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

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

DQ Set 1: Days 1 &2
Chapters 1 through 4

1) Have you read other Cassandra Clare novels or are you new to the Shadowhunter world? What made you decide to take the plunge and read this BOM? Was it the beautiful cover, did it entice you? Not for nothing, the woman on the cover might want to adjust that sword grip in case she needs to use it.
I've been reading her books for 10 years now (can't believe it's been that long...) I've almost read all of her books. I still need to read the last in the Dark Artifices series and the Shadowmarket short stories collection. I was planning to wait till I read those before going into Chain of Gold but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to participate in this BOM. I'll catch up on those books eventually, anyway.

2) Quite a long cast of characters and POVs, sometimes I wonder why it was necessary. Though I have only read the Mortal Instruments series, so maybe it would be less overwhelming character roster if I'd read everything published prior to this book. Any current favorite characters? Any you are wary of already? I'm also afraid of multiple love triangles and possibly some sort of awful love polygon (number of sides to be determined). Thoughts on that?
As I said I've read almost all the books in the shadowhunter world, but I'm still overwhelmed by the number of characters in here. It would be easier if there weren't so many on the get go. The only thing that is a bit easier is that I'm familiar with their parents, and the family in general. I know more or less of their history.
I really like Cordelia so far. And Anna seems like a very intriguing character. I also quite like James. I'd love to know more about his abilities.
I think love triangles and love polygons are a requirement for Cassandra Clare. I don't think this book will be any exception... I don't hate it as much as you, and a lot of people apparently, do. But it'd be nice for Cassandra to change it up a bit... it's become a bit tiring in the shadowhunter world...

3) Holy literary references! Clare uses quotes often at the beginning of sections or chapters, so that wasn't surprising to me. But there are little literary nuggets dropped randomly in conversations. Are you enjoying them? Are you seeing parallels in this story to Great Expectations (Clare has stated this series is a GE retelling)?
She did that already in the Infernal Devices series. And as we are dealing with the children of Will and Tessa, two booklovers, I'm not surprised to see all the references here as well. And I just love it!
So far, parallels with Great Expectations weren't that obvious. Perhaps Tatania could be compared to Miss Havisham, and Grace to her adoptive daughter Estella? Yes, I think that fits. But I don't see the similarities between James and Pip except for his infatuation and obsession with Grace, if that's the case.

4) Are you liking the flashbacks? Do you think they add to the story and/or characters?
I don't mind them. I think they were useful to explain the relationships between the characters.

5) James seems to act very strange in Grace's presence and for all of their attraction and previous kissing, the kiss by the lake seemed to make James repulsed. Do you think this is tied to the demonic presence somehow? Do you think that silver bracelet causes Grace to have some sort of influence over James?
There's definitely something fishy going on with Grace. I wouldn't be surprised to discover she's using that bracelet or something else to influence James. And I have a feeling Tatania has a hand in it as well. It's weird how she asked James to cut the briars, when there's usually a servant to do it. And of course that's when he met a helpful Grace... I smell foul play.

Jenny wrote: "Leviathan Wakes and baking!!!!!!!"

Leviathan Bakes 😂

I've been eyeing Chain of Gold all day. I'm so excited to finally be able to start it !

Yeah !!! Let's cook the best literary dishes together :)

Happy Birthday !!!!

Sammy wrote: "Apparently the teddies help baby koalas feel safe, because when they're not in a tree they're vulnerable, so they cling on to mummy. when mummy isn't available (as far as I can tell this was a resc..."

I didn't know that about koalas. It's so cute.

I volunteer for a repeat of that experiment. We can't very well draw a conclusion on Hemsworth's cuddling power with just one subject, can we?

I'm sure we were all distracted by the miniature koala with the christmas hat behind him. ;)

This challenge sounds incredible ! Can't imagine how much work you put into it, mods. I'm so excited !!!

I've just added my last book as well. Thank you captains for your hard work !! It was nice reading with y'all.

It looks like a soda, though... And it's supposed to be synthetic blood made for vampires to drink in this series. Maybe they can make an exception for this one?

@Rachel, when you recommended did you mean to recommend the whole series or just the first book. I just finished this first book and LOVED it. I'd really like to continue the series right away.

I just finished my last book for this round. I had a great time with this round. With the words we got I had a lot of fun options to choose from :)

I'm so sorry Louise. It's so sad. My condolences for your loss.

I'm really sorry to hear that Louise. I send you all my best wishes.

I'm going to try to finish my last tagged book and then another U book before count down

Shelby wrote: "Is it weird that I keep kinda hoping for one of the Q words as I'm saving three books that have for sure Q's?

I'm working on both of my behemoth books right now. But they may be my last two this ..."

It's not weird, I also keep a couple of "difficult letters" reserved for when we'll need them. I still have a few Zs and a couple of Qs put on the side right now

Celia wrote: "These tags too!"

You're right. I found so many options I don't even know what to read. Lol

Louise wrote: "Our new word is

CELEBRATION

with the following tags:

Flower
Lavender
France
Battle
Space"

I like this word much better !!!

Oh sorry, I thought I did. now I've added one.

Louise wrote: "We have completed 4 spellout's :)"

Not too shabby! considering the mad spell-out we've got :)