Lauri’s Comments (group member since Jan 23, 2016)

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

DQs Day 3:

10. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it... it changes us?"

Do you agree with that quote? Are there any books that changed you personally?
I totally agree with it! There are so many books that changed me in innumerable ways! (Feel free to check out my 5-Star Reads shelf) The Joy Luck Club, The Clan of the Cave Bear, Gone with the Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird…. I could go on and on!

11. We finally get the first riddle. Did you guess it before Lucy did?
No, I don’t care for riddles too much. I remember thinking it was like the Rocketship Game we used to play as kids…

12. What did you think of The City of Secondhand and of Markham showing up like that? Is he just a sleezy lawyer, or is there something more sinister going on?
The City was sad, really. I hope he’s just a sleazy lawyer! But how would he gain access to Clock Island. So I’m expecting the sinister. Glad Dustin is getting the boot, though!

13. do you have to keep reminding yourself that the "contestants" are adults, not children?
No. It’s funny that Mastermind calls them kids! Lucy is the most childlike of all of them!

Some other thoughts:

- Why would someone being a "famous artist" mean it's odd for them to bring a guest their dinner? I found this rather a lot weird.
Well, in a mansion, you really expect for there to be staff available to wait on everyone. Hugo just wanted to spend more time with Lucy!

DQs Day 4: Chapters 20-26

16. I love Bev’s line ‘ How in hell is anybody supposed to help if you won’t ask?’ Are there any characters who don't need to hear this? Did it resonate with you?
I loved it, too!! I think it applies to almost ALL the characters (except Baine cuz she’s a bitch! Perfect name, BTW!) Everyone in the story goes off on their own ‘quest’ , if you will, all wrapped up in their personal struggle. I’m one of those who don’t ask for help. I will usually accept if if it’s freely given, but I was taught not to ask!

17. Opal and Jasper finally reveal their secrets and talk. Were you surprised that they are both Gravelys? How do you feel about the outcome regarding schools?
I figured they were both Gravelys since they had the same mother. Jasper is so smart, he probably knew waaay before Opal. It’s too bad they didn’t communicate more since they love each other and they’re all the other has in the world. Jasper was really amazing by applying and getting accepted to college. I wouldn’t have wanted to go to some uptight boarding school, either. I’m just glad he also found financial aid! SO smart and resourceful. He obviously asked for help.

18. Elizabeth Baine seems to have an amazing connections and pull. Who do you think she works for? How do you think she figured out what the right leverage was?
Ms. Baine is a stone cold bitch! I’m guessing she’s a Gravely hire. She does her homework and is a master of intimidation. In a small town like Eden it would be easy to find out all you need to know about anyone…

19. So much happened in these chapters, yet I really don’t feel like I learned much. How do you feel about the pacing/storyline?
I felt like we learned a whole lot! The pacing is a bit slow. The fire was huge and horrible. The punch in the face was epic….I want to learn about the beasts!!

20. We learn that being a warden is a choice, although the house asks very vulnerable people. Do you think that the other wardens understood the price? How does Opal fit – she chose, but she isn’t a warden at this point.
I don’t think the early Wardens realized what a sacrifice they were making. Maybe they were just so happy to have a place to live and a purpose. I think that if Opal decides to serve, she will do so to save Arthur. Maybe the love she has for him will help to subdue the beasts!

DQs Day 3
Chapters 14-19

11. Starling House reminded me up to a point with some vibes of Beauty and the Beast, although lesser now as the story progresses. Is the book reminding you of any other stories you have read before?

It just all seems so Gothic to me with curses and tragedies galore. I think it's pretty unique, actually!

12. Ch 14-19 have answered a lot of questions about Opal, the house, Arthur, the history of the place and what's going on. Has anything revealed in this section been surprising to you? Does the explanation so far of everything that has happened ring true?
Surprising, maybe -- earth shaking? No, not really. I guess I always knew that Opal and Jewell (and by extension, Jasper) were Gravelys. The author kept slipping the name in everywhere! I didn't realize the Wardens weren't blood relatives, but rather chosen by the house. I can totally see it choosing Opal. She is a badass!

13. Jasper and Opal are clearly close, although he is sometimes moody and surly. He seems resentful at times of Opal going out so far on a limb to take care of him and get him out of Eden. What do you think of the character now that he has more fleshed-out scenes and more has been revealed about him and their relationship?
I am liking Jasper more now that he's developed a personality that isn't totally self-absorbed & seems like he wants to help, if not protect his sister!

14. Arthur and Opal have heated a few things up. Do you think they fit each other well with these developments? Totally! If they hook up, maybe they'll terrify the beasts into leaving.

15. There is humor in the book that is overshadowed by genuinely creepy horror like tales, What do you think about Underland "beasts" revealed so far?
I don't get why they're there. It isn't like the ol' Indian burial ground being desecrated, right? Are they gateway guardians or something? Why do they want to fight all the time. Only time will tell.

I’m here. Can’t get over the tunnel analogy! Commitment? There are SO many different tunnels there could be… But commitment! Seriously?!

Enjoying both BOMs a LOT, which is a nice surprise. Probably not going to read any door stoppers, but I’ll go up to the 400 page range….

Still having fun, which is my ultimate goal! Hope everyone else is having a good time, too.

DQs Day 2 Chapter 6 - 11

6. Jack replied to Lucy's letter and Lucy decided to run away from home. What did you think of his letter and would you have done the same as Lucy?
I think he was just trying to make a lonely little girl feel better about herself and her life. He probably never dreamed that Lucy (or any of the kids!) would turn up on his doorstep! I, myself, was a huge chicken & would never have run away from home!

7. We get more insights on Clock Island. Every 'hour' is its own section like for example a beach. Would you like to visit the island? Do you find the idea of it fascinating or could you not care less?
I find the whole idea fascinating and would love to visit Clock Island!

8. Every part starts with a quote from Jack's book. Do you think these parts are important for the story? Just showing off Jack's work? Something else?
I think the quotes do have meaning. Just what the meaning(s) is / are
remain to be seen.

9. It seems like there will be a deeper connection between Lucy and Hugo. Do you agree? And would you approve of it given that Hugo had first met her when she was still a child?
Age difference doesn’t matter as much once you’re an adult. So the chemistry is great. Maybe he can help her win the game!

DQs Day 2 - Chapters 8 - 13

6) The narration is using dual POVs: 1st person for Opal, 3rd person for Arthur. Does it work for you? Do you think this suits the story?
It’s ok. Maybe a little confusing at first. Arthur probably does think in the third person!

7) Opal goes to the Library to find out more about Starling House and finds her mother's phone number among the Gravely family's documents. What implications can it have? Do you think it could be a hint about Opal's parentage?
Definitely! She may just be a Starling herself. No wonder the house accepts her!

8) After Bev's story about the relationship between Eleanor Starling and the Gravely brothers, we get a totally different perspective from what Nathaniel Boone went through. What do you think about the Gravely family and their "hold" over the town of Eden? What do you think Nathaniel may have discovered in the dark?
Nothing good comes from the Gravelys (hence the Grave part) Not too sure the Starlings are benign, though.

9) Finally we learn some more about about Arthur's role (warden) and his connection to the House. What do you think about their "relationship"? What is your opinion about Starling House as a sentient being? Could it be good or evil?
Seems hard to be a Warden. They don’t have a long life expectancy. The house could be either good or evil. Which remains to be seen.

10) On "characters not communicating"
In Chapter 12 we find out that Opal has not told Jasper about the fact that she arranged for him to go to a different school and she actually managed to put together the fee for the 1st year already. Opal doesn't tell his brother about her working in Starling House and she doesn't tell Arthur about her spying on the House for Elizabeth Baine and getting more and more demands.
What do you think of all this?
Opal’s going to have to come clean and sooner rather than later. Everything’s going to come crashing down around her ears! I thought Jasper was much younger than 17. I was thinking of him as a young child.

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to 7

1.) Have you read other books by Alix E Harrow? Was this on your tbr list before it was a BOM selection? Any expectations going in?
I tried one once, don't remember the title, but it was so dark and sad, I didn't finish! I am actually liking this one, though.

2.) Did you read the footnotes as you went along? Find them helpful? Annoying?
They are equally helpful AND annoying. I have read each & every one. I feel they distract from what is happening at that moment. I often have to re-read the paragraph after reading the footnote.

3.) The discussion of E.Starling's book being too scary for children reminded me of some interviews with M.Sendalk when the Where the Wild Things movie came out several years ago about books, etc that scare children (when children are the target audience). His response was basically children should be scared sometimes and there's nothing wrong with that. And has further said, it's better to have a book full of fears than one pretending there's nothing to be afraid of. What are your thoughts on this topic?
I agree with Mr. Sendak! We should scare them every chance we get. No child should grow up thinking life is filled with chocolate, rainbows and flowers. Adulthood is shocking enough when it comes along without having ALL your hopes & dreams dashed all at once.

4.) What are your thoughts so far on Eden and Starling House? Has the author done a good job so far of creating an atmosphere and setting for a good gothic story?
Excellent job!

5.) Any favorites so far in our motley cast of characters? Opal, Arthur, Jasper, Bev, and Starling House.
Opal & Jasper are my early favorites. Arthur seems like a tool. I'm sure we'll find out exactly why very soon.

Discussion Questions : Day 1 (Prologue - Chapter 5)

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?
I really like them -- especially Christopher & Lucy. It's the mom/caretaker in me that particularly resonates with Lucy. Hugo is snarky & fun & Chris is plucky and lost at the same time. Don't know enough about Jack yet....

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?
No speculation whatsoever! I don't particularly enjoy riddles all that much!

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Yup! I totally agree. We always used to say 'Gotta want it' in taekwondo. I think that holds true for just about anything. Poor kids from the street make better fighters because they're literally hungry. So if you are rich/spoiled you won't want anything enough to really work & go after it.

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?
I think it's a little bit of both, really. You shouldn't have really unreasonable hopes -- like being able to fly, for instance. But things that are actually attainable - - no matter how large or small they may be- - are necessary for good mental health.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?
Maybe deep down inside, he knew he wasn't healthy. You need some sort of challenge to keep going day after day. This is especially true of high IQs. So many artists/actors/musicians/writers have killed themselves. I believe this is the reason.

I’m out…
Sorry!

I DO want to read, but I only check in at night and I’m so far behind everybody in time zones… I’ll try to check in tomorrow morning. Hopefully I can pick up a book!

I’m reading both Starling House and The Wishing Game for BOM and really enjoying them!

I volunteer as tribute! Uh, I mean I can be a backup person only because I need to get books from the library or read on Libby. Not all books are available as quickly as I would need them.
I do have about 80 books out right now, however…. :)

Completion Post!
Finished my last Round 1 book - the BOM The Malevolent Seven. It was a struggle!

I couldn’t see where to put it as BOM on the tracking sheet and I can’t do a link to save my life. My DQ answers can be found in Messages 257 / 260 / 263 / 268 / 277.

Day 5: Chapters 40 - 56

20. Cade goes to each of the other travellers and has final words with them. Do you think he learned any new information about his travellers? Or did he learn something about himself?
I think it was a little bit of both. Nobody is just one thing. We all have different and unique experiences & skills as well as motivation. There’s something to be learned from everyone.

21. The journey to The Seven Brothers is full of many challenges. Did this journey remind you of any other quest you've read?
Almost all quest stories are similar. The journey is the destination.

22. We now find out about the Pandorals, how they were using The Seven Brothers as vessels. Quite interesting how this was accomplished. Did this surprise you how they were formed ? What did you think of why they came to acquire the red soil?
Total (and disgusting!) surprise there! At that point, I wasn’t paying all that much attention to the whys and wherefore. I just wanted it to be over!

23. It was determined that Cade be the one to use the apparatus. What attunement do you think he chose?
Anything would be better than selling off parts of your soul every time you needed a spell! Thought he’d go for something a little holy, yet disgusting.

24. What was your overall impression of this story? What was your favorite part of the story? Will you read the next in the series or try one of the authors other series?
I did like finding out that Cade used to be a Justciar. I really didn’t have a favorite part, per se. I did laugh out loud several times at the snappy dialogue. I will probably avoid this author categorically in the future. I wouldn’t have finished this book if not for the BOM points!

Day 4: Chapters 28-39

15. The way the different characters react to the trek through the magic wasteland is interesting. With all the magic that flows through this world, why do they not have transport spells? Did this trek remind you of any other stories?
I did wonder at all the slogging they were doing. I guess it's somewhat Hobbit-like in the road trip aspect. But this is soooo depressing. I mean, Blood dross? seriously? EEEEWWWW!

16. We keep being reminded (by the narrator) that the wanderists are not good guys. Do you agree with this assessment?
Definitely not good guys. Sure, they may have some redeeming qualities, but they hide them very well. I think they just play at being bad-asses. Perception and deception are everything!

17. What is your impression of the seven brothers? The Pandorals are benevolent? Really? Do we believe that?
Not even a little bit. The holiest-seeming of the holier than thou are often the most deceiving & evil... Even in real life.

18. So. We get to see the apparatus. What would you have done with that temptation?
Not sure. The only thing that tempts me is chocolate!

19. Is anyone who they say they are? Did you expect Mr. Bones?
It doesn't look like it, does it! And Mr. Bones was a complete surprise! Definitely did NOT see THAT coming!! Can't hardly wait till the end. (Literally!)

I’m alive! Had some time off, & finished a couple more books… still reading like a lunatic, but must return to work tomorrow…

The battle(s) sound intriguing and yet, alarming!

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?
I feel like the author is just winging it - - making it up as he goes along. And we’re just along for the ride. I haven’t done much fantasy in quite awhile, but it seems like everything is tight and comes with a timeline, map & genealogy.

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?
I enjoyed Hazidan quite a bit. Anyone that gives insight into Cade’s earlier life is pretty interesting. I’ve had many favorite teachers who were a little wacky, but no one insane or consigned to hell that I’m aware of!

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?
I’m surprised! I did NOT see the whole former Justiciar thing at all. The idea that Galas and Fidick were plants just blows my mind. I have absolutely no idea what’s coming next. It definitely won’t be good for Cade & the gang…

14. At this point I think we have the whole team together: Is one of them your favorite?
I really don’t like any of them! I guess I’d have to pick Cade. I’m struggling with the book, most probably because I don’t care much for the characters.

Bonus for audiobook listeners: How are you liking the audiobook? Would you recommend it?
I’ve never listened to an audiobook yet! (And probably never will…):)

I'm here, too! Still reading away. Trying to look for ways to help with the mini. I'm sooooo confused! Still struggling through Malevolent for BOM, but not really loving it....
I am loving Discount Armageddon though. And I believe Discount counts for word in a word for the mini, right? Now I just have to finish 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?
Totally blindsided by that! I thought they were either going to be a) a footnote OR b) devoted little minions happy to do Cade's bidding because he had saved them from a fate worse than death.

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?
I think I would like to be able to turn invisible and/or fly and if I had the ability to communicate with animals, then definitely felines. It would be so much fun to have them do what I wanted!

8.) Is anyone else's favorite character Mr. Bones? Just me? mkay.
I think Mr. Bones has a lot of potential. He has earned the right to sulk when Galass pays attention to the rats.

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?
You ARE good! That thought never even crossed my mind! Makes a lot of sense, though. I thought it was just sour grapes for a deal gone bad, or them killing his friends or family in the past....

10.) Assuming my guess in Q9 is right, why do you think Cade got the heave ho from the Glorians?
Well, just look at him! He's so snarky & entitled. Everyone else pretty much bows down to the Glorians. They are pretty awesomely mean, for supposedly holy beings....

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?
The older I get, and I'm getting up there, I find the more difficult it is for me to deal with. So no, and no 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? :) Pretty much accurate. Or Albus Dumbledore!

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?
Definitely a good start and very intriguing -- but the characters aren't very likeable thus far.

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?
I'm thinking that Cade must be basically all right because he doesn't want to hurt/exploit children, but he seems a total opportunist and a murderer....

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?
Nobody's perfect, I suppose. But I'm stuck with a Catholic morality and demons are just categorically bad all around. So...

No judgment yet, but not liking the storyline all that much yet! Snappy patter is great, though.

Lucy wrote: "Goodreads is having a hissy fit and I can't add my latest book (To a Mountain in Tibet to any shelves or put a read date on it. I'll try again tomorrow but I've added it on the shee..."

Mine is still not cooperating, Lucy! I’ve been trying to add shelves all day— even manually putting shelf names in and nothing will work!