Andreea’s Comments (group member since Aug 14, 2020)

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

Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs

6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
Ha ha! That was my idea too, but I am not sure this girl has any idea about Todd or the Noise. She seemed really scared.

7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
I don't like him at all!! And I really wished for that crocodile to have Aaron for dinner.

8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I am not sure. If I remember there was a scene where Todd talked about the church and the noise of the prayers.

9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
Maybe they are sacrificed because they are seen as a threat, not producing Noise and all that. Plus if I was one of the women in the story and able to hear all men think about me with little clothes on... I would probably run for my life!

10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
I think Aaron knew about the crash. Since the girl seems the only girl around, maybe that's why Aaron referred to her as "The Sign from God"!

11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
Maybe they weren't related? Or she might be in such a shock that can't react like one would in that situation.

12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
I really like the atmosphere of a dystopian universe but without the high-futuristic machinery. Or at least there aren't any now.

13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
I am pretty sure we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!

14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
If the girl met Aaron before, I think she is just scared of anyone with the Noise and she is not sure if she could trust Todd.

DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-6

1) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
I am a big animal lover and my family always had a pet, in my early years dogs mostly (now we are a cat family) and I do hope the relationship between them will change. But I love the concept of hearing the thoughts of animals!

2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
I am not sure if it's a big scary secret or just mind manipulation.

3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
I think he knew about the girl. From what I understood people aren't usueally there and I can't think of another reason for Aaron to be there either.

4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I think Ben and Cillian care a lot for Todd. But I also understand why Todd was being to resistant. He had no idea what's going on and they didn't have the time to explain it.

5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
I don't know! I was so surprised by the, well, girl. And she doesn't make any Noise. I am curious if girls/women don't make Noise and maybe they didn't die but the men killed them and that's the manhood secret? Or maybe they keep them prisoners since they don't make any Noise you can't know where they are.

I am hosting my birthday party today and I won't get to start this book until tomorrow, but I will take part in the discussion as soon as I can!

I really didn't expect to like this book too much when I started it, but by the end I loved it so much that I will read the next books for sure! Can't wait to get my hands on them!

OMG! I finished it. I won't reply to the questions that I missed (11 and 12) because spoilers?

I can't stop reading it and I have work to get to! Help? Are you reading the next books in the series? I can't wait to get my hands on them!

Chapter Nine: A Curious Tale for Countess Amberglass - Interlude: The Lady of the Long Silence

32. Mr. Lynch creates a world that is very interesting. I find it a mixture of different style, uniquely his own. The mixtures I see are part Game of Thrones with the savage deaths by the Gray King and Barsavi, as well as the creepers of the Spider’s men. I see connections of Beast Master with the Bondmages and animals, as well as playing with alchemy. Fingersmith, with the crafting of thievery. Then Assassin’s Apprentice, with the training of Locke and company. Even elements of steampunk with the floating grave, tea up on the Amberglass tower, Verrari clockworks, and the alchemical ball. Now that we have more of a feel for the book, what connections do you see from your previous reading? Is it the same from when you first started the book?
I definitely see a lot of Game of Thrones in it. That being said, I really enjoy Lynch's book more so than I did at the beginning. I am heartbroken, of course, but I need to know what happens next!

33. Dona Vorchenza as the mastermind behind the Spider, did you see this coming?
Not at all!! But I'm all in for a female mastermind.

34. Jean is a hero! Smashing those Salt Devils one by one, would you have been as brave as Jean?
Probably not. Here with my mug of hot tea and biscuits, sitting in my comfortable chair... not a chance. But when you are in their world, well, adrenaline can make you do crazy things. I love Jean even more now!

35. Death, death, and more death. I was saddened of the deaths of Calo, Galdo, and Bug. The place ransacked and almost everything gone. Only one assassin of the Capa Raza was sent to deal with the Gentlemen Bastards. What did you think of the scene?
Heartbroken. I loved that place, it was the special place for all of them. It was the home they never had and to return to your safe place and find it that way, not to mention with your best friends killed in it. And then Bug!

36. Vengeance. How do you feel about this path Locke has made?
In real life, I am not a vengeful person. I let Karma solve my troubles, but in books? Hell, yeah! Go give them what they deserve!

37. At the Floating Grave, the teeth show, a shocking event that takes place and unfolds. A long planned out scheme that Caligula would be proud of. A “Red Wedding” style of execution. Capa Raza plans have unfolded and a striking resemblance to the Berangia Sisters. Any theories on why he looked to be a triplet?
I don't understand the question... I think they are triplets since they were born? I was sure the Berangia Sisters will be important somehow because their names kept popping out but I did not expect this kind of betrayal.

38. Rebuilding. Jean and Locke are rebuilding and planning. Any ideas to what might happen or are you just enjoying the ride?
Just enjoying the ride. I do think they won't kill the Falconer because they probably don't want to be killed by his kind.

Chapter Seven: Out the Window - Interlude: The Half-Crown War

27. We haven't seen any of Locke's love interest Sabetha at all. Why do you think that is? When do you think she will appear in the story, either in his youth or adulthood?
I am not sure we'll get to meet Sabetha in this book. I expected her to show up at every page but she didn't. Not sure there's room in the book for Locke's love life. I am still hoping to get the young Sabetha in the Interludes.

28. Do you like the humor in this story? I have found several parts to be funny...the whole scene of going down the trellis only to land in room with the "dangler," and many of the interactions between Chains and his boys make me laugh.
I am laughing out loud a lot!

29. Why do you think the Gray King turned on Locke the way he did? This seems to have strengthened Barsavi or at least given him more confidence.
I think that's exactly why the Gray King turned on Loke, to give some false confidence to Barsavi. He will probably strike back and hard... maybe even asassinate Barsavi? I also don't think one of Gray King's men betrayed him - that was probably part of the Gray King's plan too.

30. Do you have any guesses as to the Gray King's identity?
I... don't think it's someone we already met. But that's not really helpful. Could it be someone close to the Capa?

31. Wow, I am so impressed by the costuming and makeup they use to disguise Locke as the Gray King. Do you think Barsavi is really fooled, or do you think that he knew it was a disguise?
I think he was fooled. Otherwise he would have reacted differently.

I am late with these, I will answer to the new ones as soon as possible. Life gets in the way sometimes.

Chapter Five: The Gray King - Interlude: Brat Masterpieces
°Due November 7, 2014

19.What do you all make if the Bondsmagi? They permit no one else to study their art, and they make outsiders either join them or be slain. If you could learn their skills, without the threat of death, would you?
Yes. I would gladly join them. Not because I want to get rich (since they are paid so well) or for the fear of my life, I find "magical arts" really fascinating. (And I am still waiting for my Hogwarts letter!)

20.Stiletto or Crossbow?
I am a crossbow kind of girl.

21.What do you think of Locke telling the Gentleman Bastards, the Gray Kings plans? Can they be trusted? Or will this make matters worse?
I think they came. They seem to be a really tight group.

22.Chains just bought Jean Tannen, what did you make of him, do you think he will be a great asset to the Bastards, or will he hold them back?
He seems to have many qualities and I am really interested to learn more about Jean. I think he is a great asset to the Bastards.

23.I do have to say I am still enjoying the interludes better, I almost wish the entire story was about Lockes childhood. Do you find his childhood or adult life more interesting?
At first I was more into the Interludes too, but right now I like the adult life more because there are so many questions unanswered and the suspense is greater.

24.Chains and Locke seem to have a very close relationship, do you think this is good for Locke?
Yes. Chains is a mentor to Locke and he's way better than his previous master. They seem to have a father-son kind of relationship.

25.First of all really? Nazca is dead? It almost seems like another scheme. Some one must really hate Capa to put his daughter in a barrel of Horse urine. Do you think the plan came Gray King or the Falconer? Who do you think is really in charge?
I was devastated when I learnt about Nazca. Isn't the Falconer hired by the Gray King? I think the Gray King is in charge but where does he get all that money to pay the Falconer?

26.The House of Glass Roses sound beautiful, but is also sounds deadly, would you take a chance and wonder around the gardens?
Yes, I think I would!

@Logan: I was thinking the same thing about Gray King. What if he is Locke's father? My other guess is the girl they keep talking about (I forgot her name).

I am confused. Are we skipping chapter 4? Anyway, I will post my answers later. I am cooking dinner for a couple of my friends today.

Juliana wrote: "Wow!! I'm chocked with what happened at the beginning of chapter six. Why the Gray King would do this? And how???

Anyone was expecting this?"

OMG! I am not there yet but I can't wait to see what you are talking about!

@Taryn: I like Locke and Jean too, but I really like the friendship between them.

Eden Creed wrote: "And great choice with A Woman in White. I've been meaning to read that book forever now and never get the chance to do it."

Definitely pick it up! I couldn't stop reading it. A great novel, a bit predictable but still enjoyable.

I use the Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page) for lots of classics. It has over 46,000 free e-books.

@Eden Creed: I read Me Before You last year, let me know what you think when you get it. I liked it!

I checked out:
I just finished The Woman in White and loved it!

Guys, did I miss the questions for Chapter 4? I looked twice!

@Chris! I thought about that too. But I don't see how that could be. Sounds fun for the daughter of Capa Barsavi to actually work for the Chains, but I don't think it is probable.

15. I was a little confused. Wasn't this Don Salvara supposed to be the first noble person scam they've done? I remember reading somewhere that this line was being crossed. Was I wrong? Yet, I find the name Thorn of Camorr particularly clever. Do you?
I think this is the first scam, but they talked about other nobles to scare him. We never heard what the other nobles have to say about this so it might all be a lie.

16. So, we get the glimpse into the mysterious Spider. Do you think the black shadowy thing following them is part of Spider's? What do you think it is? ...it beat its wings and rose into the darkness in a spiraling circle, until it was up above the mists of Camorr and..
I want to know more! So much more!!

17. That was quite a move by the Gentlemen Bastards. Poor Conté’. But looks Chains didn't exactly train them in combat? I have to say I'm liking the author just for making me like the Gentlemen Bastards and rooting for them. They are almost anti-heroes.
I do believe they are actual anti-heroes. They seem to follow in the steps of Robin Hood... minus the part with giving to the poor.

18. Capa Barsavi doesn't look like a man that can be crossed. Swearing a fealty with a magicked shark tooth? What about Nazca Barzavi? Do you think we'll see her again with the fealty Locke did?
I love Capa Barsavi because he really likes his daughter and thinks she might be good to take his place even if he has sons. I loved that! And I hope we'll see more of Nazca!

10.Reading about the floating markets reminded me of the ones I saw in Thailand.
description
Have you ever seen floating markets?
I never saw floating markets in real life, but, wow, I love your picture!

11. Hmmm, Ginger Scald cocktail. Would you drink it?
description Here's a link to a blog where a guy tried to work out a modern recipe from the recipe in the book. What is your favourite cocktail?
I would definitely drink it! I love ginger-anything. My favourite cocktail is a simple Mimosa. Sometimes the simple is the best!

12. Execution by Devilfish... Very creative. From the description, a devilfish is an octopus or squid. Here's a link to a youtube video of a diver being mauled by a giant squid.
I am not strong enough to watch the video.

13. The Teeth Show. Female gladiators fighting jumping sharks.
I truly would not enjoy this game, to watch it I mean. I won't even dare to "play" it!

14. The story is still changing timelines between a current big scam and how Locke got to be in the position to do that. Do you think he will be able to pull off the scam?
I want to say yes, but I think we'll need some sort of intrigue or at least some unplanned problems that Locke will have to deal with!