was really lightning that hit Aris? What do you think Raker knows to make him react the way he did when he saw the marks?
He clearly knows more than aris.. maybe a god striked her? Im not sure.At the end of Chapter Thirty-Two, Raker reveals more about himself to Aris. Why do you think he is finally warming up to share more about himself?
He saw her marks..im guessing its “show me yours ill show you mine” situation. She was vulnerable and i think he maybe felt like he wanted to be vulnerable too.When Aris is bitten by the snake, Raker sucks out the venom. What do you think of the moments that follow?
Their bantering, their connecting and finally having real conversations, and he finally allowed her to see him which is such a big step for their relationship.In a moment of desperation, Aris summons Vander. Would you have done the same?
Yes i would. She had no other choice. After all, Stellan told her to look him vander and he wouldnt do that if he thought it would cause her danger. -
@liztheliterary
Q:At the start of Chapter Twenty-Nine, we are introduced to two immortal sisters who helped Aris and Raker. What do you think of them?
A: They’re so lovely! I hope we get to see them again in the series.Q: What do you think of the Astral Queen helping Aris and Raker? Do you think she will do so again?
A: I don’t think she will again but they must have been worthy of helping.Q: In a conversation with Este, Aris says “[p]ain is paralyzing. Revenge… Revenge is galvanizing”. Do you agree with her?
A: No, it depends on how you view revenge. Use it as fuel to drive you to better things, yes, but don’t get stuck on seeking revenge for a reaction.Q: Aris realises the name of her sword. You’ve had to create a sword for the first challenge of the readalong. What would you name it?
A: I’m drawing my weapon right now and I haven’t named it yet – still pondering!Q: Did you suspect that Aris’s sword was a godsword?
A: I knew it’s one of the best swords but not a godsword, no.Q: In Chapter Thirty-One, Aris and Raker join a group of travelling immortals. When the immortals’ light orb smashes, the demons come for them. The immortals, however, go for Aris. Do you believe that Raker did the best he could in this situation? Do you think Aris will come to understand that it had to be done?
A: That scene was really tough to read, it was so sad. Raker has been so powerful for this entire novel but couldn’t take on these demons? I don’t know.Q: Why do you think that after Aris apologises for attacking Raker, Raker asks her to fight him again?
A: At this point, who knows what goes through this man’s mind 😭Q: In Chapter Thirty-Two, Raker shares how he got his sword. Do you believe that instead of Aris being immortal, Raker is?
A: He must be, especially given his strength and abilities.Q: Do you think it was really lightning that hit Aris? What do you think Raker knows to make him react the way he did when he saw the marks?
A: No, it must have been something to do with Starside or the gods and he probably know who/what did it.Q: At the end of Chapter Thirty-Two, Raker reveals more about himself to Aris. Why do you think he is finally warming up to share more about himself?
A: He is catching feelings!!Q: When Aris is bitten by the snake, Raker sucks out the venom. What do you think of the moments that follow?
A: That was one of the most romantic scenes I’ve ever read. Very surprising coming from Raker!Q: In a moment of desperation, Aris summons Vander. Would you have done the same?
A: I actually forgot she can do this, and I’m so glad she did. Now we can finally meet the legend. -
Kirsty (@bookishly_koi)
– I love them. I love their fascination with Aris and how kind and lovely they are.
– I think the Astral Queen is keeping a close watch, but she doesn’t usually interfere. From what we’ve heard, she rarely interacts. I do think if a situation arises where Aris really needs help, she might step in again.
– Yes, I do. The whole reason Aris went on this quest was because of what happened to her family. That need for revenge is what pushed her into action and gave her purpose.
– Somnialis Regalia… A royal, dream-forged blade that protects, proves you are loyal and worthy, and is completely indestructible… with elemental, poison, and dream-based powers.
– No, I didn’t. That was definitely an “oh my gosh” moment for me.
– I think so. It really shows how much their relationship has developed. He’s now almost willing to sacrifice himself to save her, which is a big shift from earlier when he didn’t really want to help her when she was being attacked.
– I really loved this moment… I feel like he’s giving her a chance to beat him as some sort of payback
– Maybe. The fact that he can weild his sword makes me think there could be something there. It could be a bloodline thing, or that he’s part immortal, or at least blessed by a god in some way. Similar to how Aris feels god-touched with her markings.
– No, I don’t think it was just lightning. I think she was touched by a god for some sort of purpose or prophecy. And I think Raker knows something about that, which is why he reacted the way he did.
– I think it’s because she showed vulnerability first. She let him see all of her, so he allowed himself to be seen in return, which he doesn’t usually do. It felt like a mutual moment of trust.
– It was just so sweet and cute. This is the kind of dynamic I love in enemies to lovers. That gradual shift from tension and hostility to caring, protecting, and wanting to help each other.
– I probably would have. If it was the only thing that could save me from dying and I was as desperate as she was, I would have done the same.
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I’m both weary and intrigued by the immortals. I want to know more about their lives. I’m at the “trust no one” stage but being thankful for the help.
There’s obviously a reason she helped.. so It’s just finding out what that reason is. Yes, I do think we’re going to see her again.
No, I don’t agree with it. Revenge can eat you up if you’re not careful about it.
I named it Heartseeker.
I knew the sword was special, but considering that I didn’t know what a godsword was, I can’t say that that specific thought crossed my mind.
Yes, Raker did what he had to and what he knew Aris couldn’t do. Aris will need to stop looking at things in black and white.
I choose to belive that Raker wants to push Aris into being a better version of herself.
There’s something more to Raker, and the thought of him being immortal has crossed my mind.
I think it was lightning but it may not have been normal lightning? There is obviously something greater at play or the Gods are just playing games.
They’re forming a greater bond.. or he just wants her to trust him so that he can betray her in the end.
I think all moments between Aris and Raker are inevitable. It’s such a slow burn but moments like these make it worth it.
Yes, I would have. She did the only thing she knew how. Desperate times call for questionable decisions.r
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Hasina @bookish_hasina
1. They were a breath of fresh air into a world where other immortals were cold and detached.
2. Powerful figures rarely help without reason so I think she might have done so because Aris is an important figure in the larger scheme of things. I do think she may help again, but again for the same reason.
3.I can understand what Aris means. Pain can trap you in grief, while revenge gives you direction and purpose.
4. I’d name it Nightglass. Elegant but dangerous.
5. I would never have guessed! I thought it was just Starside steel.
6. Sometimes survival choices look cruel from the outside. Aris may not understand immediately, but I think Raker was just protecting himself and Aris.
7. I think because fighting is the language he understands best.
8. I never thought of that before but it could be possible. He is definitely someone with deeper secrets than he admits.
9. I don’t think it was ordinary lightning. It seemed more like magic or something divine.
10. I think Aris has shown herself to be a strong survivor. He could also be reaching a point where keeping everything hidden may be harder.
11. It was an intimate monent. The tension between them becomes harder to deny when actions speak louder than words.
12. If every other option was gone, probably yes. When survival is on the line, even terrifying help can become the only choice.
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I was finally relieved to see someone helping them genuinely with no strings attached. They seem cool enough.
There’s definitely a reason behind it and I can’t wait for that to be revealed. Yes, I think we’ll see more of the Astral Queen.
Pain is paralyzing that much I can agree on and perhaps yes revenge can be galvanizing however I’ve never been one for revenge personally so…
I created an elemental based sword and as for a name I’d go with maybe Lumina or Adena or Elemora.
I did, it felt like her blade was one from the story and also her power and the fact she is the fmc too hehe
I think Raker did the best with those circumstances, it was cruel but sometimes hard decisions have to be made for survival and to protect someone you care about. Aris likely won’t understand his choice but with time it’ll be a distant thing.
Raker is all about the tough love and hate-me-more-coz-I’m-bad-for-you-and-I-need- to-push-you-away-and-bury-these-feelings-forever energy. He wants to also push Aris to her full potential in some way.
It did yes that seems possible regarding all the limited information we have about Raker and his impressive sword and battle skills.
I think she was hit by a god or something. Its definitely not ordinary lightning. Idk what Raker knows but he for sure knows that those marks make Aris extra special and its yet again hinting at them being something of power and stature.
Perhaps he can’t help himself. She gets under his skin and sometimes it gets tiring for him to pretend and ignore her.
Oh Raker you are so whipped buddy and I love it. I felt bad for him being unwell but this was a moment in their relationship showing us Raker would do anything for Aris if it meant she’d be alive.
Honestly, yes. If someone I cared about was dy!ng I’d do anything or make any sacrifice to save them.
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Sam (@metaphors_and_mimosas)
1. I was wary of anyone new that Aris and Raker met! But they did seem nice enough – I do wonder if they will make an appearance again.
2. It would be interesting to understand what importance her appearance makes to Aris and find out what is the link between them! I definitely think she appeared for a reason and I think she will help them again.
3. No. I don’t think revenge solves anything and only causes more harm than good.
4. I named my weapon Vaelis to represent the power it had.
5. No! I assumed the sword was just starside steel! I never expected it to be a Godsword
6. I think that the situation was difficult and it showed how powerful of a motivator fear can be. I do think Raker had to make a tough choice in that moment (it was a matter of us vs them) but it was really strange that he could defeat these demons when he had no issues doing so before. It almost felt like he took the easy way out which would make it more difficult for Aris to forgive him.
7. I think Raker enjoys the challenge that Aris represents but I also think he sees her potential and wants her to be the best version of herself. To be honest, given his terrible personality, he could be doing it for a completely mean reason as well.
8. I think they both might be – there is definitely something otherworldly about Raker
9. I do think it was – the marks sound similar to Lichtenberg marks which appear when you are struck by lightning. He definitely understood something in that moment about Aris’s heritage that he chose not to share.
10. I think Aris has done a lot to prove herself to Raker, especially after she returned to warn him about the people that were after them. He has some level of respect for her at this point.
11. That was prime enemies to lovers material! It was such a surprising gesture from Raker though, given what a butt he has been throughout this story. It shows a pivotal moment that their feelings for each other are starting to become stronger.
12. Yes, also because Stellan told her to find him so he seemed like the safest bet despite the rumors swirling around him.
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Sara
1. I wasn’t really sure at the beginning of this chapter but as the chapter continued I started to really like them.
2. Yes
3. Yes
4.veil of shadow dagger
5. no I did
6. Yes I believe she will understand his reasoning
7. Maybe to test her
8. Yes because the way he uses the sword and being able to use magic I believe that he is an immortal.
9.i think he know who did and that why he reacted that way
10. I think hes starting to trust her
11. That scenes were really intense. You can tell they care about each other now and he’s finally showing it
12. Honestly yes
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@booksnbakes_za
1) They seem like they genuinely are good and want to help. They feel very ethereal.
2) I’d like to know why she is helping and what her agenda is with Aris and Raker. I think she’s now invested in them, so surely she will help them the next time they are in serious trouble or when Aris does [hopefully] face the gods.
3) I can’t say I have felt so strongly about either – but I do believe pain can be paralyzing, to an extent.. at least it the beginning.
4) I think I would find a balanced name between Chaos-bringer and protector – maybe throw in something a little Greek or Latin linked to those two words.
5) I did think so – because it’s so powerful, large and has untapped power that she cannot wield.
6) Aris’ has a little bit of a saviour complex (understandable, because she couldn’t save her family) so it may take her some time, but Raker did what was best so the two of them could survive.
7) So she can be better at it – fight him better, build up her strength so she can face anything.
8) Considering his strength and death evading tactics, I do think he is partially immortal in some way, or has something that gives him immortal-like qualities (like an item, or a blessing)
9) No – I don’t think it was lightening, I think perhaps a god had seen what Aris is capable of and perhaps it was a blessing for her. (or her sister, actually).
10) His feelings for Aris are probably growing stronger, and as they may not make it our of Starside, why not share a little bit of himself?
11) I really thought Raker was a goner – and surprised that Aris decided to share so much of her plans with him. I’m also glad we finally got a face reveal – although I am upset it’s not more, that he was hiding something just like Aris (or would that have been too obvious?)
12) Yes – I wish she had done it sooner!
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@sirralton
1. They were comical. I loved their personalities.
2. That was quite cool, but I wondered why. It was very special. I hope they receive that help gain.
3. I annotated that quote! Epic, but I’m not sure. I suppose it can be true but I’m not someone who believes in revenge as a good thing. BUT if I was in Starside…yes!
4. That was cool. I think I would name my sword Soulwake or Soulith. Since it is ancient and magical.
5. Yes, definitely!
6. Yes, I think he was actually trying to protect her. But sometimes it is hard to tell.
7. His love language is battling hahaha. Again, he is fighting his feelings.
8. It wouldn’t be totally surprising. I still think she is as well.
9. I think it was the gods and he knew who did it. He knows more about Starside and the people that are powerful within it.
10. I think he is finally letting himself be vulnerable and admitting to himself that he likes her.
11. I think it was sweet and romantic but I think I’ve been so annoyed by his attitude that I was lowkey rolling my eyes.
12. Yes!!! That was the agenda to begin with. Loved that!



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