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

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

DQs Day 4: Chapters 20-26

16. I love Bev’s line ‘ How in hell is anybody supposed to help if you won’t ask?’ Are there any characters who don't need to hear this? Did it resonate with you?

17. Opal and Jasper finally reveal their secrets and talk. Were you surprised that they are both Graverly’s? How do you feel about the outcome regarding schools?

18. Elizabeth Baine seems to have an amazing connections and pull. Who do you think she works for? How do you think she figured out what the right leverage was?

19. So much happened in these chapters, yet I really don’t feel like I learned much. How do you feel about the pacing/storyline?

20. We learn that being a warden is a choice, although the house asks very vulnerable people. Do you think that the other wardens understood the price? How does Opal fit – she chose, but she isn’t a warden at this point.

Bonus cat question: Which name do you prefer – Baast or Hellcat?

DQs Day 3
Chapters 14-19

11. Starling House reminded me up to a point with some vibes of Beauty and the Beast, although lesser now as the story progresses. Is the book reminding you of any other stories you have read before?
There are parts that feel familiar, but I can't quite name the book(s)

12. Ch 14-19 have answered a lot of questions about Opal, the house, Arthur, the history of the place and what's going on. Has anything revealed in this section been surprising to you? Does the explanation so far of everything that has happened ring true?
I'm still curious as to how Opals parentage will play out, same with Jasper.

13. Jasper and Opal are clearly close, although he is sometimes moody and surly. He seems resentful at times of Opal going out so far on a limb to take care of him and get him out of Eden. What do you think of the character now that he has more fleshed-out scenes and more has been revealed about him and their relationship?
I really like Jasper and I want to know more. He and Opal have a lot in common, although she has taken it upon herself to take care of him. I'm sure it is tough having a younger sister (who isn't really) who tries to take care of you without your input.

14. Arthur and Opal have heated a few things up. Do you think they fit each other well with these developments?
I did like them until they started talking about the age difference. I haven't worked it out in my head yet, but it is a bit especially given how young she really is.

15. There is humor in the book that is overshadowed by genuinely creepy horror like tales, What do you think about Underland "beasts" revealed so far?
I've found it interesting and am curious as to how the next part will work out. I accidentally read ahead and am unsure if the part I'm curious about came out in this section or the next. Will figure it out soon enough.

Tammie wrote: "I just passed the half way point in my ‘Crete’ book and the author has yet to talk about Crete! A bust…I’ll be stopping here and save it for a future opportunity…arg!"

I just picked up a book that I think is set in Crete, but I'm worried about this. It is super short, so shouldn't be an issue unless it is terrible.

DQs Day 2 - Chapters 8 - 13

6) The narration is using dual POVs: 1st person for Opal, 3rd person for Arthur. Does it work for you? Do you think this suits the story?
I hadn't really noticed, so I guess it works.

7) Opal goes to the Library to find out more about Starling House and finds her mother's phone number among the Gravely family's documents. What implications can it have? Do you think it could be a hint about Opal's parentage?
Not sure it is about her parentage, since the Starlings don't seem to all be related. I bet it is about her mom's death. My guess is that it wasn't an accident.

8) After Bev's story about the relationship between Eleanor Starling and the Gravely brothers, we get a totally different perspective from what Nathaniel Boone went through. What do you think about the Gravely family and their "hold" over the town of Eden? What do you think Nathaniel may have discovered in the dark?
I really don't know what to make about it at this point. I do agree that Nathaniel may have found the Underworld, but beyond that...

9) Finally we learn some more about about Arthur's role (warden) and his connection to the House. What do you think about their "relationship"? What is your opinion about Starling House as a sentient being? Could it be good or evil?
I feel for Arthur, he tried to get away. The house does seem to be sentient. So many unknowns at this point.

10) On "characters not communicating"
In Chapter 12 we find out that Opal has not told Jasper about the fact that she arranged for him to go to a different school and she actually managed to put together the fee for the 1st year already. Opal doesn't tell his brother about her working in Starling House and she doesn't tell Arthur about her spying on the House for Elizabeth Baine and getting more and more demands.
What do you think of all this?
I'm sad about the school part. I think Opal is so used to being on her own that she doesn't know how to talk to people. Not talking to Jasper seems to be a very poor decision. She did tell Arthur more than I expected initially and he didn't seem upset. She's worried about her brother, so I'm not surprised about her not telling Arthur, especially since he doesn't seem especially nice (until recently).

DQs Day 1: Ch 1 to 7

1.) Have you read other books by Alix E Harrow? Was this on your tbr list before it was a BOM selection? Any expectations going in?
I haven't read anything and it wasn't on my TBR. I tend to stay away from fantasy, but it was also touted a gothic horror so I am very interested in seeing how it plays out.

2.) Did you read the footnotes as you went along? Find them helpful? Annoying?
I'm listening, so they are read. I think this can be an interesting feature but I'm unsure on these. They add information but not sure it is needed.

3.) The discussion of E.Starling's book being too scary for children reminded me of some interviews with M.Sendalk when the Where the Wild Things movie came out several years ago about books, etc that scare children (when children are the target audience). His response was basically children should be scared sometimes and there's nothing wrong with that. And has further said, it's better to have a book full of fears than one pretending there's nothing to be afraid of. What are your thoughts on this topic?
My mom had a very old copy of fairy tales. The old version of cinderella was terrifying. Most of these stories were originally meant to scare children so that they won't do things where they could get hurt (or more). I'm glad that we aren't there but I think children are resilient and I think stories like this can help us to think about and deal with scary things that happen in real life.

4.) What are your thoughts so far on Eden and Starling House? Has the author done a good job so far of creating an atmosphere and setting for a good gothic story?
I am curious but still need more detail. I like some of the gothic vibes, but then the creature talk starts up and I'm confused.

5.) Any favorites so far in our motley cast of characters? Opal, Arthur, Jasper, Bev, and Starling House.
I do like Opal and I think I may like Arthur in the end. Plus her brother Jasper. I'm enjoying so far.

For the mini - does it have to be in Crete? My book takes place on a small Greek island that isn't named. Guessing it does, but it is so small compared to most locations. I found another location for my book, but Crete is likely a harder task.

Definitely fun. Going to Barcelona with my daughter before heading out on a Mediterranean cruise with my ILs. So some days I won't read much, but others I'll get to relax.

Sorry I've been so quiet. Working like crazy before I go on a big trip. Speaking of, I'll be traveling from june 9-22. I'll be able to read but won't be able to update the spreadsheets while I'm gone and will have limited internet access. I'll try to plan my reading ahead of time, which I rarely do. I can fill out the spreadsheet with what I plan to read and then post so someone can update the sheet with my completion date. I will definitely help with the mini before I leave, but may not claim any for when I'm gone just in case.

DQs Day 4 - "Love Has Come to Mean Death" - end

15. I personally haven't read Jane Eyre and therefore can't compare the two books which makes me feel a bit regretting, but then again so many of y'all don't seem to like this as a retelling. Do you think you'd feel differently about the book depending on whether you've read Jane Eyre or not, and do you want to pick up Jane Eyre now if you haven't yet? What if you hadn't been aware of this being a retelling and the characters had different names?
I would definitely think differently of it. I still wouldn't love it, but it wouldn't annoy me so much.

16. I was secretly hoping that Agnes had romantic feelings for Antoinette and that she was more involved in the last part of the book, but alas it was Dr. Poole. No big surprise there. Has your opinion of him changed in any way after he "confessed" and tried to help Jane and Edward? And if you could bring someone back from the dead, would you do it? Theoretically you wouldnt be aware of any consequences, but logically I think we've learned that there's always consequences...
Dr. Poole was a boring, selfish character. No real change, except they didn't make him as evil or plotting as I expected, just a sad man. I hope I wouldn't, but who knows if there is a spirit trying to persuade me....

17. Jane came back for Edward and saved him of course, and now they're living happily ever after. How do you feel about them as a couple, and is there anything you would have changed about these last couple of chapters as the author or simply just a fan of the original work?
They are boring. He's selfless but too self important, and she is smart but too 'in love'' and part fairy. The author gave a perfect HEA ending to a book a book based on one with a much more complicated ending. This is a fluff book not a retelling; I'd have to change a lot.

18. Was this your first book written by Sharon Lynn Fisher, and do you think you'll be reading more by the author? Were your original expectations met? Anything else you want to add?
Will not read. It was too easy to see where the book was going and nothing to really think about. Necromancy vs haunting wasn't a big enough leap to make the difference interesting, so you knew what happened from the beginning. A perfect HEA with no parts of the story to make you think. And the characters weren't interesting at all.


Bonus for everyone but especially those who have read Jane Eyre before: I challenge you to say at least one good thing about Salt & Broom - other than "it ended!!" lol :b
The apothecary garden was a nice touch as was the family curse.

DQs – Day 3 Protective Impulses-Pert Thing

11. What do you think about the revelation in the garden/the haunting? Did you see it coming, and do you think there are others involved with the “curse”?
It was pretty easy to guess. Possibly more to it.

12. What do you think about Mr. Rochester sending away Jane and the staff? If you have read the original, how does this change Jane’s agency, and do you like the change? Either way, why do you think the author made it Mr. Rochester’s choice?
This version makes Mr. Rochester into a super selfless person, even if to an extreme. It also makes Jane a bit flat of a character as well.

13. Have you ever visited an Apothecary’s Garden? Would you be interested in seeing one? Do you grow any herbs or are you interested in growing any?
I try to grow herbs and am only so successful. Haven't knowingly been to an apothecary's garden but love the idea!

14. What do you think about the scene with Miss Ingram? What does this tell you about Mr. Rochester’s character and did that seem consistent with his character so far? Did his explanation make sense to you?
Meh. He's often oblivious to how things affect others.

I just finished. This isn't a retelling, at all, it is a butchering. Sorry - tried to like it but they took out what made the book memorable changing the whole idea of the story.

DQs Day 2 - Baneful-"My Own Wee Thing”

6. Jane gives Rochester a black-coloured thumb-sized stone to keep with him as a protective talisman. Do you believe in talismans? Please tell us about an object that you keep with you as a talisman?
I don't have a talisman. Not sure what I believe, probably not as a protective charm but I think that they can improve your outlook.

7. Between some of the chapters narrated from Jane’s point of view, we get chapters from Rochester’s point of view. What do you think of these “interludes”? Do they help or distract?
I like hearing from both sides. Not sure how it helps now, but maybe in the future.

8. We are introduced to Dr. Poole. What did you think of this character particularly with regards to Jane meeting him in the poison garden? Were there any changes in your opinion after reading Agnes’ conversation with Jane about the late Mrs. Rochester?
Dr. Poole gives off strange vibes. Could be foreshadowing, could be misdirection. It wasn't very subtle though. I don't think we are meant to like him.

9. We have been told several times about a curse on Thornfield. Then Jane follows Rochester to the graveyard where his family members are buried. At this point Jane says “This was a story of heartache. Everyone in Mr. Rochester’s family had died before their time, especially the females. Then his wife had done the same.” Do you think there is a connection between the curse and the early deaths?
Possibly. This would be more interesting than just his wife's ghost coming back.

10. We have been given information about Jane and her origin? What do you think of this twist in the tale?
It wasn't very surprising, I'd been expecting this for some time. I'm just afraid they will use it to end up with a HEA that the original didn't really have.

Bonus: The author has used several of the same names as those of characters from Jane Eyre. Other than Jane, Rochester, we have Brocklehurst, Maria Temple, Mrs. Fairfax, Poole etc. What do you think about authors using the same names in retellings?
This is a retelling, so not surprised or upset. It's definitely trying to tell the same story with a twist rather than just being influenced by it.

Sharon wrote: "I usually Staycation every year for an extra long Memorial Day weekend. I relax, get things done around the house, and then we host a big BBQ on Monday because we live on the parade route.

Not th..."

Wishing you the best and for a speedy recovery.

DQs - Day 1 - Prologue-Blackthorn

1. A paranormal retelling?? of Jane Eyre - this prompts the question about the original or let's call it the "source for inspiration". What is your relationship to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë? Have you read it? Loved/liked/disliked it?
I've read it and watched the movie. I really like it but it has been awhile, so I don't remember all of the details.

2. What about Retellings? Is it a genre you like/avoid?
Retellings are tough. Typically I enjoy them but I've also read some awful ones. I try to choose carefully, especially when it is a book I love.

3. Jane Aire as a witch in a school for orphan witches? How do you like the setting of this alternative Victorian world where magic is at least tolerated?
This is definitely a strange twist. Not my normal genre, but I'm keeping an open mind.

4. What are your first impressions of Jane and Rochester?
There characters feel pretty close to what I remember, although Jane is a bit more sure of herself.

5. What do you think about the occurrences in Thornfield? Are they really caused by supernatural elements or is it human action?
There has to be a fairy involved in some manner.

I'm in for district 4

Tammie wrote: "@ Stacey I see your Q in the Salt/Broom thread...I signed up for DQs as well and they are only taking 1/team and using the other sign ups as 'back up' which is good...so your are there. I'll gladly..."

How they are doing it this year is very confusing. Looking at how they selected for the 1st book made me question. No worries. Plus, depending on when questions are I may need backup.

Don't see me on the list, District 4.

M wrote: "So, I got some bad/good news today.

I have had a recent breast cancer scare, and I have to have another surgery. I hate it, but what can you do. I consider it a win that it is not cancerous, just ..."

Sorry to hear! Glad it isn't cancerous. What genres do you want recommendations for?

Time war.


This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Gladstone Max

Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, grows into something more. Something epic. Something romantic. Something that could change the past and the future.

Except the discovery of their bond would mean death for each of them. There's still a war going on, after all. And someone has to win that war.

I'm up for DQs. District 4.