Sana’s Comments (group member since Oct 27, 2017)

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

Laura wrote: "Sana wrote: "Nothing on my tbr either, but Own the Wind looks good. I can read it if nobody else is interested."

Go for it! I'll put you down for that one. Would you be interested in doing another..."

Yeah, sure. So we can't start books in the first week, right?

Nothing on my tbr either, but Own the Wind looks good. I can read it if nobody else is interested.

Laura wrote: "Sana wrote: "I'll manage to finish My Heart is a Chainsaw but I've replaced the second book with Truly Madly Yours, Truly Idaho #1.
I've added two more books set in Crete but they don't have promin..."

I couldn't find Knossos so settled for these.

Keely wrote: "Sana wrote: "Laura wrote: "Sana wrote: "Finished another book set in Crete. I'm struggling with My Heart Is a Chainsaw I enjoy horror but all the slasher movies references is really..."

Thanks Keely.

Laura wrote: "Sana wrote: "Finished another book set in Crete. I'm struggling with My Heart Is a Chainsaw I enjoy horror but all the slasher movies references is really getting annoying."

Oh no!..."

I'll manage to finish My Heart is a Chainsaw but I've replaced the second book with Truly Madly Yours, Truly Idaho #1.
I've added two more books set in Crete but they don't have prominent horns on cover. If you can move Minotaur back to horns on cover I'll log them for Crete.

Finished another book set in Crete. I'm struggling with My Heart Is a Chainsaw I enjoy horror but all the slasher movies references is really getting annoying.

DQs – Day 3 Protective Impulses-Pert Thing

11. What do you think about the revelation in the garden/the haunting? Did you see it coming, and do you think there are others involved with the “curse”?

The revelation wasn't a surprise. It seems like Rochester and Poole are both hiding secrets about the wife's death.

12. What do you think about Mr. Rochester sending away Jane and the staff? If you have read the original, how does this change Jane’s agency, and do you like the change? Either way, why do you think the author made it Mr. Rochester’s choice?

Mr. Rochester had hired Jane so he had the right to send her and the rest of the staff away which in my opinion felt silly. Being alone in a haunted house with an untrustworthy doctor rather than asking for help didn't make any sense.

13. Have you ever visited an Apothecary’s Garden? Would you be interested in seeing one? Do you grow any herbs or are you interested in growing any?

I would love visit an apothecary garden one day.

14. What do you think about the scene with Miss Ingram? What does this tell you about Mr. Rochester’s character and did that seem consistent with his character so far? Did his explanation make sense to you?

That whole scene felt awkward and annoying. Jane and Rochester have no chemistry. I was just trying to go through the rest of the book.

DQs Day 2 - Baneful-"My Own Wee Thing”

6. Jane gives Rochester a black-coloured thumb-sized stone to keep with him as a protective talisman. Do you believe in talismans? Please tell us about an object that you keep with you as a talisman?

Nope, I don't believe in talismans.

7. Between some of the chapters narrated from Jane’s point of view, we get chapters from Rochester’s point of view. What do you think of these “interludes”? Do they help or distract?

I don't think Rochester's POV added anything new to the plot, only what he was thinking and because I didn't care about his character I think it was more of a distraction.

8. We are introduced to Dr. Poole. What did you think of this character particularly with regards to Jane meeting him in the poison garden? Were there any changes in your opinion after reading Agnes’ conversation with Jane about the late Mrs. Rochester?

His manners were furtive.

9. We have been told several times about a curse on Thornfield. Then Jane follows Rochester to the graveyard where his family members are buried. At this point Jane says “This was a story of heartache. Everyone in Mr. Rochester’s family had died before their time, especially the females. Then his wife had done the same.” Do you think there is a connection between the curse and the early deaths?

Yes.

10. We have been given information about Jane and her origin? What do you think of this twist in the tale?

I wasn't impressed and I didn't care. I haven't been able to connect with any character in the book.

Bonus: The author has used several of the same names as those of characters from Jane Eyre. Other than Jane, Rochester, we have Brocklehurst, Maria Temple, Mrs. Fairfax, Poole etc. What do you think about authors using the same names in retellings?

Makes it more tied to the source material.

DQs - Day 1 - Prologue-Blackthorn

1. A paranormal retelling?? of Jane Eyre - this prompts the question about the original or let's call it the "source for inspiration". What is your relationship to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë? Have you read it? Loved/liked/disliked it?

I read it in my teens and even though it was depressing I did enjoyed it. Now I'm not so sure.

2. What about Retellings? Is it a genre you like/avoid?

Retellings have been a mixed bag for me. Some I've enjoyed but most of the time they are mediocre.

3. Jane Aire as a witch in a school for orphan witches? How do you like the setting of this alternative Victorian world where magic is at least tolerated?

I really don't care about the settings. This book have been an okay read for me.

4. What are your first impressions of Jane and Rochester?

Jane is high spirited but Rochester failed to make any impression on me. His character felt one dimensional to me.

5. What do you think about the occurrences in Thornfield? Are they really caused by supernatural elements or is it human action?

At first I thought it was someone who wants to take revenge on Rochester. But pretty soon it became clear that whatever is causing chaos is supernatural.

Yup definitely has horns. I've got this one for horns. Going to start soon.

Day 3: Chapters 19-27

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?

The world building made the book drag a lot for me. It's not interesting enough. I liked the characters but the world they inhabit is dull. And I'm still not sure I understand the magic system.

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?

Hazidan is shrewd, abusive and annoying. I didn't liked her at all.

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?

Too complicated overdone in my opinion.

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

Cade and Corrigan.

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

Day 2 DQs
Ch 9 to 18

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?

It did surprised me. I thought they would either run away and never will be heard again or Cade will take them with him for some part of his journey to give them a safe place.

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?

Controlling nature would be pretty cool.

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

I like grumpy Mr. Bones.

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?

Yeah that was my guess as well

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

That reason was revealed in the book and it turned out to be what I was thought of Cade as a character.

DQs - Day 1: Chapters 1-8 (pages 1 -71)

1. The book has the MPG Dark Fantasy. Do you like this genre in general? If so, do you have any favourite authors or books?

I do enjoy this genre. It comes down to the writing style. I love The Mistborn saga by Brandon Sanderson and The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie is one of my favorites.

Picture a wizard. Go ahead, close your eyes. There he is, see? Skinny old guy with a long straggly beard. No doubt he's wearing iridescent silk robes that couldn't protect his frail body from a light breeze. The hat's a must, too, right? Big, floppy thing, covered in esoteric symbols that would instantly show every other mage where this one gets his magic?

2. The book starts with the quote above. Is this your mental image of a wizard, too? Or something different? :)

Yup, that is the canonical look of a wizard.

3. And the author lands us in the middle of a siege (ideal for the Book Games, right? ;) with 2 of the main characters Cade Ombra and Corrigan Blight. Cade is narrating what is happening and offering us his views on good and evil, the part they are playing and how they "win" this particular siege.
Do you think it's a strong start to the book? Has it got you intrigued?

It's an intriguing start for sure.

4. As an extra incentive & entertainment, the Ascendant Lucien offers young girls and boys (sublimes) to the wanderists after the siege. We get introduced to Fiddick and Galass and learn that Cade decided to kill Lucien. We can actually start putting some pieces of Cade's character together. What do you think about him at this point?

He is an anti hero. He's hiding secrets and I want to know more about him.

5. Some demonic highlights to this introductory part: Tenebris the demon, with whom Cade as an "infernalist" mage trades with to get his spells.
What were your impressions of Tenebris? How do you find the "religious/magical" system of the Infernals and the Celestines?

Tenebris is sassy and I really enjoyed his interaction with Cade. The magical system is convoluted and I hope to make some sense out of it as the book progresses.

Sorry I missed it. Added to the shelf.

I have Salt & Broom but I'm not comfortable with writing DQs. I'll read BOMs for bonus points.

Hi everyone! I'm Sana from Pakistan. I live with hubby and two sons. Both are going through exams. Thankfully it will be over soon.

I read all genres except non fiction but I'll read anything for a challenge.
Favorite genres: Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.
I'm excited to know you all!

My shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Level IX = 300 books.

2001
Kiss of the Highlander26/5
2002
The Dark Highlander10/6
Romancing Mister Bridgerton22/6
2003
To Sir Phillip, With Love24/6
The Pirate Next Door14/8
The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown 30/8
2004
Agent to the Stars28/4
The Immortal Highlander26/6
When He Was Wicked27/6
Public Enemy Number Two30/8
2005
Raven's Gate21/4
It's in His Kiss28/6
Spell of the Highlander2/7
How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire8/2/25
The Colorado Kid3/2/25
2006
The Duke and I: The 2nd Epilogue11/5
The Viscount Who Loved Me: The 2nd Epilogue 22/5
Evil Star1/6
It's in His Kiss: The 2nd Epilogue28/6
On the Way to the Wedding1/7
Into the Dreaming2/7
2007
Nightrise2/6
Bloodfever15/6
Romancing Mister Bridgerton: The 2nd Epilogue 23/6
When He Was Wicked: The 2nd Epilogue27/6
The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever16/7
The Last Knight20/10
World Without End1/12
2008
Tangled Webs18/7
Necropolis8/8
The Accidental Demon Slayer21/8
Hostage to Pleasure30/9
Stroke of Enticement8/10
The Darkest Night13/10
The Darkest Kiss14/10
The Darkest Pleasure23/10
2009
An Offer From a Gentleman: the 2nd Epilogue 20/6
To Sir Phillip, With Love: The 2nd Epilogue28/6
What Happens in London17/7
The Shadow Queen22/7
Last Night in Montreal1/9
The Darkest Whisper26/10
Warbreaker27/10
The Darkest Prison17/12
Branded by Fire10/2/25
2010
Clan Rathskeller29/2
Ten Things I Love About You20/7
Shalador's Lady25/7
No Place to Run11/8
Falco: The Official Companion18/9
Atlantis Betrayed26/9
Whisper of Sin5/10
The Goblin Gate18/10
The Way of Kings5/11
The Darkest Facts8/11
2011
Kaibab Unbound29/2
Hounded2/3
Hexed4/3
Hammered16/3
A Test of Mettle26/3
The Goddess Test27/4
The Alloy of Law3/6
The Gamble14/7
Treachery in Death15/8
New York to Dallas22/9
Chaos in Death25/9
2012
Tricked5/4
Two Ravens and One Crow7/4
Trapped7/4
Winter of the World18/5
Oblivion16/10
Last Kiss Goodnight25/10
Celebrity in Death31/10
Delusion in Death2/11
Stormdancer7/11
Wicked Nights18/11
Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds 18/12
Words Like Coins2/1/25
2013
The Grimoire of the Lamb29/2
Hunted16/5
Own the Wind24/6
Obsession13/8
Steelheart28/8
Pivot Point3/9
Calculated in Death15/11
The Darkest Angel8/11
Thankless in Death24/11
Taken in Death16/12
Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell 19/12
Etiquette & Espionage15/2/25
Curtsies & Conspiracies20/2/25
2014
The Chapel Perilous8/4
Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street8/4
Station Eleven18/4
King's25/4
King for a Day25/4
Shattered20/5
Edge of Eternity23/5
Enemies at Home26/6
Split Second4/9
Words of Radiance9/11
Concealed in Death4/12
The Chase4/12
Sixth of the Dusk19/12
Festive in Death6/2/25
2015
A Soupçon of Poison3/3
Tricky Twenty-Two15/3
Brighter Than the Sun2/4
Three Slices20/5
Minotaur5/6
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams14/6
The Shadows18/6
Shadows of Self9/6
The Spook Who Spoke Again2/7
Deadly Election8/7
Adam5/8
Grant5/8
Carter7/8
Prudence12/8
From Italy With Love19/8
2016
The Baller3/3
Romancing the Inventor4/3
Every Heart a Doorway10/3
Turbo Twenty-Three17/4
Secret History23/4
The Dispatcher1/5
Staked27/5
Age of Myth13/6
Goldenhand21/6
The Bands of Mourning22/7
Snowbound in Starlight Bend8/8
Because of Miss Bridgerton12/8
Royally Screwed17/8
Wolfsong28/10
Edgedancer12/11
Bossman14/11
2017
Down Among the Sticks and Bones11/3
Eleventh Grave in Moonlight12/3
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave22/3
Hardcore Twenty-Four20/4
Wicked Abyss25/5
Age of Swords11/7
Treyvon2/8
A Plague of Giants4/8
The Word is Murder6/8
Tyler8/8
The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband14/8
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck22/8
Sweet Tea and Sympathy23/8
I Do, Babe22/11
Oathbringer28/11
Bearista31/1/25
All Systems Red16/2/25
2018
Beneath the Sugar Sky13/3
Three Mages and a Margarita18/3
City of Ghosts24/3
The Red Fox Clan2/4
Duel at Araluen6/4
Dark Arts and a Daiquiri6/5
Wicked and Wild5/7
Saint or Sinner26/7
Ross12/8
The Other Miss Bridgerton15/8
Scandal Above Stairs6/9
Ain't She a Peach10/9
Peachy Flippin' Keen7/9
Look Alive Twenty-Five24/9
Age of War23/11
Love Online13/11
Mated to the Earth Dragon7/12
Tropical Dragon Diver23/2/25
2019
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave4/4
Fluffy25/3
Tunnel of Bones28/3
Four Shifters and a Stranger6/5
A Damsel and a Demigod9/5
Two Witches and a Whiskey8/5
Ariadne's Crown5/6
Burn, Baby, Burn6/6
Kyle1/9
Ray3/9
Demon Magic and a Martini26/8
Eleanor & Grey29/10
Taming Demons for Beginners31/10
The Alchemist and an Amaretto4/11
Twisted Twenty-Six3/11
Slaying Monsters for the Feeble7/11
Age of Myth17/11
Rescuing Lord Inglewood23/2/25
Even Crazier25/2/25
2020
Infernal Enchantment7/3
Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors1/4
Midnight Smoke3/4
The Book of Candlelight9/4
The Missing Prince12/4
Murder by Other Means1/5
A Blight of Blackwings7/8
Deadly Vows15/8
First Comes Scandal23/9
Only Mostly Devastated16/10
Outfoxed17/10
The Evening and the Morning21/10
Fortune and Glory: Tantalizing Twenty-Seven 4/11
Inappropriate16/11
Druid Vices and a Vodka24/11
Age of Death29/11
Dawnshard2/12
Rhythm of War6/12
Age of Empyre24/1/25
Beach Read4/2/25
2021
Bridge of Souls9/4
Escape from Falaise14/4
Ink and Shadows15/4
Scorched Heart22/4
Dark Whispers24/4
My Heart Is a Chainsaw7/6
Empire of the Vampire3/7
Stoneskin Dragon23/10
Stonewing Guardian24/10
Our Italian Summer27/10
Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight8/11
Hellbound Guilds & Other Misdirections10/11
Shifter God19/11
Iron Widow21/11
A Sprinkle of Sabotage25/11
A Murder Under the Mistletoe2/12
Capture the Crown7/12
The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton25/1/25
Unicorns and Honey Cakes26/1/25
Unicorn Vet27/1/25
Howls From Hell25/2/25
2022
Kiss Me This Christmas: A Steamy Holiday Romance22/3
A Very Meowy Christmas23/3
Any House in a Storm27/3
The Vanishing Type19/4
Gallant26/4
Travel by Bullet3/5
On the Way to the Wedding: 2nd Epilogue1/6
Sea of Tranquility12/7
A Killer's Kiss11/8
Road of Bones13/8
The Lost Metal19/10
Going Rogue: Rise and Shine Twenty-Nine13/11
A Cornish Recipe for Murder7/12
Dragons and Cupcakes7/12
Crown of Shadows3/1/25
Sword of Darkness7/1/25
Be the Serpent1/1/25
When a Princess Proposes10/1/25
Hold My Bear1/2/25
Where Seagulls Dare8/2/25
Doctor Galaxy20/2/25
Mickey 726/2/25
2023
Boilermaker8/3
Arazan's Wolves16/4
The Chalice of the Gods23/4
The Malevolent Seven29/5
Salt & Broom3/6
In the Shadow of the Bull7/6
Sir Hereward and Mister Fitz: Stories of the Witch Knight and the Puppet Sorcerer8/6
Starling House14/6
The Wishing Game23/6
Only Good Enemies15/7
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn29/7
Overdue30/7
A Curse of Krakens10/8
Hal29/9
The Honeymoon Crashers6/10
Fortune's Ashes25/10
Paper Cuts3/12
Dirty Thirty7/12
Ring of Ruin13/1/25
Somebunny to Love16/1/25
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries13/2/25
Sleep No More21/2/25
Candles and Starlight21/2/25
2024
Vampires, Whiskey, and Southern Charm21/3
The House of Last Resort15/4
The Witch Queen of Halloween17/4
Murder Road20/4
Rise of the Melody10/5
Mine19/5
On the Horns of Death8/6
Falling for Mr. Bad14/6
The Death Watcher17/6
The Familiar7/7
Empire of the Damned6/7
Only Hard Problems15/7
The Book That Broke the World1/8
A Taste of Whiskey: Sasha Whiskey1/8
Winter Lost6/8
Legacy of Temptation10/8
Sanctuary11/9
First Contact30/9
Totality5/10
Wrath of the Triple Goddess4/10
Emergence7/10
Undying 8/11
The Hermit Next Door20/12
Shield of Fire17/1/25

Skipping Task: Read a book that contains the word artichokes.
Direction: West

S The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul - Character: Kate Schechter (307) 7/2/24
K Golden Eyes - Character: Duncan Kennedy (277 pgs) 14/1/24
I Ghost 19 - Character: Ian Challis (111 pgs) 13/1/24
P Frozen Assets - Author: P.G. Wodehouse (191 pgs) 13/1/24

A-Z Author Alphabet Challenge
Duration: 1 January, 2024 - 31 December, 2024
Completed 0/26

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