ClaireB’s Comments (group member since Jul 06, 2014)

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

Chapters 9 - 20

7. So very much happens in this section, I almost don't know where to start. Ok. The Tacsis family sends 2 different delegations after Nona. The first time, Raymel's brother attacks her. Do you have any speculation what exactly is going on with her hands? I'm struggling trying to coincide a family with that much power, money, and influence having a son fighting in the 'pits'. Do you think we've really seen the last of this family?

=>No, they'll certainly come back. And now they'll want revenge for 2 reasons instead of one: the near murder and the humiliation. I don't think they'll stop going after her until either of one dies.

8. Nona appears so naive in social situations. She seems to place a high value on friendships. I found myself wondering if Clera had not somehow sold information on her in town and that is how she switched her penny for a silver coin. Do you see that naivete somehow playing a further plot point in the story?

=>Yes, I'm sure someone will betray her at one point. Remember the sister's warning, trust is the deadliest poison. I don't think that warning was there for nothing. Also, good theory about Clery. You might be on to something, there.

9. The faux trial, the truth test, the Shield test. Wow! It was nonstop. I had to keep reminding myself that Nona is not yet even a teenager. It was hard to stomach. That one man could force all of this cruelty and chaos. And that everyone went along with it. What was your biggest takeaway? What did you enjoy the most? The politics, the revelations, the action? Were you satisfied with how it eventually resolved?

=>I loved it all. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. But the action was what fascinated me the most. I love reading the kind of slow motion action. really good !

10. We learned more about the prophecy. Both what is rumored and what the Abbess believes. We also learn what Arabella and Nona will claim as their Sister names. Do you think it was really Arabella in the Prologue? Have you changed your viewpoint on Arabella?

=>I thought the person in the porlogue would be Nona, and I maintain that. I like Arabella a little better now. And I love Arabella and Nona's new name. It sounds really fierce. They'll have to bond with each other, there's no other way.

11. As we come to the middle of the novel, have your thoughts changed regarding any of the characters? The style? The book itself? Any major surprises? What do you think will happen next?

=>My thoughts stayed pretty much the same. I like it. It's a good fantasy.

Mating the Omega
by Ann-Katrin Byrde

Date read: 03/07/18
Pages: 170
Characters: Jason, Mackenzie / Red, Abel

Thanks Laura !

I think I'll start tomorrow. If not, the day after :)

Hearts and Flour
by Tara Lain

Date Read: 03/07/18
Pages: 163
Characters: Micah, Quentin Derby

by Kelly Link, Gavin J. Grant, Nik Houser, Alice Sola Kim, Kathleen Jennings, Joshua Lewis, Patrick Ness, G. Carl Purcell, M.T. Anderson, Paolo Bacigalupi, Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Cassandra Clare, Nalo Hopkinson, Dylan Horrocks, Nathan Ballingrud

Date read: 02/17/18
Pages: 480

Letters: A B C D G H K L M N P S

Chapters 1-8

1. The opening line of this book had me really sit up and take notice! Did it hit you in the face too? What's your favourite opening line from a novel? (Mine is Anna Karenina: "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way"

=>It was an intriguing line. a promise for a bloody and gory book. Maybe it's cliché but my favorite first line is "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Just seeing this line makes me all happy, because I love Pride and Prejudice so much <3

2. The Author's Note at the front says to skip it and return only if you need it. So.. I skipped it. (I'm not big on spoilers). How about you? Did you skip it, or read it?

=>I skipped it. But it's a good idea to place that at the beginning. Often I don't even see it when it's at the end.

3. How are you finding the style? Do you like the flashbacks into Nona's past?

=>The style is okay. I certainly like it better than in . And I like the flashbacks. They are very well introduced, I think.

4. Raymel Tacsis is "surrounded by Academy men sweating to keep him from death". Would you want people to try and save you like this, given the risks?

=>It's a hard question. I don't think I would.

5. What do you think of the world building? I'm finding it quite intriguing. And I love the names of the Sisters (flint, apple, wheel!). What name would you give yourself?

=>I like it. Again, if I compare it with Prince of Thorns, this one is far better. And I don't know if I like the name. I like Apple, but wheel? not so much. For myself I'd choose... Sister Whisper

6. Initial thoughts - are you enjoying the book so far? Any favourite characters?

=>I'm enjoying it but I think I still need some more to be really into it. I guess our main character would be my favorite so far.

SandyC wrote: "Finished but keep forgetting to post!."

It's ok Sandy, I've been forgetting to post too, but alas, that's because I haven't made much progress.

I agree that (view spoiler)[ Claire feels a lot older than she is. But I guess it's normal. She has gone through a war after all. It's bound to teach you some maturity.

Wentworth is a difficult passage to read. I'm dreading the moment I get there... *shudder* (hide spoiler)]

Have fun with DIA!

A Baby for Christmas (Oceanport Omegas #6)
by Ann-Katrin Byrde

Date read: 30/06/18
Pages: 128
Characters: Ben, Robin, Calvin, Lorena, Aaron Keller, Mitch

Letters: A B C K L M O R

English Fiction of the Victorian Period: 1830-1890
by Michael Wheeler

Date read: 30/06/18
Pages: 265

Laura wrote: "Finished

Loved this book too. Bishop just keeps building a terrific world and characters. I am a little worried about what is going to happen to the humans; will Simon be able to keep the human pa..."

I feel the same about Elayne. (view spoiler)[She's such a spoiled brat, but in the end she was able to see clear and she did the right thing. But then on the one hand, it's kind of her fault Liz was put at risk like that. On the other it was also because of the pressure and expectation of her family... (hide spoiler)]

Devann wrote: "CHAPTERS 11-14

this just in, ron is a total friggin' hipster and he liked that quidditch team before it was cool! come on, ron.

once again i have to be immature here but ''we're not allowed to us..."

The McGonagall scene is one my favorite in this book. Right after the scene later with the carreer orientation thing with McGonagall. She's just the best teacher. I love McGonagall so much!

Fudge is just stupid and completely delusional. He's putting everyone at risk just because he doesn't want to face the truth. no he prefers to make up tall tales about Dumbledore wanting to be minister when the man refused the position years ago, before Fudge was even elected.

Hooray for Gryffindor !!!!

Vision in Silver (Others #3)
by Anne Bishop

Date read: 29/06/18
Pages: 493
Bom/Br? Yes First Comment
Characters: Meg Corbyn, Simon Wolfgard, Vlad, Erebus, Burke, Monty, Liz, Hope, Nick Scratch, Tess, Henry

Letters: A, B, C, E, H, L, M, N, O, S, T, V, W

Cathy M. wrote: "Okay. Breathe.

HOLY CRAP!!!!! (finished)."

I just finished it! And what a book. I love this series so much. I think I'm going to buy physical copies. I want them, no I need them on my shelves! It's so good !

Meg & Simon (view spoiler)[It's definitely my favorite part about the books. I love seeing their relationship grows, making slow and innocent steps without even realising it sometimes. They both learn from the other and pick up on their habits. Like Meg howling, so cute. Simon is also acting a bit more human, I feel like. And they are just so cute together. They make me swoon. (hide spoiler)]

Others and Humans (view spoiler)[I was also really surprised that Simon and how he manages things with humans is the only thing that prevents the annihilation of the human race. I didn't understand how great an influence he had until now. But OMG! I was expecting retaliation, but the whole annihilation of the human race?! I'm so glad Simon's there. I hope the humans will put their heads out of the sand soon and realise how dire the situation is, and that they can't just do whatever when it comes to the Others. (hide spoiler)]

Cassandra Sangue (view spoiler)[Her name is so fitting. The fact that she can draw visions gives me so much hope that they can save Cassandra Sangue.
True that the Cassandra Sangue being left on the side of the roads feel like a huge plor whole at this point. I hope we'll have answers on that part in the next installment. (hide spoiler)]

It's a 5 stars for me too!

I finished it this afternoon. I really liked it, but I still think it was overhyped. I thought the plot was a bit slow to develop at times, for instance. And I don't understand the hype around the Darkling. (view spoiler)[He was an okay villain, I guess. But that's it. I never even believed in his little romance charade with Alina. Nothing about him really wowed me. (hide spoiler)]
That being said, I plan to read the rest of the trilogy soon.

Talia wrote: "I'm in chapter 15.

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I didn't trust him before. I'm glad my instinct was right here. I didn't expect Baghra to be the one to spill the beans, however. It was clear there was an animosity between the two, but I was sure they were on the same side nonetheless. (hide spoiler)]

Shadow and Bone (Grisha #1)
by Leigh Bardugo

Date read: 28/06/18
Pages: 358
BOM/BR? yes First comment
Characters: Alina, Mal, the Darkling, Genya, Zenya, Nadia, Keramsov, Ivan

Letters: A, B, D, G, I, K, L, M, N, S, Z

The Wedding Planner's Manny (Oceanport Omegas #5)
by Ann-Katrin Byrde

Date read: 28/06/18
Pages: 309
Bom/br? no
Characters: Nathan, Ethan, Rhys, Caleb, Griffin, Laura, Seth

Letters: A, B, C, E, G, L, N, O, R, S, W

Erin ☕ *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ Foxgard wrote: "Hey team !!!

@Erin: great recap !! Also, now I want to read some reverse harems. LOL! What do you recommend?
"

I'll have to look through my shelves and PM you some r..."

thanks !