Amy’s Comments (group member since Nov 02, 2015)

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

I think I fixed my edition for Act Your Age, Eve Brown on my ttx shelf, so hopefully it matches up now!

Good morning all and Happy Monday! It sounds like lots of you have had busy weekends! Nikki, that sounds like a very active Saturday followed by a well-deserved resting day on Sunday :) Sorry you had a headache, though!

My weekend was pretty uneventful as my husband worked all weekend, so I just spent time with my 1-year-old. We got out of the house both days but unfortunately the weather was pretty gloomy all weekend, so I was bummed that we couldn't bust out some outdoor things. I really should have planned better and gardened over the weekend since it would have been nice weather for that! My hubby promised me a day next weekend that he would spoil me rotten since he missed Mother's Day, so I'm going to hold him to it ;)

I didn't get any reading in over the weekend, but thankfully I get a lot of downtime at work that I can catch up this week.

DQs - Day 7
Chapters 47 - end

32. So not only did some of the Vanguards come to help rescue Rose, but they even patched up Clay. What did you make of the unguent that Tiamax gave Clay? And would you submit yourself to the same thing if you were in a similar position?
Not going to lie, I felt like it was a little too good to be true that Clay not only survived such a treacherous fall but then magically gets saved and someone on board can regrow a hand for him?? I guess that's the theme in this book anyway, but him losing a hand was so shocking to me that I was kind of disappointed that it was kind of pointless in the end. That being said, I would totally want my hand regrown!

33. What did you make of the “fight” with Akatung? Was the dragon everything you expected given how much hype it got earlier in the book?
I thought this was entertaining without taking up too much time before the final fight, but I also was hoping we maybe would have seen it during the finale.

34. What did you think of Gabe’s speech at Kalador? Was it a lot of pretty words? Or did it evoke something more? And were you surprised by the reaction the attendees of the War Fair by the end?
I liked his speech. I thought he was pretty honest about what was going on but also pulled at the strings of those that were trying to make a name for themselves that didn't really have a grandiose option to do so with how bands had changed so much at this point. I can't say I would have followed this group to fight the Horde myself, but I'm not surprised a lot of them did.

35. After having such a presence all book as this near impossible to kill villain that had planned everything down the most minute detail, did you feel that Lastleaf’s end was what he deserved?
I had gone in hoping that Gabriel would be the one to kill him, so I can't say the way he died was what he deserved, and I especially was shocked by it because it would bring his mother back which I wasn't expecting him to want. I'm curious to get the second book and see if this is a plot.

36. And finally what were your final feelings on the book? Were you satisfied with the ending? Was Kit’s small excerpt about how the Siege of Castia ended enough or did it leave you wishing to read more about the various bands that participated in the battle?
I loved Kit's excerpt about the band, although I could have 100000% had a deeper insight into Clay coming home and seeing Tally.

Good morning, Team! I'm planning to finish the BOM today, and I'm wondering if there are instructions somewhere on what I should do regarding my discussion posts to link to? It's been so long since I've done a challenge that my memory is rusty

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Day 6

27. We finally get Lastleaf's backstory in full, and his motives become clearer. What did you think of the fact that he is technically one of the human's Gods (not actually a god, but a being that through myth and legend has been elevated to one over time)?
I'm glad we got to learn much more about Lastleaf now before they most likely meet him again in the future. I think it's really interesting how his whole life story has been warped in a way that turned him into a God in this fictional world. I started to feel a little bad for him while hearing about how he came to be and what the swords represent.

Did you see Shadow's treachery coming?
I didn't expect the full betrayal, but I did figure there was more to him than he was showing.

28. Another battle, and Clay has a mental dig at Moog for not being much use in a battle. Poor Moog. do you feel that maybe Clay and the others underestimate Moog at times?
Not going to lie, I kind of agree with Clay so far. I hope Moog has his moment to shine, but his magic items are SO unpredictable that I agree when Clay said it's more of a distraction than anything. I think he has his place in the band for sure, but he unfortunately just can't be counted on 100%. That being said, I really like Moog.

29. Moog rigs up a magical "telephone". If you were in Rose's situation, would you want to know of the rescue attempt (unlikely as it seems it would be successful), or would you prefer not to know? (a very slight hope vs the knowledge that your loved ones are putting themselves in danger because of you)
Ugh, that's a tough one!! I think I would prefer not to know. With the situation that she's in and knowing there's not really any feasible way they truly can rescue her (although I'm holding out hope), I think it would just put more heartache on her shoulders than anything. I can understand why she was mad finding out that it was just the band coming to save her instead of a full army after getting her hopes up, but I felt SO bad for Gabe here.

30. Owlbear cubs! What mythical creature do you think would make a good pet?
Something that could fine me treasure? :)

31. "You're a hard man to kill, Clay Cooper"
"But I'm easy to hurt"
I think it says a lot about clay that he can plummet from a bridge, spare a moment for a dying fiend, show incredible endurance catching up with Larkspur and still see the humanity in the woman that cut off his hand. Superman or just plain stubborn? Truly good person, or in denial about how the world really is?
I think he's truly a good person that may know that he probably shouldn't trust some people but gives them a chance anyway.

DQ Day 5
Chapters 31-37

22. The band choose to land to search for Matrick and eventually find Matrick, Larkspur and a Witch Doctor. Did this surprise you?
I wasn't surprised they were alive, but I was surprised about them having found help immediately. What luck on a so-far unlucky adventure

23. Larkspur in her fall has lost her memory and now goes by the name Sabitha. After her drug induced sleep she recounts her dreams to Clay of snippets from her past. Does this put her actions in a different light? When she recovers her memory do you think she will revert back to her how she was before the fall?
Yes, it was nice to see a little bit into her past to see what shaped her to who she became as Larkspur. If she gets her memory back, I wondered if she would take notice of how the band kept her alive and didn't leave her with the cannibals even though that was an easy option for them. Actually I don't think she even realizes they considered doing that, so maybe she won't have a soft spot for them after all. Time will tell.

24. We meet Gregory and Dane during our visit to the Cannibals. What are your thoughts on how Gregory describes events to Dane?
I agreed with Clay (I think?) how he said it was honorable that he was basically lying to him and making things seem much more pleasant than reality. Honestly, I would want someone to do that for me. What's the point in sharing the truth would it would maybe just be depressing or boring when you can brighten someone's day and also fantasize in the moment with them.

25. I’m loving the magic bag in this section. What meal would you have it magically produce?
Oooh, that's a great question! If I could, I would have it produce something super indulgent and chocolate that didn't pack any calories :) Otherwise I would have it produce a really tasty meal that was too complicated to cook on my own but I've always wanted to try.

26. It seems there is a cure for Rot. How do you think this will effect Moog in the long term?
As we could see right away, it was a very bittersweet moment when he realized the cure was actually pretty simple and how it could have changed his life drastically if he had found the cure before Frederick died. I think it takes away a little bit of his life's purpose, so I'm curious to see how he acts going forward. I hope he can start to move on and find a new purpose.

Happy Monday!

I have a 600+ book OR a book that's 512 pages that I could commit to for this month (and I'd save the other for next month), but I'm wondering which one would be most helpful right now. Any thoughts?

Tati wrote: "Behold Ollie, the bane of my credit card LOL

"

What a cutie!!!

DQ Day 4
Chapters 22-30

16. The Maxithon, now that was an adventure. Was this what you were expecting was going to happen? What did you make of the fight?
I expected the band to win, but I was NOT expecting the utter chaos the whole crowd got to experience along with them. I wonder if that may change Maxithons like this going forward or if it will be more interesting to people?? I liked seeing the different ways each man fought.

17. We meet yet another one of the old bands - what did you make of Vanguard? They seem a little friendlier at least than Raff's band. Did you expect them to say no? Or would you have thought they'd team up with Saga?
I enjoyed these characters (and characters they definitely were!!) much more than Raff's band but that may be because they weren't trying to kill them. They seemed good natured, and I'm kind of hoping they pop in again somewhere along this adventure even though I wasn't surprised they didn't team up with Saga.

18. Saga seems to have had a rather large amount of unfortunate bards. I can't help but wonder what they're going to lead Kit into, or do you think that maybe Kit will truly be the first ever bard of the band who will actually survive the adventure? Kit is supposedly unkillable after all, so maybe they're going to be lucky? What are your predictions on Kit's life expectancy as bard of Saga?
That's a great question!! I actually had the thought while reading where I wondered how TRULY unkillable he is. Like if someone were to chop his head off, what does that mean for him? That being said, I feel like he's one of those side characters with such a fun, goofy personality that I have a feeling he'll someone be incapacitated lol.

19. Are you enjoying the writing style of the book? What about the story in general?
I'm really loving the humour in this book! It's one of those stories I feel like I'll enjoy reading again someday (as long as I like the rest of it) and will pick up on even more of those little quips from the boys. A part of me does have anxiety though that it's such a long journey to get to Rose in the first place, and I just want to know she's safe... I also just want a little snippet of Tally to make sure she's safe, too.

20. The Heartwyld beckons! We are going to get a closer glimpse at this mysterious forest. What are your expectations?
I'm looking forward to hopefully meeting some new creatures and seeing what else Moog can pull out of his bag of tricks?!

21. Oh my word, someone went overboard! Over the forest! With the daeva no less. Makes me wonder if the band will be intact for much longer. Or could the daeva potentially not have killed Matrick, or intend to take him back to Lilith so she can kill her beloved husband herself? There was this one moment where it looked as though the daeva may let them be, seeing that they're on their way to rescue someone's daughter, so a noble feat in a world that seems to have kicked Larkspur all her life. Maybe? Yes? No? Am I alone in thinking something like this?
I feel like the daeva will keep Matty alive for Lilith, but it does seem she is ok letting the others be on their way because it seemed to affect her when they mentioned Rose like you said!

My weekend has been nice so far! I finished my first book for the challenge finally, but I'm on mobile this weekend, so I'm sorry if it didn't link properly in the spreadsheet. I'll be able to look more closely at it when I'm at a computer tomorrow. I still don't understand why the Goodreads mobile app is soooo difficult to use for certain things.

My husband and I were able to get a lot of planting and landscaping done this weekend even though it's been rainy on and off. Today I'm just cuddling with my 1-year-old before her nap, and then we're going to visit family later! The weekend is going by way too fast.

Saar The Book owl wrote: "I've started a book with 140 pages. Not the easiest one to keep my head around. I thought it would be a quick read, but hopefully finishing tomorrow."

I hate when that happens - I like to pick up a shorter book and think I can get done with it in a day or so but when it doesn't keep my attention I get pretty bummed! Hopefully it turns around for you!

DQ Day 3
Chapters 16-21


11. The fight with Raff's old band (who looked like clowns) that ended with snakes is one of the first times we see the almost full band working together. What did you think of this scene? Did you like the action or was it confusing?
I'm not sure if this is a weird take, but I really don't care that much for action scenes even though I enjoy reading books that have them. That being said, this was probably the first part of this story where I found my mind wandering because I was kind of bored, but my ears perked up when it came to Moog's magic going awry again. I also found it kind of sad when Clay ended up killing Raff even though it may not have been his intention.

12. So the hoarder kobolds - I thought they were great! And the bird-like creatures pulling the carriage. Do you have a favorite creature you've seen so far, or one you'd like to see? Tell why.
Agreed, these were very interesting! It's cliche, but it would be great to see a dragon later on!

13. I think in the last half of this section we really start understanding what a big deal the Kings of Wyld really were. And we get to compare them to the Screaming Eagles. What do you think about the ethics and popularity of the new bands that kill captive monsters in arenas?
It seems as Saga was about defeating monsters and threats to people and became popular for their heroics whereas the new bands are just for pure entertainment purposes and not really defeating actual threats. While I can't really say I think the monsters should be released, I do always feel a little bad when reading stories about captive creatures that may or may not be abused.

14. Lastleaf gave his (and the hordes') motivations for conquest. Do you think his reasons were valid, or is he just evil? Do you feel at all sorry for the monsters?
I kind of feel like he's just evil. A part of me was hoping someone would just stick him with a knife when they were talking with him and Dinantra. I kind of said above but yes, I do feel a little pang when I think of abused creatures, but at the same time I also wouldn't advocate for letting a monster go to just go kill a bunch of people.

15. We all picked our favorite character in day 1 questions. Has yours changed since then?
Clay would probably be my favorite still since we get more insight into his thoughts and such, but I also enjoy Matty's humor.

DQ Day 2
Chapters 9 - 15

6. We meet the 3rd member of the band, the wizard Moog. What are your impressions of the wizard? Were you as surprised as Clay that he agreed to go right away?
Moog is definitely a character, that's for sure. I kind of like how he brings a sense of craziness to the group while also showing hints of intelligence with being a wizard. It wasn't surprising that he jumped at the chance to go on this adventure - he seems like a lonely soul and the type of person that watches everyone else around him moving on, making families, and he hasn't had that same opportunity since he lost Frederick and seems to be stuck in that grief. I'm curious to see what happens now that we know he also has the rot.

7. That was some entrance to the palace, don't you think? What were your first impressions of Matrick? Were you surprised by the turn of events in chapter 11? Excited or worried when Moog announces that he had a plan?
That was very entertaining! At first I felt like Matrick was exactly how Clay described him - someone who drinks a lot, has a lot of experience with multiple women, and I figured he would just be pretty full of himself. I was surprised how meek he was in front of Lillian and how attentive he was to the kids when she seemed dismissive. I was not expecting him to say he wanted to escape, so I like that he surprised me overall! Moog's plans will always worry me now.

8. After several descriptions sprinkled thoughout the story thus far, we finally meet a druin. What do you think his plan is? Why does he really want the Council to stand down?
This is a good question that I didn't really think about while reading, but I like seeing others responses which I agree with. It does seem like there may be a more complex reason behind why he wants them to stand down that we may learn of later.

9. Were you surprised at how Lillian arranged the funeral? What did you think of Clay's contribution? How successful would you rate Moog's plan?
I thought it was interesting how she did it, but it made sense when they explained it further. I found it super entertaining having Clay think on his feet to try to make sure they didn't actually light him on fire. Moog's plan gets a 10 for entertainment from me.

10. Gabriel borrows Moog's crystal ball to check on his daughter. Were you surprised at what he saw? What did you think of the band's reaction?
I was surprised at how impossible their task now seems. I knew their trek would never be easy, but what they saw in the crystal ball makes me really wonder what they'll do. That being said, I feel like each of them have their own personal reasons for continuing on, and I have hope that something goes right for them.

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to CH 8

1.) What do you think of the premise of the book, like an aging rock band getting back together to go on tour but an adventuring band instead? Is the author pulling it off so far?
I love this comparison, and I do think it's working well so far. I'm interested to learn more about the rest of the bandmates, but so far I'm happy to really delve into Clay and Gabe to get a feel for their personalities. I feel like the author has done a good job of showcasing the rollercoaster of emotions both of these men are going through.

2.) The rocks, may of hit me a bit in the feels. Did it affect your opinion of Gabe at all?
That was a sucker punch. When Gabe initially started scrambling after the rocks, I felt similarly to what Clay probably felt wondering if this really is the guy you'd want to go on a dangerous trek with? But when he explained why he had the rocks, it gave me a better understanding of Gabe and made me feel that much more deeply for him.

3.) How do you like the world building, is it being done effectively for you without major info dumping? Is it helping to set the stage for the story?
I think it's been done pretty well, although I do have some confusion around some of the elements that were discussed like druins (and I honestly can't remember what else I wondered if it would be explained more further on). Overall, I think I have a good feel for what's going on and what the world is like, and I like so far that it hasn't felt like an info dump.

4.) What did you think about the parade? Did anyone else enjoy Clay's reaction to the ladies being whistled at and be disappointed when the lady blew a kiss back instead of skewering the guy (like Clay expected to happen)?
I thought this was amusing and a good quick look into Clay's past while showing the present that he's not familiar with anymore.

5.) Do you have a favorite character so far?
Clay unsurprisingly is my favorite character. I loved his thought process in the beginning where you learn just a bit about what he's been through and get to see him with his wife and daughter (I also LOVED how he described his wife and the supper scene with her and Gabe), and I liked seeing his heartache when talking to Tally and just being able to envision how hard it was for him to put himself in Gabe's shoes while also not wanting to leave Tally fatherless. I also loved his quick thinking in Chapter 8 with Kal. I'm very intrigued to see what happens next!


Bonus: Taking a poll for a very important question. On the Tassel Farm: Centaur or Moose?
My vote is for a Centaur :)

Emma (M) wrote: "Brandon Sanderson is one of my favourite authors. I’ve got book 5 of the Mistborn series Shadows of Self on the list for reading this challenge.

Warbreaker is probab..."

I also really love Brandon Sanderson, and Warbreaker is his favorite of mine, too! I was just about to start Tress of the Emerald Sea but am going to hold off until after the challenge starts, but I'm intrigued by the plot.

Hi everyone!

I live in the US/Midwest with my husband, our 1-year-old baby girl, 2 cats, and a rambunctious sheltie!

While I haven't been able to read as much since becoming a mom, I still try to take advantage of every minute I have to myself to sit down with a good book and some coffee. Lately I've been gravitating towards mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, some contemporary romance, and a little science fiction here and there. I don't read much nonfiction, but I'll always take suggestions of ones to check out!

It's been a while since I've done a challenge here, so I may be a little slow in figuring things out, but I'm really excited to read with you all and take on this challenge!!

Here's the link to my shelf (let me know if it doesn't work) - ttx

Title: Edgedancer
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Pages: 272
Date read: 07/27/18

Characters: Lift, Wyndle, Stump, Nale, Gawx

I'm still working my way through Oathbringer and finally got Edgedancer from the library so am trying to read it quick!

It's so hard to pick just one class I would want to take, but I would probably go with Care if Magical Creatures.

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
Author: Claire North
Pages: 405
Read: 07-13-18

Three Wishes
Author: Liane Moriarty
Pages: 356
Date Read: 07-07-18