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

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

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 -3

1. From the cover, it looks as if Mercedes has acquired a few more tattoos. Do you have any tattoos? Have you ever wanted to get any?

I think in every cover in the series, she seems to acquire some more tattoos. No, but I think I want one. As to what, I'm still not sure. I keep changing my mind.

2.What is your impression of Stefan? Do you consider him a true friend to Mercy? Does she? What did you think of his attire, à la Nosferatu* when he showed up on her porch in Chapter 1?

Stefan seems okay for a vampire compared to the rest of his seethe. A true friend - probably not. But a friend for what he can do given his/seethe's interest first. I don't think she'll consider him a true friend - just a friend. I was hoping that it wouldn't be too bad given that the costume he wore was to intimidate someone.

3. I can see why Mercy preferred the harness of the collar (not to mention the bright purple & pink flowers on hers), but why didn’t she question the buckles being silver?

I was thinking the same thing - maybe she trusted Stefan? After all she did owe him.

4. Mercy asks herself a good question: How did Stefan expect her to escape something that could kill him? Seems like he was asking a lot there; or do I only question this with 20/20 hindsight?

I think we are all questioning this with hindsight. Stefan didn't expect anything huge to happen. Plus, Mercy has the added advantage of being immune to most of vampire magic.

5. The vampire/demon/sorcerer’s appearance was anticlimactic. Did this allay your fears? Was it just me, or did he seem to have more than one personality? One kind of rude and nerdish, one childish and one just pure evil. You?

Nah, it didn't. It seems like the persons who don't look like a typical villain/evil are the ones most to fear - because you can be deceived by them. I mean, appearances are deceptive.

6. What did you think was in the bathroom before the mewling noise was made? After? Eek! What did you think when Cory Littleton/Kurfel/Asmodeus** petted Mercy?

No. I certainly hoped it was not the horror that came after. Horrified, really. Such evilness inside and all animals love him? What are the animals coming to, really? Sorta undermines the theory that animals know the good guys.

7. Huh? Was it just me who was confused, or were any of you also? I couldn’t figure out how many “possessions” where involved there. Did a sorcerer, take over another’s body, then invite a demon into him (the sorcerer)? I was lost.

Good questions. It was confusing as well along with the fact that he was turned into vampire. Which leads me to the questions - does this sorcerer-demon-vampire die at daylight?

8. Ick. The killing of the (view spoiler) was a little too gory for me. How about you?

Not so much for me. I guess it's because I've read some many books with detailed descriptions of the violence. Sad fact.

9.What was the significance of Cory calling Stefan “Soldier”? The significance of the Benjamin Franklin quote?

What was Stefan's age again? I thought Cory was demolish - trying to hit where it hurts the most.

10. Man-oh-man! I was glad Mercedes awoke on her own couch, with Samuel there, but how the hell did she get home? Stefan drove her? And, what about her being bitten by that thing? Are you as worried as I am? (‘Cause I’m plenty worried!)

I'm guessing Stefan drove her. How? Wasn't he in bloodlust? I was shocked when I read that she was bitten. When did that happen? I hope that this doesn't come into play later on.

11. What the hell happened to Stefan and – more important – is he back to normal? I am very suspicious. I thinking the demon could be in him still, in some way. Maybe even transiently. I’m thinking this last, because Medea seems to still like him.

I hope not. I'm thinking Stefan back to normal. Maybe the demon only has temporary hypnotic powers or something

12. This isn’t a romance, but there is still a bit of a “love triangle” (for lack of a better word) going on between Mercedes, Samuel, and Adam. Any preference in which one she chooses? Or comments in general? .

I heard that the triangle was resolved only in the latest book. I hate triangles which is why I didn't pick this up sooner. I prefer Samuel - hello, tortured hero. Nothing more to say. And also I think because I met him before Adam (I came via the Alpha and Omega series)

13. Were you expecting Mrs. Hanna to be a (view spoiler)?

No! It was a complete shock, the way it was delivered. (I loved it, that line!)

14. The would “bound” is in the title of this book, so it leaped out at me when Zee was explaining, “There are things that serve the Great Beast of Christian scripture… The greater servants are BOUND away from our world, but can be invited in – just as vampires cannot enter a home without an invitation.” WTF? Just what does that mean? Whose blood is bound – or worse, going to be bound?

I certainly hope it's not Mercy. But I suspect she will come into play because she can't remain in the sidelines when she's the main character in the book, right?

15. Is Tom Black just a (view spoiler)?

Nah, he doesn't have that curiosity and nosiness that reporters should have.

16. How do you think the meeting the Mistress, Marsilia, will go? Crap! I still remember what happened with Samuel last time. I don’t trust her.

I really hope it goes well but it probably won't. I don't think they will trust Mercy completely.

Are we doing the stagger method or reading at one go?

Yeah, 5 chapters is news to me too! Looking forward to the discussion.

* Looking around furtively. Did Anomander someone call me? Nah! * I'm reading the book, I promise *muttering along with 3 other books* I don't know how I got into so many buddy reads :(

* Hiding from Anomander * I'm in too!

I'm so sorry, you guys!

Caitrin, are you reading it everyday?

I know I said I'll post yesterday but my work is killing me! I couldn't even sneak a read in my work!! (ok, so I do read during work) I'll read tomorrow and post questions, I promise!!

Sashana wrote: "Vi wrote: "I gobbled up the whole series in a few days (during a looong weekend) sometime last year. Luckily, the last book was released soon after. I'll chime in on the discussions now and then. T..."

I would say it is UF not PNR. Romance is a sub-plot but definitely not the main plot of this story.

I gobbled up the whole series in a few days (during a looong weekend) sometime last year. Luckily, the last book was released soon after. I'll chime in on the discussions now and then. The series is good!

Sorry! RL kept me busy enough that I couldn't read the book. I'll be reading today and tomorrow and I'll post questions tomorrow.

Man, the pics are damn good! I likes! I'm in. I'll post my list and level (mostly difficult) later.

@Caitrin

#8 - Oh yeah, the characters introduced are many

#16 - You maybe right, given that there might be some "magic" stuff here.

#23 - I can sort of understand but I can't still get over the fact that he will be an assassin! I want to tell him that the costs maybe waaay higher than he expects - yeah, it's stupid of me, I know.

#24 - Yes, when you put it that way, I can sympathize a liiitle bit.

So far, it's progressing very well.

Yes, me too. So far, I'm enjoying pacing myself too. I remember when we were reading A Game of Thrones, I couldn't pace myself. I kept reading in lumps and forcing myself to put down. Now, I'm able to put it down. Or maybe, it's because I'm used to BR now.

How far are you in, Anomander?

#23 - It is a good motive as any - but an assassin??!! I want to shake Azoth and tell him not to do it. Will it be worth it? Oh man.

#28 - Yeah, he is that kind of kid. Damn, Weeks is a good author.

#29 - Hmm, Bipolar. You might be right.

Ah, I'm really digging it so far. I don't read many fantasies as I ought to!

Ok, what is Blint's cause? He works for the Nine/ Sa'Kage. When did he stop being loyal?

Questions for Chapter 10 - 16

19. What? Why? Why does Blint give Azoth to kill Rat as a test? Is he out of his mind? Do you think what he did was the right thing? Could Blint have done anything better?

20. I know Blint is not, cannot, be human but he does show to have some sort of emotion inside him. Do you agree/disagree? Why?

21. Finally, we learn about Vonda. Do you think Blint really loved her?

22. OMG! I didn't expect Azoth to do it really. I mean, I know he had to do it but.. I'm having mixed feelings about this. Did the author intend us to feel like this?

23. Why does Azoth want to be a wetboy? Blint said he'll give money for him to apprentice with someone else but why him? What does Azoth see in being an assassin?

24. That was quick thinking of Solon. What game is Lady Gyre playing?

25. For an assassin, Blint seems to awfully well-liked. Isn't that like a contradiction?

26. Do you Solon does have magic? From his account, no but Blint seems to think so.. What do you think?

27. Why does Azoth have to reborn as Kyler? What will it accomplish?

28. Oh man, that was generous of Azoth - what he did for Jarl AND Doll Girl. I'm so impressed. Oh boy, I feel so sorry for Jarl and Doll Girl. Even when she finally spoke! Comments?

29. Oh damn. What a brutal beating session! I didn't know Blint had it in him!!

30. What's that sword's implication? Can you understand what was going on?? I'm lost

The first one was very very good. I loved it! I did start off with the the group that's doing the whole series now but I dropped off from book #2 since I didn't have time.

I know! Sorry for that post. Anyway, I'm up for Martin from book #2 onwards.