Geri’s Comments

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

Note: Geri is not currently a member of this group.

Morgan wrote: "So, I believe the "purple" color for potions is actually indigo which, based on the comments in the Room of Requirement, it looks like other teams are struggling with this also.

For the record, th..."

UGH! If the potion says purple, it should be purple, not indigo. LOL They do mention indigo as well.

I did find pairs of books for charms, fire spell, mending spell and water spell. And possible books for astronomy and one for a possible care of magical creatures. I’ll prioritize them and post after I read them.

The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon

Finished May 23, 352 pages

Characters - Lark, Mashara, Bujohni, Lodi, Lord Corbin, King Tiras, Kjell, Shenna, Lady Firi, King Zoltev

Buddy Read with other TT 6 members https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Laura- I agree with the reviewer that it did read a bit like a fairytale. I was worried too when Kathleen wanted to throw the book. I thought the ending might leave us hanging, which I HATE!

Laura wrote: ".Yes, I 'll read it with you. I think we can persuade Kathleen; or she can always join us a little later;-)
"

Great! Does June 25 work?

Done! Wow, exciting and emotional to the end! I feel wrung out! LOL

(view spoiler)[ Heartbreaking story! Really vivid descriptions. I knew Lady Furi, could not be trusted. LOL Surprised the King’s Father is a volgar. What a good ending! Very exciting. (hide spoiler)]

Kathleen wrote: "Sigh, earlier in the week I wouldn't have hesitated to say yes to a BR of the 2nd book. I have committed to way too much BRs already *cry*"

LOL I understand completely. But as Laura said, you can join us if you change your mind!

Question: The colors for potions like red, yellow, purple etc., do they need to be the dominant color or can they be just on the cover like has both. I have this on my tbr list and wonder if this will work for yellow or purple?

Also, I will be reading Red Sister in June for BOM.

Okies, I will read the book for blood. I read Winterblaze and did not realize I was fulfilling a potion requirement. LOL I will try to get the hang of these classes.

I was looking at potions. Do we still need a book for honey water and salamander blood? I was thinking for honey water (romance with a body of water on it) and for salamander blood (mystery/thriller where someone is murdered). I’ll be reading these anyway and will read them sooner rather than later if needed.

Maritza wrote: "If there is no rush I am reading a 900+ book. It may be a week as I have other challenges to read for. Have also ordered some books for BR. Let’s see if they come in"

That’s great, Maritza! Challenge doesn’t end until end of July. Hopefully we can complete the higher levels of the arithmancy class and the lower levels won’t be difficult to complete.

Rebecca F. (Nightengale) wrote: "I think I might have an idea for History of Magic. How does this sound (my feelings will NOT be hurt if no one likes it):

The Wolves of Winter, while in Club Shadowland, were Blood Bound to use Ev..."

Well done, Rebecca!

I can read a book in the 651-800 page and 801-900 page level to help complete our arithmancy class. I’ll read them in June.

Chapter 19

(view spoiler)[ Kel being related to Tyres wasn’t a surprise. The romance between Lark and Tyres is sweet. Not being able to turn back is going to be a problem. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22

(view spoiler)[ what a wedding ceremony. I don’t believe either that Kel had anything to do with his abduction. The king is definitely in danger. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25

(view spoiler)[ What a conundrum! The king is not ill so the healer cannot heal him. (hide spoiler)]

I stopped at chapter 25 for the day. I agree, Laura, beautiful writing. Romantic and emotional.

Anyone interested in Kjell’s story The Queen and the Cure? I will read it probably late June.

Chapter 14

(view spoiler)[ very emotional story with Lark feeling used by her father and the king. Lark’s power is neat. Funny when she made a hole in the stingy man’s pocket!

Chapter 19

(view spoiler)[ Kel being related to Tyres wasn’t a surprise. The romance between Lark and Tyres is sweet. Not being able to turn back is going to be a problem. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22

(view spoiler)[ what a wedding ceremony. I don’t believe either that Kel had anything to do with his abduction. The king is definitely in danger. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25

(view spoiler)[ What a conundrum! The king is not I’ll so the healer cannot heal him. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Kathleen wrote: "Boohjoni is a lovely character. Too bad we didn't get to see a whole lot of him after they 'moved'!"

I really enjoyed the character too. I am enjoying the fantasy and emotion in the story as well.

Kathleen wrote: "I'm sorry if Im going to be reading ahead but I jist couldn't put it down. I am about to start chapter 11. I

[spoilers removed]"

Good catch about the King. I never thought of this.

Kathleen and Laura, you are devouring the book! It is a quick read. It’s going to take me a few days to finish since I am juggling several books right now.

Chapter 1-3

(view spoiler)[ I am liking the writing. And enjoying the humor too. Lark’s troll protector worried about losing his beard and then never marrying was funny! Very sad, though, that a father could treat his daughter so coldly. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4-6

(view spoiler)[ The attack and healing by Lark was exciting. Such a simple thing like letters in the alphabet meant so much to Lark. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7-9

(view spoiler)[ Very emotional when Lark is able to communicate with Tyres. (hide spoiler)]

Vicki - This is my first Amy Harmon. I have heard of Making Faces and From Sand and Ash. I like her writing and will definitely read more.

Annalisa wrote: "I've read a few reviews of the first book and I think I'm remembering enough of the story and characters to start the second this evening."

I know how that is! Trying to remember what happened in a previous book. Sometimes I like to wait til a series is done before starting it.

After starting the book, I realized I never finished book 1. So this will be interesting! LOL I read the first 5 chapters of book 2 and have a sort of grasp of what is going on. The story is interesting. Interested in reading what everyone else thinks.

Chapter 1 & 2

(view spoiler)[ I find it interesting that Kelsea is having visions of Lily. Why? I want to know! And Lily’s life with her husband sounds awful. I am not surprised she does not want to have children with him. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ Who is this beguiling man that is really a monster? The story is getting more intriguing! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ Kelsea’s looks are definitely changing. I wonder what the significance is for this? She doesn’t seem to consciously be doing this. I did feel badly for her when she propositioned Penn and he turned her down. Awkward! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ UGH! I hated the graphic and violent abuse scene between Lily and Greg. He is a monster. I wonder if the fact Lily feels guilty about her sister getting taken in by the government is why she stays with Greg? A way to punish herself? Helping a separatist may be a turning point for her. (hide spoiler)]

Q15. We hear now of some of the experimental operations carried out on the "rabbits" How do you think the girls are managing to get through it and still help one another?

This was a difficult part for me to read. To be experimented on and maimed and not given proper aftercare is so inhumane. The women who survived this were definitely strong, and probably the only thing that kept them going were the little things, like helping each other, hiding each other and rebelling when they could. That definitely helped the rabbits survive.

Q16 Caroline, still in New York, but no longer with a job in the French Embassy starts to sell war bonds. How do you feel about her character development?

I like Caroline but sometimes feel she is a little too idealistic. But I do admire her desire to help those in need. Especially since she comes from such a privileged background.

Q17 I am concerned that we are now over half way through the book, there have been some floral references but as yet we have no idea WHO the Lilac Girls are and WHAT their association is. Do you have any ideas on either the Who or the What?

I believe there have only been one or two references to flowers. But I am just as much in the dark as you are.

Q18 Herta arrives at your front door - knowing what she has been involved in what would you do?

I think I would have done the same thing as the character in the book and turn Herta in. I was very surprised by this, though. I wasn’t sure Herta would be held accountable.

Q19 this is more of a general question. There are a LOT of Historical Fiction books that focus on WWII What is there in this book so far that will make it stand out for you?

Probably the different perspectives. It helped me to understand the situation better. For example, Herta and the things she did. They were horrible but I thought the author did a good job at explaining how someone might get trapped into this situation and just follow orders.

I’m swamped. I have a problem saying no to BRs. LOL But I do plan on participating for team Ginny Weasley. Looking forward to it.