Jackie’s Comments (group member since Jul 10, 2011)

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

Finished The Kiss of Deception and posted in read thread.

Book Read: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Date Read: 11/15/14
Pages: 486

Base Points This Book: 50
BR/BOM Bonus Points: 0
TOTAL POINTS THIS BOOK: 50

I'm in. I've had this on my TBR for a long time.

I'm interested in reading this. When will it start?

November 14
Chapters 8-13
Comments and Questions

11. Erik has kept his relations with Cathbad as a secret (perhaps not secret but didn’t inform) from Ruth. Erik was his tutor and wrote a letter of recommendation for Cathbad. Do you think there is something sinister going on? What are your thoughts about this discovery Erik choose to keep to himself?
It seems really strange that Erik has kept his involvement with Cathbad secret from Ruth. I don't like or trust Erik.

12. Who do you think killed Sparky? And why was Sparky killed?
I guess it was a warning to Ruth to stop looking into the disappearances.

13. In regards to the photo at Scarlet’s home. What is the relationship of Cathbad and Delilah and Alan?
Interesting development. I have no idea.

14. Do you think the girls have been kidnapped/killed by the same person/people?
Yes, the kidnappings are too similar to be different people.

15. David, is he good or bad?
So far he has seemed kind of creepy to me. I don't think Ruth should trust anyone.

Kelly, I went back to my Book Read post and added a link to one of my posts in the The Lies of Locke Lamora BOM thread.

I'd like to join in. I read The Eye of the World a couple of years ago but didn't continue with the series even though I liked it. So I would like to reread it and then continue on.

I want to read this too but can't work it in this month.

Finished The Lies of Locke Lamora and posted in the Read thread.

Book Read: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Date Read: 11/14/14
Pages: 752

Base Points This Book: 90
BR/BOM Bonus Points: 30 link
Total Points this book: 120

Questions & comments: Chapter Sixteen: Justice is Red - Epilogue - Nov 13

49. As much as Locke and Jean were out for revenge and justice, the Grey King and his sisters' motive for doing what they did is actually the same. More than twenty years careful planning, the Gentleman Bastards were in fact collateral damage. Capa Raza is dead but the bondsmage still isn't. Do you think we will see him again?
I think the bondsmages will figure in future books. Even with the Falconer being crippled, I could see him seeking revenge with the aid of his fellow bondsmages.

50. In the end Locke still fooled Dona Vorchenza & the Salvaras. For a second I thought Locke had kept at least a part of the treasure. But I don't think money will be a problem for Locke and Jean. What were your thoughts on this?
Interesting way to make his death offering and put another one over the nobles. The money doesn't seem to be as important to Locke and Jean as the scams they use to get it. I don't think they will have any problem getting more money.

51. So The Grey King is dead and justice is done. Still it rather felt like a Pyrrhic victory, both parties lost so much in the process. This is reinforced during Locke and Jean's conversation at the end. Any thoughts? Did you like how the book ended?
I liked the way it ended. The Gray King had to die or more and more people would have been killed. But I like the way that Locke realized that revenge was not so sweet after all.

52. Locke is not really a fighter, he's heavily dependent on Jean Tannen to put his schemes into execution. They make an awesome pair with each having divergent skills. Are there any character(s) that left an impression on you? Do you have a particular favourite scene or quote?
There are too many to name. Great book!

53.What do you think of the setting? Camorr plays an important role in the story too. It really added something to the story, I could really picture how it would look like. I thought Camorr was a bit reminiscent of Venice.
Yes, I thought of Venice the entire book.

54. In the end we didn't meet Sabetha although Locke had some 'parting words' for her lol. Anyone else looking forward to meet Sabetha? Any speculations around this 'mysterious character'?
I think Sabetha will be encountered in later books. The mystery of her whereabouts is part of the draw to get you to read more of Jean and Locke's adventures.

55. Did the book meet your expectations? Did you like it enough to continue with the series?
It more than met my expectations. I will definitely continue the series.

November 13
Chapters 4-7
Comments and Questions

5. What are your thoughts on the little interludes right before chapter 4 starts and right after chapter 7? Is/was it Lucy? Is it Scarlet - still alive?
It must be one of the girls. But what in the world is he doing to her? And why? So weird.

6. Ruth plays the "latest Springsteen album" on her way back from her parent's home and she loves having "the musical taste of a sixteen year old boy". I had a look and the book was published in 2009, and the album prior to then was released in September 2007, Magic. Does this music suit what you know of Ruth? What kind of music do you like listening to on a long drive?
I'm not surprised at Ruth's choice of music. It's interesting how we're slowly getting a picture of Ruth, both as a professional and as a private person.
My choice of music is right in line with Ruth. I love Springsteen.

7. Nelson and Ruth seem to be developing a mutual respect and liking for each other. Do you think they will make good friends?
Nelson started out being almost rude to Ruth. But he seems to be developing respect for her. The text wishing her Happy New Year shows that he was thinking about her as a person not just a professional contact.

8. How about Erik's reaction on the phone to Ruth when she mentioned Nelson. Is he jealous? Scared of police? (involved in the disappearances somehow?!)
His reaction to the police is interesting. Seems like he has something to hide.

9. Thoughts on David? Possible love interest?
Maybe. I'm not sure about David. He and Ruth seem to have similar interests and personalities. But there's also an element of mystery. He could be the kidnapper.

10. I liked that Ruth went to the neighbours NYE party. It reminded me a little of Yes Man ; getting yourself out of your comfort zone and the habit of saying "no". Are you like Ruth, or do you love saying yes to invitations?
I'm an introvert like Ruth. Going to gatherings where I don't know anyone well is very hard to do and it drains me.

Comments and Questions
November 12
Chapter Fourteen: Three Invitations - Interlude: The Throne in Ashes

44) Don Lorenzo and Dona Sofia are definitely up to something. Do you think they are planning a trap of their own? Do you think their plan will succeed?
Oh yes, after Dona Sofia's meeting with the Spider, I'm sure that this is a trap.

45) Why do you think it was so important that Capa Raza got an invitation to the duke's feast?
It looks like he wants to take over the entire city. I'm sure he has a plan.

46) What do you think was the purpose of the story about the war between the prostitutes and the capas?
Not sure.

47) We got our first glimpse of the mysterious statues. What do you think they are?
Nothing good, I'm sure.

48) It looks pretty grim for Jean and Locke right now, especially since the Falconer has found them. Do you think they will both get away in one piece?
Yes. It's time for their luck to turn. They've lost everything but their lives.

Discussion Questions for November 11
Chapter Twelve: The Fat Priest from Tal Verrar - Chapter Thirteen: Orchids and Assassins

39. Chains' requirement that the Bastards train under the various priest orders is turning out to be mighty useful. Do you think Jean's decision to abandon his training early will impact his new plan to pass as one of them?
I really don't think so. I'm so impressed with Jean and Locke's knowledge and resourcefulness that I think they can manage almost any impersonation.

40. All of this talk about the Right People has me wondering - how many people live in Camorr that aren't Right People? Is it just the merchants and nobles? Who has more on their side?
It seems to be that the Right People are the thieves who answer to the capa.

41. What do you think is going on with Raza and the plague ship?
From what Jean heard on the dock, I'd say he's sending money out to the ship. No one is going to board the ship to find it.

42. Locke doesn't normally seen the type to pity his victims. Why did he apologize to Benjavier? Are we seeing a new side of Locke?
I think that deep down Locke has a strong sense of fairness. He took advantage of Benjavier and wanted to compensate him.

43. Locke certainly aims high with his plots. Is taking on the Meraggio worth the risk? Do you think he has a chance of saving his con with the duke?
It certainly doesn't look promising.

Chapter Nine: A Curious Tale for Countess Amberglass - Interlude: The Lady of the Long Silence

32. Mr. Lynch creates a world that is very interesting. I find it a mixture of different style, uniquely his own. The mixtures I see are part Game of Thrones with the savage deaths by the Gray King and Barsavi, as well as the creepers of the Spider’s men. I see connections of Beast Master with the Bondmages and animals, as well as playing with alchemy. Fingersmith, with the crafting of thievery. Then Assassin’s Apprentice, with the training of Locke and company. Even elements of steampunk with the floating grave, tea up on the Amberglass tower, Verrari clockworks, and the alchemical ball. Now that we have more of a feel for the book, what connections do you see from your previous reading? Is it the same from when you first started the book?
I definitely see the steampunk influences and it does remind me of Assassin's Apprentice. The camaraderie of the Gentlemen Bastards reminds me of The Three Musketeers.

33. Dona Vorchenza as the mastermind behind the Spider, did you see this coming?
No, but it makes sense.

34. Jean is a hero! Smashing those Salt Devils one by one, would you have been as brave as Jean?
No, I'm not that brave. But he had to kill them or be killed. I can't believe that he did all that and still rescued Locke.

35. Death, death, and more death. I was saddened of the deaths of Calo, Galdo, and Bug. The place ransacked and almost everything gone. Only one assassin of the Capa Raza was sent to deal with the Gentlemen Bastards. What did you think of the scene?
This was a very hard scene to take in. Especially Bug's death.

36. Vengeance. How do you feel about this path Locke has made?
Oh yeah, go for it!

37. At the Floating Grave, the teeth show, a shocking event that takes place and unfolds. A long planned out scheme that Caligula would be proud of. A “Red Wedding” style of execution. Capa Raza plans have unfolded and a striking resemblance to the Berangia Sisters. Any theories on why he looked to be a triplet?
There is probably some relationship there, brother or other close relative. Obviously Capa Raza was seeking revenge against Barsavi and the sisters were probably part of the reason.

38. Rebuilding. Jean and Locke are rebuilding and planning. Any ideas to what might happen or are you just enjoying the ride?
I'm just enjoying the ride!

Chapter Seven: Out the Window - Interlude: The Half-Crown War

27. We haven't seen any of Locke's love interest Sabetha at all. Why do you think that is? When do you think she will appear in the story, either in his youth or adulthood?
I don't know. I think she will appear before the end of the book and maybe play a prominent role. Nothing is as it seems so actually she may already be pretending to be someone else.

28. Do you like the humor in this story? I have found several parts to be funny...the whole scene of going down the trellis only to land in room with the "dangler," and many of the interactions between Chains and his boys make me laugh.
Yes, I find the humor really necessary to offset the darkness of some of the other scenes.

29. Why do you think the Gray King turned on Locke the way he did? This seems to have strengthened Barsavi or at least given him more confidence.
Not a clue but I'm sure there is a good reason.

30. Do you have any guesses as to the Gray King's identity?
No, I really don't.

31. Wow, I am so impressed by the costuming and makeup they use to disguise Locke as the Gray King. Do you think Barsavi is really fooled, or do you think that he knew it was a disguise?
I don't think Barsavi knew it was Locke.

Questions for Chapters 1-3

1. What do you think of the writing style.
I liked it after I got used to it. To me it gave a more intense feel to the characters and story.

2. Is anyone as excited as I am to learn about some archaeology?
Yes, I enjoy books where archaeology is the focus.

3. There seems to be a juxtaposition in the book between science and religion. On the one hand we have Ruth's Born Again Christian parents. Then on the other hand we have atheist Ruth, who is all about carbon dating and scientific facts. And even on another hand we have some sort of ancient sacrificial ritualistic iron age religion thing going on. Any thoughts on all this?
It seems to be quite a focus, at least so far. I thought it was interesting how much of atheist Ruth thoughts were about God.

4. Any ideas on what the title The Crossing Places might mean?
I wonder if it might refer to a crossing place or turning point in Ruth's life.

Chapter Five: The Gray King - Interlude: Brat Masterpieces


19.What do you all make if the Bondsmagi? They permit no one else to study their art, and they make outsiders either join them or be slain. If you could learn their skills, without the threat of death, would you?
Yes, probably. It would definitely be good to have that kind of power in this world.

20.Stiletto or Crossbow?
Crossbow, I think. I don't think I'd like fighting with a knife.

21.What do you think of Locke telling the Gentleman Bastards, the Gray Kings plans? Can they be trusted? Or will this make matters worse?
I don't think he had any choice. They're a family and their lives depend on each other.

22.Chains just bought Jean Tannen, what did you make of him, do you think he will be a great asset to the Bastards, or will he hold them back?
Oh yes, I think he will be a great asset.

23.I do have to say I am still enjoying the interludes better, I almost wish the entire story was about Lockes childhood. Do you find his childhood or adult life more interesting?
So far, I've enjoyed the interludes slightly more than the adult story. But I really like the way they shift back and forth to give depth to the adult story.

24.Chains and Locke seem to have a very close relationship, do you think this is good for Locke?
Yes, I think so. I believe Chains sees the great potential that Locke has. In many ways, Locke is more like Chains than the others. He has the brains to run an operation whereas the others are better in a fight.

25.First of all really? Nazca is dead? It almost seems like another scheme. Some one must really hate Capa to put his daughter in a barrel of Horse urine. Do you think the plan came Gray King or the Falconer? Who do you think is really in charge?
The Gray King, I believe, is in charge. The Falconer is a very powerful tool.

26.The House of Glass Roses sound beautiful, but is also sounds deadly, would you take a chance and wonder around the gardens?
Sounds way too creepy for me.

I would like to join in. I've wanted to start this series for some time.

Book Read: One Deadly Sister by Rod Hoisington
Date Read: 11/11/14
Pages: 257

Base Points This Book: 20
BR/BOM Bonus Points: 0
TOTAL POINTS THIS BOOK: 20