Geri’s Comments

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

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

I agree with everyone. It started off good, but went on too long. The thing that annoyed me most is that this was more of a light mystery instead of a darker Sci-Fi Fantasy or even horror. I love mystery, but the mystery here wasn’t that great. I won’t read more if this becomes a series.

11. We get to hear Catherine's story. Have you read the source novel or seen the movie? How does this version jibe with them or even with what you thought you knew?

No, I didn’t know much about Dr. Moreau. I haven’t read the books or seen the movies. So this was new and interesting to me.

12. Mary, Mrs. Poole, and Sherlock go back to the asylum to further research Renfield. Dr. Seward is back as the head of the asylum, as he is in Stoker's Dracula. Van Helsing has yet to make an actual appearance although he's mentioned several times. It's seems odd that these two men would be attached to the Societe as per Van Helsing's letter to Jekyll rather than working against it. Have you changed your mind whether you think Dracula may show up?

I really do think enough classic horror characters, and their daughters, are part of the story. The author needs to save something for later!

13. While this meeting is going on, Justine & Beatrice are getting kidnapped, Catherine, Diana, and Watson are investigating the Magdalen House. There they discover Hyde is in fact alive and has been involved with the missing girls; getting their information from the headmistress. Here we also find the missing scullery maid Alice. Were you surprised by anything that happened? Any of the revelations?

I wasn’t surprised by Hyde. Like everyone else, I did think he was alive. I was surprised by where Alice was discovered. I thought something more nefarious had happened to her.

14. The big reveal and the big fight at the warehouse. Adam Frankenstein was attempting to recreate Justine with the help of Hyde and Pendrick. A lot happened in this chapter. It was quite the change of pace from the beginning of the novel as it was pretty much nothing but revelations and action. What stuck out the most for you? Too much too fast? Or just the right amount at the right time?

Yes, a lot did happen! I was surprised how much happened in this section. This type of action and revelation happens more at the end.

15. Going into the last section, any thoughts about how it'll all end? Anything you'd like to see happen?

I have finished the book. So I won’t say more.

7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SURPRISE INCLUSION OF SEVERAL CHARACTERS FROM BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA INCLUDING RENFIELD, VAN HELSING AND DR SEWARD? DO YOU THINK RENFIELD'S MASTER THE ICONIC DRACULA MAY MAKE AN APPEARANCE AND COULD EVEN BE PART OF THE MYSTERIOUS SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES HIMSELF? AND DO YOU THINK LE STRADE WAS TOO QUICK TO ARREST RENFIELD GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES HOLMES DEDUCES?

Yes, they were too quick to pin it on Renfield. He doesn’t seem smart enough or strong enough to have committed the murders. He is obviously taking the blame for Hyde in exchange for what he thinks will be eternal life.

Yes, it is surprising how many iconic characters from classic horror books are being included in the book!

8. IN THE LETTER FROM PR VAN HELSING TO DR JEKYLL HE MAKES MENTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETE BUT DOESN'T NAME HIM. ANY IDEA WHO THIS MAY BE?

It is a mystery! I am not sure. I am not very good at guessing.

9. WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SCIENTISTS SO FAR... DIANA, MARY, CATHERINE, BEATRICE AND JUSTINE?

They are all very intelligent, resourceful survivors. Diana is the most humorous. I have the most compassion for Beatrice.

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE MURDERED GIRLS AND THE SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES? ARE YOU ENJOYING THE BOOK AND HAVE YOU ANY THEORIES AS TO HOW IT WILL END?

Yes, I am enjoying the book so far. I like the unique way the story is being told, through the daughters of these famous men. I am enjoying the girl power!

I do think Beatrice is right that the women are being murdered for their body parts to create another Frankenstein’s monster.

DQs Day 1 Ch 1-6

1. What appealed to you about this BOM?

2. The characters talked about in the book include Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Are you familiar with the characters? Have you read any of the books? Seen the movies?

3. What do you think about comments from the characters being left in the story? Is it a modern way of writing a novel?

4. Alice left the Jekyll household without saying goodbye. Do you think something happened to her?

5. Diana tells Mary that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person. Mary believes Mr. Hyde was the one that went off with Molly. Any thoughts on what is happening?

6. According to Diana, Hyde talked about alchemy and bringing corpses back to life. And the letter read by Mary talked about experiments on someone named Beatrice. Now, Beatrice is on exhibit and can supposedly breathe poison. Can anything good come from experimenting on someone like this? Or should we not mess with nature this way?

Day works fine for me!

17. How did you feel about the ending of the secondary story with the baby? Did you think the story fit into the bigger story? Was it necessary?

I think the author was giving us more information about how Naomi works. And how there isn’t always a happy ending.

18. What did you think of the end? Was is what you expected?

Yes, it was a bit exciting. I do think Mr. B had to die.

19. Did you have sympathy for Mr. B in the end?

It was difficult for me. On the one hand, he was a victim. But his treatment of Madison kept me from feeling much sympathy.

20. Did you like the way the story ended with the relationships?

Yes. I hoped Naomi and Jerome would get together.

21. What did you think of the way the fairy tales played a part in the story?

It was interesting. And I learned at the end it was a way for Madison to survive. They did confuse me a bit in the beginning, though. I wasn’t sure if the fairy tales were Madison’s or Naomi’s.

22. What was your overall impression of the story? Did you give it a star rating or review? What would you rate it?

I rated it 5 stars because the writing, story, characters and mystery were excellent. I’d be happy to read another book with Naomi.

12) Madison talks about how it's strange to love someone who is evil. Mr. B is an interesting villain in the story because he's as much of a victim as anyone from what the book is hinting at happened. What are your feelings towards him?

Mr. B is a complicated character. The book is hinting that he was a victim as well. But I don’t think that excuses him from his treatment of Madison.

13) How do you think Mrs. Cottle's death will affect the story or Naomi?

This will likely make Jerome and Naomi think about what they want for their future since part of their past is gone.

14) I don't know how the Danita Danforth case fits into what's going on with Madison. It's interesting that Naomi finally took 2 cases at once though. Do you think they'll intertwine at all or just provide insights?

I felt this way too. Why is the other case part of the story. I did find it interesting, though.

15) I was wondering if someone would notice Mr. B coming in with more furs or suddenly clean and mention it to Naomi but she seems to have remembered something on her own? What do you think she figured out? What clues are you thinking might pan out?

I have finished the book so I won’t say more.

16) Naomi's debating time on whether she wants to be with Jerome or not seems to be coming to an end. There's a lot of potential romantic interest around. Do you think she ends up with anyone? Do you think she will figure out her past enough to move on?

I definitely understood Naomi’s reluctance to get into relationships. This is one way her past has affected her. I really liked Jerome and rooted for Naomi and Jerome. I have finished the book so I’ll stop here.

Day 1 DQs Ch 1-5

1. Why did you decide to read this BOM?

2. What do you think of Denfeld’s writing? Each chapter follows Naomi and Snow Girl. Do you like the way the book alternates this way?

3. Naomi is “called to the work”. She has found 30 kids. Why do you think she is called to the work?

4. Naomi dreams about her past, but does not remember it. Do you think this is a good thing? How do you think this would affect a person?

5. Naomi’s first fairy tale was about a girl named Madison who got lost. Naomi is currently searching for a girl named Madison Culver. Do you think this is a coincidence?

6. Mr. B is pretty much a mystery. He is deaf and cannot speak. What are your thoughts about Mr. B? How do you think Mr. B got Snow Girl?

Day 1 will work. That way if I get behind it won’t matter. Thanks!

This was a good book! I volunteer to do discussion questions.

I’ll be reading this book. And I volunteer to do discussion questions.

18. What did you think of the book overall? Will you continue with the series?

Overall, I did enjoy it and will read the next book in the series.

19. Who do you think the "she" is that was orchestrating this from behind the scenes?

Oh, I think the Queen herself was the one behind making sure Veronica’s identity would be kept secret.

20. Do you think "she" will leave Veronica alone or will she become a target again?

If it becomes known that the papers were not burned, then Veronica would become a target again.

21. What did you think about the relationship between Veronica and Stoker? Were you hoping for more or did you like that they didn't act on those urges?

It’s too early for them to act on their urges. This is a series and the author is going to make us wait.

22. Did you like the ending? Did you like how it wrapped up and where Veronica and Stoker will be going from here?

Yes, I am glad they will continue together and continue their work together.

October 15 Chapters 18-22 DQs

13. What do you think of Lady Cordelia? Do you think she'll have any larger part in the story besides a helpful friend?

I like her. It is humorous how Stoker has not one but two very resourceful and independent women to deal with. I wouldn’t mind if Cordelia continues to be part of the story.

14. We finally know Veronica's mother's identity. Do you think Veronica's father is the one who killed her mother and pursued Veronica as a child or do you suspect a more complex plot?

Veronica’s guardians moved a lot. But since Veronica’s Father did not want to acknowledge her as his child, not sure he was the one they were running from. It is possible Veronica’s father killed her mother. Or possibly someone related to Veronica’s father.

15. Can you take a guess as to why Veronica's mother simply referred to her as "Baby" in letters and photographs? Do you think it was an odd habit or a deliberate attempt to keep her identity a secret?

I did find it odd. And I do think it was deliberate.

16. De Clare is acting the villain in abducting Veronica despite their relation. Do you think he truly has Veronica's best interest at heart despite his tactics?

If he does have her best interest at heart, he is going about it in absolutely the wrong way! LOL

17. Do you agree with Veronica and Stoker's decision to stay in England despite the danger and the warning to leave?

I expected nothing less. Stoker and Veronica do not run from danger.

Day 2 DQs Ch 7-12

6. Edmond approaches Veronica and tells her she is not safe with Stoker. Do you agree with him? Or do you think Veronica made the right decision to stay with Stoker? Was it wise of Veronica to not tell Stoker about Edmond?

7. Stoker takes Veronica to a traveling show. The professor seems to harbor ill will toward Stoker. Why do you think there is tension between them?

8. Veronica is reading a book, The Unlikely Adventures Of Acadia Brown, Lady Detective. I did a search to see if this was a real book, but did not find anything. Why do you think Veronica enjoys this series so much? Would this be a book you would want to read?

9. Do you agree with Salome that Veronica’s disinterest in Stoker’s previous lovers means that Veronica does not love Stoker?

10. What did you think about the knife throwing act? I am not sure what the traveling show has to do with finding out who killed the Baron. LOL Are you enjoying the tangent the book has taken?

DQs Day 1 Ch 1-6

1. Have you read other books by Deanna Raybourn? Why did this book appeal to you?

2. Veronica isn't heartbroken over Aunt Nell's death and is very outspoken. She admits to dallying with men and has traveled the world. How do you feel about Veronica after learning all this?

3. Stoker and Veronica don't exactly get along. Do you think they have chemistry? Do you think a romance will develop?

4. Veronica has had a very non traditional education. Do you think this was good for Veronica? Why do you think her guardians allowed this?

5. The Baron has been murdered. People are after Veronica. Do you have any theories about why?

If there aren’t enough volunteers, I’ll write DQs for day 2 as well.

DQs Day 2 Ch 6-11

6. What do you think of Harrison's writing style? Is this the type of book you would usually read?

7. Ivy says she can only bespell the willing. And gave Rachel a book that explains how to entice a vampire. Do you think Rachel was willing? Will the book keep Rachel out of trouble?

8. Rachel is an earth witch. What do you think about her abilities? Are they helping her at all?

9. Do you think Trent is human or Inderlander?

10. Rachel transformed into a mink to get information about Trent. If a transformation spell really existed, what would you want to turn into?

1. This book has been on my TBR for a while but I have not read anything previously by this author. Have you read any of her other books?

I have been meaning to get to this series too. I am so behind! No, I have not read any other books by the author.

2. What is your opinion of Rachel so far? We know she is a witch and until recently an agent with the IS and apparently her boss has spent the last two years giving her the worst jobs trying to get her to quit. Why do you think he hates her so much?

I do enjoy Rachel's sass and attitude. There was obviously some bad blood between Rachel's ex boss and Rachel's father. But the last straw for Rachel's ex boss was the fact Ivy left with Rachel.

3. What do you think of the world so far? A virus killing off much of human kind, and then it turns out there are witches and vampires and pixies and wereanimals. How do you think you would react?

The world is interesting, different. I totally understand the "nesting" instinct humans had, and would try to live away from the supernaturals too.

4. There was quite a lot of set up in these first 5 chapters. Do you think we have gotten to the main story yet ? Either way where do you think it will go from either. Was the set up enough to keep you reading on?

Yes, it is interesting enough to keep reading. I chuckle at some of the humor. This is a light, fun read.

5. Ivy the vampire - what is your take on her and why do you think she is so eager to join Rachel in quitting?Do you think rachel would have been better off going it alone? What do you think she is going to wish for?

I have read ahead so I shouldn't say more.

I'll volunteer for Day 2 DQs.

I volunteer to do Day 1 DQs.