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

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

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!

Sophie wrote: "Not a silly question at all! All you need to worry about is the tracking sheet. Stephanie, Teddie and I will sort the official sheet every so often."

Okey dokey, then! Thank you!!

Possibly a silly question: do we need to move our READ books over to the team spreadsheet from the tracking spreadsheet? I’m new to the spreadsheet thing, if you can’t tell…

Sophie wrote: "Teddie wrote: "Exactly! At least when you fall asleep on a book book, your face is usually holding your last page open :D"

Depends how heavy the book is. I have dropped a hardback on my face befor..."

I am truly surprised that I have never broken my nose whilst reading in bed! I only read in the mornings on weekends now…

Finally finished my first book! Had a blast at the dance party / concert last night. The resort was beautiful and we were (surprisingly!) one of the younger-looking couples there! I hope they do it again! Of course, my knees are killing me today!

I’m totally enjoying ALL my books thus far! Should finish the 1st few this weekend. Finished up my gap books today, so maybe now I’ll be more focused. NAH! Who am I kidding? I read like I eat - - - just like an unsupervised 5-year-old!

I’m planning on leading with The Pursuit — lots of weapons possibilities potentional there! I literally have dozens of murder mysteries on deck with yet more weapons potential. Also lots of FOOD!
I’m saving Murder and Mamon for this weekend — all brain candy!

I also failed in finishing my current reads by go time, but I have less than 100 pages in one & the other is #6 in the Nancy Drew series, so quick & easy! Can’t wait to get started!

Cecily wrote: "Looks like you made some amazing memories Lauri! Happy mother's day weekend :)"

We really did, Cecile! Thank you!

Melindam wrote: "And then I remind myself that I will have a mini-break with my family owing to the Pentecost holiday over this w/e, alas, no sea- or oceanside.

But we'll be in a lovely Bath/Wellness Hotel (Hunga..."

Sounds great! I would love a massage! Tried to talk my husband into a couples massage, but he continues to resist!

I’m baaaack! Seems like we had some wonderful Mother’s Day celebrations out there! We had a lovely weekend at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. We go there often, but had never gone to see the fireworks. They had some awesome kamaaina (local) rates, so we decided to do an unprecedented 3-day-weekend stay!

They have a fireworks show every Friday night, so we went straight from work. We were able to watch the show right from our lanai! The property is so large and varied, we never feel the need to leave at all.

We swam in the pools, went to the beach, shopped, watched a hula performance, listened to some Hawaiian music, had some great food & sweet treats, enjoyed some cocktails & went dancing! Now we need a vacation after the staycation!

It’s back to work tomorrow - ugh! Next Saturday we’re going to a different hotel for a fundraiser for a local women’s & children’s hospital. They’re having 3 live bands that play 70’s, 80’s & 90’s music, dinner & a silent auction. One of the bands used to play at the nightclub where my husband & I first met way back in the early 80’s!! (Told you I was old!)

We normally don’t do stuff like this. We just sit at home & read / play on our phones & tablets & watch TV. Too much fun!

I will be maintaining radio silence this weekend. We're having a 'Staycation' in Waikiki. I will rejoin y'all on Monday afternoon!

Have a beautiful weekend & Mother's Day to all who celebrate!

Marty wrote: "Lauri wrote: "I think mine was spot-on! I got Ivy - the Survivor. That’s totally me all over! 5-time cancer survivor, clinical depression, traitorous family members- - - you name it, it’s happened ..."

Thank you, Marty! That's so sweet....

Marty wrote: "Vine sorta describes me but kinda not. I'm not so much indecisive as I am a procrastinator. The worst thing you can do is give me a deadline far in the future. I like the idea of us all being fores..."

I agree with it being too much! A lot of happened all at once. My therapist told me long ago that just one of these life events could have snapped a person. I'm just extremely fortunate...

I think mine was spot-on! I got Ivy - the Survivor. That’s totally me all over! 5-time cancer survivor, clinical depression, traitorous family members- - - you name it, it’s happened or is about to! I refuse to give in or be victimized!
I don’t believe the soft spoken or silent suffering parts, though! I will speak up and bitch long and hard. If you keep things bottled up, you will eventually explode (or implode)!

Melindam, wherever did you find this stuff? I’ve never heard of it before! Pretty cool!

Plants? If I get anywhere near a live plant, it will wither and die immediately! I used to work at a preschool and parents would give us plants all the time - - even beautiful orchids. I would just say thank you and take them home & give them to my neighbor wear they would live a long, happy life! Far away from me. Sad, I know. My Mom used to raise the most beautiful plants, in and outside. I do arrange cut flowers beautifully & my lei are outstanding! Guess I’m better with the no-longer-alive plants!