Stuffed Animal Saturday [25]

Stuffed Animal Saturday is a meme that we post here at We Live and Breathe Books to showcase the book we're currently reading with one of our favorite stuffed animals and discuss our stuffed animal's opinion (well, it's really our opinion, but that's besides the point). We hope you enjoy our quirky feature as much as we enjoy writing it!

This Saturday, Pookie and I have just started Legacy of Kings by the lovely Eleanor Herman. ..

So far: So far, Pookie's impressed by the depth and scope of the book. As a long time fan of Game of Thrones (WINTER HAS COME, PEOPLE), Pookie resonated with the book's description as an appeal to that level of fantasy. The ARC opens up with Katerina, a princess with the ability to read animals' thoughts and the inability to keep thoughts of boys from her head - granted that's because the first big romantic kiss happens maybe ten pages in. Pookie dislikes human interaction and also several kinds of cheese, but agrees that this shall pass, and that Jacob is hot. Pookie is intrigued by this . . . Blood Tournament.

Sneak peek: There's a lot going on in this novel, even from the first chapter or so, so I could share anything and it might be too confusing to even be a spoiler. Luckily, Pookie's pointed out a section we both agree on gives a good taste. (Note: this is from the arc and may not appear exactly this way in the final copy, if at all.)

"I've trained with the village militia, Jacob cuts in."

Kat can't help but roll her eyes. "With rusty swords and bent arrows. That training is a joke." You'll get yourself killed. She can't shake the horrible thought from her head, but she can't say it either. I can't lose you, too. 

Jacob plucks a piece of leaf from her wet hair and sighs. "Kat. I'm no good as a potter. It's like father said - I'm all thumbs. Even Cal can throw a better pot than I can. I need to find my own future . . . it's a great honor . . . the best contestants . . . are chosen to join the king's elite guard . . .

"So you'll leave us," she says. It's the simple truth. Someone may as well say it. Even if her throat aches as she does. "You won't come back."

He runs the back of hsi hand over her cheek, startling her. "I'll come back," he says softly, "once i have something to offer. Something to offer . . . you." She can see his tan face blushing. "Just, don't . . . don't do anything in my absence." . . . .

. . . He wants her. Wants to be with her, and have her, only. Not as a sister or friend. As a wife. . . . But she's not ready. 

But I'm ready!

- Marlon

Are you and your stuffed animal reading anything interesting? 

Let us know in your own Stuffed Animal Saturday!