Lexi’s Comments (group member since Jul 27, 2016)

Lexi’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Great, new one from Dr. Who - looks very doable

The Sontarans

350 to 450
Climate fiction
"potato" in text
Title starts with a letter in SPACESHIP
Honor important to plot (your interpretation)

Yes, I wrote the task, but I want to see if you think a book works. It is the second in the series, but the first book was entirely about a cult, and the cult is referred to multiple times in the second book. Some consequences, like one of the MC having only one working arm, carry over from the first book.

I've added two (fiction) books from Karen's recommendations as well.

#1 -

I am finally on the board, though still well below the line. I think it was Jenny back in 2018 who first suggested this book to me and while it took me over 5 years to read it, I really enjoyed it and was the first 5 star (non-reread) of the year. Stayed up too late last night reading it on a work night, which is always the sign of a good book.

Suzanne, I liked the first one better too. I think it was a little more filled out for plot and characters. Also, for me, novelty was much higher when it came out.

Melindam wrote: "It was that cover that made me fall for the book. :)"

The second one is quite good too but I did not like the 3rd one as much and stopped the series there.

- also cute cover

Abigail, glad you did not read the Epilogue then. Cat also noted that it contained large spoilers, which seemed an odd author choice to me for a book otherwise sold as standalone prequel.

DQ Day 4: Chapters 34 – Epilogue

13. The necromancer has been defeated. How do you think this plot line ended? Did you like the resolution?

14. This and the first book are used as prime examples of the cozy fantasy. Have you read other books in this genre? What are your thoughts on the genre, and would you read more?

15. If you have read the first one, how does this one compare in terms of worldbuilding and character development? If you have not read it, does the characterization and worldbuilding make you want to read the first book in the series?

16. Do you like Epilogues on books? Did you enjoy seeing the characters in the future?

DQ Day 3: Chapters 23 - 33

9. Hurrah! Finally the bonedust arrives! What do you think of Satchel as an addition to the characters?

He was fun but never had any real personality or characterization. I pictured it very clearly and I am trying to remember what from. It may be a computer game, but it has blue eyes, and is cute and short.

10. Mystery book sale! How are you liking the changes to the bookshop? Have you / would you buy mystery book sets like this? A fun bonus: make up your own mystery book set and post your three word descriptors for us to pick a set!

That had these all the time at Trident Books in Boston, which is a fun store if you are in the area. I have also seen books wrapped like this at Little Free Libraries. I have never taken a book from one of these as I don’t buy a lot of books and I have a long enough TBR list but could be fun. I have also heard of people doing this for a party and a book swap.

11. The necromancer is on her way! What do you think of these dreams and of the sword from the book?

I have finished and kept expecting more from this sword, but it may be in the first book, and I forgot it. I think Viv should have been more worried or more communicative with her friends.

12. A hint here that the end of the relationship is not going to be as clean as Maylee and Viv said it would be. But, what do you actually think about this plot strand - necessary, surplus, well-done, meh? discuss
I think this could have been done with friends only. I didn’t find the relationship necessary or added that much to the plot. I think the author wanted to include it but had to build up everything up around it to support it but it kind of felt unsubstantial.

Tracking
Day 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3 - here
Day 4 questions - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 2 ~ Chapters 11 - 21

5. What was your impression of the Man in Gray when he first came into the Bookshop? Of what significance do you think he holds?

Likely associated with the necromancer as the plot isn’t complicated enough to need more than one Big Bad. Also, as Cat noted, needed as the romance by itself will not carry the book.

6. The Gatewardens were an interesting group. Immediately taking everyone involved in the fight to the cells! What did you think of their tactics?

Typical fantasy guard tactic of throw everyone in the cell but didn’t seem to do anything from there but I guess they needed to be lax for the plot to continue.

7. I feel a little bad for Maylee; she seems to have real feelings for Viv but I feel like Viv is going to leave in a short time. Maylee said she was good with whatever time she could get, but I have to think it will still hurt. What do you think of this? Is any amount of joy gained worth the potential risk/hurt?

I think they are both open about the short-term nature of any relationship and Viv is very clear that she plans to get back to traveling as a mercenary. If communication is clear and open, I think it is fine.

8. “The shop … will last a little longer. It’s been better lately. A bit. A few more visitors. A few more books.” “But in another way, it’s the best it’s ever been. It’s been better for me. Having you here is connecting me to why I do this. To why I used to love it. I don’t know if I can explain it, but watching you read what I give you, putting a book in your hands and seeing what happens to you once you put it back down … I can’t make you understand how that gives me something I didn’t know I had to have.”

I liked this explanation Fern gave to Viv about why she wanted her in the shop. I think that it would be great if everyone could find the thing that reminds them of why they love things. Have there been any exchanges or quotes that made you stop for a second to think about them or that made you laugh?

Not really, I smiled in a few places but not really the type of book that makes me stop and reflect.

I’m stuck on all day online meetings so I have lots of time to fidget online since my input is generally not needed.

Judith finished off another one and I got us a new Human one:

Lady Macbeth (Macbeth)
100 to 175
Blood on cover
Book has a manipulative character
Gendered word in title (lady, girl, fireman etc)
Author initials in SHAKESPEARE

Karolyn wrote: "Since lists seem to be our shiny object to chase today…

I’m working on putting the 50 most banned books of 2022-23 (specific to the USA) into a spreadsheet - using the PEN America list. I want to ..."

I'd appreciate seeing it too. Thank you

My favorite book of poetry I have read so far for my world books has been The Chattering Wagtails of Mikuyu Prison. I'll send you the spreadsheet link in a message, as I think it is associated with my email.

Eldarwen wrote: "Would be cool to read something from every country in the world, but definitely difficult to come by some books.

Hmm... maybe we could set something up as an individual challenge where you/we cou..."

I've set up a spreadsheet with a list of countries. It has a tab for the ones I have already read and a tab for planning. I could share with either of you if you are interested in what I have read so far.

Adding, there are not all fiction - I include poetry and memoirs as well

I have but always interested in new books.

I’ve read for Bulgaria but not Luxembourg yet

DQS - DAY 1, 3 Jan

1. Thankfully, on GR this book is simply listed as "Bookshops & Bonedust", but my kindle edition adds the subtitle "A Heartwarming Cosy Fantasy and TikTok Sensation".
Recently I noticed this increasing trend (or is it just me?) of publishing books with these types of subtitles. How do you feel about them? Necessary info or off-putting advertisement?
I also hate them, and I had a library ebook version. Thankfully, it came with no subtitles. I have only seen them on books from KU or self-published and not library versions. If I see them, I kind of assume the book is bad. I’m glad my version didn’t have it. Maybe there is a regional difference?

2. In the first 25% of the book we are getting introduced to Viv, Iridia, Fern, etc. and other characters presumably playing a major part in the plot? How do you feel about them and their characterisation?
This is alluded to by your last question, but this is very much a prequal assuming you have read the first in the series. It is built like you already care who the MC is, and the plot is charming but character depth never really happens. That is true for the first in the series as well. I think “cozy” in general is used for shallower characters in many books.

3. What about world building? Is it enough? Interesting enough or do you need more to get involved int the story? How about the premise of an abandoned/struggling bookshop?
The struggling bookshop has been done before but so has the start a coffee shop plot (book 1) The fantasy aspect is interesting, but it is very much a cozy, waste an afternoon in a fluffy book kind of book and not one to really get you thinking. I think that is ok, and I rated it accordingly.
4.
“I gotta ask, is that the same mug you’re always cleaning, or do they all get a chance?” The sea-fey’s gray brows rose. The tattoos on his forearms boiled as he scrubbed. “Didn’t think you’d notice. Old tavernkeeper’s secret. Wash one, everybody assumes the rest are clean, too.” He grinned at her.

One of my first highlights in the book. This really made me smile as it really shows the cliches how barmen/women are depicted in books/films?
Did it make you think of such a (memorable) character in any previous readings?
Not really, he doesn’t stay in the book as memorial character that much and it kind of cliché. I liked other members of the town more.

Extra Q: This book has actually been written and published after Book 1, Legends & Lattes. Have you read it? If yes, what did you think?

I was surprised this was a BOM since the first one had not been. I think it got around by being labeled a 0, but I would say it reads better if you have read the first one. Also, the epilogue is a bit of a spoiler of the first book, so if you have not read it, I would skip that part when you get there.

Lists are good for that. I am trying to read a book by an author from every country, and I have read a large number of authors I would never have read otherwise. I am about 50% through the world and starting to get to some that I can't get access to a book yet but hope some day.

Sammy wrote: "Jenny wrote: "I just looked at the 1001 books list, and why the hell is the 27th Jack Reacher book on there? I love that series, but I don't think the 27th one should be on any "best of" list. Weir..."

I looked at that list and I am just under 100. I am not really aiming for more, but there are 4 classics on this challenge for me this year.