No, I think it stands on its own alright.  Her writing can be a bit confusing sometimes, but once you get in a little ways and get used to it, it should become clear.

I’m reading The Coral Island.

I think you might have stickied it.  (Is stickied even a word?)

I’m hoping to actually try to be competitive this year.  I’ve got a insanely long reading list, and I would really like to get through most of it this summer.  So bring on the RAT!

I just finished a really awesome book that I’d like to recommend.  Nick of Time is a thrilling adventure

story with pirates, Nazi submarines, Napoleonic naval warfare, castles,

top secret military security, sailing, and time travel. The characters

were likable and interesting, the action riveting, and the writing

style engaging.  I couldn’t put it down.

From Amazon:
About the The Dark Sea Annals series: A noble king discovers what

happens when he leaves a door open for evil. The disastrous

consequences impact generations, leaving the throne of Anglinore to a

wicked despot, the kingdom in ruins, and Aravel’s son Loch in exile. To

throw down the vile new authority, Loch will need to find the fabled

Halfainin and raise a new army from a world of reluctant citizens.

Together with his archer friend Ariana, Loch will face adventures that

span the world of Myriad, creatures that defy imagination, and choices

great and terrible all these recorded in The Dark Sea Annals.

I think the playing card is sorta showing the good king/ bad king idea.

How odd.  I tried doing an Amazon search for it before and nothing came up.

The description looks interesting.  Now I have something else to add to my upcoming books list.

Wait, are you serious?  I haven’t seen anything about that…