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

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

I just can't get to my planned book Day Shift, I keep picking other books. However I finished (March 19) which half of the story is set in Egypt.

@ Sophie: enjoy your trip! It seems a beautiful and peaceful country. I will go as well in July (to Brecon).

Sonia wrote: "My favorite from her is still Foxmask. According to my cousin, that is because I never read her Bridei Chronicles series."

Good to know, I've recently found a copy of Foxmask in a secondhand bookshop. I will make sure to check out the Bridei Chronicles as well :)

Cleaning out the TBR closet

Duration: March - December 2016
Books Read: 1/10
Note: all books added in 2013 on tbr shelf

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. : 03.11.2016 - 3 stars
8.
9.
10.

@ Karen: I'm really looking forward at your #8, I recently added it so it won't fit for me for this challenge but I just can't wait to not being distracted by other books and pick this one up :) I don't know if you've tried J. Marillier's books yet. It's YA so not one of my favourite genres, however I fell in love with Marillier's writing style and have complete trust in her ability to create loveable & interesting characters, a riveting story, and settings that enchants. I've read and both recommend Daughter of the Forest and Wildwood Dancing by the same author.

@ Sonia's list: It just makes me realise how many Urban-fantasies I still have to read, although I think I've already read the best ones with Magic Bites and Moon Called :P (still working on The Others series which is also good UF). #1 - really enjoyed her Aisling Grey series, I forgot there were sequels.

@ Eldarwen: # 4 - I've purchased the whole trilogy on impulse, after hearing/reading feedback of readers I've kind of regretted it. I hope it will be better than the Mortal Instruments series. #5 - Same here. I'm curious, all GR friends liked it. Hope it turns out to be a good read for all of us too :)

I agree about the red covers for the VA series, they are beautiful. I would have bought those on impulse as well in order to prettify my library :p

I'm not good with BR either or else I would definitely be in to buddy read Labyrinth. A follow reader gave the hardback versions of Labyrinth and Sepulchre to me, by that I mean permanently. It felt like a won the jackpot.

☘ Participating in a current BOM (participating in discussion):
--> Up to three days = 5 Leprechaun Coins
--> All days = 5 Leprechaun Coins

- finished March 19 - 2 stars - answered all DQ's here: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 -6.

Depositing LC for DQ's BOM: add 10 LC

March 18 DQ's : Chapters 13 – End

Q32. What did you think about Jess’s journal with the alchemy and that whole situation?
I didn't expect that but in retrospect it really seemed that the Library had their eyes everywhere and the personal journals seemed like ipads or something. All the personal information transferring to the Library's database.

Q33. Morgan was caught and locked up, did you see this coming? Will she forgive Jess?
Yes, in the end she had no chances, no way she could escape at that point. At the beginning she could escape but her chances became slimmer. She seems to already have forgiven him by the end, which makes all the drama unnecessary. I don't understand why he betrayed her that way and why they weren't being honest, it was a weird scene. The whole chapter actually was.

Q34. Urgh! Those dang journals and the Library! Thomas is dead, your thoughts?
Didn't expect this but he seemed to be too trusting, didn't thought it through. Not sure if he's really dead though.

Q35. Jess has been placed away from the library and demoted, how do you feel about this?
Logical move, to keep him safe and away from the center of the attention.

Q36. The note to Jess from Thomas, what will come of the plans Thomas left for Jess?
He doesn't have the skills to build the press himself but he might sell and distribute the plans, maybe by using his family ties. The Library seems keen on keeping this quiet because they want to have the monopoly.

Q37. Did you enjoy the book? Who is your favorite character? Will you read book 2 of the series, Paper and Fire when it's released?
Not really. I didn't feel invested, thought it was boring and confusing at times. Didn't connected with the characters and felt detached from the story. I don't have the feeling I know the characters and the romantic relationships came out of nowhere imo. Favourite character is Glain because like I thought she's tough cookie. I'm not into YA either, I don't intend to continue the series.

Discussion Questions 17 March 2016. Chapters 9-12

26. Poor Morgan, seeing her father and he is trying to “save” her by killing her. Do you think the Burners got to him? Or is he insane?
He's simply desperate and starved due to the siege. Maybe he went a bit nuts yes, but it seems that everyone in Oxford has a difficult time. I'm just wondering, I wish to know why they are fighting each other or did I miss something.

27. Jess tells Morgan to ask his father for help if she is able to escape the library in London. Do you think his father would help her? From what I’ve read so far about Callum Brightwell I don’t think he will.
Callum B. seems like an opportunist. If Jess sends a particular girl his way maybe Callum will think there's something in it for him. He might help her like Frederick helped Jess and his group: there will be a price to pay.

28. Wow Santi and Wolfe. Did you suspect they are more than just friends?
Yes, this was predictable. There were hints enough through the story and I kept thinking 'are they a couple?' because they kept behaving that way. The moment when I was sure of their relationship is when Santi and Wolfe joked about running after each other during the chase where Jess had to locate Santi. The joke felt like an innuendo. And then Santi was like the silent, sexy ;) bodyguard when the Archivist threatened Wolfe. And then the petname 'Nic', I say too close for casual friendship.

29. There is so much going on in this book. The war between the Welsh and the English (we still don’t know what that’s all about), Burners attacking the library, a lot of intrigue from the leaders of the library. I’m starting to have some trouble keeping it all straight. How about you? Do you like many storylines or do you like to focus on one thing?
Yes, I was wondering that too (see answer for Q. 25 and Q. 26). It's a lot of action but I need them to sit still for a while and have some deep discussion or some background. Or at least something that will show me who they are as a person. Also the 'romances' seem farfetched; Khalila and Dario/Morgan and Jess, next it will be Thomas and Glain ?

30. The library must really want Morgan and Wolfe, they blow up their own train to get to them by way of the Burners. I didn’t see that one coming. Did you expect the library to use Burners to do their dirty work? With who else are they working?
No, I didn't expect that. They're really going to extremes to get rid of Wolfe and retrieve Morgan, however they don't really care if she dies since she's kind of a rebel. Each faction is using the other; maybe not so much as working together because the Burners seemed to be double crossed.

31. This book is really action packed. Today’s section had me on the edge of my seat and I’m hoping for a nice relaxing chapter. Do you like all this constant action or would you like to have some quiet moments?
I like a nice balance and want a bit of both. I can enjoy action more if the quiet moments are also present. Too much of one thing gets boring. But when it's too action packed or the story starts to jump around, I get a bit seasick.

March 15 DQ’s: Chapter 6-8

20. The Translation Chamber – that was a very intense moment in the book. What do you think caused the different reactions in each Postulant? Why were some able to stand the transition seemingly fine and others not at all?
Maybe the intensity of magic in them or to test what they can handle on a psychological level, don't know really.

21. Wolfe seems to be developing as a character. We find out more details about him as the book moves forward. Do you still feel the same about him as you did in the beginning of the book? Has your opinion on him changed at all?
I really can't say. Honestly i'm 80% into the book and I don't feel connected to any of the characters. The story seems to jump around. And again I keep picturing Severus S. as Wolfe. We get to know him better mostly by his letters in the 'Ephemera' sections but I miss concrete actions from his part that really shows me who he is. Maybe a bit of background story.

22. What did you think about the letters between Artifex Magnus and Scholar Wolfe? Do you believe Guillaume was really a burner spy? How do you think they found out? Do you think this was the real reason Artifex Magnus wanted them to go through the Translation Chamber to begin with?
I think what happened to Guillaume and his feelings about his mission at The Great Library is the same as Jess. They both handle in name of their beliefs or have been sent out by their fathers. I don't think Guillaume is a Burner like his father, he seemed genuinely invested in his classes and tasks. And showed too much admiration for the Library etc.

23. They are on the front lines of the war. What purpose do you think the war has in the book? It seems strange to have the war on books and then the war between the Welsh and the English. How will this be tied into the rest of the plot?
When I read this passage I thought about how I learned that wars have devastating consequences for national heritage and local culture. How the library of the university I went was destroyed in WWI and again in WWII. It would have been an amazing idea to give ceasefire in order to retrieve the precious works. Makes me think of the movie Monuments Men. Maybe the author wants to show the importance of having 'Scholars'.

24. In this section we find out that Wolfe does in fact know about Jess’s family and his past. Why do you think Wolfe is helping both Jess and Morgan? Do you think he will eventually betray them or use them to his advantage (such as a revolution)?
Well, I think he himself isn't really liked by the Archivist and they keep threatening him, so why should he help the people who try to get rid of him. I think he deliberately helps or rather ignores Jess and Morgan's pasts.

25. We are about half way through the book. Any predictions for the end? Anything you would like to see happen? How are you enjoying the world the author has created? I personally am still confused and wish there was more of a description of it. Does anyone else feel that way?
At this point I feel a bit detached from the story. Everything is rushing and I'm missing background. It's a lot of action and it has fast pacing, but I didn't get to know the characters and they just seem to be running around and following Wolfe's orders. But yes it's also a series so maybe the author keeps most for later. Right now the book is so-so.

Discussion Questions: Chap 4 - 5

14. Wolfe tells Jess that he isn't an Obscurist. Do you believe that? Or do you think Wolfe is covering it up and keeping it from him for some reason?
Yes, Jess didn't give an signs or showed particular abilities that he's an Obscurist. I read ahead and I'm convinced now that he isn't.

15. Thomas is working on something that he says will make the Codex obsolete. What do you think this could be? And will we learn more about Thomas' invention?
Well, the discription he gave is very similar to Gutenberg's printing press. But I don't think the Archivist and other Magnus will be happy with his idea. They seemed against it. On a sidenote I've visited the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp multiple times. I can't recommend it enough to visit the place if you pass by it. I keep thinking about what I saw there while reading this book.

(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]
(Picture from the Plantin Press - 16th century : letter setting at the left - Gutenberg's printing presses at right.)

16. Wolfe's "tests" are a little on the extreme side, in my opinion. He's put the postulants lives at risk many times now. Do you agree with his tactics and teaching methods?
I'm sure he knows what he's doing but yes maybe his teaching methods can put a bit of too much stress on teens. I also can't help picturing him als professor Snape.

17. We find out Morgan is an Obscurist and that Wolfe knows about it, but hasn't turned her in. What do you think his purpose for that is? And if you were Jess, would you turn her in?
No, they know each other's secret. It's pretty much his word against hers and if he tells so will she. I think they got a connection because they both feel out of place and are keeping secrets.

18. Morgan confides in Jess and tells him that she was training while on the run. When Jess asks her who she was training with, she told him that some things were best kept secret. Who do you think Morgan was training with?
Some other scholar like Wolfe, I've read a bit ahead but I can't remember who precisely.

19. Honestly, if I was Jess, I don't believe I would have told Morgan, or anyone for that matter, about my past. Would you have confided in Morgan? Do you think she's trustworthy?
No, I wouldn't confide at all unless I really have to. Also it's too soon, they barely know each other. I'm not sure, she doesn't seem to have bad intentions.

*Read-a-thon daily recommendations: Recommend a book with the word RED in title. Post here.
--> Leprechaun bonus: 2 coins
*Read-a-thon daily questions: 4LC for answering all today's questions. Post here.
--> Leprechaun bonus: 4 coins

Total coins to add (read-a-thon): 6 LC

1: What Genres do you read most?
Fantasy, historical mysteries, urban-fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction history books.
2: What Genres do you read least, or not at all?
Young-adult, New adult and Horror
3: Are you a reader that reads just about everything, or a select few genres?
I've already tried a little bit of everything and quickly identified my favourite genres and choose to remain with my favourite genres. I may pick up a book again from one of my least favourite genres if the synopsis sounds promising or when I'm in the mood for it. But I'm more reluctant today to read a book I'm not especially excited for than I was before.
4: Has your reading evolved in recent years, or at all?
Not really except for the language in which I'm reading and my favourite genres has been broadening. I only read urban-fantasies and historical fiction before, I'm glad I've discovered GR and purchased an e-reader to be able to try other genres.
5: How do challenges or read-a-thons affect your reading? I agree with most what has been said in the other posts above. But read-a-thons don't affect my reading that much, I will try to read more but if real life gets in the way or if I'm too tired then so be it. I prefer individual challenges or team challenges also for the social aspect and it makes the challenge and reading more excited. I don't necessarily like specific tasks, I prefer to read what I'm in the mood for at that moment.

I'm good for playing another round, it's a pretty relaxing team challenge. I'm curious for the detours as well.
Hope to see you around too Jennifer :)

Historical mystery



Urban-fantasy



Historical fiction

I'm impressed Leprechaun King, these are some nice suggestions! Looking forward to all of them but I agree with Stacie as well, it would be nice to do something new. I'm most curious about The Mad Hatter's Tea Party, the NRPG - Multi Player and Superior Super Heroes.

Questions March 13th: Chapters 2 & 3

9) At the beginning of chapter 2 Jess realizes he went from being one of the best of his group to being simply average (or lower) than most. How do you think this realization will impact his behavior? Or do you think he'll take it in stride?
He can handle it, he won't give up. I already have a suspicion where this is heading.

10) What do you think of the Doctrine of Mirroring and the Doctrine of Ownership? Good or bad for society?
The doctrine of Mirroring seems like a good idea. The Ownership one less so, however I don't think I could trust just anyone with originals. I understand that in order to preserve as many originals as possible they need one institution to keep an eye on this. It's a bit similar with private archives where you need special approval to access those written sources.

11) Do you think the Iron Tower/Obscurists will end up being an important plot thread? Any guesses as to how or why?
Yes, I definitely think so, and I think Jess is linked to the Obscurists.

12) How much of Jess's family history/activities do you think Wolfe knows? Do you think he knows about Jess's recent nocturnal activities?
Mmm, he's a Scholar and maybe he has his network of spies/informants. Maybe he just assumed and bases his actions on those assumptions to find out more information. He seems very observant.

13) I guess we now know what Jess's specialty is. Any thoughts on why Wolfe didn't want him talking about how the testing in the office went with the other students? Others don't need to be secret squirrel about their specialties? Why do you think this talent is so special or hush-hush? It's treated as taboo or a talent exceptionally rare, if Jess tells everyone Wolfe has less control over the situation. Maybe Wolfe wants to wait and see what he can do with this potential. And also it's his way to keep Jess in the dark about his talent since he has no clue about it.

1: What is your town/city/state/country like?
The little town where I live is next to the Sonian Forest, so there's a lot of greenery here (I live across from a park). My friends often describe my town as 'boring' but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, I like the quiet. We have a lot of expatriates from neighbouring countries which I think it's fun.

2: What is the current weather where you are?
It was sunny but still chilly, around 5°C (approx. 40°F)

3: What do you like most / least about you live?
Most: It's a quiet town and I can really relax after a stressful day at work and the capital is still accessible (it's a half an hour drive). Our town has enough of activities which I enjoy such as the Highland games and VW oldies reunion in May (I love those), and the Grape festival in September.
Least: There's a lot of coming and going of residents and neighbours, I don't have the time to get to know people and sometimes it's too quiet.

4: How long have you lived where you reside now?
Almost 8 years now.

5: Where all have you lived?
I've always lived in Flanders - Belgium but moved 4 times (by province): Brussels-Capital region, East-Flanders, and Flemish- Brabant (moved twice).

Discussion Questions: March 12 – Prologue – Chapter 1

1) Have you read anything by Rachel Caine? Why did you decide to read Ink and Bone?
No, I haven't. This is the first book I read by the author. It's the BOM and the only one that spoke to me this month, the synopsis seemed promising.

2) The chapters seem to each start with an ephemera. I’ve never heard the term so I looked it up.
According to Wikipedia: Ephemera (singular: ephemeron) is any transitory written or printed matter not meant to be retained or preserved. The word derives from the Greek, meaning things lasting no more than a day.
Do you think these serve a purpose to the story?
I think it gives us more insight into the story, to give us background. I found it a bit confusing at the beginning because the author mixes historical facts with fantastical elements.

3) In the prologue, we are introduced to Jess, his Da, whose name is Callum, Liam his deceased brother, and learn that Jess doesn’t want to get caught by the garda and he is running through streets avoiding steam carriages. But the last sentence of the prologue places us in London (mentioned earlier) in 2025 --- was anyone else thrown off by this? I initially thought for sure they were in Ireland somewhere, back in the late 1800’s.
The setting, the automatons and steam carriage made me think of steampunk, that's why I linked it to the Victorian times. I'm curious for this futuristic setting.

4) Jess’s family business is “running books”. What was your reaction when Jess delivered the book and the toff (rich upper-crust guy) ripped the page out and started eating it? Would you have tried to stop him?
I didn't expect it but Jess couldn't do much. I would yell 'blasphemy !' lol, especially if it's the original manuscript, I just can't take it and watch that kind of vandalism. Maybe I might be seen as a heroine by saving a rare book :)

5) Jess seems to have a dysfunctional family. His mom is checked out, his father is prone to violence and he doesn’t seem to get along well with his twin brother. Do you think Jess is using books to escape from this difficult situation?
Why not, maybe it's a way to cope. But I also think it's in his character because his twin brother isn't that interested by books. So it's a bit linked to personality and how he has been brought up.

6) I found it interesting that access to books and the knowledge they contain seems to be limited, yet each person was encouraged to write their own book which would be placed in the library. Do you think that the journals are used for nefarious purposes? I think it's a great idea but maybe a bit time consuming, I don't think everyone would be as disciplined to write every day in his/her personal journal. But from the perspective of an historian, it's a pretty attractive idea, I would love to read those diaries. And yes, it could be used for nefarious reasons.

7) Taking a train to get to school somehow seems familiar. :-D Do you think that the other students (Khalila, Glain and Thomas) that Jess meets on the train will be friends or foes? Will they all make it through the training?
Yes, I immediately thought of HP, so many flashbacks, Khalila seems a bit like Hermione. She's the good know-it-all student. I hope they become friends, especially Glain, I already like her, she seems like a badass.

8) When I’m reading a physical book, I like to “inspect it” --- at the end of the book, there is a list of songs that the author listened to while writing the book. Did you notice that and will you look up any of the songs?
I have the ebook, I didn't think to skim forward. I will check it out now.

Hi team, I just came back from Rome and while I enjoyed my holiday (although no Gregory Peck for me :p) I really missed my quiet reading time :) We are doing well with this challenge. I'm going to start my 'hot setting' book after I've finished our BOM Ink and Bone.

Sophie wrote: "Is anyone else taking part in any of the march takeover stuff? I started trying to keep up with it but am just feeling very overwhelmed with it all now! Is eating into my reading time significantly just trying to see everything that's going on."

Yes, I am and I agree. I like it a lot, it's creative but it's quite complicated, more than the Jack Sparrow take over two years ago. I couldn't keep track of everything so I just keep one thread and update the books I've read. I don't try to find books that fit a particular taks, just reading what I want. I really like the top 3 prizes for the winners though, but it's a tough competition ;)

🍀 Leprechaun Readathon Tracking 🍀

Name: Sneaky Whiskeybreath
Date: 11 march - 25 March

❧ From 11/03 until 13/03 I was out of country: finished Written in Red
Total pages: 84 pages
❧ 13/03: reading Ink and Bone (352 pages)
Total pages kindle: 3 %
❧ 14/03: reading Ink and Bone
Total pages kindle: 3 % - 16%
❧ 15/03: reading Ink and Bone
Total pages kindle: 16%-19%
❧ 16/03: reading Ink and Bone
Total pages kindle: 19%-30%
❧ 17/03: reading Ink and Bone
Total pages kindle: /
❧ 18/03: reading Ink and Bone
Total pages kindle: 30% - 46%
❧ 19/03: finished Ink and Bone
Total pages kindle: 46% - 100%
❧ 20/03: reading Murder of Crows
Total pages: 110 pages
❧ 21/03: reading Murder of Crows
Total pages: 110 - 230 pages
❧ 22/03: reading Murder of Crows
Total pages: 230 - 266 pages
❧ 23/03: reading Murder of Crows
Total pages: 266 - 311 pages
❧ 24/03: reading Murder of Crows
Total pages: /
❧ 25/03: finished Murder of Crows
Total pages: 311 - 401 pages

Books read: 3
Total Pages read: 837 pages



Tasks: (slow pace)

11/03: ~ Read a favorite with a Red Cover (2 LC Bonus)
12/03: ~ Read a book, featuring a group of friends, with a Orange Cover (2 LC)
13/03: ~ Read any challenge book you need with a Yellow (or Gold) Cover (2 LC)

Thank you for the feedback Sophie! I finished A Dissection of Murder today which is also an historical mystery but it wasn't what I expected and the MC was a bit dull and no chemistry between the characters. The last good historical mystery series I've read is Still Life With Murder (Nell Sweeney series). Good mystery and likeable characters.

I've recently read another Juliet Marillier book with Wildwood Dancing and I'm completely enchanted by this author's writing style. Thanks to Marillier my tbr is growing :)

Btw I'm going to read Day Shift for our Gunnison detour. The book is set in Texas. I hope the setting is hot enough, I checked on Time&date and concluded that their winter is our summer ;)