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

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

Happy Thanksgiving, Team Anubis! Hope everyone enjoys their day, whether you celebrate or no.

November 24: Chapters 10-17

11. With new developments in some of our characters back stories, which one did you find the most interesting and why? Did it change the way you viewed them? And how?

I'm becoming more drawn to Nina and her backstory. The whole Grisha concept is really interesting and, having not read this author's other books, this is my first introduction to it. It's also interesting to learn more about her abilities. I want to know why she betrayed Matthias, as well, after he apparently saved her life. I guess I view Nina less as a wilting flower and as a bit more of a kick ass female, now.

12. Kaz comes a little unglued... What's your take on that? Is he truly heartless and self seeking like he likes to be seen? What did you think of what he did to Oomen, and do you think that revealed anything?

I think he came unglued because, whether he would admit it or not, he's become very attached to Inej and the thought of her being killed threw him over the edge. We know he lost his brother (I'm assuming he was murdered), so coming that close to losing someone else he cares about, in his own fashion, made him lose it. I thought it was absolutely disgusting cause I have a thing about eyes... I purposely don't wear contacts because I can't stick my own finger that close to my own eye. But I think Oomen deserved the punishment. I don't think he deserved to be killed, but I can understand why Kaz did what he did.

13. We get to see the history between Matthias and Nina! Who's side are you on? And who do you think Matthias will choose in the end?

I feel bad for Matthias because Nina apparently betrayed him after he saved her life. However, I think I'm more on Nina's side because I really can't get behind a people who hunt others down just because they were born different. I think Matthias has the potential to outgrown the hate that was instilled in him all his life, but he has a ways to come.

14. There are a lot of references that translate to today or modern history: street gangs, slavery & ships, human trafficking (brothels), and underground arenas for entertainment. Do you find their hard circumstances justify their criminal ways, or just make you care for them despite them?

I don't know if it "justifies" their life choices, but I can see it being a contributing factor in said choices. It seems like there's not much else to do to survive on the streets if you aren't trained in a trade or part of the mercher class. I don't have to agree with their choices to still care about them as characters. Of course, there is Jesper, who had things going for him until he picked up a love of gambling. Get it together, buddy.

15. Lastly! What's with Kaz's gloves?! Hands stained by blood? Too sensitive to touch? Any theories out there?

He doesn't seem to like skin-on-skin contact, but I don't know if that's just a personal preference or an actual, physical problem. I think he enjoys the mystique and the fact that it adds to his legend, as it were.

Good job, team! I'm looking forward to the day off tomorrow. We're having a low-key Thanksgiving since my mom is working and both my husband and I have to work the next day. I'm planning on getting a lot of reading done :) How is everyone enjoying their Wednesday?

November 23:
Chapters 5-9, pages 69-133

6. Putting the plot and characters aside for a moment, what do you think of Leigh Bardugo’s writing? If you regularly read YA how does it compare in quality. If this is your first YA book, is the quality of the writing what you expected?

I'm enjoying her writing style, so far. I read YA every once in awhile, though more so lately, and this is definitely one of the better ones. Her writing pulls you in and makes you want more.

7. In Part Two, we meet Matthias Helvar. Nina said, “Helvar is driven by honor and only honor. You can’t bribe or bully that.” Do you think that statement is accurate based on what we learn about him during his rescue?

Seems pretty accurate, though he is willing to help with their plan. He strikes me as the type who is completely wound up in honor to the point that he would do anything to restore it. He's willing to commit treason so that he can hold his head up high and not be considered a criminal anymore.

8. I enjoy world building that has enough connections to the real world that I can picture what’s going on because of this relationship, but the scenes are still original and creative. I think Bardugo does a good job with this concept. What connections have you thought were particularly well imagined?

I like the imagining of the "red light district", as it were. I think the author did a really good job of making it come alive. She's good with descriptions to the point that I could easily picture the district in my head.

9. Since Wylan turns out to be Van Eck’s son, how do you think his role with the gang will play out?

I don't know... right now, he doesn't seem to be much of anything, so I'm hoping his character gets fleshed out more. There's potential there for a really interesting backstory.

10. Now that we have met all six members of the gang, do you have a favorite?

I'm enjoying Inej. She's mysterious, strong, intelligent, and can hold her own with the boys. I'm really hoping she doesn't end up as a love interest for Kaz... that would be so cliché.

Good afternoon, everyone!

@Jen - Good luck on your exams!
@Karsyn - Yay for a new keyboard :D

The whole family (except me) was sick at one point or another last week, so I spent a lot of time playing nurse. Everyone seems to be feeling better and I seem to have avoided it, so hopefully I can concentrate on my books more this week!

1. Do you like the book so far? Why did you decide to read it? Is this a genre you normally read?

I am enjoying this book. It starts at a nice, intense pace, which is what I like. It definitely pulls you in! I decided to read it because I've been hearing so much about it on GR and it had a pretty high rating. This is a genre I enjoy, as well, so it seemed like a no-brainer.


2. During the parley in chapter two, Kaz tells rival gang member Geels: "A secret's not like coin. It doesn't keep its value in spending." What does Kaz mean by this? Do you agree with him?

I think he means that secrets are more valuable as a bargaining tool when they remain secrets. Obviously, if everyone knows the secret, it ceases to be a secret and becomes of no value to a blackmailer or someone like Kaz. I do agree with him. I think people are more willing to part with money than with their deepest, darkest secrets.

3. Inej seems to have led a very interesting life so far. What do you think her relationship with Kaz is? Does she have romantic feelings towards him? Is Inej someone you would trust? Is Kaz trustworthy?

I'm not quite sure what the deal between Kaz and Inej is at the moment. He helped "free" her, essentially, but it still seems like she's kind of trapped. It seems like she wants to stay, but then she thinks to herself that she's only doing this until her debt is paid. I think she has at least friendly feelings towards him. I think they're building it to be a romance, but I'm really hoping I'm wrong about that. The second female character introduced cannot be the love interest, come on! Now, whether Kaz is trustworthy or not is something to be seen. Right now, he strikes me as someone who is looking out for himself and, as long as you don't cross him or try to harm his interests, you're good. Maybe, with his still unclear but obviously tragic background, he's just afraid to get close to people. I guess we'll see.

4. If you could have a magical talent like the Grisha, what would you want your talent to be? Which category of Grisha types (listed in post 102) do you think would be most helpful to us in the real world?

I would definitely want to be a Healer (though my less nice side thinks that Heartrenders sound pretty awesome, too). I work in the medical field, already, and I love what I do, so I would probably excel best as a Healer. Honestly, I think Healers would be most helpful in the real world, as well. Unless, of course, insurances companies got a hold of them.

5. Have you read any of Leigh Bardugo's other books? If so, would you recommend reading her Grisha trilogy before reading Six of Crows?

This is my first foray into the Grisha world. I'm enjoying it, so far!

Digging in to AHWOSG. I'm reading the current BOM, as well, so I probably won't get through as quickly, but it shouldn't take more than a couple days :)

Good morning, all!

I have a book on my TBR list that would work. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. It has "2000s" on the first page of it's "top shelves". If no one is reading anything else that would fit, I can pick this one up. It's been on my TBR list for awhile.

324 pages
355 pages

Current total: 2,184,976

Welcome Michelle! Kicking it off by knocking out some goals, that is awesome :)

Good morning, all!

So we have all of our current goals covered, right? Just checking in.

Like you said, we've had the getting into shape one for awhile. Is anyone planning on reading a book that could possibly fit that one? I've got nothing on my TBR list :(

F?

F?

N?

No books beginning with "This" as of yet :(

N?

I'm in! I can volunteer for DQs, as well. Team Anubis.

I'm definitely in! This book has been sitting on my shelf just begging to be read :)

I'd also like to volunteer for DQ's for Team Anubis

Just finished Beloved. That was an intense book. I can kind of see why it made the "Most Disturbing" list. Now to pick something new!