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

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

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.

MN Lisa wrote: "I would say that counts."

Thanks Lisa! I've added my book in the spreadsheet. I should finish it today.

I checked the new task - X-rays. In The Assassin's Blade, the MC gets hurt and a healer takes care of the wounds. What do you all think? Is this good enough?

Suzanne wrote: "Great! @Janeylou can you put it on your tower team shelf?

@Amanda - I don't want to step on any toes either. Team (and especially Vi in this case) what do you think? Should we finish chipmunks as ..."

I'm good with replacing books even if claimed.. we will still be getting points. and who knows, maybe the book might work for another task.

I've also removed my name from another task.. I have to start and then the King doorstopper. The book I had is also 600+ so it's doubtful if I can get to it soon.

Amanda wrote: "I don't want to step on any toes, but I just finished The Assassin's Blade, which is the same book Vi is reading for Chipmunk Task 1 (Top 10 books of 2014); if we want to swap out ..."

I'm still reading but if you are done, please go ahead. The sooner we get new tasks, the better.

Cris (The Biblio Blonde) wrote: "Question on colors... this book has different shades of pink, but adds up to well over 60% pink. At a glance it's definitely pink. Can I use it for a rainbow tower book? I went ahead and plugged it..."

Looks pink to me too.

Ok Lisa, then I'll claim it.. another chipmunk task will be completed. Thanks!

Edit: Updated in the spreadsheet. Claimed #4.

In other news, if anybody is looking for a progression fantasy (i.e where the MC starts off as an underdog and slowly progresses), then I'd highly recommend Cradle series by Will Wight. It has an Asian(Japanese) aspect to it and it's good fun and adventure. The author has all his books free in Amazon from yesterday (1 more hour left). The series is almost complete - the last book is out soon. Not sponsored, but I really love this series. It has a Naruto feel to it (for me).

@Shannon, glad you are getting better.

Belated Birthday Wishes Tone.

I just finished a book and it has the MC committing adultery. Can we use it for the chipmunk task? I'm not sure if somebody is already reading for it and I already planned for 2 other tasks.

Suzanne wrote: "Vi wrote: "Yeah the red stands out to me too Vi - I think let's go with dark red if that's ok with you. (I asked a couple people that live here too what color they would say the book is. I think they are getting scared to walk by my computer!).."

Yes, that’s good with me Suzanne.

Kerri wrote: "I’m with you there, Elinor! I hate that feeling of losing time so I’m usually pretty relieved when I come back around. I was just so sleepy and out of it afterwards. I’m finally feeling more normal..."

Glad you're feeling better Kerri!