Catsalive’s
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(group member since Feb 05, 2022)
Catsalive’s
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from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.
Showing 241-260 of 425
CompletedSomething Old, Something New
1-30/6/23
Difficult: 9+ books
16/9
Read something old (Perhaps a classic or a book you've owned for a while and haven't read or an old favorite you'd like to read again)
Buttons and Bones by Monica Ferris 7/6 3★ - on MtTBR for years
Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris 9/6 3.5★ - on MtTBR for years
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor 11/6 5★
Read something new (Published this year or a book you just purchased)
Salonika Burning by Gail Jones 12/6 3★
Read Something borrowed (from friend or library)
Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson 1/6 3★
Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts 4/6 3★
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 4/6 3.5★
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling 6/6 2★
Barrenjoey Road by Neil Mercer,Ruby Jones 8/6 3.5★
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty 10/6 2★
Book Lovers by Emily Henry 12/6 2.5★
Read Something blue (has a blue cover or has blue in the title)
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer 2/6 3★
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 5/6 3★
Read something with luck in the title or has a good luck charm mentioned (since I doubt we'll find one that has something to do with a sixpence for your shoe)
Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb 3/6 3★ - shamrock charms play a major role
Read books which have the words bride, wedding, groom, marriage, etc in the title or have a wedding that takes place in the book.
Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson 1/6 3.5★
You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry 7/6 3★
Jun 01, 2023 08:28PM
by April Kihlstrom 1/5 2★ 224p
by Saskia Adams 2/5 5★ 278p
by Sacha Naspini 2/5 2★ 140p
by Irene Saunders 3/5 2★ 224p
by Katherine Center 3/5 4★ 320p
by Anne McCaffrey 4/5 3★ 462p
by Rivers Solomon 4/5 1★ 155p
by Erle Stanley Gardner 5/5 3★ 320p
by Watt Key 6/5 3★ 256p
by Carola Dunn 6/5 3★ 256p
by Dick Francis 7/5 4★ 276p
by Margaret Drabble 7/5 2★ 290p
by Dick Francis 8/5 4★ 304p
by Katie Fforde 9/5 2.5★ 384p
by Orson Scott Card 9/5 4.5★ 324p
by Dick Francis 10/5 4★ 277p
by Lee Child 11/5 3.5★ 560p
by Katie Fforde 12/5 4★ 400p
by Sandra Heath 12/5 3★ 216p
by Anne McCaffrey, Margaret Ball 14/5 3★ 323p
by Karly Lane 14/5 4★ 368p
by Diana Gabaldon 14/5 4★ 962p
by Georgette Heyer 15/5 3.5★ 246p
by Peter May 16/5 3★ 386p
by Anne McCaffrey 17/5 3.5★ 473p
by Peter Temple 17/5 4.5★ 393p
by J.D. Robb 18/5 3.5★ 336p
by Maya Hess 19/5 2★ 272p
by P.J. Tracy 21/5 4★ 384p
by Lee Child 22/5 4★ 526p
by Anne McCaffrey 22/5 3.5★ 312p
by Ann Jacobs 23/5 1.5★ 202p
by Sherry Lewis 23/5 3★ 256p
by Meshel Laurie 24/5 4.5★ 320p
by Sharon Green 25/5 3.5★ 416p
by John Scalzi 25/5 3.5★ 333p
by Louise Lawrence 26/5 3★ 214p
by Anthea Hodgson 26/5 4.5★ 394p
by Georgette Heyer 27/5 4★ 368p
by Nicholas Eames 28/5 3.5★ 544p
by Donna Bell,Catherine Blair,Lynn Collum 29/5 2.5★ 256p
by J.K. Rowling 29/5 3.5★ 353p
by J.K. Rowling 30/5 3.5★ 357p
by Dick Francis 31/5 4★ 288pPages: 14804
Current total: 854,822
And we're off again 😃
Have we got the last 2 600+ on the way? That's all we need, isn't it?
May 28, 2023 04:19AM
DQ TrackingDay 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 6: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 7: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
May 28, 2023 04:18AM
DQs - Day 7Chapters 47 - end
32. So not only did some of the Vanguards come to help rescue Rose, but they even patched up Clay. What did you make of the unguent that Tiamax gave Clay? And would you submit yourself to the same thing if you were in a similar position?
Well, all those things grow back limbs, don't they? I'd certainly do it, much rather be armed than 'armless.
33. What did you make of the “fight” with Akatung? Was the dragon everything you expected given how much hype it got earlier in the book?
This fight was a bit of an anti-climax, didn't amount to much in the end.
34. What did you think of Gabe’s speech at Kalador? Was it a lot of pretty words? Or did it evoke something more? And were you surprised by the reaction the attendees of the War Fair by the end?
No doubt very stirring for a horde of barbarian bands but wouldn't have worked on me :0)
35. After having such a presence all book as this near impossible to kill villain that had planned everything down the most minute detail, did you feel that Lastleaf’s end was what he deserved?
Lastleaf's death was another anti-climax but fitting that he died obscurely off to the side with no famous last words. I'm not sure he deserved to die by dread Tamarat, though.
36. And finally what were your final feelings on the book? Were you satisfied with the ending? Was Kit’s small excerpt about how the Siege of Castia ended enough or did it leave you wishing to read more about the various bands that participated in the battle?
In the end, I enjoyed this much more than I expected at the start: the second half moved along at a great clip. The end was a bit abrupt & Kit's epilogue wasn't enough: I felt a bit cheated. I thought the battle scenes were handled very well, although I don't think Ashe should have bought it.
May 28, 2023 02:11AM
DQ Day 6Ch 38-46
27. We finally get Lastleaf's backstory in full, and his motives become clearer. What did you think of the fact that he is technically one of the human's Gods (not actually a god, but a being that through myth and legend has been elevated to one over time)? Did you see Shadow's treachery coming?
I always thought Lastleaf was mythical - it's a pity he didn't stay that way. With a name like Shadow he was bound to be treacherous - a bit too good to be true from the beginning.
28. Another battle, and Clay has a mental dig at Moog for not being much use in a battle. Poor Moog. do you feel that maybe Clay and the others underestimate Moog at times?
Definitely underestimated, which is strange considering how many times Moog has pulled their oats out of the fire.
29. Moog rigs up a magical "telephone". If you were in Rose's situation, would you want to know of the rescue attempt (unlikely as it seems it would be successful), or would you prefer not to know? (a very slight hope vs the knowledge that your loved ones are putting themselves in danger because of you)
I'd love to hear from my family but not that they're on their way to sure death.
30. Owlbear cubs! What mythical creature do you think would make a good pet?
It would depend on the temperament of the animal: none of the ones in this book seem at all suitable for domestic life, & even if they did they'd probably turn out to be Gremlins.
31. "You're a hard man to kill, Clay Cooper"
"But I'm easy to hurt"
I think it says a lot about clay that he can plummet from a bridge, spare a moment for a dying fiend, show incredible endurance catching up with Larkspur and still see the humanity in the woman that cut off his hand. Superman or just plain stubborn? Truly good person, or in denial about how the world really is?
Stubborn, human, compassionate at times, a regular barbarian that people tend to like despite themselves.
May 28, 2023 12:24AM
DQ Day 5Chapters 31-37
22. The band choose to land to search for Matrick and eventually find Matrick, Larkspur and a Witch Doctor. Did this surprise you?
Not really, they need to stick together, & they couldn't leave Matty behind. Taino the witch doctor was a surprise.
23. Larkspur in her fall has lost her memory and now goes by the name Sabbatha. After her drug induced sleep she recounts her dreams to Clay of snippets from her past. Does this put her actions in a different light? When she recovers her memory do you think she will revert back to her how she was before the fall?
It does explain her indifference to the plight of the humans she hunts. I can't help wondering if she's really lost her memory, it's very convenient.
24. We meet Gregory and Dane during our visit to the Cannibals. What are your thoughts on how Gregory describes events to Dane?
It shows a lot of love between the brothers. Does Dane believe all that Gregor tells him?
25. I’m loving the magic bag in this section. What meal would you have it magically produce?
The roast chook sounds pretty good - I'm partial to a roast myself.
26. It seems there is a cure for Rot. How do you think this will effect Moog in the long term?
I'm so pleased they've found it & I imagine Moog will be very happy not to be under that awful death sentence any more, but he'll be sad that he couldn't save Fredrick.
May 27, 2023 09:35PM
DQ Day 4Chapters 22-30
16. The Maxithon, now that was an adventure. Was this what you were expecting was going to happen? What did you make of the fight?
Pretty much what I'd expected in the arena, & a grisly fight it was.
17. We meet yet another one of the old bands - what did you make of Vanguard? They seem a little friendlier at least than Raff's band. Did you expect them to say no? Or would you have thought they'd team up with Saga?
Nice to see they've still got some friends. I didn't expect them to team up when Vanguard have family responsibilities of their own. It's different for Saga, they were a band & have a lot of shared history & friendship.
18. Saga seems to have had a rather large amount of unfortunate bards. I can't help but wonder what they're going to lead Kit into, or do you think that maybe Kit will truly be the first ever bard of the band who will actually survive the adventure? Kit is supposedly unkillable after all, so maybe they're going to be lucky? What are your predictions on Kit's life expectancy as bard of Saga?
Kit has to survive: I haven't seen a lot of him yet but he's a likable character with some great lines. Is he dead already? Ghoul is often used incorrectly so I'm never quite sure what one is.
19. Are you enjoying the writing style of the book? What about the story in general?
The book is an amusing, rollicking, boys' own adventure - not really my thing but it's entertaining.
20. The Heartwyld beckons! We are going to get a closer glimpse at this mysterious forest. What are your expectations?
Creepy & swampy, with bizarre animals. If anything can go wrong, it will.
21. Oh my word, someone went overboard! Over the forest! With the daeva no less. Makes me wonder if the band will be intact for much longer. Or could the daeva potentially not have killed Matrick, or intend to take him back to Lilith so she can kill her beloved husband herself? There was this one moment where it looked as though the daeva may let them be, seeing that they're on their way to rescue someone's daughter, so a noble feat in a world that seems to have kicked Larkspur all her life. Maybe? Yes? No? Am I alone in thinking something like this?
The fact that Saga are heading to save Rosie definitely hit a nerve with Larkspur but she was still paid to do a job. I can't see her dragging him to Lilith, though, so dropping into the forest is likely to be a ploy. Maybe they'll get it on together.
May 27, 2023 06:43PM
DQ Day 3Chapters 16-21
11. The fight with Raff's old band (who looked like clowns) that ended with snakes is one of the first times we see the almost full band working together. What did you think of this scene? Did you like the action or was it confusing?
It was a bit confusing but I had to laugh at Clay's final weapon, predictable though it may have been.
12. So the hoarder kobolds - I thought they were great! And the bird-like creatures pulling the carriage. Do you have a favorite creature you've seen so far, or one you'd like to see? Tell why.
I'd love to see this owlbear, even if it is just a bear with really big eyes. I'm curious to know if the dragons are enemies, or not. Unicorns, where are they - I bet they'll be nasty critters even if they do turn up.
13. I think in the last half of this section we really start understanding what a big deal the Kings of Wyld really were. And we get to compare them to the Screaming Eagles. What do you think about the ethics and popularity of the new bands that kill captive monsters in arenas?
The scene with the Screeching Eagles in the Riot House was amusing. It's the way things go: once there is no more real enemy, the fighting moves to the arena, then the tournament, the playing field, the chess board, etc.
14. Lastleaf gave his (and the hordes') motivations for conquest. Do you think his reasons were valid, or is he just evil? Do you feel at all sorry for the monsters?
Lastleaf's reasoning: sophistry. Sorry for the monsters: the ones going about their own business, yes; not really for the ones whose nature is to kill unthinkingly. Breeding killing machines like the chimera - I can see that coming back to bite someone.
15. We all picked our favorite character in day 1 questions. Has yours changed since then?
As the story is pretty much from Clay's POV he's really the only one we know very well: he's a bit of a doofus & quite likable. Ganelon seems surprisingly grounded.
May 27, 2023 05:12PM
DQ Day 2Chapters 9 - 15
6. We meet the 3rd member of the band, the wizard Moog. What are your impressions of the wizard? Were you as surprised as Clay that he agreed to go right away?
What else has he got to do? Maybe he'll find a cure along the way.
7. That was some entrance to the palace, don't you think? What were your first impressions of Matrick? Were you surprised by the turn of events in chapter 11? Excited or worried when Moog announces that he had a plan?
Very slapstick, & serendipitous. Surprised at how good a father he is.
8. After several descriptions sprinkled throughout the story thus far, we finally meet a druin. What do you think his plan is? Why does he really want the Council to stand down?
Once Lastleaf has Castia he'll be able to take Grandual, anything he wants, really.
9. Were you surprised at how Lillian arranged the funeral? What did you think of Clay's contribution? How successful would you rate Moog's plan?
A bit surprised but she obviously wanted to make sure Matrick was completely destroyed. I'm more surprised that they fell for Clay's ruse.
10. Gabriel borrows Moog's crystal ball to check on his daughter. Were you surprised at what he saw? What did you think of the band's reaction?
The vision was a bit horrifying. Well, they have to continue now, especially if there's a chance for Rosie.
May 27, 2023 05:09AM
DQs Day 1Ch 1 to CH 8
1.) What do you think of the premise of the book, like an aging rock band getting back together to go on tour but an adventuring band instead? Is the author pulling it off so far?
I'm enjoying the band references, the conflation of the music & the fighting bands. It's quite amusing so far.
2.) The rocks, may of hit me a bit in the feels. Did it affect your opinion of Gabe at all?
It's very sentimental of him, if he meant it, but he obviously cares for Rose or we wouldn't be having this conversation.
3.) How do you like the world building, is it being done effectively for you without major info dumping? Is it helping to set the stage for the story?
So far I don't feel like I'm being dumped upon.
4.) What did you think about the parade? Did anyone else enjoy Clay's reaction to the ladies being whistled at and be disappointed when the lady blew a kiss back instead of skewering the guy (like Clay expected to happen)?
I think his bemusement is understandable, I've always been the same when it comes to the strange skimpy body coverage on female barbarian armour. Mind you, they could be showing their contempt by blowing kisses, who knows?
5.) Do you have a favorite character so far?
I'm finding Clay a likable & fun character.
Bonus: Taking a poll for a very important question. On the Tassel Farm: Centaur or Moose?
Given the number of weird & wonderfuls, I'm going for the centaur, although I would like it to be the moose.
Louise wrote: "QUICK UPDATEThere is still time to participate in the BOM for Kings of the Wyld.."
I hope to get to it this week.
