"Calamity" Read-Along Chapters 49-Epilogue

So, the last few chapters were pretty awesome. We got a David and Megan vs. Prof fight (which I've been looking forward to for the entire series), and we got to see the reveal of Calamity's true character. And this week? What awaits David in Calamity's space lair?

Chapter 49

He'd claimed the powers. Like Megan, he'd ripped the darkness from the abilities, and sent one sprawling away while seizing the others.
Prof's powers were now his, and not Calamity's. The motivator boxes were meaningless.

Prof is back and better than ever!

Chapter 50

"Look at a place where the Epics are free from your corruption. Look at the one who comes, the most terrible of them all. A murderer in our world, a destroyer. Look and see that here, Calamity, Steelheart himself is a hero!"

I really wanted David to be a better version of Steelheart, though.

Chapter 51

No, in this world, my father was the Epic.

What? Okay, that's awesome! I love that it's kind of come full circle, since David's dad stood up to Steelheart in the first chapter of the series.

"...it was pushing through them," Calamity whispered, looking from me to the others, "to save someone."

So the powers go wrong when people act selfishly, but when they prove Calamity wrong--when they not only face their fear but push through it to be selfless--they're no longer consumed by darkness. I love how close David has been this whole time, but he just didn't push the idea quite far enough.

There will be heroes. Just wait.
I seized the power within me.

YES!!!

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Epilogue

Look what those comic books have done to you. Wearing a symbol and everything? Sparks, he was such a nerd.
Like father, like son, I guess.

This line just makes me smile so much. I really wish we'd gotten more time with David's dad. This scene is kind of adorable and a beautiful way to end the series.

Wow, you guys. Just...wow. These last few chapters have had so much action and emotion packed into them! Kudos to Brandon Sanderson for another fantastic series! (Also, I can't believe the series is over!)
Next week will be the wrap-up/fan-cast post, where I'll share my thoughts on the series as a whole and discuss which actors I'd like to see if The Reckoners is ever made into movies. See you guys then! (And be sure to let me know in the comments who you would like to see playing David, Megan, and the others on the big screen!)

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'Calamity' Read-Along Chapters 45-48

I am so excited for this week's chapters! It looks like we're finally going to get a David/Megan vs. Prof battle...exactly what I've been hoping for ever since Prof gave in to his powers! Just...I really hope no one dies.
We're only doing four chapters today, with four chapters in the next post...and after that, a special wrap-up/fan-cast post! So comment and let me know what actors you think would be perfect for the roles of all the characters!

Chapter 45

The tensors hummed on my hands, eager. It was as if...as if the powers themselves knew I was trying to save Prof. They sang me a battle hymn.

Wow. I LOVE this. It's probably my favorite line of the entire series.

The fight felt strangely perfect, for a time. Megan and I working side by side--voicelessly, each anticipating the other's moves. Incredible powers at our disposal, weapons in our hands. Together we forced a much more experienced Epic to retreat.

I can so see this as a movie scene, and it would be so cool!

Chapter 46

I blinked against the dust and smoke as Prof emerged from the shadows--grim, bloodied, but still not afraid.
Sparks. Still not afraid.

Ooooooh no, no, no...I know I said I wanted an Epic showdown but I didn't mean I wanted David and Megan to die! I take it back! I take it all back!

"You've failed, Prof," I said.
The forcefields faded and he stumbled.
"Tia's dead," Megan added. "You failed her."

I teared up at this, guys. The whole situation here, of these two having to tear down and try to kill someone they looked up to for so long...

Chapter 47

I was in some kind of...building, or ship? With glass walls?

What? What? He's in a space station?

Sparks. I was in the old international space station, but it had been transformed into glass.

WHAT?!?

"Hello, David," Larcener said.

I knew I didn't like this guy for a reason!

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Chapter 48

"In Megan's parallel world," I whispered. "There you did leave, and the darkness never claimed the Epics. There, you remained...and you infected us somehow. Your hatred, your loathing. You turned each Epic into a copy of you, Calamity."

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My name is David Charleston.
I clicked the button.
And I kill Epics.
The bomb detonated.

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Wow. Okay. Well, that was a bit of a ride.  I'm still in a little bit of shock.
So what did you guys think of these chapters? Was the battle as Epic as you hoped? Were you surprised by the revelation of Calamity's identity?
Please don't forget to comment on this post and the next one to let me know who you would cast as the crew of The Reckoners series!

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"Calamity" Read-Along: Chapters 40-44

Chapter 40

"We're not his team," Cody said. "Not anymore. We're here to change the world; we ain't going to do that without a fight."

Hearing one of my favorite side characters say something so heroic makes me feel like a cheesy, proud parent. You go, buddy! Yeah!

Chapter 41

"Not with the explosives Mizzy left behind. Look, we could use your help. Join us. Change the world."
He sniffed and turned away.
I felt it like a punch to the gut.

A part of me is like, "Yes, Larcener. Go. Shoo. The Reckoners don't need you."
Another part of me kind of hopes he has a sudden change of heart and comes running in to save the day. But that's a very small part of me. Because I just don't like him.

I didn't seen a monster. In my mind's eye, I remembered a man who had come down through another roof amid falling dust. A man who had run for all he had--breaking through to face an Enforcement team, risking his life and his own sanity--to save me. 

Have I mentioned before that the biggest reason I love David is how he remains so hopeful and loyal to his friends? Even though he's witnessed Prof do terrible things over the last few months, he's still willing to fight to the death to save him.

Chapter 42

"Think you can hide from my all-seeing eyes, little Epic? You don't know who you're dealing with."

All I can say here is that I'm glad Knighthawk is one of the good guys.

Chapter 43

"I didn't want to push myself, or my teams, too hard. This is your fault, David. Everything that happens here is because of you."

My knee-jerk reaction is that yes, Prof is right when he blames David for upsetting the delicate balance he had with life as an undercover Epic. David himself seems to take it this way. But I think it brings up an important question--aren't we responsible for all of our own actions? Prof could've chosen a different path. But then would David even be alive? Would they still have ended up here, battling it out underground, regardless?
These are the questions that simultaneously fascinate me and hurt my brain at 3 A.M.

I panted. "I...suppose this...would be an awkward time to ask for an autograph."

The first time I read this I burst into hysterical giggles. Because that's what I do after I've been stressed.
Also, as a side note, Loophole's death is probably one of the most gruesome things I've ever read. Eugh.

Chapter 44

They'd both been forced, it seemed, to grasp for dangerous resources. Prof using his hidden teleportation device; Megan reaching further and further into other realities.

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The lights on the gloves lit up a deep green. I felt their hum course through me, a distant melody that had once been precious to me, yet one I'd somehow forgotten. I released it, reducing the stone wall nearby to a wave of dust.
"Feel like coming home," I said.

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Aaaaand if that wasn't stressful enough, we still have to see David, Megan, and Prof actually fight it out. So, anything you guys hope to see out of the big showdown?

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'Calamity' Read-Along Chapters 35-39

 

Welcome, welcome.

Chapter 35

This was what we'd lost. I struggled to hold back my emotions as the video ended. The coming of Calamity had broken this world in more ways than one. Prof should have still been there, teaching those children.

1) Prof sounds like a fantastic teacher, and 2) GEEZ MY HEART. Don't mind me while I pick up the pieces. Carry on.

"You, you are very smart."
"Was that...sarcasm?"
"Smart again," Abraham said.

Wow. New depths to Abraham!

Chapter 36

Now I recognized a hole inside me. For a short time in that drowned city, I'd known true freedom, powered by twin jets of water.

Why is this just hitting me now? Of course David liked the flying aspect of the spyril, not the water aspect. He is another version of Steelheart! Turning stuff to metal, flying... yeah. I don't know why I thought that his powers would have something to do with water—it makes way more sense this way.

"Hmm? Oh. One could force you to speak in rhyme. The other could speak in any made-up language anyone anywhere had imagined."

Quenyarin? Klingon? Dude, I want this power! (I promise I'm not turning evil. But the idea of being able to speak in any made-up language I want, right off the top of my head? Sounds fabulous.)

Chapter 37

"I don't know," I said. "Could be nothing. There were a lot of powers being flung around that room—maybe there was a leftover forcefield, or... or maybe some pocket of another reality..."

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Duuuuude. You're an Epic. Just accept it and be awesome!

"The powers are mine," she whispered. "I claim them. My burden, my task, my self. I don't know why that mattered, but it did."

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Chapter 38

I sidled up to Abraham. "The two of them are talking," I said.
"You expected maybe clucking?"
"Well, shouting. Or strangulation."

He may be brilliant when it comes to Epics, but David is remarkably clueless when it comes to how normal people work.

Could Tia have been wrong? I'd decided that she wasn't, but now—confronted with one last shot at stopping Prof—I wavered. Some thing about Prof and his powers didn't add up.
What was it Prof feared?

And we're back to that bit. Prof's weakness is certainly less easy than most of the other Epics they've faced.

"That was foolhardy," I called to him. "Stop trying to put me out of a job!"

Great. Now even Abraham, Mr. Sensible, is becoming Mr. Epic.
Gah. That makes me giddy with excitement. This is going to be the coolest throwdown ever.

Chapter 39

"You sure you don't want to pilot it, lad?"
I shook my head. "You have more experience with the tensors, Cody."

Not to mention that if they don't work for you any more, the rest of the team is going to get suspicious.

"Broke my jaw," Cody said with a laugh. "Don't poke, kid. That's what I learned." He seemed not to care much, though a broken jaw sounded like a pretty big offense to me.
But then, who hadn't wanted to punch Cody on occasion?

So we have Cody the Crazy Scot who's going to run around in the tensor suit... does that make anyone else nervous? Just me? Okay.

"Silly?" Larcener asked. "You think it isn't obvious? A man does not study, learn, obsess as you have because of hatred. No, these are the signs of lust. You have sought a father amoing the Epics, a lover among them." He stepped toward me. "Admit it. You want nothing more than to be one of us."

Gah, I wish Abraham would punch this guy in the jaw.

We're almost to the Epic showdown of the century! What are you guys hoping to see when the team finally faces Prof? (And who else really, really hopes Larcener bites it?)

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Calamity Read-Along Chapters 30-34

Another week, another few chapters! When we last left the Reckoners, their heist had just been scrambled into a huge mess, thanks to an Epic who could negate other Epic powers in a radius around her.

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Let's see how they get out of this one...

Chapter 30

Something trembled inside me, like an ancient leviathan stirring in its slumber within a den of water and stone. The hair on my arms stood up, and my muscles tensed, as if I were straining to lift something heavy.

Yeah, David! Unleash your Epicness! Show the world what a good Epic can be like.
*ahem*
Sorry, I let myself get carried away there a little bit.

Prof's eyes widened. Was that fear in his expression? Worry? Megan hadn't brought a version of him in to this world, but this was apparently close enough. Yes, he was afraid of her powers. His powers.

Chapter 31

She looked at me, angry. "Stay back, David," she growled. "Just...stay back."

Well.

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 Chapter 32

"Yes," he said, nodding. "I've noticed her. She's the one who pulls me through. Odd to think that I might have a sister, in another place, another world."

Reserving final judgment until we know a little bit more, but I think I kind of like Firefight.

I knew that figure. Dark clothing. Powerful build. Even at a distance, even in the gloom of night, I knew that man. I'd spent my life studying him, watching him, hunting him.
"Steelheart," I whispered.

Wow. Wait. A. Second. I am not prepared for a second world where Steelheart is a good guy. No way.

Chapter 33

Destruction surrounded us—floor, walls, furniture splintered, pocked, broken... all except in my immediate area. The ground here wasn't broken at all. In fact, it was glassy and reflective. A deep, burnished silver-black. Metallic.
I was alive.
Regalia's voice whispered from my memory. I have been assured that you will be... thematically appropriate.

Oh my gosh. Calamity's turned him into another Steelheart. David's spent his entire life fighting against Steelheart only to become him.

I knelt, stunned, and barely heard Prof's roar—his sudden, shocked cry of agony and regret.

What? Aw, c'mon Sanderson, not cool!

Chapter 34

"I'd say you were a super-awesome ninja thing today," Abraham said.

Okay, the phrase "super-awesome ninja thing" coming from Mizzy's mouth sounds perfectly natural. From Abraham? I can't reconcile it. But it made me laugh, which has been desperately needed after these last few chapters.

"You have them already," I said. "That's why you're so eager for Prof's cells. You've already built devices to replicate his powers."
"We built them together," he said. "He and I."

Not surprising, when you think about it.

Okay, wow... those were some heavy chapters. I think I need a blanket and some hot chocolate like Mizzy. Am I alone in thinking that David has become another Steelheart?

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Calamity Read-Along Chapters 25-29

So, I have a confession to make... I had intended to read Calamity slowly, as I wrote each of these read-along posts. Savoring the story and all that. But after I wrote the last post, the reading bug bit hard, and I just had to know how the story ended. So I binge-read the rest of the book in one afternoon.

Oh wow, you guys. Wow. There is some fantastic stuff coming up!

Chapter 25

"But this fear? It seemed to bloom alongside my powers. It's like the powers... needed something to be afraid of."
"Like water," I whispered.

That would explain why the weaknesses seem random at times.

Chapter 26

"Hmm? Oh, Loophole has executed three different pastry chefs so far for creating substandard desserts. It was in Tia's notes. The woman really like her cupcakes."
"And you didn't mention this because..."
"Not important," I said.

This book has made me severely doubt David's ability to judge what is not important. I can only imagine the look Megan is giving him at this point.

Obliteration. The man who had destroyed Houston and Kansas City and tried to blow up Babilar. The toll that Regalia had used to push Prof into darkness. He was here.

Dang it. I was really hoping he would go away.

Chapter 27

"Ah, Steeslayer," he said. "Your features may change, but your eyes—and the hunger within them—are the same."

Dang it.

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"Are you... staring at my chest?" I asked.
"What?" she said. "Stay focused, Knees."

Yes, yes, you're both very cute and lovey-dovey here. While I'd like to say "awww," I think you perhaps have more pressing matters to take care of?

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Chapter 28

Let the prize be worth the cost.

I love this line. I feel like it's been a running theme throughout all the books, even though this is the first time it's been said.

But hearing him talk to these people like he'd once talked to us... it was heartbreaking.

Awww.

Chapter 29

Our disguises were gone.

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What did you think of Prof putting together a team of Epics like he'd once run a team of Reckoners? Is anyone excited to see the teams clash?

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Calamity Read-Along Chapters 20-24

*rubs hands together* All right, let's see what David has in store for us this week...

Chapter 20

The one who created the Diggers, I wrote. Back in Newcago.

Yet another nice callback to Steelheart. Sweet! I was always curious about the Diggers and the crazy tunnels they created in Newcago. Maybe we'll get to learn a little more about them.

"I'm still surprised, sometimes, at the things that leave your mouth," he said, reclaiming his pack.

I'd like to think that here, everyone just gives Abraham a long-suffering look and says, "Me too."

I moved, noticing as I passed that the dowser had given me a negative reading, as it should. I was no Epic.

This is me, not convinced.

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Tia.

See, I knew it. I knew she couldn't be dead. What she's doing here, on the other hand, is highly questionable.

Chapter 21

Tia groaned, putting her hand to her face. "My cola?"

Ummm... didn't Prof look at that too?

"But I heard him calling for me. Pleading, begging me to help him with the darkness."

Aww, dang it. This book is going to make me cry, isn't it?

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"And so he lives his life with a great dichotomy--he takes every opportunity he can to gift his powers away, to let the team use them so he doesn't have to. But each time he does, he gives them a weapon that could be used against him."

What...did...I...just...read?
I kid you not, I stared at that paragraph for a good three or four minutes, just processing. This is insane. Incredibly, amazingly insane. What a way to go full circle. I can't imagine what Prof's nightmares must have looked like.
But this kind of blows a hole in David's theory that the phobia comes before the powers.

Chapter 22

Nightmares were directly tied to Epics and their weaknesses. If I was having a persistent one... well, it might mean something.

He's getting nightmares. The dowser took longer than it should have to register him as human. I don't care what David thinks, there is something about him that is Epic, even if he did reject Calamity's offer of outright powers.

He has to be facing it continually, I thought. Whatever his fear is, he must see it every day, and defeat it.

That would explain Larcener's lack of rages. He's certainly arrogant enough, but he seems too lazy to be an Epic. He also admits that Epics do awful things, while most of the others seem to not talk about it. He sounds a little like Obliteration, talking about how men deserved to be destroyed.
Ooh... what if that also explains some of the weirdness going on with David? Sure, he was scared of the water, but maybe Calamity miscalculated and that isn't his true fear. Maybe his fear is losing people he cares about (plausible with how his dad died, and how Prof turned evil), but every time he leads the team on a mission, he faces that fear. He's continually pushing away his own darkness.

Chapter 23

"I sent you through by accident," Megan said. "You vanished completely, until you popped back out. Sparks!"

Is it just me, or is David way too chill about this? I mean, I'm sure having a girlfriend and a mentor who are Epics would kind of dull someone's reactions to them, but seriously... he is way too calm about getting Megan to experiment with her powers. I wonder if, since he refused powers of his own, he now acts like a sort of calmer/amplifier for Epics.

How were there still Epics, if there was no Calamity to give them powers?

David. I'm certain it has something to do with David. (At this point I'm just going to blame all weird things on David. It's not his fault, of course, but it's all I've got at the moment.)

Chapter 24

In those eyes, I swear I saw it. The darkness, like an infinite pool. Seething hatred, disdain, overwhelming lust for destruction.

Honestly one of these days I wouldn't be surprised if Larcener tries to stab him in the back, because David has got to be annoying him. But what does an Epic fear enough that it keeps him from going power-mad?

Thoughts? Theories? Any bets on when David finally pushes Larcener too far?

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Calamity Read-Along Chapters 15-19

Chapter 15

Prof's power was unique--he didn't just destroy matter, he sculpted it. It was beautiful destruction, and I found that I envied him. 

Yeah, me too. I've always imagined that if I had a superpower, I'd want something similar to a firebender's powers. But I really, really like Prof's powers too.

Chapter 16

I started, turning, and found Firefight kneeling beside me. He wasn't aflame like he had been at the Foundry; right now he looked like a normal man, wearing a business suit with a very narrow tie. 

How... what? WHAT?!? I mean, I know Firefight is an apparition from another world that Megan pulls through to their world. But to have him spontaneously appear while Megan's working a totally different illusion, and to have him speak to David...
Yikes.

I didn't dare breathe. I was in another place for a moment. Another crying child. Another hushed room.

Aaaaaand gut punch. This is a fantastic call back to the first book.

Chapter 17

"I keep wondering," she whispered. "Is next time going to be the time? The time I come back and am obviously different?"

Awwww Megan. Sometimes I just want to give her a big hug.

"No, and... wait, when did I call you a hippo?"
"Last week. You were drowsy."
Sparks. Didn't remember that one.

Hahaha. For being a badass chick with a penchant for cool guns, Megan puts up with David awfully well.

"We're not moments, Megan, you and me. We're events."

Awww I think I will die from the feels right here. They are adorable and my OTP and doggone it if they die I will set fire to this book.

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Only one sentence struck me: Is it right? Three solitary words, alone in their own corner. The rest of the writing was cramped, words fighting with one another for space like too many fish in a tiny tank. But these sat on their own.

Gee, let's just cram this chapter full to bursting with feels.

Chapter 18

"That door isn't going to do at all," the man said. "Far too easy to get through. I thought you people would be capable!"

Oh good grief.

Chapter 19

"Oh?" Larcener said. "And didn't you spend your entire career doing exactly what an Epic told you?"

*glares* I don't like him. I don't trust him. Not. One. Bit.

We were specks of mud on the window; he was a giant, vengeful bottle of spray cleaner.
Extra-strength lemon scent.

David.
DAVID.
Now is not the time.

Also, my entire reaction to this situation with Larcener could best be summed up by this:

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Well. That was kind of a roller coaster, wasn't it? (Also can we talk more about how adorable David and Megan are? In their own strange, weapons-obsessed way.) Does anyone suspect Larcener of more nefarious purposes, or do you agree with David and think he's just scared and on the run?

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Calamity Read-Along Chapters 10-14

Another five chapters, another mess our heroes are in. Who's ready to see what the mythical, Epic-controlled city of Atlanta looks like?

CHAPTER 10

"Well, I spent some time drifting after killing Steelheart," I said. "I needed a new purpose in life. Figure I might as well aim high."

I... might actually be with Knighthawk on his one.

"Jonathon proved that Epics could used motivators, but occasionally we'd run into one that he couldn't operate. Same goes for two different motivators being used by the same person. Sometimes they interfere and one craps out."

So... genes that don't interact well together? I don't have a clue about any of this stuff. Way over my head. (Any science-minded folks in the audience? Help?)

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CHAPTER 11

Well, I wasn't an Epic. So it probably didn't matter.

Ermm... no, but you almost became one. I'd say that was fairly significant.

You know what galls me the most about all this? Megan sent. That my stupid father was right. All his crazy talk about an apocalypse, training his daughters to shoot, preparing for the worst... he was right.

Megan's dad was a prepper. Why am I not surprised?

CHAPTER 12

"Nah," I said. "It's hilarious. Makes people sound really stupid."

I would 100% use a filter on my phone just for this.

He sent another sequence that showed Obliteration in Kansas City, working on some kind of glowing object. It was bright, but you could still tell that it was doing the glowing, not Obliteration himself.

Wonderful. I wonder if that was Regalia's intention--send Obliteration out to destroy all the other Epic-controlled cities. I'm sure that kind of work is right up Obliteration's alley. So either he's continuing the path she set him on, or he's obeying Prof now. Either one... not good.

"It causes madness," Abraham said. Then, after a moment, "So no big changes for anyone in this particular car."

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They know about Prof, though they call him Limelight. He's been here for two or three weeks, and some of the other Epics are resisting him, the main one in charge--a guy named Larcener--included.

We really haven't seen many Epic-versus-Epic battles, so I kinda hope that we get to see Prof in action, as terrifying as that would be. (Also, I can't believe he's still using the name Limelight.)

CHAPTER 13

I'm not going to quote the paragraphs describing Ildithia, but I just have to comment on it. Because holy COW a city made of salt that regrows itself. How does this series make such goofy notions seem so COOL?

The place smelled strange. Salty, I guess. And dry.

Yeah, I can imagine. The idea makes my skin itch just thinking about it.

Green light. Of a shade I recognized.

Uh oh...

CHAPTER 14

It was filled with foodstuffs, the packaged kind you had to trade to get, that came from cities that still had factories: beans, canned chicken, soda.

Soda... wait! Tia was always drinking soda! Maybe that has something to do with Prof's fear? He didn't act freaked out or anything, but why would he have been interested in the box otherwise? Maybe it just reminded him of Tia.

So... we didn't get Epic-versus-Epic so much as Prof just being... well, Epic. Are you looking forward to seeing more of Prof as an Epic?

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Calamity Read-Along: Prologue and Chapters 1-4

 

Aaaaand here we are again! Who's excited to dive in and see what this third book of super-villain awesomeness holds? (Hopefully redemption for Prof. And lots of... Mavid? Degan? I'll keep working on the ship name.)

Prologue:

They insist they will have me again.

I'm guessing that this is David, but it works for the Professor too... if we still cling to the possibility that he can brought back.

Chapter 1

"If anyone tries to sneak up on you, lass, I'll put a bullet up his nose."

Ah, Cody. I missed you during Firefight. *mutters under breath* He better not die, dang it.

Pre-Calamity people had been weird. Awesome, too--evidence: castle--but still pretty weird.

It's okay. We think you're weird too.

Now we were going to rob them.

Calamity opens with a heist! Be still my heart! I love heist stories!
Oh, ahem, also, yay! We finally get to see the legendary Nighthawk Foundry!

"Please tell me that's not a real word," I said, then raised my gun to follow him as he made for the opening.

Yeah, you and me both wish it wasn't.

He could be the most dangerous Epic this world had ever known.

Noooooo. Nope nope nope. I refuse to believe it. I do not accept that Prof remains evil, okay? I will be in denial until the end of this series if I have to!

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Chapter 2:

Prof or Tia could have come up with a way better plan, but they weren't here.

Where IS Tia anyway? There's no mention of Prof killing her at the end of Firefight. She's either gone to ground or--better guess--she's with Prof. Not sure if I like either possibility.

Chapter 3:

This had to be a laboratory where bodies were dissected.

Okay, CREEPY.
Also... who owns and operates Knighthawk? I'm assuming it's not an Epic, since they cut up and experiment with Epic bodies. Even though it sounds like something an Epic would think up, I'm also thinking that most Epics would just want to destroy their enemies, not give normal humans a way to emulate their powers.
Sparks. Prof knew more about tech that mimicked Epics' powers than anyone else. And he had the stuff that mimicked his powers, presumably without taking off pieces of himself to power the technology. I bet Prof is heavily involved with Knighthawk OR was at one point.

Chapter 4:

Personally, I'd have been embarrassed to create such stupid-looking robots.

Of course you would, David.

"No, I keep those in the other chest."

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Yeah, 'cause that's what we need, some creepy disembodied voice speaking in the middle of a room full of body parts. Would this seem like a weird time to say that I really, REALLY want these books to be movies? Because I want to see this scene come to life in theater. It would be a fabulous jump-scare.

So, is Calamity off to a great start? And who's excited to see who is behind Knighthawk?!?

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Firefight Read-Along Chapters 50-51 and Epilogue

Welcome to the final Firefight post! These last couple of chapters are heart-wrenching, so lets get them out of the way quickly so we can move on to Calamity so the Reckoners can get to (hopefully) fixing the world.

Chapter 50

"He'll kill the Reckoners quickly," Regalia's projection said softly, almost in regret.

You have to hand it to this woman... she is brilliant. She played everyone, but the fact that she especially played David and Prof, arguably the two who best understand Epics in all of the Reckoners, is amazing. She's almost on the level of Moriarty for me--the villain you love to hate because they're just flat out fabulous.

Prof turned from the monitor and strode from the room. In that moment I knew. It wasn't Tia or Mizzy I needed to worry about protecting. Neither of them had ever killed a High Epic.
I had.
And so he was coming for me.

This sent chills up my back. Can you say incredibly worrisome yet epic showdown? Except... there's only one short chapter and an epilogue left. So unless something happens quickly, I doubt it's in this book. (But I'm not discounting it, because... this is a Brandon Sanderson book. Anything could happen.)

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Chapter 51

By that light I saw the source of the roar that I'd heard earlier: the water was retreating from Babilar.

Makes sense. Regalia is dead, so there's nothing holding the water in place any more. However, that makes a lot of new places for Prof to hide. Great, yeah, that's what we need--David and Prof stalking each other through the ruined washout of what used to be Manhattan. (Hehe, just kidding, Mr. Sanderson, we do NOT need that.)

And a figure of pure white light exploded into existence between me and Prof. It blazed like the sun itself, a feminine figure, radiant, powerful, golden hair blown back and shining like a corona.

She remembered! David must really be making a powerful impression on her if she's remembering!

Her eyes opened, and she saw me. "I don't feel like killing you," she whispered.

Awwww, the height of true love.

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"How afraid of the fire were you?"
"More than you can possibly know," she whispered.
I smiled. "And that," I said, gathering her into my arms again, "is the secret."

This whole thing is just one monstrous 'face your fears' thing? Oh my word. So what does that mean for Calamity (if Regalia's claim that he's an Epic is true)? Is he a massive control freak who wanted to give people a way to take control over their lives like he's wished for? (Because if "Regalia was telling the truth, then he's a Gifter with enormous power.) Or is he a mad scientist performing experiments to see if people can overcome their fears and sadistic tendencies?

Epilogue

Dream good dreams, Steelslayer, it read.

Honestly? I hope we see more of Dawnslight. We don't know much about him, but the fact that he sends messages through fortune cookies is just adorable.

WOW. Okay... that was a crazy ride. One of my dearest characters went evil, we learned so much about Epics, and David and Megan are finally (kind of? maybe?) a thing. Well... I hesitate to proclaim that my ship has sailed because I'm kind of terrified that one of them is going to die in the next book. I do not want another Tris/Four kind of heartbreak.
And finally, on to Calamity!

What did you think of the ending? Any hopes and theories on what we'll see in Calamity?

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Firefight Read-Along Chapters 34-39

Chapter 34

"I feel like a teenager too," I said. "Because I am one."

Gah, it's hard to remember he's only 19.

Blushing at the thought, I reminded myself that Megan would probably end up stabbing me or something if we were confined in such a tight space.

Yeah…good luck with that, David.

She cocked her head. "Did you just invite me on a date…to spy on a deadly Epic planning to destroy the city?"

Honestly, these two have the most adorably weird and awkward relationship.

Chapter 35

"With my powers," she said, a hundred different versions of her face passing in a few minutes, "I can reach into, and touch, other realities."

What? Wow…that is incredible! A few sentences later, she talks about reading a book that posited that theory…I wonder if she was thinking about it when she gained her powers and that had something to do with shaping her powers.

Also, the bit about the motivators is a lot more creepy than I originally thought.

She shrugged. "It's better this time than it has been in the past. I don't know why--thought, despite what it might seem, I'm not really that powerful."

I stand by my theory that something about David negates or at least counteracts the negative effects of Epic powers. I honestly have no clue what that could be about him--whether it's his belief that Epics can be good, whether it's that he just doesn't seem to fear Epics as much as others, or something else that remains to be seen.

Chapter 36

"Wait! David, Prof is here."

I have to say, I am getting more and more antsy about Prof the longer this book goes on. He's starting to get erratic and secretive, and that never spells good things coming when it involves an Epic.

"If you do manage to interrogate other Epics, David…ask them what their nightmares are about."

As good as it is to finally have a theory mostly confirmed, it still gives me chills. Now I'm wondering if whatever triggers an Epic's powers also triggers a sort of panic state about their weakness.

Sure. Yeah. They cut something outta him. You're sure this isn't a dream?

How…how does removing something make an Epic more powerful?

Oh.

I wonder if the theory Brandon Sanderson is working on here is that a person's soul or their moral center is tied to something physical in their body. Maybe removing that somehow removes any slight inhibitions an Epic might retain, allowing them to become more and more powerful.

(Yes, I love positing fan theories…can you tell?) ;)

"You're improvising, aren't you?"

Prof is NOT going to be happy if he sees this.

Chapter 37

I felt a stab of jealousy, which was utterly stupid. It was just a gun.

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My chase wound through the waterway streets of Babilar, passing people on rooftops who pointed and cried out.

And you think this isn't going to be noticed and reported back to Newton? This is exactly what Prof was talking about, David!

"How long have you been working for Regalia?" she replied. "Since the beginning? Was she the one who sent you to Newcago to infiltrate the Reckoners?"

Aghh. I'm honestly not sure who to be mad at here. Just listen to him, Val!

Chapter 38

Those words crushed me.

Just…urgh…agh…I. Can't. Even. Begin to unpack this right now.

"Fish him out," he said to Val, loud enough that I could hear. "And let's get back to base."

Whew! Okay, first off…

Prof had David bugged. Without anyone else but Tia knowing. And he brought David to Babilar for the express purpose of luring out Meghan. While I totally understand (and share a bit, however much I ship David/Megan), I find this a bit upsetting. And disturbing. Because clearly, if Prof can 'read his men' as well as he claims, he'd see what David sees in Megan. But he is letting his suspicions and his hatred of Epics (self-hatred, I might add, which never ends up anywhere good) blind him to even the possibility that Megan might be good.

I mean, seriously, does Prof think he's some sort of special snowflake that he's the ONLY good Epic?
Secondly…David. You slontze. Out of all the things you could do, keeping secrets like this from the team…bad move, man. Bad move.

Chapter 39

"Do you know how dangerous this talk of yours is?" he asked softly. "For me?"

I don't like this. I don't like how Prof is blaming David for this. Just because David is talking about it doesn't mean he's to blame for Prof using his powers. Prof should know better.

"Lincoln went bad--you call him Murkwood these days."

(I'm just going to pause all the drama here for a moment to softly squee about this because hello, Lord of the Rings reference.)

I saw a High Epic who had been defied.

Oh, not good. Not good, not good, not good.

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These last two chapters pretty much ripped my heart out and stomped all over it. I'm actually scared of what Prof is going to do. His talk about using his powers, actually using one of his force fields to lock David away--that is heads and tails different from the Prof in book one.

What did you guys think of these chapters?

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Firefight Read-Along Chapters 31-33

Hey all! Short post today, as this last week was crazy!

Chapter 31:

"Oh man. Was it true? Did he really throw a tank at you guys?"

Dude, you keep resisting the title nerd, but I think you just need to embrace it.

Chapter 32:

"I'm willing to risk it, Prof."

Even after everything with Steelheart, David still hangs on to his dad's belief that the heroes will show up. I wonder if Prof resists the idea so much not because he doesn't think it's right, but because he's afraid that he wouldn't live up to David's standard of 'hero'.

"You seriously think Regalia can make people into Epics?"

Yes, I buy this 100%, once I think about it. 1) Regalia doesn't bluff, at least from what we've seen. (Unless her threatening to let Obliteration destroy the city is one massive bluff, but somehow I doubt it.) 2) I don't think there's really much of a feasible way to keep an Epic from using their powers.

I turned to look and there, standing just inside the storage room, was Megan.

Well...exactly not the kind of girl who you'd want catching you 'ogling' another girl.

Chapter 33:

I let out a sound that was definitely not a whimper. It was something far more manly, no matter what it sounded like.

Uh uh. I believe you. It's cool, man.

"Don't worry. I'd rather ogle you any day."

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How easy it was to not worry about consequences in that moment, just as Megan had said.

Okay, first off...
FIRST KISS! Let me squeal about that for just a second...
Okay, I'm back.
Second--Warning Will Robinson! You're agreeing with an Epic about consequences! I know this is a sort-of minor thing compared to what she was saying. (I mean, getting caught kissing the team's worst enemy versus killing a lot of people...) But still.

What did you guys think about these chapters? (And who else is still squealing along with me because of David and Meghan's first kiss?)

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Firefight Read-Along Chapters 26-30

CHAPTER 26

This was another connection, a real one--like Mitosis, but even more promising.

I won't go as far as David and say that whatever nearly killed Epics in their former life is what becomes their weakness, but I certainly think that it's something they feared. It's like I mused in earlier chapters with Steelheart--he was a bully in high school, and bullies fear those who do NOT fear them. (A simplification, perhaps, but I don't want to get bogged down in the nitty-gritty of bully psychology here.) A lot of Epic powers/vulnerabilities tie into the thread of fear.

Being a lorist sounded like a job for a nerd anyway.

Oh dear, sweet David... you are quite possibly the BIGGEST nerd in existence. Own it, boy.

"Nope," Exel said with a grin. "Learned that in the CIA."

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This guy just keeps getting weirder, seriously.

CHAPTER 27

I wasn't going to argue--any excuse to get out of the base was a good one--but this didn't seem like Prof. He liked to plan.

Uh-oh, Prof is getting impulsive. I really hope he's just off his game because of the high stakes with Obliteration and the fact that Regalia is an old friend. As bad as that is, it's not nearly as terrible as the other option, that his Epic powers are getting to him. Being in his old stomping grounds doesn't seem like it's doing good things for him.

CHAPTER 28

"That's everything," I found myself saying.

Sparks. This is going to blow up in his face faster than Obliteration. Grr. You ever want to sit two characters down and knock their heads together until they work out all their problems and secrets?

Great. I was back in the horror movie.

Fortune cookie messages? Seriously? Just when I think that this whole Dawnslight thing can't get any more bizarre...

CHAPTER 29

This meant there had been a lot of witnesses when Obliteration had settled down right before his palace, an old government building he'd repurposed, and started glowing.

I wonder what triggers his decision to destroy a city. Or at least, the first one. Because apparently, he'd been in charge of that one. Did he just get bored? Was he experimenting with his powers?

CHAPTER 30

"The Abigail we knew is dead," Prof said.

Gaaaah. I know he has a huge chip on his shoulder, and that he probably thinks he understands Epics because he is one... but sometimes I wish Prof would just stop his bullheaded belief that Epics only do things because they're Epics. David and Tia get it--they see the need to analyze and figure out endgames, especially with someone like Regalia.

"Because," Prof said, voice growing soft. "It's going to take every bit of my willpower over the next few minutes not to murder these people for inconveniencing me."

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I just hope that the team doesn't implode in the next couple of chapters. Anyone else have any more optimistic wishes?

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Firefight Chapters 21-25 Read-Along

CHAPTER 21

"Corrupt," Obliteration whispered. "All men are corrupt. The seed of the Epic is inside each one. And so, all must die. Mortal and immortal. All are--"

All are corrupt? So, what, is this something like in The Walking Dead? Or is this in a metaphorical sense--as in all men have sin and selfishness inside of them and therefore can become Epics, driven into corruption because of their powers? Given that so far Obliteration has sounded like a walking book of Revelations, I'm going with the latter.

CHAPTER 22

Megan! Sparks, it was good to hear her voice. The last time I'd hear it, she pulled a gun on me.

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"You realize Phaedrus will turn on you. You've hired the lion to protect you from the wolves, but either will be happy to eat you once the food runs out."

Interest tidbit--I realized while reading this that the name Phaedrus sounded ancient, probably Greek, and wondered what would turn up if I googled it. Phaedrus is a character in several of Plato's dialogues, one of which centers on the idea of reincarnation. I find that tidbit interesting, since Prof and one of the other Epics closest to him, Megan, both have healing powers so great that they might have been seen to ressurect themselves.

All of that is fascinating, but also slightly off topic. Regarding Megan's actual quote...

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"It's easier around you."

OK, so what if being around David doesn't trigger Megan's weakness, like he thinks? What if David simply has that effect on Epics who are around him long enough? I don't think that means he's necessarily as Epic, as he's never really been evil--although I suppose he could be a Gifter and simply not know it because he's always gifting his power. Ehh--it's not a perfect theory, but we'll see how it fits into the greater story.

"You're doing it again," she said, almost a growl. "Distorting the truth, making people go along with your craziness. This thing between us isn't going to work."

I think it's interesting how Megan looks at this very much like a disillusioned Epic would. She's really negative about David's gift of persuasion.

CHAPTER 23

"True," Exel said. "But lately the mystery comes with extra brood."

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CHAPTER 24

The trouble was balance. Trying to remain stable with two shifting jets of water coming out from your legs was like trying to balance a pot full of frogs on the tips of two half-cooked pieces of spaghetti.

I don't have to wish for this tech, because we already have it--Flyboards! I really want to try them, but I just know I would gravely injure or drown myself.

CHAPTER 25

She was a preacher, too, I remembered from my notes. And didn't Obliteration quote scripture at me?

Thank you! Someone else noticed!
So, does this mean Regalia shares Obliteration's views? Or is she just manipulating him?

"Did you ever know Waterlog, the Epic in whom those powers originated? I created him, you know."

Wait. Wait, wait, wait, hold the phone. Created? This woman is nuts. The whole conversation following this is nuts.

What a cliff-hanger to end on! What do you think Regalia meant about Obliteration? And what does her hint about 'creating' Epics mean?

See you next time in 2017--Happy Holidays!

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Firefight Read-Along Chapters 16-20

How are the holidays going for everyone so far? Let's jump in to this week's read-along!

Chapter 16

"Nice metaphor," I noted.

Gahhh, I'm so torn--who do I ship? I love David/Megan because of their mutual awesomeness/love of guns and blowing things up, but I love David/Mizzy too because adorableness.

"This guy built a bomb shelter," I said, "with a skylight?"

Ughh. Yuck. Whoever that guy was, he was a nut.

Chapter 17

Not anger. His expression was too soft, his grimace too painful. That was sorrow.

I wonder if Prof can't believe Epics can be good because of himself. That must be an exhausting battle he has to fight all the time, not using his powers.

"The two great constants of life. Food and death."

Exel is SO WEIRD. I love him.

Each i was dotted with a heart.

See, she's just so adorable! And to be totally honest, David needs someone who can get him to loosen up a little. I can't decide! He's like Dean Winchester, totally shipable with basically every girl.

"When we knew her before, she could spend days at a time in the same chair, receiving visitors."

I wonder if this was before or after Prof became an Epic. And if he was an Epic, did he work for Regalia? Rule with her? Somehow I don't see her tolerating him as a rival. And of course, if she knows he's an Epic, that could spell trouble for their mission here in Babilar.

"No, listen..."

Dude. Just... stop... talking.

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Chapter 18

Weren't people supposed to walk with their eyes down, worried that anyone they passed might be an Epic?

Oh, David. You poor little cinnamon roll.

Chapter 19

Dancing was stressful--but muderous demigods, those I could deal with.

I hear ya, man.

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Chapter 20

I'd interacted with Epics, even fallen for one. I couldn't see them uniformly as monsters any longer.

I just hope that this means Brandon Sanderson doesn't pull one of his typical crazy twists and makes David have to kill Megan or Prof. Yes, this author has totally made me a pessimist when I read his stuff--it's always, always going to get about 100% worse than I ever think it actually could.

Okay, question for you guys--what ship are you rooting for: David/Mizzy, or David/Megan? Also, feel free to give them a cute ship name in the comments! See you next time!

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Firefight Read-Along Chapters 11-15

Nearly halfway through the book! In these chapters, we get a closer look at Babylon Restored and meet a couple of interesting new Epics. Let's head into the discussion!

Chapter 11:

"Oh no. What have I done. How terrible."

So far, Regalia makes me think of the antagonist in the Portal video games.

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Chapter 12:

He was the sort of person I'd learned to avoid in Newcago, the sort of person who didn't look dangerous until you saw his eyes and realized something vital was missing there.

I love this description. Not only does it send a shiver across my shoulders, but I can picture exactly what he's talking about. I think it's interesting that this is the only Epic he's described like this--like even though the other Epics are insane killers, their powers make them that way, but Obliteration would be a killer regardless of whether he was an Epic or a normal human being.

"Yes," he said, "we're very similar. Go get Mizzy's bomb, you slontze."

This quote made me smile because Prof and David so are alike.

Chapter 13:

"Surely your reward will be great."

OK, so Obliteration takes away all of David's weapons and communication and talks as if not only is he thankful but rewarding David for killing Steelheart. And if you look a few paragraphs down, Obliteration says something that, if not a direct quote from Revelations, sure sounds awfully similar. What does this guy think he is, an avenging angel or some reincarnated god?

Megan.

Yay, Megan's back! Hopefully she's not as crazy as the last time we saw her.

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Chapter 14:

"Soap?" I asked when I saw the suds.

Nice! Also, submarine! Cool, but...scary. I agree with David, I'm not a fan of deep, dark water either. If I can't see the bottom, no thank you.

Chapter 15:

"I'll also bury your corpse," he noted to me.

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OK, out of all the professions the Reckoners had claimed before Calamity, this one blindsided me the most. I did not expect cheerful, chubby Exel to have been a mortician. Also, dude, stop talking about David possibly dying. That's not something we want to think about. Shush.

Great. A few hours into the new team, and I'd convinced them that Steelslayer was adorably strange.

David. You are adorably strange. You're an adorably strange fluffy cinnamon roll. Deal with it.

So, thoughts? Any ideas what's up with Regalia and Obliteration? Looking forward to seeing your comments!

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