Kerri’s Comments (group member since Sep 29, 2015)

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

Ahh, way to go, Team!! It was a pleasure playing with y'all!

Thank you to the amazing captains, co-captains, and spreadsheet wizards for being so on top of everything throughout this challenge! You made being a part of this team so easy.

I'm sad that this team will be no more, but I'm happy to have worked with all of you! This has been an incredible TT experience :)

Thinking of my favorite reads from this challenge, I think I'll go with...

All Systems Red (actually, I read the entire Murderbot series and loved every bit of it!)
Lost in the Moment and Found
and A House with Good Bones

I hope to participate in another challenge with you all in the future!

Thanks Suzanne! I just put it in and now I'm gonna lie down for a bit, haha.

Finished my possible last book for this challenge! I have another I'm reading but I came home with a headache and I don't know if I'll be able to finish it tonight. I'll pop over to see where my last book might fit, but I wanted to say I had a lot of fun reading with y'all! This was a fun TT and a great team.

Putting it in now!

I just finished Mysteries of Thorn Manor, which would work for MOIST or MPG Young Adult. I could also plug it in for some letters if that would work better!

Finished two shorter books today (yay for a slow day at work!) so I'm off to see where they might fit!

Trying to power through some shorter audiobooks to help with letters and Wheel prompts. I'm working this weekend but, thankfully, I can listen while I work. I'm trying to help out as much as possible!

That's exciting that we're back on top at the moment! Way to go, team!!

DQs Day 6: Chapter 32 - end

24. Chapter 32, though! How did you feel about the heart-to-heart on the parapet? Did it fill you with fluttery lovey feelings, or did it fall flat? Are you loving “Vioden” (Xadlet?)??

Eh, it fell kind of flat for me. I mean, I liked it and I thought it was a decent scene, but it felt so... meh? Confessing your love on a parapet should feel much more exciting, haha.

25. Xaden has Violet join his special group for the War Games, and we find out about all the secrets that EVERYONE has been keeping from her. Do you think she overreacted to these revelations or is her reaction warranted? How do you feel about Dain’s betrayal? Surprised (hint hint - NO)?

I thought she got over it a lot faster than I would have, to be honest. She's been raised her entire life to view griffin fliers as the enemy and she was immediately like "I believe everything you say, Xaden, dude who is working with my supposed enemy." Like... what? I mean, the proof showed up pretty quickly, but she was already okay with it by then. The only thing she stayed mad about was that he lied... for GOOD REASON. As Dain showed us. Uuuuuugh, Dain. I already disliked him but now I haaate him.

26. Anyone crying yet? I know I was losing it through a lot of the last 15% of the book. What are your thoughts on the major losses we see during this battle? Any thoughts on the battle itself (or the enemy themselves)?

I thought the battle was intense but there was so much new information thrown at us right there at the end. It left me feeling a little overwhelmed. But I teared up when a certain dragon/rider set died...

27. That CLIFF-HANGER of an ending had me stunned! What did you think of the sudden appearance of (view spoiler)? Was it too much, or just enough?

Another question speculated on this twist and I was like "Nooooo, it's too obvious!"

...Womp womp...

28. What are your overall thoughts on this book? Will you read the next one?

This was enjoyable read if I kept it surface level and didn't try to think about it too much 😂 I'm intrigued enough to read the next one but I definitely won't be buying it.

BONUS!
On a scale of 1 to 100, how much to you hate Dain?

DAIN IS THE WOOOOORST

Just finished Fourth Wing! It was a fun time, if I didn't think beyond surface level, haha. I'll get it checked in tomorrow because work was especially draining today and I gotta get some shut eye before I do it all over again.

Cheering everyone on as we come towards the finish line!

DQ set 5: Chapters 26 - 31

19. I'm so confused by the logistics of this world! Firstly there's the comment that 6 hours in flight left them all super-stiff, but surely they've been putting the hours in in flight fight practice? And then the sudden realization that actually it's TOTES fine to put a saddle or harness on to secure them in flight, as if that wouldn't be the very first thing you'd do the first time the dragons decided to plummet and every rider loses their seat!
Anyway, that rant is mostly to say: how are you enjoying the world-building now we are further into the story?

I will say that I always assumed that they weren't spending six hours a day in practice. So that would make sense that a six hour flight would leave them stiff because they aren't used to flying to that long. I imagine there's a lot of tension with flying, as well, to maintain your hold on your dragon. Being that stiff for six hours would leave anyone feeling rough! As for the saddle, I thought that was part of the sadistic nature of the school. Typically, if you fall of your dragon, then you're seen as weak and not fit to be a rider anyways. Violet is lucky that Tairn is willing to constantly catch her and Xaden was smart/flexible enough to make her saddle because she was far too stubborn to think of it herself.

All that to say is the worldbuilding is fine to me, haha. But I'm very much taking this book at surface level.

20. We discover that riders of mated dragons can now talk in each others minds... What do you think this adds (or detracts) to the story, characters, world?

My question is... can they also hear what the other is thinking at any given time? Cause Violet's dragon clearly can. It seems like such a violation... Very much a "Thanks, I hate it" kind of moment. Also seems like a very convenient plot point. But, again, surface level!

21. Lightning! Who'd've guessed that Violet would end up with a super rare, super powerful signet?! What do you think the lightning says about her character?

Hahahaha, I feel like the writer of this question also rolled their eyes HARD at this point. Like, of course Violet has a super special power. Why wouldn't she? The only thing that makes it less obnoxious is the fact that, apparently, it's a family trait. All the Sorrengail riders have super special signets, so I suppose it follows logic and genetics that Violet would, as well. Perhaps it's less that she has violence at her core and more that she is a force of nature.

22. There's some destructive sex, followed by a decision that it can never happen again. What do you think about the different approaches that Violet and Xaden have towards their attraction to each other?

I'm on Violet's side with this one. Xaden clearly has feelings for her and would rather shut her out than admit it. She deserves more than that. Xaden is an emotionally constipated jerk, but perhaps there is hope for him. Also, that sex scene was... a lot. Not that I haven't read adult sex scenes like it (and better than it) before, but it felt so incongruous with the rest of the book.

23. Finally - is it just me, or is Dain starting to redeem himself? I feel like I'm seeing signs of improvement in him....

I'm sure he'll find some new way to disappoint me.

Jen wrote: "Hey team, everyone is so positive here that this might not go over well… but I wanted to get other opinions. 😅

How has everyone been feeling with with Book of the Month Discussions and questions? ..."

I agree, Jen! I think part of it is that it's hard to scroll through and read answers to discuss when you haven't finished the book and might run into spoilers. I know I answer the questions as I go and there have been a couple of times I've stumbled across spoilers as I read through answers. No fault of the people answering, but that might be one reason.

And I think, like you mentioned, a lot of people are in it for the points. BOTM discussions always boom during TT, as well, and it can be a bit overwhelming! I would prefer more discussion, too, though I do enjoy answering the questions.

Day 4 Questions Chapter 21-25

14. Do you think there is a reason the Cadets are not being told the truth of what is going on with the battles at the Battle Brief? Is it actually for classified reasons or is there something more sinister going on?

The higher ups are definitely hiding something from the troops. Which happens a lot in the military, but this feels more sinister. How are they expected to do their jobs if they don't have all the information they may need?

15. What do you think about the mentioning of the fact that the Dragons and Gryphons use to work together to protect the lands? Could this be foreshadowing of an alliance to come?

That would be interesting to see, though I don't think it would happen in this book. Perhaps the groundwork for a new alliance will happen? The whole reason why they're at odds seems so wishy-washy to me.

16. We finally have a bit of progress in the possible romance between Violet and Xaden. Do you think they have actual chemistry or their attraction is just due to the bond of their dragons?

Well, there's definitely attraction on Violet's part, even pre-channeling. How do we know? Because Violet talks about every chance she gets. Like, I get it. He's hot. Please get your stuff together, lol. It's harder to tell with Xaden. I think he's attracted to her but there's still the whole "Your mom killed my dad" thing and he doesn't trust her attraction cause he things it's because of her bond. But I don't think that hesitation will last long.

17. We keep getting random tidbits about Violet's deceased brother Brennan. Do you think there is a possibility he's still alive?

Brennan seems like it was solid guy. It'd be interesting if he were still alive but, honestly, I'm hoping that's not the case. It's kind of predictable and this book is already too predictable for my tastes. Or perhaps I just read too many similar fantasy novels 😅😂

18. With the revelations we've been given about what went on with the Marked Ones and the various battles that are raging on currently, do you think that the Kingdom of Navarre is actually the protector of this world as we've been lead to believe or are they the villains?

Hmm... I don't think the chapters in my edition really match up with our reading schedule because I'm not sure what revelations we're talking about here? But, even without knowing that, I don't think those running the Kingdom of Navarre could reasonably be considered the "good guys". They all sound pretty terrible.

Bonus: Anyone else wishing a Dragon would just go scorched earth on Dain already?

Someone really close to Violet has to die (if this book continues on its predictable track) and I'm really hoping it's Dain, lol.

DQ Day 3 Chapters 14-20

10. So we are half way through the book. Thoughts and feelings? Loving it? Hating it? Ambivalent?

I'm enjoying it so far! I keep having to remind myself that these characters are, supposedly, in their twenties, though. At least I think they're supposed to be, right? It takes me out of the story sometimes, but I'm still having a good time.

11. Jeremiah gets killed pretty quickly as his signet shows. Do you agree that power can't be allowed?

I can see where it could be a problem, but I don't agree with straight up murder. You would be think an asset to a war effort, especially if you used those with the signet power as spies. Unless, of course, those in power have something to hide.

11. What's the deal with Andarna? Why do you think 2 dragons have bonded with Violet?

I love Andarna so much. She's such a sweet little dragon! And she seems rather headstrong, more than a good match for Violet. It'll be interesting to see what kind of dragon she grows into. As for the double bond, I think it was more of an impulse thing on Andarna's part. She is just a kid.

12. If you could choose a Signet what would it be? https://www.julesbuono.com/fourth-win...

Mira's signet sounds pretty cool, creating a ward around her and her squad. I'd want to be able to protect not only myself but the people fighting with me in battle if I could. But Xaden's signet, controlling shadows, is pretty awesome, too.

13. Were you surprised about Amber's betrayal? How about when Xanden completely believed Violet but Dain didn't?

As soon as Violet realized she recognized the person who fled her room, I knew it was Amber. If it had been one of the people who were the same rank as her, why would she had trouble thinking anyone would believe her? And Amber is the only other wingleader we've heard much about and one Violet would easily recognize. She seemed unduly pissed off about the way Violet completed the Gauntlet and I didn't think she'd let that slide. Also, Dain keeps proving time and again why he suuuuuuucks.

DQ Day 2: Chap 7- 13

6. This section starts with two scenes with each of the male love/lust interests. The comparison of them continues very clearly. Do you like Xaden or Dain better or neither?

My practical mind doesn't like either of them. Xaden is constantly threatening to kill Violet because of the actions of her mother and he gave her the worst nickname ever. Dain is an overprotective bore who seems to feel like he has some right to dictate Violet's life just because he loves her. Even though he's never even told her he loves her. Not that that would make his behavior better, but still.

My reader brain that eats up hate-to-love, though...

7. Violet uses alternative methods to survive the fighting challenges. Do you think that counts as cheating or using the resources available? Do you think she is aware that she only has this information because she comes from a privileged background and her sister count sneak in it? Do you think one of the professors should have noticed after 5 rounds?

I'm honestly shocked none of the professors noticed that all of her opponents mysteriously came up with illnesses during their fights. In fact, I refuse to believe they didn't notice. Which makes me wonder if they are being lenient with Violet because her mother threatened them or something. I like the way Violet thinks through her problems because she can't rely on just brute strength. She's definitely privileged, though.

8. The obstacle course is straight out of American Ninja warrior (and other similar TV shows) including ending with the giant ramp. Did you enjoy this section and how Violet figured out working with her height limitations? Have they told us how tall she is? (Though in real life, the shortest person to make it up the wall has only been 5’1” – I just Googled it).

I did enjoy it! Thinking outside the box should be rewarded, I think, and I like that Violet made the rules work for her. From the way everyone talks about her, you'd think she's barely 5 feet tall. I don't think it's been mentioned, though.

9. Finally, we meet the dragons. Was it all you were hoping for? Did anyone guess the black one when it was first introduced in this section? (Also, I am not taking the fall seriously at the end of my section since we still have 2/3 of the book to go).

MORE DRAGONS, PLS! Also... what fall? I don't remember reading that in my section...

Bonus: If you could have a dragon from any book or movie, which one would you want?

I gotta go with Toothless. He's just so cute!

DQs Day 1, Chapters 1 - 6

1. As someone who grew up with the Pern books, I love diving back into a world with dragons and dragon riders. And this one has extra bonus Gryphons, apparently!
Do you have any first impressions of the main characters (Violet, Dain, Rhiannon, Xader) and the world building? Do you want to know more?

I loved the Pern books, too! My first impressions are that Dain is VERY BAD at not letting his emotions affect him, haha. I get it, he clearly loved Violet, but his hovering is gonna get both of them in trouble. Violet and Rhiannon I like. They seem like interesting characters that I'll enjoy following. Though some cynical part of me is wondering if Rhiannon is going to betray Violet to survive the first year. Xaden is... Xaden. I like how bloodthirsty he is but there's not much else to him at the moment. I'm really enjoying the worldbuilding though I definitely want more dragons!!

2. What do you think of Violet’s mother and sister? Any idea about why her mother chose to order her to the Rider Quadrant instead of the Scribe Quadrant?

Mira is awesome! Violet's mom? Kind of the worst. You're really going to shove your child into the quadrant where she is MOST LIKELY to die just because of some twisted sense of family honor? Boooooo, tomato tomato tomato, I'm throwing tomatoes. I mean... that's the reason we've been led to believe but perhaps she has another, less stupid reason.

3. The brutality of the selection process and the casual acceptance of murder is something else. What do you think the purpose of it is? (If there is one beyond societal norms.)
Would you have given your boot to a stranger?

I think it's partly because they say dragons don't bond with "weak" people, so they are trying to make sure that the choices for the dragons are only the strong. It seems like dragons don't always choose to bond, so perhaps they want to give them the best to up the chances. I don't agree with it, but that seems to be the case. Also, I would have switched boots with a stranger because I wouldn't want to watch someone die if giving them my boot could have possibly saved them.

4. So this is a world at war, but at the battle briefings at least, they don’t seem to know why the outer provinces are currently attacking the borders. Any ideas about why this is happening?

Like Xaden said, it seems like they're searching for something. It seems strange that they trade with this country and yet they still attack them frequently. There's obviously something in their country that they want/need that they aren't getting through trade.

5. Do you think that Violet will survive and get chosen by a dragon? If so, any predictions on what kind?

It doesn't seem like this would be such a long book (and the start to a series) if Violet doesn't at least survive her first year. I'm interested to see how she manages it. And I truly hope she bonds with a dragon because I want more dragon action!

I'm reading Fourth Wing and plan to have it done before the end of the challenge, so that's another 500+ book for the tower.

Final DQs - Ch 30 through the End

47. It seems that the past likes to repeat itself over and over, and the people coming in and out of Jake’s life are no exception. This time, Jake ended up in the same motel room, his driver was remarkably similar, and the yellow-card man has been replaced by a green-card man wearing a lookalike outfit. It would appear that King is hinting that some things are inevitable, and that History wants what it wants. What’s your opinion on this theory? Do you think that some things are inevitable, and no matter what, would have similarities to all other timelines in those details (like people, places, etc)?

It makes sense that, even if there are divergent histories, they would have some similarities. I'm sure not all the beats would be the same, but maybe all the big ones are similar enough that it's hard to tell the difference. And if those big beats don't happen, perhaps it would lead to disaster. Who knows?? Time is a funny thing.

48. The green card man’s card changes colors, and the nonsense he is spewing seems to be indicating that he’s much more aware of everything than any other humans. Almost like a Watchman of sorts, it would seem. And he explains that things aren’t really reset, just restrung into a new thread. Actions → Consequences. Did you expect this little twist? I remember on my first read of this book not trusting or understanding the “everything resets perfectly” bit and wondering what the catch was. Did you trust it or did you expect there to be a catch?

Of course there's a catch! It's like a universal truth that never changes. There's always a catch. But I was more thrown off by the Green Card Man because now I'm imagine this task force of time travelers trying to make sure people don't blow up reality. I want a book about them!

49. Jake’s return to 2011 is a shock. Everything is different… and not better. It appears saving Kennedy didn’t bring about the paradise that Al was expecting. What did you find most shocking about the “new world” created by the harmonies Jake’s changes made? For me, I was stunned to find that Maine was part of Canada, how hateful everyone seemed to be, and… the physical changes to people.

I wasn't expecting all the bomb slinging, but I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. And I was surprised that the civil rights laws were never passed. Though I suppose I shouldn't be... but let me stop there before I get to political on Goodreads 😅

50. I was happy to see that King chose to use Harry to be Jake’s connection to learn about the new reality. I really loved him earlier in the book, and it pains me to see him so broken. Was there anyone else you’d have wanted to see?

I'm glad it was Harry, too! With how time harmonizes, I don't think it would have made sense to be anyone else. At least he got to live a full life, but it sucks to see that, no matter what, he goes through such hell.

51. Another IT reference here near the end: “The past is obdurate for the same reason a turtle’s shell is obdurate” Did you catch that one? The little reference to the magic space turtle? Jeez, King writes some odd stuff, doesn’t he?

I didn't catch that one! But I haven't read IT, only seen the movie, and that was forever ago. I really need to watch the new ones. I do love a good horror movie and I'm curious to see what they did with the newer versions.

52. So not a happy ending for the Sadie-Jake romance, but one that ended being good for Sadie and the world in the long run. Were you happy with the ending? As much as I was rooting for them, I had a feeling that King wasn’t going to be able to make it work without tearing the world apart.

I was happy with the ending. I was going to be very upset with Jake if he was really willing to risk REALITY ITSELF just to be with Sadie. Like, yeah, sure you and Sadie get to be all cute and in love, but all us here in the future are livin' la vida Mad Max, JACOB. There's random wet noises in the sky that are very likely the fabric of time and space as we know it disintegrating, JACOB. GET 👏🏾 IT 👏🏾 TOGETHER!

June 26th - DQs Day 11 (Chapters 28-29)

43. That was a stressful chapter 28! Did you have any doubts that Jake wouldn't succeed after all?

I had so many doubts, lol. Now that the deed is done, though, I have doubts that it's going to stay done. I think Jake is gonna do something stupid to try and get Sadie back.

44. Do you think this will be the last time we see Sadie? If not, any predictions on how they'll meet again or maybe even get together? Because this can't be it for them after what they've gone through. (Yes, I'm in denial)

I think Jake is going back to the future... and then immediately back to the past. I don't know if he means to do it all over again or if he's just going to let things play out and spend time with Sadie. Who knows, but that's what I foresee happening. Perhaps he'll come to his senses once he's back in the future.

45. What did you think of the government's reaction to Jake's role in the whole disaster? I thought that he got off more lightly than I expected, but maybe all the American espionage media has made me think worse of them.

I think Jake freaks them out because he knows things he shouldn't and they can't figure out how. Add to that the pressure of everyone knowing he saved the president and I'm sure they're under a lot of pressure to make sure he's okay. They want him gone because he knows to much but they aren't willing to risk presidential ire or a close investigation if he dies. Though you would think they would have ways of making him disappear, so I'm not 100% sure why they're so worried about it. Or maybe they do believe he helped out of his own goodwill so they're willing to let him escape as long as he never darkens their doorstep again.

46. We all know that changing the past never ends well. I'd say it's practically been foreshadowed since the beginning. Would you agree that a future (or present depending on your perspective) with JFK alive is likely to be worse or do you have a different opinion?

I think it could be worse in some ways but perhaps better in ways that really count. I would hate to think that Jake went through all that to come back to a nuclear wasteland or something like that 😅

Hey, Team! Just checking in. Y'all are really killing it with the Wheel tasks!

I have to agree that we should probably save the 500-600 page books for the Tower pages since we seem to struggle with those the most. I'll be finally finishing 11/22/63 tonight, so that's one more checked off for 600+ pages! I want to give a shout out to all our fast readers who have really been coming in clutch with those longer books. You all rock!

I've had a lot of fun reading with all of you, of course, and think we've all done a great job of contributing to the team. This has been so much fun!