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

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

Same here, Leslie. For me, the three books should not be too similar. The dailyish book should definitely not be a genre similar to the doorstopper.

Oh, good. I was worried when I got those books. I couldn't believe I confused Victoria Dahl & Victoria Holt. The worst thing is they're still similar in my mind. Thankfully, I got only 3 books.

Obsidian was just ok for me - I read it for the Bingo challenge and it felt like a typical YA which came out after Twilight. Very very similar. And I love Ann Aguirre. Atleast, I loved her Sirantha Jax series. Enclave is high on my TBR.

Ohh. I haven't seen the movie and I'm not sure which movie it was. I think one of her books was on sale which was why I got curious. Thankfully, I didn't buy her yet. Still on the fence.

Vi's Answers to Lisa Kay's Questions for Chapters 10-15

I think I have as many questions as you, LK. I tried so hard not to answer a Q with a question of my own ;)

13. Okay, who was the dude outside Devlin’s house? I’m guessing he’s Darious Goodwine, but what was with the shimmery blue stuff in his palm that smelled of sulfur?
I'm thinking Darius too but I'm not sure what that stuff was. Does Darius know Mariama is hating Devlin? Is that stuff something to help the ghost materialize or something?

14. Whatever Devlin and Mariam were fighting about seems key to all this. I didn’t realize that in the earlier books, but I think so now. You? (That scene with Mariam’s feet floating inches above the steps was freaky, too. More so than the falling painting; I don’t think she’ll ever let him go. And Amelia’s instinct to protect Shani from Mariam was interesting. Hmmm.)
Yes, I completely agree. I can't help thinking Mariama is getting more powerful? What did happen between Devlin & Mariama that he can't let her go? I can't help feel for Shani. I don't think she likes haunting with Mariama.

15. If Devlin didn’t send the text or eMail to Amelia, then who did? Robert Fremont? Or someone else altogether?
That was creepy too. I don't altogether think it was Fremont. He didn't seem to have foreseen when the stars will be aligned perfectly for whatever he was wants to find.

16. Whatever... and despite that ‘almost kiss,’ it doesn’t seem as if Devlin is ready to let go of his ghosts, either. Right?
Totally. Again, what did happen between them? What's up with Mariama? Is she haunting because she doesn't want to let Devlin go or is there another reason for it? How does Shani fit into all this?

17. Aww, poor little Shani. I wasn’t a freaked out by the heart on the mirror in Amelia’s house, indicating she’s manifested inside her sanctuary. Maybe I should have been, but I want Amelia to help her. What was that dark malevolence that followed Shani? Did Shani write the repeated “HELP ME” on the mirror, or is she too young? Who could it be? Robert Fremont? Or somebody worse?
Really - poor, poor Shani. I really feel for her. I think it's Shani reaching out to Amelia - probably the only adult that she can reach out for help. Devlin ignores her and Mariama doesn't exactly seem to be the motherly type while in Ghost mode. The dark malevolence is interesting - I can't help think Darius has something to do with it.

18. Questions and comments regarding Amelia’s morning walk (Chapter 12):
a) Where does Fremont get his energy? (Still wondering his ghost is so different.)
Good question but I still don't have the answer.

b) Did Fremont bring something – or someone – with him that is draining Amelia? Does that mean he might have gone to the Gray? (Hey, that’s Amelia’s last name!)
No. So far, I think Fremont is trustworthy. It wouldn't do to harm the hand that feeds you, right? If something's draining Amelia, then Fremont might not get his job done.

c) Did Shani or some other ghost – or person – perform psychokinesis to put the “HELP ME” on the mirror?
I still think it's Shani. I'm just hoping she doesn't turn out be acting as bait - that really would be super turning point at the end.

d) Is the timeline of Fremont’s death important?
Yes - It is. He was murdered so something he discovered must have gotten him into trouble. Was he meeting somebody for info? What was he doing at the cemetery? I mean Amelia needs answers to those questions if she has to solve the mystery.

e) Who was the man who sidled up to Amelia at the rail to admire the sunrise? Anyone important? Is he the guy who follows her later?
I think so. Suddenly, I'm seeing Darius everywhere. Was this guy the same one as the one outside Devlin's house? It can't be a coincidence can it? When suddenly she's seeing too many guys?

f) And probably most important, BOOK QUOTE: “You still don’t know who you are, do you? You still don’t understand why we come to you.”
This quote is very, very important. I wish we'd gotten answer to it also. Amelia later muses: It's too late for her to go back to the middle - the entities have started reaching out to her. What does that mean?

g) Fremont believes Dr. Rupert Shaw is evil, yet Amelia trusts him. We know that he financed Mariam’s education, but he was more interested in her grandmother, Essie Goodwine. Comments.
After his reaction to Amelia's question, I'm not entirely sure he is trust-worthy or if he's completely evil. Maybe in-between. Maybe he knows stuff but didn't act on it or stood by? He could have gone one step too far in his interest of Essie Goodwine. I need to read more!

h) BOOK QUOTE: “Because she knew you can’t always control what you bring back,” he muttered. ...Eep!
Foreshadowing! What's going to happen?

g) We now know that Darius is Mariama’s first cousin, raised as her sibling. He persuaded her to run off to Africa, where Devlin found them and brought Shani home. But Mariama and Darius came back changed: her more bitchy and Darius as a tagati (a sorcerer who uses medicinal conjure for evil).
Mariama and Devlin's relationship is at the core. We really need to know more them and Mariama in particular. Was she a good person before she got changed?

h) Was Fremont was trying to stop Darius from drug smuggling? He paused before confirming. Or was he just stopping there to murmur a protective incantation against Darius? And why would a ghost be afraid of a human?
Well, it makes sense Fremont would be afraid of Darius - we don't know what constitutes a tagati. Can Darius do something that can harm Fremont? Does Darius have some sort of control over the ghosts?

19. Who is this dude in the straw fedora and Madras blazer? Why were his lips moving, but there was no phone to his ear? Was he talking into a microphone? Or is he a psycho stalker?
Ugh. Suddenly Amelia's seeing too many guys. It can't be a coincidence. Does that mean whoever it is know about Fremont or that she visited Devlin?

20. So, why was Ethan agitated over the blue Buick that might have been following Amelia? Does he worry about her that much, or could he know to whom the car belongs?
I think something's happening that we are not yet sure of. Ethan's involved into his skin in whatever's happening. I'm thinking it has something to do with Fremont as well.

21. What was Dr. Shaw’s look of malevolence all about when Amelia mentioned gray dust?
I don't know. There's so much foreshadowing going on. And what is that herb thingy he took? Was it a drug?

22. What in the world is up with Layla? I sure would NOT take any tea from her.
I know - what the heck is up with her? Why was she spying on Amelia? Is there a conspiracy going on?

23. All this talk of ibogaine and gray dust; I’m with Amelia, why would anyone want to take that stuff? (Despite the chance at spiritual enlightenment or feelings of euphoria.) However, I’m getting worried about the mention of “a series of obstacles that must be overcome” and the possibility of being “invaded by another spirit.” That sounds like foreshadowing. Comments.
This series of obstacle thingy is something I've read in other novels. I think it was then called Vision Quest or something. It is more popular in fantasy novels based on tribes. After this quest, usually, they get a familiar/guide animal or something like that. I used to think it was a trope but maybe it's based on a fact? Foreshadowing is happening every other page in this book.

24. Okay, that was creepy, the way “she” was leaning against the door frame and watching Amelia. Think it is the same perfume that clung to Fremont?
Maybe she knows about Amelia? I mean Amelia has visited Dr.Shaw many times so she (assuming it's Isabel) could have seen her and heard about her from Devlin. It wouldn't be surprising if she was curious. And Amelia could be jumpy due to the things happening to her.

Has anybody read Anne Rice's Vampire books? I've been hearing about it and thinking of giving it a try..is it good?

And Leslie, I had so my fun today too and it's barely 8 am. I actually wanted to buy which was released yesterday but ended up buying so many others. CC got a workout today when I read about this book: . I sort of bought other books from the author thinking she was Victoria Dahl. I just realized a few mins ago that they were different people.

Today's Lesson: don't go to Amazon before you are completely awake.

This combo is the only thing that seems to work for me: 1 audio, 1 doorstopper, 1 shorter book. If I have two shorter books going on, then I can't multi-task. It's finish one first.

Leslie, how can you read, watch and work on comp? I can do anything while TV's on but not reading and working on the comp at the same time.

Oh, Lisa Kay! The pics are so beautiful. I really want to visit Charleston now. And the houses on Tradd Street are so gorgeous!

Lisa Kay wrote: "Vi wrote: "I feel like I've finally joined an elite club of reading multiple books going on at once."

LOL! I think that is a side-effect of GRs."

Definitely.

Lisa Kay wrote: " HP

Rapes? In Harry Potter? Eep. Thank goodness...not!"

I agree :)

Wow, the team is very quiet! Does that mean everybody's reading?

I started yesterday and like Leslie, I'm completely sucked in too. The third book is much better than the first 2 which didn't suck me as good as this.

Also started yesterday with going as Audio Book. I feel like I've finally joined an elite club of reading multiple books going on at once.

The pics are very beautiful, LK!

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 1 – 9

1. With what does Shani want – or need – help? Did Mariama inflict the blow to Amelia in the garden? Or was it Freemont? Was it also Mariama’s doing to lure Amelia into that garden? Or does Shani really need help with something? And the Garnet ring was mentioned again; any significance in that?
I think Shani would like to "move on" whereas Mariama is not so keen? Atleast that's the vibe I get. The blow is definitely from Mariama. I think the Garnet ring is some sort of token.

2. Who was the brunette – Isabel Perilloux – with Devlin? A lover? Has he moved on? Or does he have some other relation to her?
Probably a "friends with benefits" situation where one or both of them had the other to lean on.

3. BOOK QUOTE: “Because if you heard a nightingale in Charleston –" Whatever was Devlin going to say? This bird migrates to Africa in the winter; it was African music that Amelia heard when she almost made love to Devlin last time. Is there a connection here?
I was so curious about that sentence too. Good catch, LK. I totally forgot about the music.

4. Why don’t the rules apply to Robert Fremont? He emerges before dusk and after sunrise; appear as though he is still alive; Amelia can see his lips move; he can invade her sanctuary. And – eep! – he’s haunting her! And blackmailing her? If she finds his killer, will he really leave her be? Comments.
Maybe because he's not a typical ghost that Amelia knows? The ones who leech the life from the people they are hunting. He's hanging around because something's holding back so that maybe that makes him "apart".

5. Looks as if the flood gates really have opened to the Others. Now Shani was on the swing in Amelia’s backyard. Should Amelia embrace her dark gift? (Love that Angus is back; was he mesmerized by her?)
I think she's probably going to. Sort of like she crossed the line and now she can't go back. Angus was mesmerized probably because he didn't know what to make of Shani - she's not exactly killer material, right?

6. BOOK QUOTE: “A good palmist is more of a psychologist than a prophet.” Was I the only one who felt the word “prophet” leaped off the page at me? Is the title of the book more than just about Robert Fremont; is there a connection here with the chiromancy? (By the way, I was surprised Amelia even let Clementine hold her hand, even if she wasn’t an expert. You?)
The word Prophet does seem to leap off the page for me. Though, I'm waiting to read more to see how it all connects together. I was totally surprised when she spent time with Clementine and letting her read her palm was even more surprising

7. BOOK QUOTE: “She always said it was a foolish woman who relied solely on the discretion and generosity of a man…” No question here; I just really liked Clementine’s grandmother’s motto.
I totally agree!

8. Are Clementine’s unpleasant memories of her previous garden somehow related to all that is going on?
I think so. Everything seems to happening for a reason - definitely not a coincidence.

9. What of the connections between Shani and Mariama and Robert Fremont? Devlin’s family is buried in that same cemetery – where Robert was killed. Fremont’s shooting occurred the day after Mariama’s car accident. Do you agree with Amelia’s belief in the synchronicity of it all?
Yep, too much of a coincidence otherwise. I really want more of Devlin's backstory.

10. Is Amelia just dreaming she’s gone to Devlin’s home? Are the entities all around her trying to drawn her in or warn her off?
Nah, she's there. The entities are trying to draw her but for what reason?

11. What did you make of Devlin and Ethan Shaw’s conversation on the veranda? A lot was discussed, only leading to more questions:
The conversation was placed very well at the early parts of the book. It's making me more curious.

a) Who is Darious Goodwine and what is his relationship to Mariama? What of his motivation to play God?
I think he's her brother.

b) What of the African gray dust – more than a very powerful hallucinogenic and killer? Did Devlin ever use any? If not, why did he come back home so shaky?
He must have used it.

c) What do you make of Devlin going to Dr. Rupert Shaw the night of his wife and daughter’s deaths?
Not sure at all.

d) Whatever did Robert and Devlin have a falling out about?
Again, don't have an idea.

e) Is Ethan telling the truth? Was he really waiting on Devlin’s poach all night, or did he need the alibi? If so, why?
I think Ethan I believe Ethan. He was worried about Devlin.

12. Eep! What a place to end. Who’s eyes were those in the bushes?
It was really hard to stop at this point! I'm going back now though :)

I haven't started it yet but I'll catch up while you ladies are sleeping :)

LK, I can do tomorrow i.e Wednesday's questions.

Midu wrote: "Vi wrote: "I finally remembered to reserve a post here. Great challenge, mods!"

Vi!!!"

Midu!! How are you?

Ashley Marie wrote: " HP

Finished Goblet of Fire today, and while it's my favorite of the movies, it isn't my fav book in the series.

It strikes me over and over again..."

So true Ashley. And it's sort of like they are very set in their ways and so resistant to change. Makes sense because they are very contained and don't react with "non-magic" people.

What also struck me this time was that there is no abuse towards women. You would imagine with a war there would be rapes n stuff but not in this series. Maybe because it is aimed at the YA market so it's "clean". Honestly, women in the series are empowered.

I just realized this because the other Fantasy book I had going was war book and one of the MC was raped. It was done so subtly that it was very powerful.

I finished GoF last Sunday and started OoP yesterday. Yet to watch GoF movie though.

Lisa Kay wrote: "Vi wrote: "Have you read the rest of the series?"

I've read a few, but not all of them. The ones I read also are wonderful; however, the first is the one that knocked me over."

Oh. I'll give the rest of her books a try and then come back to the series later when the first is not as fresh in my mind.

Lisa Kay wrote: "Oh, Vi! That is sweet of you. I'm really just so glad you liked that book. "

Well, you are an awesome recommender. And I really, really loved the book. Have you read the rest of the series?

I finished up just a few minutes earlier and it was AWESOME! More like an (almost) epic western romance. I really felt for Hunter, Loretta & Amy. The book really bought into life the conflict very vividly. I really can't help feeling for the Comanches. LK, Thanks for another bang-on recommendation.

You are Recommender, EVER!

I finally remembered to reserve a post here. Great challenge, mods!

Great job, Moonstone!!

Judy wrote: "I read 20 pages of and gave up. The story seemed a bit slow and I think I need a break from books about military with PTSD (it seems I've read a lot of them recently.)"

LOL! I can totally understand. There are so many of them that it isn't funny anymore.