Stacey’s Comments (group member since Oct 31, 2019)

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

I managed to get DQs for the last buddy read!

Great!

Jen, glad you had a great trip! Alaska is beautiful.

Finished We Were Never Here. Wasn't sure where to use it for the mini, so I didn't add it.

Book lovers is popular. I've put a hold on the paper copy since it is my best bet. I'll probably just buy it though as I'd like to read it and I doubt it will get here in time.

Volunteering for DQs, Circe

Jen wrote: "Hey team, I’m still reading but having some trouble with putting updates on the sheet. I will get to it as soon as I have wifi.

I’m in Alaska and enjoying hiking and fishing. It is so beautiful h..."

What part of Alaska? We fell in love with Juneau when we went. Glad you are having fun!

Just got back from Ireland. So amazing, and we only saw a part of the country. Not much reading done and no access to the spreadsheets. I'll get up to speed soon. I'll finish a book or two this week as well.

I may be too late, and I won’t be able to update the spreadsheet. But a Character went to jail for murder

Trinia, hoping next week goes as smoothly as possible. Take care of yourself too. RL can be rough.

I'm heading out soon for my vacation! Talk to you all when I get back in about a week and a half. I'll read a little, but not much and won't post until I get back. I've added notes to the spreadsheet for how books work for tasks (I think I got all or at least most).

Just finished Death's End. I read it for pages, and it fits several prompts but it works for S2 and 3 if you want to use it there and finish that off.

DQs Day 3

10) What did you think of Pasiphae’s response to the death of her son, the Minotaur?

It must have been difficult to have such a son. A reminder of how you were cursed and a son who couldn't be a normal child.

11) Dionysus makes quite the entrance, doesn’t he? What are your thoughts on him and the interaction between him and Ariadne?
He is an interesting character. I think like him. It is interesting to see how Ariadne has learned to be careful - possibly too careful, with others now.

12) Phaedra comes into her own in Athens. What do you think of her in her new life?
I think she is a great character. She learns how to do her best in the situation she was in. I love how she convinced her husband to travel more so she could enjoy time without him.

13) We see many examples of the gods playing with mortals in this story; Pasiphae with the bull. King Midas and his golden touch, Hera causing Semele to burn. what do you think it would be like to live in a world where gods existed and interacted with humans?
It sounds horrible. That said, I probably wouldn't be interesting enough to pay attention to.

14) Do you think the sisters will find out the truth about one another? If so, any predictions on what will happen?
Dionysus had a premonition of Phaedra going to Naxos. I hope that they get to see each other again. I wonder if Phaedra will try to find and bury her sisters remains after Theseus is gone or if there will be another reason.

Jax, sorry to hear about you getting COVID. Hope it is mild.

Just so you know, I will be in Ireland from the 9th-19th. I may read some, but I won't be checking in. I don't know what my internet situation will be and also plan on enjoying my vacation! Let me know what info you need from me before then. Info on how books fit for monsters, for example.

DQs Day 2

5. Have you heard of Theseus before? What do you think of his backstory, does it compare with other well-known Greek heroes like Hercules and Achilles? Do you think it fits his humble and collected demeanor in the previous chapter?

The name sounds familiar, but I am realizing that I have to brush up on my mythology. As he tells his story, he does seem to fit.

6. I don’t know about you, but “insta-love” stories royally annoy me. Ariadne spends a significant part of these chapters reveling in her undying and world-changing love and devotion to someone she just met. Do you think this is realistic, or just a cheap plot ploy from the author?

In this context, I think it worked well. She is sheltered, desperate to get away from an unwanted match, and young. The way it ends is so sad but makes up for this part.

7. Why do you think Theseus left Ariadne on the island with no heads up whatsoever? How do you feel about her thoughts and actions, as she processes this new reality?

Because he is a man who uses others for his gain. He may care about his people, but not outside of that. Plus, women are pawns. I think it was his plan to hurt Midos further and possible to keep her as his side woman. Also, he may think like Midos, that she isn't worthy since she would betray family. Her thoughts are interesting and logical (of a sort).

8. During the "great escape", Phaedra is left behind - do you think it was by accident, or purposefully (and if so, why)? Do you think it was wise of her to return to the Palace?

I thought they basically told us it was on purpose. I don't think she misunderstood. I think she was wise. I doubt anyone noticed and if she is careful no one will think her suspect. They might if she wasn't there.

9. A common theme in Greek mythology is the linear progression of Fate - from Hubris (thinking and acting as if one is a God), to Atis (blindness of one’s puny nature, leading the mortal to commit an unforgivable or insulting act), to Nemesis (the anger and revenge of the Gods), and finally Tisis (the mortal’s punishment). Where have you noticed this process so far? Where do you think Nemesis will strike next?
It is definitely there for Ariadne and Theseus. Not sure what will happen.

DQs Day 1

1. Excited about the book, or just here for the points? Were you familiar with the myths behind the story before starting this book?
This is not one I would have chosen, so here for points but really enjoying it so far. It has been a long time since I've really thought about Greek mythology (before this challenge). Some is vaguely familiar.

2. "Let me tell you a story..." I don't know about you, but I love opening lines like that. Do you have a favourite opening line? Have you ever bought a book on the strength of the opening line alone? (I have!)
It's an interesting start. I don't have a favorite nor have I chosen based on that, but it can set the tone.

3. Asterion: The early years. I bet no-one was fooled by the few paragraphs of almost sweet baby and toddler descriptions: This was always going to end with a monster in a maze of course.
But do you think it served well as a way to establish Ariadne's character?
I think it made all of the characters more real. Asterion may have been a sweet baby and all the relationships were complex.

4. What do you think of the writing so far? There's a lot of description and narration and very little dialogue, which tries in with the idea that Ariadne is telling the story to the reader. It allows for a lot more depth and detail than more dialogue-heavy storytelling does. Is that a style you enjoy, or do you prefer the faster pace of a book that is more about character interaction?
I do enjoy this. I don't think dialogue is a must for a story to be fast paced. Plenty has been happening and there is still a good sense of who the characters are.

Sure, but I also wanted to think about our team contribution

For Battleship, I can read Ariadne (Mythology, Retelling, Historical Fiction) and/or a SciFi/Space Opera Book to the Planning pages. I don't want to take too many of our spots since we only have 5. Anyone else have thoughts?

I won't be able to read any for the next round, but I think I'm also over my #s for the game.

I will be finishing my current audiobook sometime tomorrow - probably pretty early. With all of the different things going on, what would you like me to focus on? Specific task(s), genres, or just page count?

I'm also starting Adriadne tonight, but I almost always have 1 audio and one non going at a time.

Just finished my latest. It's best if we get Charybdis - counts for 3, 4 if a spaceship counts as a boat, but I doubt it.

Would this be 50% yellow? It's my next read as I finally got the hold in.

Trinia, I am so sorry. That is a lot going on. I hope that your aunt and husband will be ok and make sure to take care of yourself.

Finished Zeus. That should take care of one Typhon.