Chelsea’s Comments (group member since Jun 08, 2015)

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

My library loan expires in a few hours, so I can't help with discussion questions. But I finished! It was a bit like pulling teeth, but the last book wasn't terribly long.

Book Three Questions

8. This book opens up with several scenes of Patricia using her magic. Once again we see the sarcasm and dark humor of the author as she explains the pretentious party. Also the poet who insists on dying on his feet. Some of the scenes described though are disturbing and too dark for the tone of the book. Comments? Other places where you found this incongruity?
I generally feel like the author has no idea how to create realistic characters, even in a world containing magic. Scenes go back and forth between childish and dark. It's a mess.

9. The author seems to be trying to set up a conflict between science and magic/nature or logic and emotion. Do you feel that science and nature or logic and emotion exist in conflict?
Yeah, she's definitely trying to build a conflict, but it doesn't necessarily seem plausible. Obviously the scientists would have a hard time believing magic exists, but upon seeing it they can hardly deny it. And the witches obviously understand that the scientists have some real power/ability to since they're trying to stop them. But I don't think they're as polar opposite as the author is trying to make it.

10. I loved the description of the web comics "There is a whole art to creating nonexistent jokes that appear to go over everyone's head" Kind of like The Emperor's New Clothes to me. Do you see these descriptions as a jab at our culture's (American) self importance? Is this a subtext to her book?
I suppose it's a jab at anyone trying to sound smarter than they really are. And I don't think that goes only for Americans. But a subtext? Meh. People are generally self-centered and egotistical in real life, so if that's a subtext, sure, but it's more like a fact to me.

11. Dorothea tells a story about a man who make lethal brooches. He made a frog that was lethal by accident and had to try to retrieve it. Shortly after this Mr. Rose was made into a frog brooch. Do you think he will reappear in the story later? Will he play into the final conflict somehow?
I have no idea. I've given up trying to make sense of this book.

12. Dorothea's restaurant sounds like fun. The doors opened up to other countries to the food would be authentic. Did I read that right? If you visited the restaurant what would you want to be able to order, and from which country?
I wasn't sure if it was that or a huge joke, like you think you're going to a restaurant but you never actually get anything? It wasn't very clear.

13. Would you buy a Caddy? Would you answer the personal questions to set it up?
They sound super sketchy. I mean, it would definitely be tempting, but it sounds like they take over your life even more than our obsession with technology today. I suppose the personal questions make it more ominous but better functioning, so I would if I had one, but I dunno if I'd get one in the first place.

14. Would you rather lose your sense of smell or your sense of taste? When was the last time you were glad you stayed up late?
I would definitely rather lose my sense of smell because I already have an over-sensitive nose and it's pretty annoying sometimes, and I love to eat so I would hate to lose the sense of taste!
I generally stay up too late because I'm reading or watching something online, so... I'm glad I've stayed up late to read a good book? :)

15. I enjoyed the descriptions of the magic school. Would you feel more at home at the Eltisley side or the Maze side? Would you want healer magic or trickster magic?Probably the healer side because I prefer a bit more order and reason and I don't like to party and do crazy stuff.

16. And then chapter 24 and the book came off the rails for me for several reasons. I will finish this book but I would not recommend it to friends. Will you be finishing this book?
Yeah... their relationship came out of nowhere. And the sex scenes felt so misplaced since the rest of the book reads like YA.

In general, I'm super annoyed by this book. If anyone has finished it, I would love to know if it's worth finishing. My library loan ends tomorrow, so I need to finish it in a hurry if I'm going to, but I don't know if it's worth it. The writing is horrible and the dialogue is cringe-worthy and the characters are totally un-relatable. Even the science stuff doesn't even seem plausible at all.

Has anyone finished it yet?

Discussion Questions Book 1 & 2

1. Ok after reading the first chapter I felt this book was so not what I expected based on the description. It felt almost dreamlike and I’m not sure if this is a book I’m going to like. What do you think after reading book 1 and 2? Was it what you expected it to be? Is the style something you read more often?
It's definitely not what I expected. I like hearing about Patricia's learning magic and Laurence inventing things. But the writing is terrible and there's an unrealistic amount of violence and the characters are hard to relate to.

2. In book 1 we meet Patricia and Laurence, two kids who seem to have some difficulties with their parents. What do you think of them? Do you like them? What do you think of their parents?
I generally like Patricia and Laurence, although I don't always agree with their choices. But both of their parents are just awful. I don't understand why they don't have any faith or trust in their own kids.

3. In book two we read about how the friendship between Patricia and Laurence starts. Do you like how they interact with each other?
Initially, yes, it's nice that they found each other when they didn't have friends. But I couldn't believe how Laurence turned on Patricia. I'm hoping they'll grow close again.

4. The chapter with the assassin was a little strange. Do you think he will try again?
He is such an odd character- he doesn't really fit in with the story that well, but maybe because he hasn't been very well developed. I'm guessing that he will try again out of pride, but who knows, maybe he'll move on.

5. That’s nice, after everything Patricia has done for him and stood by him, Laurence is going to ignore her and run away from her. What do think of his actions?
He definitely hasn't been a good friend. I hope he turns it around.

6. Do you think all the bullying Laurence and Patricia are going through are the cause of the future trouble?
Honestly, this book is so poorly thought out, I have no idea.

7. What do you think is going to happen with CH@NG3M3/Peregrine now that it can think for itself and has started to “infect” other computers? Will we hear more from it?
I suppose he'll keep expanding, but I don't know to what point. It would make sense if he had more to do with Laurence's future. But is it even possible for him to be expanding like that in the first place? I don't know that much about artificial intelligence.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I'll keep going with the next section and hope that all this uneccessary violence and stereotype caricatures are over... maybe I'm just in a mood but I really dislike the characters and I think the writing is sloppy :o "

The awful writing is what's bothering me the most right now, although the characters are, too. Just when you think you're getting some progress with the two main characters, the parents react absolutely horribly- I mean, what kind of parent actually feeds their kid through a door??? To me, that is not cruel parenting- it's bad writing, because it's just making the parents mean in order to force growth on the main characters. Same for the kids at school; I know bullying exists, but I've never heard of it existing in this violent form, even in a world with a touch of magic.

But the part that's killing me the most is the terrible dialogue. O.O

I got the book from the library but not sure I'll have time to do questions as my homework is really piling up:) But I can be a backup person if someone drops out, etc.

Gavin wrote: "It made me wonder... Are the Malachai actually ghosts of a person long past?"

I don't think the new Alice has anything to do with the old Alice. To me, at least, it's pretty clear that the Malchai rose more or less from the dead person Kate killed, but is a representation of the murderer rather than the victim. The new Alice looked at a picture and only recognized Kate (not her mother), because she's some kind of dark impression of her soul. As for her name choosing, maybe she just happened to see the name written somewhere and decided that she liked it and knew it was meaningful to Kate.

Tania wrote: "Hmm...I hadn't thought about that, but it does make sense. It would be a huge help, but at what cost would it be to August? I think this could create an interest struggle in a future book. "
Yeah, it might be a hindrance in his effort to stay "good" if he's consuming darkness in order to kill other monsters. It just seems so difficult for humans to kill them that it would be nice for him to be able to help without harming himself. Because having someone as powerful as August who can only kill humans without harming himself is kinda crappy. He would have to just be a rallying leader and a human soldier rather than using his true powers.

Tania wrote: "I really enjoyed your rhyme as well, Chelsea. I think this could actually be quite a rhyme to consider in real life! :) "

Thanks!!! Yours is really good, too! :)

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Yes I think they will be allies, but probably this will happen in book 3 when they come back together to defeat all the monsters "

I was under the impression that there will only be two books?

DQ's- Verse 4: - Elegy (end)- Face Your Monsters

23. What do you think about Sloan actually being responsible for the accident that took Kate's mothers live under Harker's order?
Not surprised at all. Harker viewed his own wife as weak and Sloan was more than willing to get rid of her.

24. Why do you think they sent a human disguised as a monster to turn Kate into a sinner and vulnerable to August? Why was it important that August kill Kate? Even Leo wanted August to end Kate's life....
That was very strange and yet intelligent to send the human in first, although I'm surprised that a self-defense kill is still considered murder. I think Leo wanted August to kill Kate to help "turn him over to the dark side" (if you'll excuse my Star Wars pun). August had always been very careful about his feedings, but Leo wanted to make him darker, more violent. And killing a friend would certainly affect August irreparably.

25. What do you think about Sunai being mortal when dark? Did you like this or just wished that they be indestructible?
I thought that was an interesting concept. It's always unbelievable if someone/something is completely indestructible, so I appreciate the weakness. Everyone has a soft spot somewhere. Although it's true that they seem like a somewhat easy kill in their dark form, so long as they don't get their hands around your throat.

26. So Leo turns out to be a fanatic, but do you believe there is truth in his words that Sunai are meant to cleanse the world and cannot be limited to just South Verity?
I think Leo could have been particularly dark because of the circumstance of the mass murders that created him. But in any case, he was power-hungry and desperate, so I can't see reason in any of his beliefs. After all, the Sunai supposedly can't harm the other monsters, so the only cleansing they can do in the first place is with humans.

27. Why do you think August took Leo's life instead of Kate's when Dark? Were you surprised that a Sunai can take another Sunai's life like this?
I think that because August was so desperate to remain himself and not give into some darker authority within him, he actually did retain his own thoughts and wishes in his dark form. Thus, he recognized Kate as a friend and Leo as the source of problems. I wasn't necessarily surprised by his ability to kill Leo, but it made me wonder if he can kill the Malchai and Corsai in his dark form even if he can't normally in his "human" form. Which would be huge in an effort to cleanse the town of monsters.

28. Do you think August will become more like Leo now that he has consumed Leo's soul?
No, not necessarily. He is understanding himself and his abilities more and more, and so I think he will be able to resist the darkness of Leo's soul. He understands now that it's about active control rather than denial.

29. What do you think about Alice and isn't it odd that Kate killing 1 man resulted into a Malchai being made. I thought it took more than that. What are your thoughts on this?
That's basically what I thought all along- just like how Sloan is Harker's "own personal Malchai." Sloan is the result of Harker murdering someone. But what I want to know is what happens when one human kills multiple people- do multiple Malchai form or does the original one get stronger? I'm also wondering if Alice will seek Kate out, and if so, if she'll try to work with her or against her.

30. August and Kate have gone their separate ways at the end. I am sure they will come across each other again but as enemies or allies? Any guesses?
Allies, for sure. Based on the description of the next book, it sounds like Kate works on hunting monsters in Providence, and so maybe she then comes back to Verity with important information to overthrow the monsters with August.

Gav wrote: "Maybe he killed Kate's mom. (Was he even alive back then?) And thx! Nice rhyme too, btw. "

I've finished reading, so I know the answer and don't want to spoil it if you don't, although I'm still not sure how long Leo has been pulling strings, so to speak. Not sure we'll ever get a definitive answer on that.
And thank you!

Laurie wrote: "Nice rhyme! :)"

Thanks!!!

Gav wrote: "For some reason, Leo's been popping into my mind every time I wanna accuse someone. "

I hadn't read your comments before writing mine, so it seems like we're thinking the same thing! I didn't think about Leo as I was reading, but in reflection it seems like something he might do.

And nice poem!

Questions Part 3

14. Do you like the story more now that August and Kate are working together?
Well, I'm still not sure how much she trusts him, but they do seem to make a good team. I'm hoping she stays his friend and doesn't turn him over to her father.

15. How do you feel about August and Kate becoming a couple? Is it even possible?
Eh... I dunno. Seems unlikely because we don't even know if August can have children, although that doesn't necessarily mean that they couldn't have a relationship anyway. But I feel like no matter how much she trusts him, she would always be thinking that he's different in the back of her mind, and August will always think he's not good enough.

16. Now that we're about 80% through with the book, and we've learned quite a lot about Kate and August's past, who do you like better?
Definitely August. He is constantly striving to do good even at great personal risk, whereas Kate is on the fence. She has been trying to be "bad" for years in order to impress her father, which I understand, but I think is unfortunate. August also just seems easier to relate to for me.

17. Who do you think actually sent the Malachai? Who would wanna spark another war? And why?
I think Kate's assumption that Sloan is behind it is pretty good. He seems like he wants more power, and usurping Harker's position would certainly give him more power. But then again, maybe there's another Malchai out there with just as much power that is drawing others away. Or maybe it's Leo working in secret, undermining Harker's rule. He seems to have a thirst for blood. Whoever it is, they have to have a huge bargaining chip because even Sloan said that Malchai don't like to work together.

18. When Kate called Harker for the first time, and there was worry in his voice, do you think that it was genuine?
Sure, I think on some level he loves her and worries about her. But he's a poor father figure all the same. As soon as he knew she was more or less safe, he stopped worrying.

19. Do you think that August will go dark again? Or as he finally overcome his hunger for good?
I'm not sure that it's possible for him to overcome his hunger for good necessarily, but I think he has gained a huge amount of control over himself. He may still need to feed, but perhaps much less often.

20. Did the way the book described Kate's injuries and August's stitching her up, as well as all the descriptions of stabbing and violence so far, make you cringe?
I certainly don't relish violence, but I've read enough other books with violence and seen enough movies that it didn't bother me. Plus, I find that with books, you can skim over unpleasant scenes if you want, when you can't always do that with movies.

21. Do you have any theories as to how this'll all end?
I do think that it will get worse before it gets better. Things have been somewhat stale between North and South for awhile and people are itching to fight. Not to mention the monsters yearning for more control. But of course I always hope for a happy ending.

22. Just for fun, can you think up a nursery rhyme for the stages of going dark? (Anger, madness, sorrow, joy.)
Anger, my dear, is nothing to fear,
But madness is not far behind.
Sorrow then draws suddenly near,
And joy relaxes the mind.

Questions
Part 2

8. Kate did as her teacher asked, and wound up in the counselor's office for being too violent. It seemed unfair to me. Then the counselor had the nerve to accuse her of causing problems and offered her pills! Was taking the pills a good idea?
It seems like the pills are a one-size-fits-all type solution. They don't want to spend the time and resources to actually figure out what's best for each student, so they just give them all anti-depressants, etc. Lazy administration.

9. For August people are in parts. He said that they had distinctive sounds. What sound would represent you?
I'm not sure that's something we can decide for ourselves as it seems more like the sound version of what people think of you. I could make a guess based on my favorite songs, but I feel like someone else's interpretation might be more accurate.

10. Were you surprised by Kate's reaction be being told no? Was it just a glorified temper tantrum?
It's been several days, so I'm having trouble remembering what this is referring to. But I generally think Kate overreacts to things, so probably.

11. I was interested in the difference for August when he killed in a way that caused pain instead of using his magic. He was not satisfied when he fed and the cat could sense the "badness" in him. What did you think about that scene?
I think that was very telling of the Sunai's powers. To me, it means that they are only "good" monsters if they choose to be because they are actually very capable of doing horrible things. Leo seems like he could easily become a villain. August is going to have some big decisions to make about himself.

12. Ahhh so Callum says he sent her away for protection. Do you believe him?
Not really. There may be an element of protection in there, but he's certainly confident of his protecting abilities in the city, so it's definitely not the full story. I think she just reminds him too much of her mother and everything he's not.

13. The element of using music to fight is really cool. I think it is a fun creative twist. And enough of the back story has been revealed that I feel much less frustrated. How are you enjoying the story? Does it remind you of any other stories?
Using music to fight is cool, but it seems ineffective against the Malchai- only a slight distraction. And yes, it's nice to start getting some answers. I'm looking forward to hearing more detail about Flynn's plans. And no, it doesn't really remind me of any other stories at the moment.

Nov 2&3 DQs
Prelude&Verse 1

1. Henry Flynn rules by trying to get rid of monsters and Callum Harker rules by making deals with them. Which method do you most agree with and why?

2. With the three levels of monsters- the Corsai, the Malchai, and the Sunai- do you believe that the Sunai really are "good" monsters who bring justice? Or are they only good because they choose to only feed on bad people?

3. If a Corsai is "born" by violence being done and a Malchai is "born" by a murder being committed, what level of crime do you think creates a Sunai- something so bad that only three exist?

4. Why do you think Callum Harker keeps Sloan so close? Just because Sloan is "his own Malchai" or another reason?

5. Do you think Kate will be able to please her father despite her dislike of his way of life? Do you think she should be true to herself instead of trying to please him?

6. What do you think about August's reluctance to "perform justice"? Do you think he should embrace his identity or continue to fight for better control?

7. How do you like Kate and August so far? Do you relate to one more than the other?

Sonia wrote: "Great, thanks. I'll put you for the first day then :)"

Sounds good:)

I'm ready! :) Just finished reading the first section/verse. I can do DQs if needed.

oh- I thought the Alderking was in a different kind of coffin because it's described as "black metal and crystal" and the epilogue says "once a different boy resting there" whereas the Alderking clearly isn't a boy. But I guess y'all are right that he's the one in the forest in the glass coffin. :)

Day 5 Questions
Chapters 19-22, Epilogue

30. In Chapter 19, we learn that Jack is half-mortal. But Severin shares a special glance with Jack's mother, and she later suggests there is one more heir to the throne. Do you think Jack really is the Alderking's son, despite Eolanthe claiming that she bore him with a mortal father? She could have been lying to protect him from the evil Alderking and his hatred of his own children. Do you think Severin has accepted him as "legitimate" in the epilogue?

31. Hazel and Ben's parents continue to astound me. There is more and more evidence of their poor parenting, despite the claim that they have gotten better more recently. Were you surprised that they didn't argue about Ben's decision to stay in Faerieland? Do you think they should have fought the decision like Jack's parents would have fought to protect him?

32. What is your impression of Hazel's night self? She spent a lot of time trying to tell her day self the truth, yet also yearned to protect her. Was she right to wait as long as she did to leave clues? What do you think about the melding of her night and day self?

33. Were you surprised at Hazel's hiding place for Heartsworn? Were you able to guess where she had hidden it?

34. The Alderking curses Hazel to remember everything, from her night self and from her infancy. But do you think the rediscovered knowledge is really a curse?

35. Any guesses as to who is in the glass coffin now?

36. What is your final impression of the book? Is there one section or character that stands out above other sections/characters of the book or above other books in this genre?