I'm so with you. I have been waiting for a shoe to drop regarding the reflection for I don't know how long - several books. After it got left behind in the other dimension and tortured and stuff, I figured something terrible would happen but I was completely taken by surprise by what the something terrible was! Very Minear-like, making Carol all likable and interesting just in time to kill her.

I don't think the prophecy can be about the reflection, though, because Darquesse kills Stephanie's parents and little sister and the reflection is protective of them. Unless they fail her in some way and she turns on them, I suppose. Hm.

I'm so conflicted about Tanith's appearances! She's so awesome, and I don't really have a lot of hope that they'll get the Remnant out of her. But she's awesomely evil, now, which is fun in it's own way.

And I am dying to find out what happens with the brewing war between the Sanctuaries! I didn't see Madame Mist's choice of assassination victim coming either. I would kind of love a magical war between sides that are actually all "good guys" but have this huge misunderstanding between them, but that seems like it would get really grim and bleak. So I don't even know what I want, really.

Also, man with golden eyes - Mevolent not really dead? So mysterious, whoever he is.

I just started the first Skullduggery book last night. I didn't get too far but I really like it.

Yay! It's really likable.

I'm somehow alternating it with The Night Circus, but it seems to work for me so far.

Oh ... I've been skipping and skimming, but didn't someone ask about steampunk series? I've found some -

George Mann, "The Affinity Bridge" and some follow-ups - includes more of the science than others.

Devon Monk, "Dead Iron" and "Tin Swift" - includes some supernatural elements, including werewolves and what I think are elves.

Meljean Brook, "The Iron Duke" - very much a romance-oriented book, first in a series, although I don't think the others are as good.

Damn you, wee Teppy and -t! I just placed my order because I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER.

Tep, at one point Val (or maybe Darquesse, I think it was during the fight for the Sceptre of the Ancients) caught sight of AU Mevolent's eyes flashing yellow, which isn't exactly golden, but got me thinking. Then again, yellow eyes could be a red herring.

And, yay Pix! Mwahaha, my plan is coming together.

I've read the first six and hard-sold them to all of my students. I just can't wait for #7 any longer!

And once you get it you will have to devour it swiftly, and then we can talk about the Thing and the Other Things!

That's my cunning plan.

It is a good cunning plan.