Fiona’s Comments (group member since Sep 25, 2023)

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

Oh no, I hope you get well soon, Gwen!

5th book done :)

I read Funny Story one or two weeks ago as well, so I also hope it’s not that one (although it was nice!)
My books are on there too - Imaginary Friend and The Most Fun We Ever Had

Judy wrote: "Fiona wrote: "Moving to southern Germany was good for the amount of holidays I get haha"

it's truly such a bonus, moving to the North (or anywhere else) would suck sooooo much"

Well, I lived in the North for the first 26 years of my life so I'm a bit biased here haha

Judy wrote: "Gwen|| Bookish Blondie wrote: "Judy wrote: "Have fun!!! May really is just one long weekend chasing the next one around here, isn't it"

I don't have access to these. Can I get an invite?"

I recom..."

Moving to southern Germany was good for the amount of holidays I get haha

Audrey Jane wrote: "Agree, Fiona ! Hope your next book is more enjoyable.

Regarding the next BOMs,

I'm currently reading Throne of Glass, Under Locke and Yellowface. I enjoy all of them more than the BOM haha

Definitely want to read both BOM in June and already volunteered for DQs in both

412 pages

Current total: 783,484

Finally finished the BOM, that one really wasn't for me

Fiona BOM Participation Post

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

Day 5 DQs

20. Cade goes to each of the other travellers and has final words with them. Do you think he learned any new information about his travellers? Or did he learn something about himself?

I think that, in a way, the conversations were enlightening for him. Because of both finding out things about them as well as himself.

21. The journey to The Seven Brothers is full of many challenges. Did this journey remind you of any other quest you've read?

Like I mentioned already, it’s reminiscent of The Hobbit.

22. We now find out about the Pandorals, how they were using The Seven Brothers as vessels. Quite interesting how this was accomplished. Did this surprise you how they were formed ? What did you think of why they came to acquire the red soil?

Somehow, I just listened to this part of the story, yet I have no idea about any red soil. Maybe that shows how much I liked the book.

23. It was determined that Cade be the one to use the apparatus. What attunement do you think he chose?

I’m not sure about that but I guess it will be revealed in the second installment of the series. Which I won’t be reading :)

24. What was your overall impression of this story? What was your favorite part of the story? Will you read the next in the series or try one of the authors other series?

There were some funny/good parts in the book but overall, I didn’t like it much. I liked Mr. Bones and Tenebris but that is really all I can say. Like I said in the question before, I won’t be reading the second book in the series (unless it’s a BOM and I need some points haha). I don’t know about the author’s other series but for now, I’d say it’s pretty unlikely I will read them.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Melindam wrote: "I guess also the fact that my son is 10 years old and I just couldn't help drawing parallels and thinking about sending children (no matter their age) to be killed and forcing pare..."

Comparing it to Squid Game is really an interesting thought. I think for the actual Hunger Games you can really say that it's Squid Game for children/teenagers. Of course there's a big difference in how they're getting there though. In Squid Game, the participants more or less choose to go because of debt etc. while in the Hunger Games, the kids have to pay for the sins of others.. and well, I guess the careers go there willingly but let's not count them lol

I volunteer for district 11

I volunteer for district 11

396 pages

Current total: 782,944

Yay Teresa!

Day 4 DQs

15. The way the different characters react to the trek through the magic wasteland is interesting. With all the magic that flows through this world, why do they not have transport spells? Did this trek remind you of any other stories?

I think there probably are transport spells / other ways of magical transport but the trek needed to happen for the plot. Reminds me of The Hobbit.

16. We keep being reminded (by the narrator) that the wanderists are not good guys. Do you agree with this assessment?

I don’t think they’re necessarily good but I didn’t really see them doing bad things so maybe I’d say they’re morally grey.

17. What is your impression of the seven brothers? The Pandorals are benevolent? Really? Do we believe that?

I found the seven brothers creepy. How they finished each other’s sentences. Didn’t like them. Can’t believe they’re benevolent, especially with the lightning scene.

18. So. We get to see the apparatus. What would you have done with that temptation?

Destroying it seems like a good option.

19. Is anyone who they say they are? Did you expect Mr. Bones?

I didn’t expect Mr. Bones at all. Found it quite funny though.

Day 3 DQs

11. The fantasy genre is known for its world building. How do you feel about the world building in this book? How does it compare to other fantasy novels you’ve read?

I think that in this book, we get to know the world while the story happens. In a lot of other fantasy novels I’ve read, there is a lot of (sometimes very boring) world building before the story really starts. I like it better when it all happens at the same time.

12. In this section we meet Cade’s former teacher Hazidan. What do you think of her character? Did you ever have a favorite teacher and were they similar to Hazidan in any way?

I can’t say actually. While the book has some parts I enjoy (like how the world building is handled), this book really isn’t for me in general so I find my mind often wandering while I’m listening to the book. I don’t really have any opinion about this right now.

13. Chapter 25: Friends in Low Places had a pretty big reveal about the Celestials plans and how they’ve been herding Cade this whole time. How did you feel about this twist?

It wasn’t really a shocker so I feel pretty indifferent towards it.

14. At this point I think we have the whole team together: Is one of them your favorite?

Mr. Bones is starting to grow on me.

Bonus for audiobook listeners: How are you liking the audiobook? Would you recommend it?

I do like the different voices he does. But like I said in the DQs of day 1, something’s going on with his fricatives (the “F” sound for example) that is bugging me. I don’t know if it is because of a certain dialect but it bugs me. He pronounces it so harshly, as if he’s spitting those letters out. Maybe that’s just my opinion or I’m scarred from my linguistics bachelor thesis in which I analyzed sounds like that lol

I kinda loved the books as well but agreed - the show is much better. I watched the first two seasons again before season 3 part 1 came out and I am really obsessed.

Day 2 DQs

6.) Did Galass turning into a blood mage and Fidick being the cause of Lucian's death (I assume that's what the black cloud that left the tent did) surprise you? Or were you expecting their bit in the story to be over and just a footnote about Cade's character?

I definitely didn’t think they’d just be a footnote but it did come as a surprise how their storyline turned out.

7.) We learn about more magic types and there's pretty much any type of magic you can dream up. What type of magic you like to have or what animal would you like an affinity with?

I would really like to have healing powers, brewing some potions and making teas with herbs and some magic ingredients. I’d like to have an affinity with foxes - why? No idea, they’re not even my favorite animals but it just feels right.

8.) Is anyone else's favorite character Mr. Bones? Just me? mkay.

In the first part, I really liked Tenebris. Now I’m not so sure I have a favorite character at all.

9.) At this point I think it's clear Cade is a fallen Glorian of some sort, likely a Justicar. Do others agree with my guess here or do you have other thoughts?

I didn’t really think about this while listening to the audiobook but reading the question now, yes, I can definitely see that he must’ve done something because of which he got “banned”.

10.) Assuming my guess in Q9 is right, why do you think Cade got the heave ho from the Glorians?

I have no guesses at the moment but I feel like I will find out soon.

Nistha wrote: "Judy wrote: "Have fun!!! May really is just one long weekend chasing the next one around here, isn't it"

I'm also waiting for the long weekend. Had a hectic last week, can't wait to get some rest ..."

Oooh, you watch Bridgerton. I already watched it and it was fabulous as always