Vi’s Comments (group member since Jun 04, 2011)

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

Jen wrote: "I finished Fourth Wing and it was crack for me. I think it’s a combo of all the tropes and a touch of fantasy without being too complicated. I’m trying to get my hands on a physical copy because I ..."

Ooh that is good news. I'm looking forward to reading that for the BOM. Hopefully my book comes in by then.

Nanci wrote: "Vi wrote: "I was snooping around.. few teams are far ahead in their Chipmunk tasks.. around 50 - 60 tasks done on average. I'm really amazed by that! It has been only 9 days since June started."

T..."

Yeah, I'm amazed they're able to find books for each task. Sometimes the books I have on hand fits a task but not always. I think we are doing good. We may not have the mosr chipmunk tasks knocked off but we are also filling up the compulsory page criteria too. Chipmunk tasks are under free choice always.

Suzanne wrote: "I'd agree with what Kirsten said about the bling - I'm pretty sure it has to be some sort of jewelry. I'll get the Treasure book checked in :)"

AH, that makes sense. Just wanted to see if any of the books I read works for the chipmunk tasks.

But wow, we've knocked off so many chipmunk tasks overnight(for me). Way to go team!

Yeah I get what you mean. I was thinking some people are antique collectors and such so maybe a treasure in that sense.

Janeylou wrote: "Well id say so .."

I think so too.. A consensus would be good and then it can fulfill another chipmunk task.

I have a question - has a sword on cover. Can it be considered treasure worthy?

I was snooping around.. few teams are far ahead in their Chipmunk tasks.. around 50 - 60 tasks done on average. I'm really amazed by that! It has been only 9 days since June started.

For China category - I checked and out of 10, 5 towers are in China.

I've Jeannie Lin who writes books set in China. I have which I hope to get to soon. I have to finish a book due at the library first.

Fantasy recommendation: . Beautiful cover, lovely prose. Really enjoyed the setting.

I'm finally done with The City of Brass. I was looking forward to the end because of the hints dropped by some people in the BOM discussion. It was an interesting end, a little unexpected. I still don't ship any couple and unfortunately, I'm not able to connect with Nahri at all. I have a little curiosity about how the series progresses but definitely not continuing now. I'll take a breather for and start the King doorstopper tomorrow.

Nanci wrote: "Thanks for taking one for the team, Vi!"

haha, nah. This whole thing has helped to get this book off my bookshelf where it has been sitting too long. I try not to DNF until it's truly bad. That said, the characters are annoying (for me) so at this point, I don't think I'll continue the series. I love doing the BOMs for this reason - I get to see others POVs and the full range of enjoyment. It's fun.

Suzanne wrote: "I'm basically enjoying it, but it's taken me awhile to understand all the different factions, and I still am a bit lost."

Glad you are enjoying it Suzanne. The djinn/daeva and the origin of it was a rabbit hole I enjoyed getting lost in. They predate the Islam religion and was absorbed into it. I find these pretty interesting - it's the same with Christianity especially evident in Russia and Ireland.

Shannon wrote: "I'm also struggling to want to read the book. I have no clue why either bc I usually really like these sorts of books."

Oh thank god. I was thinking it was only me. I'm not connecting well the MCs. Its weird because the premise and the moral conundrums are quite interesting. but something is holding me back.

I've finally caught up with . How's everybody finding the book? I can't say why exactly but I'm not fully invested in the book. Maybe the writing which feels clumsy because otherwise the world and the mythology is my cup of tea.

Day 3 - Chapters 10-14

9. As he walks through the Daeva Quarters, Ali is shot by a toy arrow, let loose by one of the children playing about. Rashid suggests to Ali that he should punish the boy by taking him to be raised in the Citadel, which Ali refuses. What do you think this says about Ali, and about others in the city’s upper echelon?
I feel he's a contradiction - part of growing up is understand what you were taught and realizing that's not correct and trying to change. But at the same time, it's not easy to challenge the belief system that you were bought up so you would cling to it fully. That's what I can see in that scene.

10. Nahri and Dara have a moment, but are interrupted. Do you like this partnership, romantically or otherwise? Is it doomed, or meant to be?
No, not really. I can't really feel Nahri. I can't feel the chemistry and sorry to say, I felt the moment forced.

11. We learn about the terrible conditions in the shafit orphanage and the difficult lives all the shafit are forced into. Even though he immediately refuses to help, how do you think this will influence him in the future?
Like I said earlier, these are incidents that could influence him in his future thinking, might incite a change from him to the whole society.

12. As Dara and Nahri cross the last illusion shielding Daevabad, Nahri has an odd reaction and ends up flat on her back on the deck of the ferry, with Dara rudely refusing anyone’s assistance. Do you think this was caused by something related to what Nahri is, or something else?
I expect it's something related to what Nahri is. There has been enough foreshadowing about it.

13. Muntadhir takes Ali to a secret room filled with dead Nahids. Do you think this room will be a turning point for Ali? Do you think Dara will discover this and his relic, and what do you think will follow if he does?
Violating a belief system of another sect would be a hard pill to digest for Ali. I think he will discover it. But maybe not immediately.

Day 2 DQs : Chapters 5-9

5. So many groups! We had a couple of chapters in this part that described some of the tribes in Daevabad and elsewhere - the Daeva/Djinn, Ifrit, Simurgh, Zahhak and I'm sure I haven't listed them all. Where on the confusion scale are you - with 1 being totally confused and 10 being "I've got this". And are you ok with your level at this point in the book?
I'm about a 6. Not fully confused but not fully clear either. I'm ok with it as I usually love the world being peeled slowly.

6. Somewhat related to this - we learn that Suleiman curbed magical abilities because the daeva harmed humanity. I learned (thanks Google) that in the non-book world Suleiman the Magnificent was the longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566 - he ruled over at least 25 million people. Did you know anything about Suleiman and what do you think of his inclusion in the book?
No, not really. I've only heard about in passing with the Ottoman empire. I feel ambivalent. On one hand, he's done a lot of good but this act made me feel sad.

7. We now know Dara was a slave for many years and was forced to do some things that haunt him. How does this make you feel about his character?
I like that the author is adding layers to his character. Nahri isn't really memorable but with Ali and Dara, there is a good opportunity to explore the grey areas in their belief system.

8. Ali's father was portrayed as brutal when we first met him at the execution, and then later he seemed like a pretty good ruler as he listened to and judged people's problems. What do you think - good king or bad king?
I feel it's too early to make a call or that it's possible to actually categorise one way. I've learnt that even if someone is a clear villain, it maybe in one aspect. And he may even be an excellent king!

DQ - Day 1

1. This book begins in 18th century Cairo, with France and Turkey fighting over Egypt. I have never encountered this conflict in fiction before. Have you? Were you familiar with it before you started reading?
No, I haven't. In fact, it was quite new to me that I had to read up on it. It is a very interesting setup.

2. Nahri has several mysterious powers, including healing, the ability to sense illness in others, and the ability to understand and speak every language she hears. Which of her powers would you like for yourself?
I want to say sense illness but I'd rather speak every language I hear. Imagine traveling anywhere and able to understand and speak the native language. How wonderful would that be?!

3. What do you think of the world building so far? Do you find it confusing, or do you feel like you’re along for the ride?
It has been confusing. I feel like I should already know more but when the info is dumped, I'm sometimes left more confused. The info dumping is a little clumsy for me.

4. So far we’ve met 3 significant players in this book: Nahri, Ali, and Dara. Do you have a favorite character so far, or one who intrigues you the most?
No, at that point, I don't have a favorite character. All of them intrigue me on different points.

Tone wrote: "Thinking about Legends & Lattes for the Legend of the 10 rings chipmunk task.

Do you think it will be okay with plurals?"

Ooh, that's on my TBR.. soonish maybe next month. I'll wait for your thoughts.

Does this cover - looks monochrome? I'm reading for another challenge and if yes, may knock off another chipmunk challenge.

Nanci wrote: "Hooray, Vi!"
Thanks Nanci :)

MN Lisa wrote: "Checked in

I also hid the May books to make it (hopefully) easier to find your books and hid the completed/checked in books on the Chipmunks tab."

Thanks Lisa!

I finished which completes another chipmunk task.