Audrey Jane’s Comments (group member since May 27, 2014)

Audrey Jane’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Well done, team ! I've particularly enjoyed this year's edition of TT. I've read some great books and tackled some bigger books that were gathering dust on my TBR.

Thank you for captaining us, Eldarwen and Keely ! And the mods for putting all the effort in these challenges.

Time now to concentrate on shorter books and individual challenges :) See you all around !

Completion post


Book: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
Date Read: August 16, 2025
Pages: 410
Rating: ★★★ (not a lot happens and a big part is repetitive & boring however overall still enjoyable)

Task:
BOM
Mini 3 - China - letter A

Spell-it-out:

T - title
R/B - author
F/H - Fayazi Haza
V/K - Vasilisa Kalista
I/N - Itonia Nusis
Y/S - Yonas Suberek
U - Uhad, Tuwey
M - Miljin, Tazi
D - Dinios Kol
A - Anagosa Dolabra

And that's it for me !

Audrey's BOM Participation post:

Day 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 7 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Audrey's BOM Participation post:

Day 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 4: Chapters 21-25

12. At the start of this section, Din is experiencing some type of battle shock after the fight, and Strovi helps him deal with the situation. He’s quite gentle and especially after their drinks earlier with the whole “we’re too formal” thing, do you think he’s (romantically) interested in Din? Or what else could be going on there? Do you trust him or do you think he’s spying on them, especially as it’s revealed he’s gentry?
There was something romantic between them ? Didn't read that between the lines of someone asking if he could be less formal. Just seems like two colleagues working together or someone looking for friendship because he feels like an outkast. Overall I trust him.

13. Din’s engraving skills seem to be a bit different to what is usual, based on the reactions of everyone else to his fighting skills, and also the lockpicking before that. I wonder how that interacts with his dyslexia, and also how it’s connected to his performance on the exams… what do you think?
He seems extremely gifted, I think he has a hidden gift maybe that he isn't aware of.

14. One of the things I always find interesting about fantasy is figuring out what technology exists and what doesn’t. Aristan and Suberek were quite obviously killed by gunshot wounds, yet neither Din nor the rest of the investigation team seem to recognize that, so guns aren’t a well-known weapon in this world – however, Ana seemed to have an inkling… something the might of the Empire is hiding from us? What do you make of this? Is types of technology also something you pay special attention to in fantasy?
Didn't think of a gunshot, I was rather thinking of a stilleto knife.
Not really, as long as it's easy to follow but it can throw me off and can be off-putting, like with The Sword of Kaigen. I prefer my fantasy to be without science-fiction elements or a lot of technology. I don't enjoy those genres.

15. Speaking of technology – I’ve also been thinking about its relation to social class and especially fertility in this world. We have Strovi, who’s gentry which is why he doesn’t have any augmentations, as they impact fertility, and then we have Fayazi Haza who’s so heavily modified there doesn’t seem to be anything “natural” left about her, surely leaving her infertile (but maybe this doesn’t matter when you’re part of the Haza clan. Or maybe they found a way around that.) And then there’s people like Din who seem to undergo these transformations as a way of improving their situation in life (not that we know much about his or other regular people’s backgrounds – but him sending almost all his earnings back to his family does suggest a significant degree of poverty), where it seems like nobody considers infertility a negative impact… I’m not sure I have a concrete question here, so: thoughts?
Mmm, seems to me that not everyone in every family can have augmentations if they want to further the family line.

16. It seems very neat that Jolgalgan, from the Oypat canton, would be the one behind this plot and all of these murders. Do you think it was actually her, or do you think there’ll be a big twist? If it was her after all, what do you think she knows?
I think she's just a pawn or a middleperson. I think there will be a twist - something bigger than her.

Thank you for adding my book to the SS, Eldarwen ! (I love your name so atm refuse to reduce it to a letter ;-)).

The Tainted Cup is mystery/thriller set in a fictional world (which happens to be quite green, everything seems to be plant based). Btw, it has a lot of crazy names with difficult letters: U, I, O, V, E, N etc (just in case for future challenges ;)).

Same here. Except for the two BOMs, all the books I've read during this challenge were on my TBR (GR or physical shelves) so I'm quite pleased :-)

On a positive note, I'm enjoying the current BOM way more than the previous one. The book makes me think a lot of Attack on Titan, Vol. 1, which is one if my favourite manga/anime series. I wait for the day they adapt it into a good live action.

Day 2: Ch 6-12

5. In this world, many choose enhancements that facilitate their selected jobs - and it seems like most have some sort of Monkey’s Paw negative effect as well. On one hand, an enhancement like Din’s enables his perfect memory, so he never forgets anything. On the other hand, he CAN never forget anything, even if he wants to.
If you were to be augmented with a skill/ability, what would it be and why? Alternatively, what, for you, would be the worst or most dreaded skill/ability you could get?
With all the drawbacks and secondary effects, I wouldn't want any augmentations. Especially when it reduces your life expectancy.
Mmm, the worst would be hearing people's thoughts without being able to switch it off. Sort of a telepathy that goes out of control. Or worst like King Midas where everything he thouches turns into gold and then he dies because he can't eat/drink.

6. I thought it interesting that the leviathians are getting bigger every year, and that most of the special grafts and suffusions are from collected titian bits and bones. Do you have any theories about how this will come into play going forward?
Maybe they will find a sort of poison/counter-agent in order to defeat them.
The worldbuilding and using bits of Titans makes me thin a lot of "Attack on Titan". The author must have read that manga series.

7. “...I no longer formed normal memories. For a memory is just a sketch a mind makes of one’s experiences, imperfect and interpretive; yet what my mind made, from that moment on, was perfect, absolute, and endless.” Do you think this robs Din of the ability to be fully human, from the standpoint that one’s subjective take on the world around her/him is what makes a person "human"?
Mmm, Din does seem quite stoic, especially compared to Ana but it seems to me that he can still form opinions if he wants. He just remembers events accurately.

8. I’m enjoying the evolving relationship between Ana and Din, especially Ana’s humor. Despite Ana joking that Din had “lost his sense of humor in some tragic accident,” what is your take on the twosome? Do you think Din cheated somehow to pass his tests? Or do you think it's something else?
I love their relationship as well, mentor-protégé kind of relationship.
Yes, I think he cheated the examen in order to get the position because he needs it in order to support his family.

DQs Day 1: Chapter 1 -5

1) Do you have any expectations going in? This book is one of the 6 novels up for the Hugo award for Best Novel this year: https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-hi.... Did you know that and do you try to read the Hugo books or winners or have no interactions with the awards?
I had no expectations, I've read the synopsis and it's tagged "mystery" so I figured it might be something I enjoy.
I'm not familiar with the Hugo awards but as a rule the more popular/awards a book has, the less I want to read it. I prefer obscure books :-)

2) What do you think of the world building so far? Are then any particular details that stand out and if this is a reread, is anything standing out more on your re-read this early in the story? (please use spoiler tags if applicable)
So far I can easily follow. Diving into a new fantasy book is always a bit difficult at the beginning due to the new terms and geography but this one does it better than "The Sword of Kaigen".
The world building makes me think of Attack on Titan, Vol. 1, with its multiple walls and "giants"/"leviathans" being a constant threat.

3) So this runs right up to the edge/ crosses over into body horror between the murder scene and modifications to people? Do you read body horror or books with that theme in it? Do you have any favorites?
I don't actively seek them out but I don't mind. I only recall a previous BOM The Hollow Places and House of Hollow if I remember correctly. However they are not part of my favourite reads.

4) Does your version have a map? If it does, did you look at before reading or at any point when reading this first section? Do you like maps in books? (Map under spoiler if you were audio only)
Yes ! I'm reading the e-book version which is not practical to check the map while reading. I just check the map once and then never again. I check maps and glossaries more frequently when reading paperbacks.

Eldarwen wrote: "And from what I hear that seems to be a fairly good book, too :-)"

Indeed ! I was on the fence first but it does seem like a book I would enjoy :) 🤞

I will be reading the last BOM instead of my planned book for mini 1 as I think that will generate more points as that will be my last book for this challenge :-)

Completion post


Book: The Falcons of Montabard: A Novel by Elizabeth Chadwick
Date Read: August 9, 2025
Pages: 481
Rating: ★★★★ (I'm starting to think it can go no wrong with Elizabeth Chadwick - so far so good)

Task:
Mini 1 - set in modern day Isreal

Spell-it-out:

T/F - title
E/C - author's name
S/F - Sabin FitzSimon
A - Annais
G - Gerbert de Montabard
M - Mariamne
B - King Baldwin
J - Joscelin of Edessa
L - Letice

Day 7 - DQs Chapters 27-29

25. It breaks my heart that such a dramatic confrontation was necessary to fix their marriage, but I was also cheering loudly for Misaki! How did you feel during the duel?
I wouldn't prescribe a duel to the death in order to fix any marriage. This couple needed counselling and eventually a separation.

26. Throughout the book, I’ve hated Takeru for his cruelty toward his wife and children, and for his sexist, “I’m better than you” attitude. But these chapters made me reconsider. Yeah, he’s an ass—but maybe he’s also a victim of abuse who never got the help he needed to become better. “My brother was my shelter in all things.” That line broke my heart a little. What do you think of Takeru? Does his conversation with his wife during the duel—and his behavior toward his kids afterward—change your opinion of him?
Takeru needs therapy for his issues, especially since he's working them out on his wife. People don't change that dramatically.
No, my opinion of him didn't change. There was no character development and that conversation should've been had much sooner, preferably before the marriage.

27. Do you think the missing child holds any significance in the plot?
Yes

28. ‘I will never raise another generation as blind as my own.’ That line made me want to cheer out loud. How did you feel when you read it?
Hopefully they stick to it.

Eldarwen wrote: "Sorry to hear that, Audrey.
I still didn't get all too far in the book - oops - so it's still new and exciting to me. Hopefully I won't be as disappointed as you have been."

Aah, I think it's just me as a lot of readers loved it :-) Hope it works better for you !

Completion post


Book: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
Date Read: August 3, 2025
Pages: 651
Rating: ★ (unfortunately it didn't work for me, would DNF if not for the challenge)

Task:
Mini 3 - Korea - letter E

BOM: will answer the last set today. Links on spreadsheet.

Spell-it-out:

T/S - title
M/W - author
I - Itsuki, Mizumaki
Y - Yukino Yuuta
K/C - Kwang Chul-hee
D - Yukino Dai
H - Hyori
R - Robin Thundyil
E - Elleen Elden

DQ'S Day 3 Chapter 8 - Chapter 12

10. Mamoru is becoming more friends with Kwang Chul-Hee and seems to be rebelling more and finally has a fall out with his father. Do you think his father would have hit Mamoru again if Misaki wouldn't have accidentally interupted?

Oh yes, he doesn't sound like he loves nor cares about his family. Also has anger issues.

11. Are you understanding their powers and magic system more through these last few chapters and the fighting that has occurred. Which power would you want?

It's still confusing. There are so many new terms and names being consistently introduced, I'm not enjoying it.
I would like to control wind, its power is devastating and I would like to be able to stop it at will.

12. Misaki received a letter from her friend and told her to run and get out of town. With the Emperor keeping it a secret. Do you think anyone else knew war was coming? And why they are attacking such an isolated village?

I think no one on the island knew of the attack, except maybe outsiders. I'm surprised that Kwang Chul-Hee and his father, who has access to communication systems, didn't know of the attack.
They are attacking the village because it's on a island and operates as a buffer and is on the way to the mainland/emperor.

DQs Day 1 - Ch 1 to 4

1.) Had you heard of this book before it was nominated for/was selected to be a BOM this month? Or read other books by the author? Any expectations going in?
I'm not familiar with the author and had no expectations going into the book, I did see it pass by on GR a couple of times.

2.) How effective is the author at conveying the isolationist nature of Kaigen? And at the glimpses of what the rest of the world is really like? How do you think the Emperor has managed to do this so effectively?
If I remember correctly the community is located on an island, that helps in shutting off the people from continental influence, unless it's been coerced with military force like Japan before the 19th century and commodore Matthew Perry's arrival. The people in the book are barely aware of what happens elsewhere partly due to living in the countryside and lacking proper infrastructure & communication systems.

3.) Misaki is an interesting character with a lot of repressed or hidden depths I think. I like that one of the main characters in an epic fantasy is not a 20 something who just happens to master everything in 5 pages. What are you most curious about her at the moment. Also, shout out to her friends, who seem like real women-friends. Yay!

I like Misaki's chapters the best and I'm most interested in her. In contrast, so far, the chapters of Mamoru have been boring and nothing new. Like you mentioned, Misaki is a breath of fresh air for a main character.
I LOVE women supporting women.

4.) Tekure (husband/father) has managed to make me hate him without even popping up on page yet. Go him. Do you think we'll get a scene where Misaki does her version of 'down with the patriarchy' before the end of the book?
Oh yes ! I think she will show them that she's in fact a badass. A bit weird though if it comes off as a surprise to her family (maybe except her kids) because they know of her background. Weird that you would surpress instead of embrace certain skills and try to transfer them to your kids. I guess I don't have enough testosterone in me to understand.

5.) What do you think of the magic system so far?
Confusing 😅 However it makes me think of Avatar, the Last Airbender and that helps. The discussions about phones and wifi etc caught me off guard.

Eldarwen wrote: "Sounds like a good plan, Audrey!
Sorry to hear your mum couldn't fully enjoy the stay though but at least she got home well and is already planning her next visit - well, good for her anyway? ;-))"

Haha yes, indeed, good for her, my mother is a typical mother hen (and plenty of unsolicited advice haha), I'm sure she thinks she means well ;) And then you have me that loves her time alone 😄 @Charlotte, so back to normal life indeed ;-)

Checking in. My mother left last weekend after three weeks staying with me. I feel bad for her, she was sick and tired with the flu the whole time so we couldn't do a lot of visiting around my new home and she didn't feel well enough to drive back to her home before that. She called me yesterday saying she will come back in October haha 😅

Anyway, I feel well and I'm currently reading the BOM. I will answer the questions this week. At my current reading pace, I think I could finish two other books before the end. I'm considering prioritising the next BOM and my planned book for mini 1 (set in Slovakia) in order to rack up the bonus points :)

Completion post


Book: The Visitant: A Venetian Ghost Story by Megan Chance
Date Read: July 24, 2025
Pages: 341
Rating: ★★★

Task:
Mini 3 - Spain - Church or cathedral on the cover

Spell-it-out:

T/V - title
M/C - author
E/S - Elena Spira (ch)
F - Samuel Farber
N/B - Nero Basilio
Z - Zuan Nardi
G - Guilia Nardi