Nocticadia by Keri Lake | Read Along Week Two
This book…this book is speeding along with the diseases and slowly steaming with the romance. Y’all. Y’all.
Welcome to week two of our Nocticadia by Keri Lake read along, and I am shook-ith. Peel me off the floor, take this book away from me—I have other things to do today!
I wish I could curl up with this book, forget work, forget that I have to pace myself for the read along, and just devour it. Much like I want our MCs to devour each other.
This is also your last chance to grab our January book box featuring Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu—once it’s gone, it’s gone.
The Romance: Forbidden Tension & Slow-Burn Obsession
Sigh. Let’s start there. The tension between them is obvious, and I love it. Him catching her filming that video in class—and not only watching it but sending it to himself? Yes. I love when a man breaks slowly enough that he can’t stop himself.
The forbidden aspect, the age gap, the wanting-but-can’t-have… it’s working. Someone douse me with ice water. I’m not even having hot flashes.
And Spencer seeing the vibe? This is absolutely a setup for the gala we’re about to hit at the start of part three. The “let’s be friends,” the flirting with the professor for answers, the dress—prime spark territory.
Notable romance moments include the video, the library (mmm hmm), the nickname, the eye contact through her window, and even the seizure in his office. She held his hand—and he felt it.
Devryck’s Touch Aversion & Rising Stakes
That detail stood out to me. We learn early that Devryck has an aversion to touch, but now we know why—he can’t feel it, and he hates that. I’m fascinated to see how this evolves between them.
Especially since he’s injecting himself with a toxin that makes him want to rut like an animal. Excellent fuel for forbidden desire. Ten out of ten, no notes.
The Mystery Deepens: Lilia’s Mother & The Experiments
Now let’s talk about the rest.
Lilia’s mom. I called it. I’m eager to see where this goes—what’s the connection between her participation in the experiments and the worms? And how does returning home tie into that?
I’m really hoping the old woman from the apothecary returns, and that Lilia finds something meaningful in her mother’s old home. Bonus points if we get Bee and Dev involved. I’m a romantic at heart—I want my HEA, as long as it’s earned.
Side Characters, Red Flags & Looming Danger
Mel and her group still feel off to me. I wanted to deck Cat for belittling Lilia’s reaction to seeing her mother’s name in those files.
And Spencer—what is actually going on there? Did he assault Mel? Will he try something with Lilia at the gala (my prediction)? Is this tied to the professor who clearly cannot let go of Devryck? She had to have seen something between our MCs in the library.
There’s a lot of tension bubbling under the surface.
And then there’s Devryck’s brother. His torture. The people responsible. Angelo. That connection is primed to explode—the only question is when.
Don’t forget—we still have a few Nocticadia read along boxes available for readers who want to follow along with us.
Final Thoughts for Week Two
I could spiral into every detail like a full-blown fangirl (I may have fallen down a fanart rabbit hole), but I’ll stop here for this week.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and I’ll see you next week as we read up to Chapter 54.
Until then, happy reading!
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