Judith’s Comments (group member since Apr 15, 2015)

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

Thank you Linda!

Fixed it, thanks Linda :)

Oh whoops, that was a typo on the mods part.

DQs Day 4: Chapters 21-25

12. At the start of this section, Din is experiencing some type of battle shock after the fight, and Strovi helps him deal with the situation. He’s quite gentle and especially after their drinks earlier with the whole “we’re too formal” thing, do you think he’s (romantically) interested in Din? Or what else could be going on there? Do you trust him or do you think he’s spying on them, especially as it’s revealed he’s gentry?
I trust him and think he might be interested in Din. But I like that it's just sort of floating there in the background and not anyway close being the focus of the plot.

13. Din’s engraving skills seem to be a bit different to what is usual, based on the reactions of everyone else to his fighting skills, and also the lockpicking before that. I wonder how that interacts with his dyslexia, and also how it’s connected to his performance on the exams… what do you think?
That's interesting. The effects of mental enhancements when someone is neurodivergent. Hmm. I think I like that theory.

14. One of the things I always find interesting about fantasy is figuring out what technology exists and what doesn’t. Aristan and Suberek were quite obviously killed by gunshot wounds, yet neither Din nor the rest of the investigation team seem to recognize that, so guns aren’t a well-known weapon in this world – however, Ana seemed to have an inkling… something the might of the Empire is hiding from us? What do you make of this? Is types of technology also something you pay special attention to in fantasy?
I don't necessarily pay special attention to it but if the author is really inconsistent it can mess with the sense of place and gets annoying.

15. Speaking of technology – I’ve also been thinking about its relation to social class and especially fertility in this world. We have Strovi, who’s gentry which is why he doesn’t have any augmentations, as they impact fertility, and then we have Fayazi Haza who’s so heavily modified there doesn’t seem to be anything “natural” left about her, surely leaving her infertile (but maybe this doesn’t matter when you’re part of the Haza clan. Or maybe they found a way around that.) And then there’s people like Din who seem to undergo these transformations as a way of improving their situation in life (not that we know much about his or other regular people’s backgrounds – but him sending almost all his earnings back to his family does suggest a significant degree of poverty), where it seems like nobody considers infertility a negative impact… I’m not sure I have a concrete question here, so: thoughts?
I think it's down to tradeoffs. The ability to have issue for inheritance versus a way to make a living to support your family. Also the rich could pop out some kids and then do the enhancements?

16. It seems very neat that Jolgalgan, from the Oypat canton, would be the one behind this plot and all of these murders. Do you think it was actually her, or do you think there’ll be a big twist? If it was her after all, what do you think she knows?
Probably not her but not sure how it all fits together yet.

Finished off NZ and while we are in the area, hopped on over to Australia

Author born in Australia
Red, White, and Blue on Cover
mentions Vegemite
features a marsupial
character goes to the opera
ocean on cover
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DQ 3
Part III Chapters 13-20

9. Were on the move now and hearing more of the environment. Are you able to imagine the world and How do you feel about the mix of genres - fantasy, sci-fi, mystery?
The descriptions are well done so I think I'm able to picture things well enough. And as these are some of my go to genres in general, the blend of them is my cuppa.

10. Were seeing Ana showcasing her skills and abilities more and seeing Ana and Din interact even more. Have your thoughts changed about them and what secrets do you think Ana and Din is hiding from one another if any?
I love their pairing and think they are well suited/balance one another. Their banter is *chef's kiss*. I think they are both hiding things but for good reasons and hopefully as trust builds, we'll learn those secrets.

11. Knowing this is book one and we probably wont get much how are you imagining the Leviathans so far? What is your closest comparison to what they may be/look like?
I'm kind of picturing very, very large Chinese dragons but in the water instead of sky? Something along those lines anyway. Or maybe if one of those types of dragons had a baby with a blue whale.

Day 2: Ch 6-12

5. In this world, many choose enhancements that facilitate their selected jobs - and it seems like most have some sort of Monkey’s Paw negative effect as well. On one hand, an enhancement like Din’s enables his perfect memory, so he never forgets anything. On the other hand, he CAN never forget anything, even if he wants to.
If you were to be augmented with a skill/ability, what would it be and why? Alternatively, what, for you, would be the worst or most dreaded skill/ability you could get?
Maybe better stamina? Needing less sleep? I never seem to have enough time in the day to get everything done that I'd like too. And more energy to keep up with my son wouldn't hurt either.

Not so much a fan of never being able to forget anything. Your mind would break after a certain point, memories can be heavy.

6. I thought it interesting that the leviathians are getting bigger every year, and that most of the special grafts and suffusions are from collected titian bits and bones. Do you have any theories about how this will come into play going forward?
No idea and I'm just leaving that to learn as the author wants me too.

7. “...I no longer formed normal memories. For a memory is just a sketch a mind makes of one’s experiences, imperfect and interpretive; yet what my mind made, from that moment on, was perfect, absolute, and endless.” Do you think this robs Din of the ability to be fully human, from the standpoint that one’s subjective take on the world around her/him is what makes a person "human"?
it seems to remove the feeling and emotion from memory which is likely a blessing and curse. I would think it would also impact how people interact with him.

8. I’m enjoying the evolving relationship between Ana and Din, especially Ana’s humor. Despite Ana joking that Din had “lost his sense of humor in some tragic accident,” what is your take on the twosome? Do you think Din cheated somehow to pass his tests? Or do you think it's something else?
I'm finding it fun. My guess is there are a good match/balance for one another. I'm guessing Din's hiding something but not sure what or why.

DQs Day 1: Chapter 1 -5

1) Do you have any expectations going in? This book is one of the 6 novels up for the Hugo award for Best Novel this year: https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-hi.... Did you know that and do you try to read the Hugo books or winners or have no interactions with the awards?
I'm expecting to enjoy it mainly because several GR friends with similar tastes in books all said it's one of their new favorites. But other than that, not real expectations. I'm aware of the Hugo awards and generally like those books but I don't seek them out specifically. Most end up on my tbr list though.

2) What do you think of the world building so far? Are then any particular details that stand out and if this is a reread, is anything standing out more on your re-read this early in the story? (please use spoiler tags if applicable)
It's seems to be an interesting and complex world and the author is explaining things well enough to absorb with the story without annoying info dumping. That's always nice.

3) So this runs right up to the edge/ crosses over into body horror between the murder scene and modifications to people? Do you read body horror or books with that theme in it? Do you have any favorites?
Horror is not something I read all that often and is one of my least favorite genres. I have read some Kingfisher with body horror in there but I read them more because they were written by Kingfisher than due to the book theme.

4) Does your version have a map? If it does, did you look at before reading or at any point when reading this first section? Do you like maps in books? (Map under spoiler if you were audio only)
(view spoiler)
I'm audio only so I appreciate Lexi sharing the map. I find them useful in a lot of books, especially if there's political aspects to the story.

I think my favorite is mini 3

But I love how everyone really embraced this whole theme 🥰

Judith's BOM Tracking

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 6: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 7: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 8: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 8
Ch 30 - end

29. In reconnecting with Robin, Misaki realizes that she is no longer the Misaki from those days, just as he is no longer the same Robin. Do you have a story about yourself you have carried for years that is no longer true about the person you are today? Or perhaps, sense there is a self-narrative you have been carrying that you need to shed in order to grow?
Nothing specific, but I think to a certain extent yes. There's the person the world tells us we should be or things we should want. And then there is figuring out what we actually want for a happy life.

32. “...a person’s tragedy doesn’t define them or cancel all the good in their life.” This quote reminds me of the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, so the break and subsequent repair is what makes the piece beautiful and unique. What do you think about Misaki and Takeru’s newfound communication and future relationship? What about Misaki’s new self awareness?
I think they will slowly build the type of marriage and family they both deserve after all they have been through. I like that these characters are a bit older than the norm for this genre. We are never too old to do better. Be better and heal.

33. One theme that jumped out at me while reading was the tension between expectations based on dreams and the acceptance/embracing of reality, with all its ugliness and beauty. Do you believe that setting expectations - parent to child, wife to husband, self to self - is a root cause of unhappiness?
No, not completely anyway. A certain level of expectations is important. Not an expectation of you will be president of the US, an Olympic gold medalist and a Rhodes scholar. But that you will be a productive member of society and not a bung-hole. But clinging to an unrealistic Pintrest/social media type expectation that hides a lot of truth is not good and leads to so many problems.

33. I loved how the ending of the book left such hope for the future - not an easy future, but one with stronger relationships, better communication, and new self-acceptance. But now I want more! What will Izumo be like when he gets older? What’s the story with the creature collecting children with talents? What was your overall take on the book? Will you be reading more by this author?

I will be reading more by the author. I think I read the author walked away from doing a series because too problematic to tie it all together and have it make sense. Which I can see and I respect the walking away instead of forcing it. Maybe there will be a revisit in future, I'd be interested.

Day 7
DQs Chapters 27-29
25. It breaks my heart that such a dramatic confrontation was necessary to fix their marriage, but I was also cheering loudly for Misaki! How did you feel during the duel?
That some times to fix something you need to take it completely apart or you'll miss some of the damage that needs to be fix. I think this is pretty much what happened here. It was 15 years or whatever in the making. They both needed this confrontation in the worst way.

26. Throughout the book, I’ve hated Takeru for his cruelty toward his wife and children, and for his sexist, “I’m better than you” attitude. But these chapters made me reconsider. Yeah, he’s an ass—but maybe he’s also a victim of abuse who never got the help he needed to become better. “My brother was my shelter in all things.” That line broke my heart a little. What do you think of Takeru? Does his conversation with his wife during the duel—and his behavior toward his kids afterward—change your opinion of him?
Yes and so many things made a lot more sense. What a sad childhood he had. I'm glad he wants better for his family and now sees a path for that to happen. I also like that he didn't suddenly become a different person. He was still him, but someone who was healing.

27. Do you think the missing child holds any significance in the plot?
I've finished so skipping this question.

28. ‘I will never raise another generation as blind as my own.’ That line made me want to cheer out loud. How did you feel when you read it?
I think this is one of the messages of the book. When you know better, do better, and it's never too late to learn and grow.

DQs day 6: Chapter 22 - Chapter 26

21. Taking the dead from their families is harsh and even worse when Takeru uses his powers to stop Misaki. Do you think this was an emotional outburst from Takeru or just a controlling one? The chapter ends with Misaki almost seeming to want just any sign of emotion even if it’s painful for her.
I think it was a bit of an emotional release for him. But I think he needed her to keep it together and tow the line in order for him not to go nuclear and like kill everyone or something. There is more there I think. They both suck at communicating with each other though.

22. The blood power described by Tsusano is pretty cool (and still Avatar coded), do you think Misaki will be able to wield it one day, or do you think like she does that she will never have the right willpower?
I hope she figures it out, that seems pretty cool.

23. “…but when the bloody truth stared them full in the face, they were more than capable of comprehending it. They were more than capable of anger. Misaki wished she knew how to calm that anger. If she had, she would have saved herself years of pain.” Do you think that sentiment is correct, or do you believe that anger is sometimes needed in order to push action to happen?
Like anything you need the balance. But if you hold onto anger too hard and for too long it can very much turn to bitterness. And no good ever comes from that.

24. Do you think Misaki’s sleeping jiya meant to hurt Takeru, or do you think it was purely coincidental? After all she’s been through, it seems like it could have been intentional, especially since she was dreaming of Mamoru at that time
No, I don't think she did. She needs an outlet for that emotion and it's finding away when she's not on guard. And she is very, very hurt woman.

Keep taking care of yourself Cathy.

But when you get a chance can you add The Way of Kings to your TT shelf?

Thank you :)

Day 5 DQs (Chapters 17 to 21)

17. This section is deeply emotional and heart-wrenching, filled with death and suffering. The only thing that makes it bittersweet rather than purely tragic is that Mamoru finds peace and happiness in his final moments. I thought his death scene was beautifully written. Do you like how the author blends the sadness with these moments of beauty? Or would you have preferred a different approach to his death?
I thought it was well done and didn't go into cornball territory which happens more often than it should in books/movies/tv with scenes like this.

18. Takeru seems almost devoid of emotion. Could this be a result of his upbringing, where emotional restraint was expected of him? Do you believe his character is redeemable at this point or has he reached a point of no return?
I have a feeling still waters run deep with him. Like REALLY deep, extensive, emotional childhood trauma deep. Honestly he's had so little actual page time I don't have a good handle on his character. I have a good handle on how others, especially his wife perceive him. But I don't have any idea on his real motivations and how on point Misaki is about her husband. I'm not sure he every let her in, even a little bit.

19. At one point, Hiroshi realizes that he is now the heir and Misaki sees fear in his eyes. Do you think Misaki will help him cope with the pressure or will she fall back into a passive, dutiful role, becoming a distant mother again?
No, I think that part of her died with her oldest child. Misaki will be a different person moving forward I think and it will be interesting to watch all of that unfold. Or I hope so anyway.

20. What do you think happens after the imperial forces arrive? Do you agree with Tae-min’s prediction that the empire won’t actually help?
I think a hot mess dog & pony show will happen and a huge cover up. My guess is the Empire is bleeding money and has no way to actually be of much help to its citizens in need. Especially on the scale with which that aid is now needed.

Done with Nigeria and off to New Zealand!

Authorn born in New Zealand
Red, Blue and White on cover
kiwi on cover (bird or fruit)
character goes for a hike
"haka" in text
MPG Adventure
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Day 4 DQs (Chapters 13 to 16)

13. There are multiple references to the snow and the mountain turning red. Scenes like this are for me a stark reminder of the brutality and bloodiness of war, rather than the romanticised glory of protection.

Is there a scene or a moment from your life you can pinpoint when the realities of war struck you the way it did Mamoru?
Events like the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11 come to mind but those are isolated incidents more than war. My family has a long history of military service, including several current active duty. There is nothing romantic about watching someone you love ship out to parts unknown (because usually they can't tell you were they are really going) and wondering if it's the last conversation you'll have.

14. Misaki revealed herself as a fighter, and Mamoru revealed his abilities in blood manipulation to his uncle that he learnt from his mother. As the reader, how did you feel when these moments came about in quick succession in relation to Misaki?
I think the chickens are coming home to roost for her and things are going to be a bit awkward when her husband arrives at the house.

15. Since the beginning, we are repeatedly told that the Matsuda family is powerful, important, etc. We get to see this over the battle as the two brothers join forces and create the Matsuda Dragon.

Powerful families put a lot of pressure on their children to carry on the legacy. We see this in Mamoru and Hiroshi, who at five years old is determined to do better than his peers at any cost. Do you think this is a practice that should be continued in today's day and age?
Pressure to succeed can take many forms and not all are toxic. So my answer here is, it depends. People who have vast privilege should have high expectations on them. Unrealistic expectations? No. But expectations that they will use their privilege to leave this world better than they found it? Yes.

16. Well, this has been quite the bloody section. Takashi's last order to Mamoru, Mamoru having to order his master to leave him and his having to face all the enemy himself, Misaki desperately protecting her home, the killing of all these mighty warriors of the Sword of Kaigen...

What I'm wondering though, is that if such a bloody battle that spans across six chapters and 15% of the novel is in the middle of the story, what happens after? Do you have any predictions for what happens after this battle?
Lots of grief, some rage. Maybe an uncovering of all the lies (Misaki, the Emperor, Tekure coming to terms with the backwardness towards women). And even if the battle is over, that doesn't mean the war is. There could be more to come?

Steven,

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is still showing on your currently reading shelf and also isn't on your TT shelf.

BOO!

:)

DQ'S Day 3 Chapter 8 - Chapter 12
10. Mamoru is becoming more friends with Kwang Chul-Hee and seems to be rebelling more and finally has a fall out with his father. Do you think his father would have hit Mamoru again if Misaki wouldn't have accidentally interupted?
Probably, he seemed to of lost his head a bit there and gone completely out of father mode (is he ever really in this mode?) and into warrior mode. It's probably better for everyone we didn't have to find out.

11. Are you understanding their powers and magic system more through these last few chapters and the fighting that has occurred. Which power would you want?
I think water is still the most versatile if you can master all the ways you can actually use it. Though I guess that's true of all the powers. The healing aspect of the blood power is pretty cool too.

12. Misaki received a letter from her friend and told her to run and get out of town. With the Emperor keeping it a secret. Do you think anyone else knew war was coming? And why they are attacking such an isolated village?
Maybe not to that specific place, but yes they did. And it makes sense for them to attack there. It's symbolic if nothing else. And I think it was a location of a big loss during the last war? I may not be remembering that correctly though.

If someone has an O they are reading, feel free to swap out my O in Mexico. It a longer book and I am just starting it.