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

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

My current 'nominate until I read it or it wins'. If it happens to win, I'll swap it out.

The Malevolent Seven

'Seven powerful mages want to make the world a better place. We're going to kill them first.'

Picture a wizard. Go ahead, close your eyes. There he is, see? Skinny old guy with a long straggly beard. No doubt he's wearing iridescent silk robes that couldn't protect his frail body from a light breeze. The hat's a must, too, right? Big, floppy thing, covered in esoteric symbols that would instantly show every other mage where this one gets his magic? Wouldn't want a simple steel helmet or something that might, you know, protect the part of him most needed for conjuring magical forces from being bashed in with a mace (or pretty much any household object).

Now open your eyes and let me show you what a real war mage looks like . . . but be you're probably not going to like it, because we're violent, angry, dangerously broken people who sell our skills to the highest bidder and be damned to any moral or ethical considerations.

At least, until such irritating concepts as friendship and the end of the world get in the way.

My name is Cade Ombra, and though I currently make my living as a mercenary wonderist, I used to have a far more noble-sounding job title - until I discovered the people I worked for weren't quite as noble as I'd believed. Now I'm on the run and my only friend, a homicidal thunder mage, has invited me to join him on a suicide mission against the seven deadliest mages on the continent.

Time to recruit some very bad people to help us on this job . . .

My hold just came in so I’m good for any day!

Yay! My nomination won. excited to read this one.

I'm in for DQs but would prefer a day towards the end. My library hold should be in any day and I'd like a cushion.

Thanks :)

I would say so. If the cult was pooffed out of existence and had never been a part of the story, I’m guessing the story would not make sense. So it’s important to the plot.

Go for it!

Also 2 monsters only have 1 task left if someone has something that works

Tagged 'circus' at least 5 times
cult important to the plot

New spin


Smaug
350-400
Red and gold on cover
book is about the last of something
Takes place on a lake
Author has a middle name/initial listed on GRs

I just finished off Lady Macbeth if someone want to spin for a new one. Otherwise I’ll get to it tomorrow

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/...

Discussion Questions, Day 5
Chapter 12 - end

17. Laurence often acts as a leader. His understanding of Levitas’s ultimate wish—and making it come true (ish)—as well as his recommendation for Hollín to allowed to harness a new hatchling are just two examples. Outside of behavior during battles, what other incidents demonstrated his leadership skills to you? Was there a time he was needed as a leader but failed to be one?
How he treated his young crew. And he did his best to live by the rules/behavior of others. So he wasn't one of those hypocritical 'do what I say, not what I do people'.

18. What did you think of Temeraire’s special ability? Had you guessed what it might be and, if so, were you right? What would be the single best ability in combat for a dragon to have?
I remembered him having one but couldn't remember what it was at all. I think it was a pretty cool/effective ability.

19. Laurence no longer thought of him as a creature for whom he was responsible, but rather as an intimate friend, already the dearest in his life, and one to be depended upon without question. That may be my favorite quote from the book. Was there a passage or line that particularly moved you?
I think there were a few good lines in the book but I didn't mark them.

20. Do you plan to continue with the series? Why or why not?
Yes. I'd meant too when I read this book the first time and got distracted from doing so. Likely because of reading challenges. I'm curious to see where the story goes and what happens to the pair.

Day 4
Chapters 9-11

13.) What did you think of the first real air battle? Did you find the description good enough to picture it?
I thought it was well described and was able to picture it in my head for the most part. But I read a lot of fantasy/epic fantasy so am interested to see if those who don't read a lot of battle scenes like that feel the same way.

14.) So. Having the sex talk with a dragon. Poor Laurence. He is such an adorable prude. Have you ever had an uncomfortable conversation like that? Perhaps with a human?
My son is 5 and has autism that has significant impacts on his speech. Having these conversations with him will start soon since he is high risk for predators and I'm expecting them to be hard and awkward for all involved.
I do remember my mother trying to have the sex talk with me but between health class and watching Oprah every day after school there wasn't really anything left for her to explain. Poor lady. One of my friends though refuses to each at IHOP. Her parents for some unknown reason took her there for the sex talk. It was very traumatic for all involved. haha.

15.) There are some really cool little details in this book that make the dragon as history seem plausible. Like, how the ships prepared for a visiting dragon. Has anything struck you as interesting or well done? Or just wrong?
Novak is pretty good at the little details that make the story really work I think. I like how she's handling the politics of it all. I'm sure several people might find that boring but I love some political intrigue if it's well done.

16.) I thought that Choiseul was a cad, but I didn’t expect what he did. Did you? Did you agree with his punishment?
This part I remembered from my previous read so it wasn't a surprise. As for his punishment, it's treason during wartime. Even today treason can get you the death penalty. Whether that's right or wrong I know is often a subject of debate. But there was no question of his guilt and he had other options. Like asking for asylum. So I at least understand why it played out the way it did.

DAY 3
Chapters 6-8

9.) We have met several kinds of dragons with different abilities. If you had a dragon, what kind of character/abilities would you prefer them to have (don't restrict yourselves to what is listed in this book, consult your preference only :)
I think having a battle dragon that could turn invisible would be awesome. And just pop out of nowhere to drop a bunch of bombs and then pop out of existence again. Shooting water or ice would be preferred over acid to mean. Acid is a bit scary and water can do as much or more damage than fire depending on the situation.

10.) Finally, we meet a female captain and a female dragon, I have to say I hardly expected it, but was pleasantly surprised. Also Roland was a nice touch. Do you think they will be given a material role later on in the book?
I don't really remember from my previous read of the book but I certainly hope so.

11.) What do you think about the dragon Levitas and his relationship with his handler? Do you think he may change seeing Temerarire and the other dragons?
This makes me so sad. Poor Levitas! I hope he can find a better situation. Maybe one of the other dragons will accidently on purpose eat his handler.

12.) We also get some action scenes where Laurence and Temeraire are put to the test. How do you think Laurence handled the rescue mission and his crew?
I think it went a long way to show Laurence was committed to his roll as a captain in the Corps and that while he has a lot to learn deserves to be where he's at. And he earned the respect of those working with him. it was an important milestone I think in his new career.

DQs Day 2
Ch 4 & 5

5.) We meet the a trained battle dragon, Laetifieat, in this section. Anyone look up the meaning, or for Latin language speakers already pretty much know? What did you think of a dragon carrying all those men into battle? A bunch of men in a tent shooting rifles from a dragon seems like a questionable plan to me. I kinda wish there was a picture.
I'd looked it up. I think my biggest problem is really grasping the size of the dragons. Every time I see a blue whale skeleton model at a museum or aquarium, my brain breaks a bit at the sheer size and I'm assuming most of the the battle dragons are bigger than that.

6.) Do you think Laurence will always be a stuffed shirt and a classist?
I think he'll relax. I think he's clinging to protocols and formality because those are the rules he knows and understands and he's a bit out of his depth in the Corps until he adjusts to their culture.

7.) Why do you think the house party was included in the story instead of Laurence just overnighting at an empty house?
I felt it was a bit to tie up the ends of his 'old life' and that he was getting a complete fresh start in the Corps and there was nothing to go back to.

8.) We got to experience Laurence’s first day at Loch Laggan. Anyone else see a bumpy transition ahead as Laurence goes from a Navy man to a Corps man?
I think there are going to be some bumps. But I also think Laurence is willing to learn and knows he doesn't know everything. And he seems to be the type of person to say when he's in the wrong and apologize. I think it'll all work out. Also this is like a 10 book series or something so I guess he and Temeraire figure it out well enough. LOL

DQs Day 2
Ch 4 & 5

5.) We meet the a trained battle dragon, Laetifieat, in this section. Anyone look up the meaning, or for Latin language speakers already pretty much know? What did you think of a dragon carrying all those men into battle? A bunch of men in a tent shooting rifles from a dragon seems like a questionable plan to me. I kinda wish there was a picture.

6.) Do you think Laurence will always be a stuffed shirt and a classist?

7.) Why do you think the house party was included in the story instead of Laurence just overnighting at an empty house?

8.) We got to experience Laurence’s first day at Loch Laggan. Anyone else see a bumpy transition ahead as Laurence goes from a Navy man to a Corps man?

Daily Questions: Day 1
Chapter 1-3

1. So far in the book it seems there is no magic. It is more of alternative history with dragons helping in war efforts. Did that disappoint you? Do you like that there is no magic? Personally it remainds me of Hornblower series but with dragons. Did you make any other connection?
While I read this donkey years ago and remember little about the details, I do remember it really not reading like a fantasy novel. Dragons are a creature that's bred to serve humanity (for good or evil is up for debate). I don't mind the no magic and can enjoy books that are more political intrigue and less magical sparklers.

2. One thing that bothered me was how Temeraire spoke perfect english immediately after hatching. There was no stumbeling, no learning curve. Does that mean he would have spoken perfect french if he had hatched on french ship?
Probably. Maybe there's no magical system in this world but dragons themselves always seem to be to be inherently magical. And maybe that's part of the innate magical aspects of a dragon that they can immediately communicate with their person. And Laurence is most certainly his person.

3. It is mentioned that Lawrence has a strained relationship with his father. Do you think he will be proud of his son and his efforts upon learning the news? Will he be devastated about his son's future or the lack of (in social terms)?
I honestly don't remember since it's been so long. But based on the description I have a feeling Laurence could bring about World Peace, end poverty and marry a princess and his father would be disappointed. I think he'll be upset his son can't further the family's social standing. I'm not sure he'd notice if Laurence died.

4. I liked the veriety within the dragons. It is said that they breed dragons for desired qualities which comes with its drawbacks as English have limited breeding pool. Volly for instance is fast flyer with high endurance, but not the smartest fish in the barrel. Temeraire on the other hand is bigger, slower, but intelligent and likes water. How do you think Temeraire will turn out to be: breathing fire, spit poison or something else?
Probably breath fire since Temeraire is the cat's pajamas and of course he'll be able to do something really cool. Maybe he'll shock everyone and breath ice (he does love his water!).

5. I'm assuming Laurence will have to train in Aerial Corps. Do you think he will be welcomed more warmly after standoffish and snobbish reception. Will Temeraire make friends with other dragons?
I think there will be a lot of jealous haters. And then some 'who does he think he is'. Laurence is way behind in the knowledge department. I think he said people go to the Aerial Corps at like 7 or whatever and he's a grown man. So that's a bit awkward and he's coming in with the coolest of the cool dragons. It's understandable some of this will be haters. But I'm sure Laurence will find his tribe of people. Or maybe Temeraire will eat all the rude people.

Sorry for the late entrance. I have never done this before and I don't know if I have done it correctly. I do apologize to those who will reread the book because you already know the answers. I didn't have much in general to go on.

~ You're questions were fine! I think you did great. And you weren't late. Any time on the 16th is still on time. And at least in some parts of the world it's still the 16th for several more hours!

Or we could just combine them to be Lusty Lady Lucifer

Sonia wrote: "Remind me exactly what the rules are? Books need to be read after the wheel is spin? Cause I started a black cover book today....*whistles* Sadly, there is no ghost of vampire in there... meh"

They can be started but not finished before the spin.

Also I was much entertained by y'all's thread (as always)

thanks for spinning Lexi!

I finished it during lunch and then didn't get around to spinning for a new one.

Finished Adipose. New monster

Judoon
100 to 175
MC is in law enforcement or equivalent
Stars on cover
"hospital" in text
First book in a series

White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg

In her groundbreaking history of the class system in America, extending from colonial times to the present, Nancy Isenberg takes on our comforting myths about equality, uncovering the crucial legacy of the ever-present, always embarrassing––if occasionally entertaining––"poor white trash."

The wretched and landless poor have existed from the time of the earliest British colonial settlement. They were alternately known as “waste people,” “offals,” “rubbish,” “lazy lubbers,” and “crackers.” By the 1850s, the downtrodden included so-called “clay eaters” and “sandhillers,” known for prematurely aged children distinguished by their yellowish skin, ragged clothing, and listless minds.

Surveying political rhetoric and policy, popular literature and scientific theories over four hundred years, Isenberg upends assumptions about America’s supposedly class-free society––where liberty and hard work were meant to ensure real social mobility. Poor whites were central to the rise of the Republican Party in the early nineteenth century, and the Civil War itself was fought over class issues nearly as much as it was fought over slavery.

Reconstruction pitted "poor white trash" against newly freed slaves, which factored in the rise of eugenics–-a widely popular movement embraced by Theodore Roosevelt that targeted poor whites for sterilization. These poor were at the heart of New Deal reforms and LBJ’s Great Society; they haunt us in reality TV shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and Duck Dynasty. Marginalized as a class, "white trash" have always been at or near the center of major political debates over the character of the American identity.

We acknowledge racial injustice as an ugly stain on our nation’s history. With Isenberg’s landmark book, we will have to face the truth about the enduring, malevolent nature of class as well.