The Speaker

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Sefia has the book and reading the future and trying to find help right some wrongs her parents did and together they will help many. Sefia and Archer are going around helping to free kidnapped boys that were forced to become killers or be killed themselves. They are also trying to put a stop to the evil people that are doing this. Some bloody battles ensue. I don't want to say any more because I'm afraid I will leak a spoiler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved this book even more than the first book and I loved it a lot too!

I really hope they can accomplish what they are setting out to do in the next book. So far they have made a step in the right direction. Melissa Martin's Reading List View all 32 comments. Jun 06, Tara Sim rated it it was amazing. I was delighted to return to the land of Kelanna with Sefia and Archer and experience all their new adventures.

Archer's character arc in particular was so fascinating, and I loved the way Sefia grew more confident in her abilities and goals. There are some familiar characters who return in this book, as well as some new and now favorite ones as well. The magic is so cool, you guys. You want this one on your TBR. Jun 18, Kerri rated it it was amazing. This trilogy is so fantastic, I highly recommend them to all lovers of YA fantasy!

I know they're not very well renowned, so I'll avoid spoilers, but there are so many feels! If you loved The Reader, you won't be disappointed in this next installment! Sefia and Archer are back in the magical land of Kelanna, along with plenty of new characters for you to fall in love with and give your soul to. I won't describe them even if I did I wouldn't be able do do them justice , but they are all unique an This trilogy is so fantastic, I highly recommend them to all lovers of YA fantasy!

I won't describe them even if I did I wouldn't be able do do them justice , but they are all unique and fit in so well with the story. Traci Chee just has a way of creating the perfect characters to fit in with all aspects of the story. The magic plays a bigger role in this book, and the world building is so incredible. I could really feel all the beautiful, rich settings which were described, and I felt so enraptured by the story unfolding before my eyes.

It is so beautifully written, there was not a single page where I was bored! This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. I think that you should definitely drop everything and read these right now. Or, if you have common sense which I don't then wait until they are all released, then drop everything and read them!

Oct 06, Gemma F rated it it was amazing Shelves: Oct 7, My ARC has arrived! Thank you Penguin Random House! Exceptionally well-written with a story which will live on through the readers. Sep 26, Jessica Cluess rated it it was amazing. Sefia and Archer are on the run and fall in with a band of kids just like Archer: As the group embarks on a quest of retribution, Archer's in danger of losing himself to his own dark impulses.

The writing is mouth-watering, the world endlessly inventive, the emotion real. Sefia and Archer's romance picks up steam, and there is, of course, more of my favorite, Captain Reed. I love everything about this series, and I think you will, too. Jun 10, Emily rated it it was amazing. Oct 01, Christian McKay rated it it was amazing. If you are young, she will show you what it's like to have power.

If you are old, she will remind you of what it was like to have adventure. She will fold you up in her world and make you gape at life and flinch at violence and not so much believe in magic as point out that the proof is all around you. I cannot wait to read the next one. Aug 25, Shenwei rated it it was amazing Shelves: Das war nicht leicht, denn in Kelanna kennt niemand das schriftliche Wort. Doch die neuen Entwicklungen bringen seine Absicht ins wanken. Da gibt es nur das, womit du am besten leben kannst.

Durch ihre Gabe sieht sie mehr als andere, doch die Frage nach dem Schicksal und ob man es abwenden kann, ist wahrscheinlich so alt wie die Menschheit selbst. Es macht dich zu einem Menschen, den die Welt braucht. Nov 05, Holly rated it really liked it. Things that made me happy about The Speaker: He gives them a reason to keep going and to move on from what happened.

It's not always happy, nor is it easy, but I loved the bonds they all formed with each other. They're thrill seekers looking to accomplish deeds that will get them remembered long after their deaths. But they're also just such a lovable group of misfits and rebels, and any time we were with them, I was SO into their newest adventure. I can't wait to see how they tie into the third book, and I want all the Current of Faith voyages, please and thanks.

Unfortunately, in a lot of non-contemporary books especially, the standard is heterosexuality, and anything beyond that is Not Okay to the society inside them. But here it just was. And I loved, loved, loved that.

Speaker of the House of Representatives

Also, it does not shy away from gritty subjects. Characters are tortured or do the torturing, some struggle with PTSD and their pasts, others lose loved ones or die. The book wasn't afraid to go there, and I'm here for the morally gray complexity of life. I'm still trying to figure out how so much of it fits together, and because of its intricacy, I'm constantly surprised by the slow reveals and mysteries unraveled throughout the books.

And the hidden messages, smudged thumbprints, crossed out and faded sections all make for an fascinating reading experience. One that you'll want to redo at least one more time so you can catch it all, even though you won't. I swear you still won't know everything. Trust me, I already tried it. Mar 22, autumn rated it it was amazing Shelves: May 13, Fadwa Word Wonders rated it it was amazing Shelves: I loved The Reader but The Speaker blew me away.

Speaking of my babies. These characters are a mess. They're deeply flawed, selfish and amazingly human and i want to protect them forever. They make mistakes and questionable decisions but hey i would die for them anyway. Please pick this book up. Nov 29, Aila rated it it was amazing Shelves: Traci Chee does it again with her clever writing, multifaceted characters, and heart-aching storyline s.

The Speaker starts from where The Reader leaves off, but everything is much more intense: Chee is so talented in writing multiple storylines that all come together in the end. The crew is composed of outlaws, but they may possibly be enough to stop the rising force of the Guard and their goal to reunite the kingdoms under one rule. You can feel his weary bones getting tired of running and getting ready to take a stand back.

I love the details that Chee adds about the loyalty of the crew, who are like family, and the interactions with the other outlaws. Arcadimon works for the Guard and is plotting to kill his king, Eduoar, who happens to be the boy he loves. Legend has it that the Corabelli kings and the ones the love are all fated to die. The particular plot is both an aching and charming story of two best friends who realize their love for each other as they decide how to proceed with the political power that each holds in their hand.

And change both their fates? I love how their love for each other was so strong in this book, even as many obstacles stood in the way both physically and mentally. The family they created was so loyal and wholesome, but each victory against the Impressor makes Archer one step closer to becoming the boy of the prophecy — one who will lead the Army and die shortly afterwards. Their love for each other really shone in this book — through their actions, their thoughts, and the way they wanted to change for the better because of the other.

Some of their decisions were really heartbreaking, but you know it happened with good intentions in mind.

The Speaker (Sea of Ink and Gold #2) by Traci Chee

I understood her thinking at the time, and I really thought it helped progress her character arc. Certain parts of the story and their relationship made my heart ache, but in the most wholesome of ways. But I personally adored The Reader and thought this was an exceptionally strong sequel. Following the characters, from Sefia to Reed to Eduoar, was an incredibly journey from beginning to end.

Fantasy readers must get ahold of this lesser-known YA fantasy series. The gorgeous writing, multifaceted story, and exceptional characters make it an unforgettable book. Oct 17, Cassie James rated it it was amazing Shelves: Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review, This doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it. The lush and complexly beautiful world introduced in The Reader was an absolute delight to get back into with The Speaker. Traci Chee became one of my favorite authors with her debut book and she has amazed me once more. The Speaker is just as good if not better than The Reader.

The Speaker begins with Sefia and Archer still on the run from The Guard, she has been p Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review, This doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it. The Speaker begins with Sefia and Archer still on the run from The Guard, she has been practicing with her magic and is getting more adept with it. Sefia still hasn't used the Book due to a bit of fear over the knowledge it contains. She eventually gets over her fear and uses it, She finds out that Tanin is still surprisingly alive and more desperate than ever to find her.

New devastating revelations weighed on Sefia and threatened to come between her and Archer. While on the run, Sefia and Archer encounter a band of Impressors. They freed the candidates they held captive, the candidates then join Sefi and Archie and they form their own fierce little band. They all decide to work together towards freeing the other candidates from their different bands of Impressors nearby in Deliene. Captain Reed also embarks on a grand new adventure that should take him from a lost sea wreck to the most coveted treasure Trove.

His journey is one with so many complex layers as he oscillates between the pursuit of ultimate glory or the achievement of greater good. His character has come a long way from the beginning though he still has some ways to go but I loved the way his storyline was handled. The use of different POV's is once again of huge merit to the series, the different characters make The Speaker an absolute delight to breeze through.

Sefi and Archer go through many things in The Speaker, Life changing experience that threatened to push them apart and rock the foundation of the world they've built for themselves. The love between Sefia and Archer will always be my favourite thing about this book, It was born from a dark time and ended up as the light leading them towards salvation.

All the plots began to come together towards the end of the book.

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I commend Traci Chee for carefully crafting all the little subplots and pulling it off so gloriously. Untangling the massive web that's their complicated lives in an experience that is not to be missed. The action is up a notch, there are so many epic cool fights for those that are not faint of heart. The worldbuilding keeps expanding and becomes even more massive but still amazing nonetheless. The magic is further delved into and I love the intricacy of it, It's refreshingly original while being familiar enough to be able to be vividly imagined.

Traci Chee doesn't lose her lyrical buoyancy. The ending itself had so many twists and turns that were just simply amazing. Then, the House votes on a formal motion to appoint the member in question to the Speakership. In the unlikely event that this motion fails, the House must hold a fresh series of ballots on all of the nominees. If only one candidate is nominated, then no ballot is held, and the House proceeds directly to the motion to appoint the candidate to the Speakership.

A similar procedure is used if a Speaker seeks a further term after a general election: If the motion to re-elect the Speaker fails, candidates are nominated, and the House proceeds with voting as described above. Upon the passage of the motion, the Speaker-elect is expected to show reluctance at being chosen; he or she is customarily "dragged unwillingly" by MPs to the Speaker's bench. Historically, the Speaker, representing the House to the Monarch, potentially faced the Monarch's anger and therefore required some persuasion to accept the post.

Six former speakers have been executed sometimes many years after their terms , five of which due their close association with a former king after a new monarch had succeeded. The Speaker-elect must receive approbation by the Sovereign, before he or she may take office. On the day of the election, the Speaker-elect leads the Commons to the Chamber of the House of Lords, where Lords Commissioners appointed by the Crown confirm him or her in the monarch's name. Thereafter, the Speaker requests "in the name and on behalf of the Commons of the United Kingdom, to lay claim, by humble petition to Her Majesty, to all their ancient and undoubted rights and privileges, especially to freedom of speech in debate, to freedom from arrest, and to free access to Her Majesty whenever occasion shall require.

If a Speaker is chosen in the middle of a Parliament due to a vacancy in the office, he or she must receive the royal approbation as described above, but does not again lay claim to the Commons' rights and privileges. Though the election of a Speaker is normally non-partisan, there have been several controversial elections in history. For example, in , the sudden retirement of Arthur Peel came at a time when partisan feelings were running high. The Conservatives and Liberal Unionists put forward Sir Matthew White Ridley , a well-respected MP who had many years of experience, and hoped for a unanimous election as the previous Speaker had been a Liberal.

However, the Liberals decided to oppose him and nominated William Court Gully who had been an MP for only nine years and had been a relatively quiet presence. On a party-line vote, Gully was chosen by to Although Gully proved his impartiality to the satisfaction of most of his opponents, and was unanimously re-elected after the general election , the episode left many Unionists bitter. During that year's general election, Gully became one of the few Speakers to be opposed in his own constituency, a sign of the bitterness of the time.

It was not until the mids that it became common for a Speaker to face some form of opposition for re-election.

Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

The election was similarly controversial. After the incumbent Speaker, Douglas Clifton Brown , retired at the general election , there was a great demand from the Labour Party for Major James Milner to become the first Labour Speaker after he had served as Deputy Speaker for eight years.

However, the Conservatives who had just regained power nominated William Shepherd Morrison against him. The vote again went down party lines, and Morrison was elected. Milner received a peerage as compensation. The Labour Party chose Selwyn Lloyd, partly because he was perceived as a weak figure. De Freitas was taken aback by the sudden nomination and urged the House not to support him a genuine feeling, unlike the feigned reluctance which all Speakers traditionally show. Lloyd was elected, but there was a feeling among all parties that the system of election needed to be overhauled.

Now, a candidate's consent is required before he or she can be nominated. The last three instances of the election of a new Speaker , and have all been relatively controversial. Bernard Weatherill had announced his impending retirement a long time before the general election , leading to a long but suppressed campaign for support. The Conservative former Cabinet member Peter Brooke was put forward at a late stage as a candidate.

Unlike previous elections, there was an active campaign among Conservative MPs to support Boothroyd and about 70 of them did so, ensuring her election. She was the only speaker elected in the 20th century not to be a member of the governing party at the time of her first election. Betty Boothroyd announced her retirement shortly before the summer recess in , which left a long time for would-be Speakers to declare their candidature but little opportunity for Members of Parliament to negotiate and decide on who should be chosen.

Most Conservatives felt strongly that the recent alternation between the main parties ought to be maintained and a Conservative Speaker chosen. With several additional candidates announcing themselves, the total number of Members seeking the Speakership was 14, none of whom would withdraw. A lengthy sitting of the House saw Michael Martin first proposed, then each of the other candidates proposed in turn as amendments, which were all voted down.

In points of order before the debate, many members demanded a secret ballot. By convention the Speaker severs all ties with his or her political party, as it is considered essential that the Speaker be seen as an impartial presiding officer. For example, Selwyn Lloyd and George Thomas had both previously served as high-ranking Cabinet members, whilst Bernard Weatherill was previously a party whip. In the House, the Speaker does not vote on any motion, except in order to resolve ties. After leaving office, the Speaker normally takes no part in party politics; if elevated to the House of Lords , he or she would normally sit as a crossbencher.

In the past, the Speaker could sometimes be returned unopposed; this has not happened in the last few decades, but they have sometimes faced opposition only from fringe candidates. When Speaker Edward FitzRoy , previously a Conservative MP, was opposed by a Labour Party candidate at the general election , there was strong disapproval from other parties and a sub-committee of the Cabinet considered whether a special constituency should be created for the Speaker to remove the obligation to take part in electoral contests.

The sub-committee came to the conclusion that Parliamentary opinion would not favour this suggestion; however, in December , with a general election expected within a year or so, a motion from the Prime Minister was put down to nominate a Select Committee to examine the suggestion. More generally, the convention that major parties do not stand against the Speaker is not as firmly established as is sometimes suggested. Generally, former Labour Speakers have faced only fringe candidates, but former Conservative Speakers have faced major party candidates.

Speakers who represented Scottish or Welsh constituencies have also faced nationalist opponents: The Speaker's primary function is to preside over the House of Commons. But in Betty Boothroyd , the first female Speaker, eschewed the wig. Her successor, Michael Martin , also declined to wear the wig; moreover, he chose to simplify other aspects of the costume, doing away with the once customary buckled court shoes and silk stockings.

His successor John Bercow abandoned traditional dress, wearing a plain black gown over his lounge suit when presiding. Whilst presiding, the Speaker sits in a chair at the front of the House. Traditionally, members supporting the Government sit on his or her right, and those supporting the Opposition on his or her left. The Speaker's powers are extensive — much more so than those of his or her Lords counterpart, the Lord Speaker. Most importantly, the Speaker calls on members to speak; [11] no member may make a speech without the Speaker's prior permission.

By custom, the Speaker alternates between members supporting the Government and those supporting the Opposition. Members direct their speeches not to the whole House, but to the Speaker, using the words "Mister Speaker" or "Madam Speaker". Members must refer to each other in the third person by the name of their constituency or their ministerial titles not their names ; they may not directly address anyone other than the Speaker who does call them by name.

In order to remain neutral, the Speaker generally refrains from making speeches, although there is nothing to prevent him or her from doing so.

For example, on Wednesday 3 December , Speaker Martin addressed the House on the subject of the arrest of Damian Green MP and the subsequent searching of his office within the precincts of the House of Commons. During debate, the Speaker is responsible for maintaining discipline and order. The Speaker bases decisions on the rules of the House and on precedent; if necessary, he or she may consult with the Parliamentary Clerks before issuing a ruling.

Usually, the Speaker attempts to end a disruption, or "calls members to order", by loudly repeating "Order! If members do not follow his or her instructions, the Speaker may punish them by demanding that they leave the House for the remainder of the day's sitting. For grave disobedience, the Speaker may " name " a member, by saying "I name [Mr X]. The House may then vote to suspend the member "named" by the Speaker. In addition to maintaining discipline, the Speaker must ensure that debate proceeds smoothly. If the Speaker finds that a member is making irrelevant remarks, is tediously repetitive, or is otherwise attempting to delay proceedings, he or she may order the member to end the speech.

Furthermore, before debate begins, the Speaker may invoke the "Short Speech" rule, under which he or she may set a time limit at least eight minutes , which will apply to every speech. At the same time, however, the Speaker is charged with protecting the interests of the minority by ensuring sufficient debate before a vote. Thus, the Speaker may disallow a closure , which seeks to end debate and immediately put the question to a vote, if he or she finds that the motion constitutes an abuse of the rules or breaches the rights of the minority.

Before the House votes on any issue, the Speaker "puts the question"; that is, he or she orally states the motion on which the members are to vote. He or she then assesses the result of a voice vote, but any member may demand a division a recorded vote. The Speaker may overrule a request for a division and maintain the original ruling; this power, however, is used only rarely, usually when members make frivolous requests for divisions in order to delay proceedings.

The Speaker does not vote in the division, except when the Ayes and Noes are tied, in which case he or she must use the casting vote. In exercising the casting vote, the Speaker may theoretically vote as he or she pleases, but, in practice, always votes in accordance with certain unwritten conventions, such as Speaker Denison's rule.

First, the Speaker votes to give the House further opportunity to debate a bill or motion before reaching a final decision. For example, the Speaker would be obliged to vote against a closure motion. Secondly, any final decision should be approved by the majority. Thus, for instance, the Speaker would vote against the final passage of a bill.

Finally, the Speaker should vote to leave a bill or motion in its existing form; in other words, the Speaker would vote against an amendment. Since the House of Commons is a very large body, Speakers are rarely called upon to use the casting vote. Since , there have been only 49 instances of tied divisions.

There was believed to be a — vote on an amendment to a motion concerning the Maastricht Treaty in , but it was quickly discovered that one extra "Aye" vote had been erroneously counted. Prior to the counting error having been noted, Speaker Betty Boothroyd did give a Casting Vote of No, although this was later expunged when the error became clear. In addition to his or her role as presiding officer, the Speaker performs several other functions on the behalf of the House of Commons.

He or she represents the body in relations with the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and non-parliamentary bodies. The Speaker performs various procedural functions. He or she may recall the House from recess during a national emergency, or when otherwise requested by the Government. When vacancies arise, the Speaker authorises the issuance of writs of election. Furthermore, the Speaker is responsible for certifying bills that relate solely to national taxation as " money bills " under the Parliament Acts and The House of Lords has no power to block or substantially delay a money bill ; even if the Lords fail to pass the bill, it becomes law within a month of passage by the Commons.

The Speaker's decision on the matter is final, and cannot be challenged by the Upper House. The Speaker is also responsible for overseeing the administration of the House.

He or she chairs the House of Commons Commission , a body that appoints staff, determines their salaries, and supervises the general administration of those who serve the House. Furthermore, the Speaker controls the parts of the Palace of Westminster used by the House of Commons. Also, the Speaker is the ex officio Chairman of the four boundary commissions for England , Wales , Scotland , and Northern Ireland , which are charged with redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies to reflect population changes. However, the Speaker normally does not attend meetings of the boundary commissions; instead, the Deputy Chairman of the Commission usually a judge normally presides.

Finally, the Speaker continues to represent his or her constituency in Parliament. Like any other Member of Parliament, he or she responds to letters from constituents and attempts to address their concerns. The Speaker is assisted by three deputies, all of whom are elected by the House. The most senior deputy is known as the Chairman of Ways and Means ; the title derives from the now defunct Ways and Means Committee which formerly considered taxation-related bills.

Typically, the Speaker presides for only three hours each day; for the remainder of the time, one of the deputies takes the Chair. During the annual Budget , when the Chancellor of the Exchequer reads out the government's spending proposal, the Chairman of Ways and Means, rather than the Speaker, presides. Moreover, the Speaker never presides over the Committee of the Whole House , which, as its name suggests, consists of all the members, but operates under more flexible rules of debate.

This device was used so that members could debate independently of the Speaker, who they suspected acted as an agent or spy of the monarch. Now, the procedure is used to take advantage of the more flexible rules of debate. Deputies have the same powers as the Speaker when presiding. Akin to the Speaker, they do not take part in partisan politics, and remain completely impartial in the House.

However, they are entitled to take part in constituency politics, and to make their views known on these matters. In general elections, they stand as party politicians. If a Deputy Speaker is presiding, then he or she holds the casting vote instead of the Speaker. The Speaker is one of the highest-ranking officials in the United Kingdom.

By an Order in Council issued in , the Speaker ranks in the order of precedence above all non-royal individuals except the Prime Minister, the Lord Chancellor, and the Lord President of the Council. Speaker's House, the official residence, is at the northeast corner of the Palace of Westminster and is used for official functions and meetings, [18] with private accommodation in a four-bedroom [19] apartment upstairs. Each day, prior to the sitting of the House of Commons, the Speaker and other officials travel in procession from the apartments to the Chamber.

The Serjeant-at-Arms attends the Speaker on other occasions, and in the House; he or she bears a ceremonial mace that symbolises the royal authority under which the House meets, as well as the authority of the House of Commons itself. Customarily, Speakers are appointed to the Privy Council upon election. Thus, the present and former Speakers are entitled to the style "The Right Honourable".

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