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

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

SET 4 - July 16
Discussion Questions Day 4: Chapters 15 - 19

20. Where there is life, there is hope.
Do you believe this statement or do you think there is ever a situation where you would actually consume the soft candy?
That's a tough question. In my every day life, I don't face possible torture, murder, etc. If I were living in this world where I was being chased just to be tortured and killed, I would probably want the opportunity like Aline to take the soft candy and go out on my own terms. I'm not sure I'd be able to actually do it, but the thought of torture makes me queasy just thinking about. I do always like to believe there's hope, though, I just can't say I would think that in their situation. Great question I wish I could answer better!

21. The King is a man with a vision - a vision of a land ruled by justice, with the Greatcoats serving as his agents of delivery. There seems to be a big disconnect between delivering Justice and obeying the Law - serving one doesn't always (often?) serve the other. The King is trying to deliver justice via the Greatcoats (rendering judgement as a solution vs a punishment) to achieve the change he envisions - using a chaotic good force (the Greatcoats) instead of a lawful good (knights) one - what do you see as his obstacles and chances?
His obstacles are all the people that know justice wouldn't favor them. I think his ideas of delivering justice are coming from the right place, and as we can see with Falcio, it can really change other's minds on their own decisions (like Ugh choosing to help Falcio and humming along with his song).

22. We meet Tailor again - (her role reminds me of the Weaver in The Fionavar Tapestry.) Now learning that she is Aline's nanny, are you starting to think again about Aline's role in the story? Do you think the Tailor is psychic, more than human, or just imbued with magic?
I definitely thought there has to be something more to her. I'm going to guess right now that it has something to do with magic, but I hope we learn more about her soon.

23. Speaking of magic, it's touch has been very subtle in the book so far, like simple tracking spells. Do you think magic will become more important as the narrative proceeds? Do you think it needs to?
I always enjoy talk of magic, and kind of forget about it in this story since it doesn't come up often. I wouldn't mind if more happened, especially if the Tailor turns out to have some kind of magical capabilities, but it doesn't seem necessary.

24. The fight with the Dashini seems to be another example of words besting the might of life-long fighting skills - do you think the tactic Falcio took with the pair of Dashini would really have worked, or worked enough? (I'll admit, I am still a tad skeptical about this ;) )
This was another moment where I loved Falcio. I thought it was a clever trick that I thought was believable enough. Usually action scenes bore me to death, but Falcio comes up with something to say almost every time that makes me laugh.

25. Honestly, I was hoping I wouldn't get this chapter for the DQs - I found it absolutely brutal. Anytime I am presented with the last of of a creature, its existence is already shaded with melancholy. What the Duchess did to the Fey horse was so over the top abominable, and the fact that she destroyed the rest of the herd as well? She has topped Ramsay Bolton within one chapter.
Ok, the question: The Duchess tried to make the fey horse utterly destructive and malicious, and failed. How does someone get to be like the Duchess? Do you think she cares about anything? (You can answer these questions or use this space to vent on the Duchess if you'd rather.)
Ugh, I totally agree with you. This was the hardest part of the book to read, and I honestly would have stopped reading altogether if I didn't want to find out how this ends so badly, it was so hard to stomach. I don't know how the Duchess came to be so malicious, but she is utterly disgusting. That's all I can even think on this subject since I just want to forget this part as long as I can!

Discussion Questions Day 3: Chapters 12-14


14. After seeing the house of the Tiarren family was burned down despite assurances that the family would be protected, Falcio said that he didn't think Princess Valiana was evil, but " much worse". What are your thoughts on that? Do you agree with Falcio?
I can't say I totally agree with him, but I get what he means. It's one thing to be evil and do terrible things and enjoy it, but it's another thing to know you've done something wrong (or in this case trusted someone you knew you shouldn't) and not try to fix it.

15. The little girl who survived the Tiarren fire is named Aline like Falcio's dead wife. Do you think that is more than a coincidence? Why or why not?
I'm not sure. Right now it seems like just a coincidence.


16. I was surprised to learn that the order not to fight when the Dukes came for King Paelis came from the King himself. Why do you think the King made Falcio do that knowing it would likely mean his death?
I'm hoping we find out a little bit more about his reasoning. That's been one of my biggest questions so far.


17. When Falcio meets the "New Greatcoats", it didn't go so well. Do you think we've seen the last of Lorenzo and his troop?
Hmm, I bet they'll come up again later. Falcio had hesitations about them and felt like something was off. I think his intuition was more than just them being terrible Greatcoats.


18. Do you think Falcio was right in fighting Lorenzo? What do you think you would have done in Falcio's shoes?
I can't imagine being in Falcio's shoes but I think if I was in his position watching people tarnish the whole meaning behind being a Greatcoat, I would probably want to put them in their place, too.

19. By the end Chapter 14 we are halfway through this novel and the story has had a lot twists, turns, and revelations. Where do think the story is going to go from here?
I'm hoping Falcio makes it through the Blood Week and ends up back with Kest and Brasti. I miss those two. I'm not sure what will happen after, but I also hope Valiana steps up and defends the Greatcoats.

Wow, way to go all!! I have to agree, I've added so many books to my to-read list now thanks to you all!

Jodie wrote: "Day 2 Questions - July 13
Chapters 7 - 11

8. In this section, the characters are given more substance. We find out more about Valiana and Feltock, we see Bal again, and we get to know the Greatcoa..."

I'm glad I'm not the only one that keeps reading it as "Fetlock"!! I can't stop even after I realized it.

Title: City of Saints & Thieves
Author: Natalie Anderson
Pages: 432
Date Read: 7/11/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was a young adult story set in Kenya, which was a new and interesting setting that I don't usually see. I thought the story was okay but pretty boring most of the time. The ending was decent, but overall, I know I won't remember these characters for long.

Day 2 Questions - July 13
Chapters 7 - 11

8. In this section, the characters are given more substance. We find out more about Valiana and Feltock, we see Bal again, and we get to know the Greatcoats a little more. Which character is most appealing or believable to you? Which character do you see yourself most like?
The one I find the most appealing is probably Kest. I feel like there's so much mystery behind him still, and I want to know more from him versus anyone else at this point. I feel like all three of the Greatcoats have such different personalities, but the banter between them makes me laugh out loud at moments. I can't see myself comparable to any of those three, but I also can't compare myself much to the side characters at this point either.

9. In chapter 7, Feltock and Falcio have a conversation about what happened the day the King was murdered. Feltock said he was demoted because he "forgot to laugh." What are your thoughts on this? What do you think he meant? Do you think it showed disloyalty to the Dukes?
Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking. I think the Dukes took him not laughing as a sign of weakness or regretting what he had done.

10. What are your thoughts on the continued arguments Brasti, Kest, and Falcio have concerning fulfilling his quest to find the charoites? Why do you think they have different viewpoints on what is most important?
I think it's natural for people to have different views on what to do. They all want different things out of life, and I wonder if Brasti or Kest have geas from the Paelis that conflict with what Falcio wants to do but just can't say why.

11. Valiana is the daughter of two powerful Dukes, one of whom helped kill King Paelis. However, it is still unclear who's side she's on, given Kest's opinion and what she does later concerning the Tiarren family. Will she turn out to be on the Dukes' side or the Greatcoats' side? Explain your reasoning.
I have a feeling she'll turn out to be on the Greatcoats side or at least lean towards that side. She seems to understand what's happening around her and didn't seem comfortable with it.

12. I have been really intrigued by and appreciative of the author's writing style, dry humor, and story building. What are your thoughts on how the story has been built, flashbacks intertwined and all? How about the dry humor and witty banter?
I absolutely love the dry humor and the wit. It's not often that I actually chuckle while reading, but I've caught myself doing it multiple times already! I love it because it's not like it's a comedic story - but even the parts where Falcio talks about beheading people have a lightness to them that I really like. I'm glad it's not over-the-top cheesy banter. I like the flashbacks for the most part. I was confused at first with the whole different Kings at different points, but now I'm understanding the timeline.

13. What is something you still have unanswered questions about after having read this section?
I want to know details about King Paelis and what he did for the Greatcoats to stand by as he died. I also want to know a lot more about Kest.

12 July Discussion Questions
Chapters 1-6

1. The 3 Greatcoats were hired as bodyguards. It sounds strange they say torture and making love sounds the same, what do you think? Is it strange they didn't realize earlier what was going on?
I thought that scene was actually quite funny. I'm sure for some people they may sound the same, but it's hard to imagine!

2. What do you make of the strange errands Falcio had to do for his mother when he was a boy? What do you think is the reason she send him away from the house? Why do you think this is one the childhood memories that is shared with us?
It could be like he said - she just wanted him out of the house. I also wondered if she knew someone was going to be coming to the house at those times, and that's why she sent him away so he wouldn't see something he shouldn't or wouldn't like. It seems like we're getting bits and pieces of his childhood and early adulthood. I'm not sure if there's a significance with this one, but maybe we'll end up finding more about his mom later on.

3. Why do you think Bal told Falcio that legend said the Greatcoats wold be back again soon? Was he just trying to entertain a child or did he had other motives? Bal was important to Falcio as a child. Do you think we will see him again?
I think he had other motives. He told it as a story, but I think he knew more than he was letting on. I hope we see him again.

4. The Greatcoats are called tatter-cloaks because they didn't stand by their king. Even though the king was said to be a tyrant, people think badly of the Greatcoats. What do you make of this? Why would the Greatcoats not help their king?
Yes, I remember the child asking her mom why it's a bad thing that they stood by and watched instead of stepping in if the man really was so bad. I think honor is a huge thing for these people and not something to take lightly. If you give someone your word and your protection, you don't go back on it.

5. What do you think made Kest pick up the sword when he was twelve years old? Do you think we will learn the reason along the way?
I love Kest, so I really hope we find more out about him and his reasoning.

6. Do you think joining the caravan was a good call? Why would the lady offer to hire them if their leader wins in a 1 to 5 fight?
I think they were pretty desperate to find someone, and they didn't know right away what it all was going to entail. To me it seemed like she wanted extra protection for some reason.

7. Why does the lady demand them to drop their weapons when the knight and his men want to "prosecute" the Greatcoats? And why do you think sing the song convinced the caravan men to help them?
I'm not sure about this. I think it could have been another test of their strength and skill.

Suzanne wrote: "I just finished
Completion Post

Author: Sebastien de Castell
Pages: 384
Date Read: 7/11/17
5 stars
Review: It was so good! I'll definitely par..."

I'm glad you liked this! I hadn't heard of it until it was picked for a book of the month, so now I'm looking forward to it even more! I haven't started it yet, but I hope to tonight.

Also, I'm so bummed. My library doesn't have Paper and Fire, so I put in a loan request from another library. I'm hoping it comes in on time. I also put a hold on Ash and Quill, so fingers crossed that it all works out, and I have time to read them both :)

Title: It Happens all the Time
Author: Amy Hatvany
Pages: 320
Date Read: 7/9/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This dealt with some pretty heavy topics, and while I liked how the author approached these topics for the most part, it was hard for me to connect with the main characters.

I love that feeling, Kalyn!!

Title: The Woman in Cabin 10
Author: Ruth Ware
Date Read: 7/6/17
Pages: 340
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I don't want to give too much away in case others are reading it right now, but this was definitely a page-turner for me. I liked the main character, and as an anxious person, I could relate to some of her actions and choices she made.

I also participated in the discussion for this!

6 July Discussion Questions
Chapters 18-21

20. Lo sees a picture on Cole's camera of who she thinks is the woman in cabin 10. Cole's camera then ends up in the hot tub. Who do you think knocked it into the water? Do you think it was an accident, like Cole claims, or was it done on purpose?
Cole was definitely acting shady in the hot tub, but he didn't seem to act shady when she initially saw the picture. I think it would be too obvious if it was him who knocked his camera into the water, so I think it was one of the others in the hot tub.

21. Lo and Ben encounter Alexander in the hallway and he mentions that he saw a woman exiting Ben's cabin the night of the murder/disappearence. Do you think it was our missing woman? Or perhaps Alexander is just trying to create drama?
Could be either. There are many moments I question Ben, and it's hard to tell if he's acting genuine about that not being true.

22. Richard Bullmer finally hears Lo's account of what's going on and seems to be taking her seriously. Do you think he's actually going to help Lo or do you think he might be in on the plot?
I don't think he's going to help Lo. It's easy to fake concern, and he gives me weird vibes.

23. And now Lo's phone is missing! I'm assuming someone stole it because they're going to be in a port soon and will probably have internet access. But then I thought that wouldn't much matter since she was planning on going to talk to the police and there would presumably be a way for her to contact people in Trondheim. Why do you think her phone was stolen? Is it to keep her from contacting anyone or just to scare her?
I can't think of many other reasons other than they wanted to give themselves more time before she contacted police. They gave away that they can enter her room from the veranda, so it might have also been to scare her, but I think they were probably more worried about her using it to contact home or the police.

24. Well, they are almost to Trondheim. What do you think is going to happen once they reach the port?
I definitely think she's going to be deterred by someone. Whoever it is obviously doesn't want her story getting to the police, and the social media posts talk about how she never got back on the boat from Trondheim but nothing about a police report, so I think someone's going to stop her.

Daily Questions - Day 3
Chapters 13-17

15. Do you think the head of security has something to do with the missing mascara? If not, do you have any gut feelings about who may have?
My gut feelings keep changing. I didn't think it was Nilsson at first, but I also don't really trust the guy. I don't trust Ben either, especially after what we just read. It's so hard because the "obvious" thoughts that I have seem unlikely just because they're obvious. I'm thinking it's going to be someone a little unexpected.

16. Given what he told Nilsson about Lo's past I'm surprised that she has once again confided in Ben, this time about what she think she saw from the balcony of cabin 10. I don't trust him at this stage, do you think Ben is trustworthy?
Definitely not. I'm not really understanding what kind of pull he has on Lo for her to tell him so much. I get she wants someone to believe her, and he does, but you would think you would be a little paranoid of everyone in her position.

17. Flash forwards of news reports have confirmed that Lo definitely goes missing from the cruise ship. Have you found knowing this has increased or lessened the tension of the current storyline?
I love it just because it makes me think there definitely ARE people watching her, and she's not blacking out or something and doing these things herself. I really hope that's the case anyway!

18. When Lo found that writing on the shower it confirmed that something has definitely happened to the girl in cabin 10. It seems like a scary situation for her to be in, especially not knowing who to trust. What do you think you would do if you were in Lo's position?
I think I would follow in her footsteps and stop trusting people so easily. She didn't tell anyone, and I think that's a good idea. The people that would actually believe her might be behind it all anyway. Others would probably just think she was hallucinating or dreaming or something from her mud spa experience.

19. Future newspaper reports indicate a body has been found and it seems pretty obvious to me that it would be that of the girl. Do you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader that it is Lo? If so do you think she has succeeded in sowing enough of a seed to get the reader to consider it might be her?
My first thought reading the title was that they confirmed it was Lo, but when I read the rest and realized it was unconfirmed, I figured it was the other girl. I'm sticking to it being the other girl just because I really don't want it to be Lo.

Day 2 DQ's

July 3 Discussion questions & comments
Chapters 7-12

8. Lo wonders about Rowan's experience of going to luxury places to report about them. She wonders "How can she stand it, these regular glimpses into a life no regular person would ever be able to afford?". Do you agree with this? Would you like to travel to luxury places for your work?
Yes, I would love to travel like that! I'm also someone that loves watching all of the TV shows about people working on luxury yachts or resorts. I think if I were actually in the position to go to these places though, I would feel very out of place and would be worried about being more poised than normal.

9. Tina is looking at Lo in a speculatively way, while they are waiting before they can go to the dinner room. Why do you think she looks at Lo that way? Did she overhear Lo talking about her?
I didn't get the feeling she overheard Lo but thought maybe she's a little jealous that the one man was talking to Lo and seemed to like her. That's what I got out of it, but it could have also been something more sinister!

10. Jo is panicked and is thinking of Judah, then she says “I imagined burying my face in Judah’s shoulder and for a second I nearly burst into tears, but I clenched my teeth and swallowed them back down. Judah was not the answer to all". Why do you think she says this? Does she really have second thought about breaking up with Judah?
She seems to be back and forth with not wanting to rely on someone else, especially Judah who can't always be there for her, and then just really wanting to give it all up and have him (or someone) to lean on.

11. When Ben and Lo are alone, she tells him all about the burglary. Why do you think she can tell Ben and not Judha all details and how it made her feel? What does this say about Lo's feelings towards Ben and Judah?
I thought that was an odd moment. They definitely have a little history, but I was so shocked that he tried to feel her up when she very obviously didn't want it, and then she's bawling to him and telling him all. I'm not sure why she did that. I think alcohol probably played a big factor, and she seems to feel guilty for some things when she shouldn't.

12. Why do you think Judah is so worried about Jo? He asks all her friends if they heard from her. Do you think he is overreacting?
He made it sounds like it's really odd for Lo to not respond. He got her first message, so he already knows she's not mad at him. He also knows now that others haven't heard from her, so I think his reaction is appropriate. When you think someone should have access to contact you and they don't get in touch for days, it's easy to get worried. Especially when they're out at sea!

13. Lo hears a scream and thinks she sees a woman in the sea. Do you think she imagined it? After all, she is a bit drunk and is possibly suffering from anxiety and PTSD. How do you think the staff handles the situation? Should they have done anything else?
I really hope she didn't imagine it. I personally don't want it to be another story where the main character just imagines everything and that's the "twist". I want there to be an actual reason she saw this girl and now she's gone. I think the staff handled it pretty much as best as they could, but I did get weird vibes from a couple of the women. Especially Karla (if that's her name) who took Lo's phone call.

14. I think it is strange the schedule of the order of the ports is changed. Do you believe the reason they give to Lo?
I've never been on a cruise or anything similar, so I have no idea how it would actually work. Nilsson seemed to have a lot of possible answers, and I don't get the impression that he's making it up, but who knows. Definitely could come up again later though.

July 2 Discussion questions & comments
Chapters 1 -6

1. Have you read anything by Ruth Ware before? Why did you decide to join this read?
I haven't read anything by Ruth Ware before, and even though this book wasn't on my radar before, it sounded interesting.

2. I have the impression that Lo suffered panic attacks and slight claustrophobia even before the break-in. Do you think there's much more to her past than we've been told so far?
I hadn't even given her past much thought, but now I'm also wondering if it's normal for her to be paranoid and have panic attacks anyway and this just exacerbated it, or if the break-in started it all.

3. Theories on the break-in? Does a burglar wear latex gloves and lock the occupant of the house in their bedroom while ransacking the place? How would he know she didn't have a phone in her room? Seems there's more going on here than a simple burglary
That's what I've been thinking, too. I'm thinking the burglar will either end up being someone she knows or will be someone connected with the cruise she's on now.

4. I can't quite imagine the boat. She said it isn't much bigger than a yacht and yet the descriptions make it sound quite large. Your thoughts?
I was struggling with that, too. She worried at first about having a cramped space like another very small boat she'd been on, and then she described the boat as small, and I imagine she has one of the smallest rooms if I remember right. I'm forced now to imagine something bigger than what she originally described because her room sounds amazing. That did bug me, though!

5. Ok stupid question, but would you borrow mascara from someone?! (What a way to get an eye infection!) And also on this very expensive ship full of rich people the lady gives her Maybelline mascara which is a relatively cheap brand. A clue she doesn't belong there perhaps?
LOL I was thinking the same thing!! I'm also very prone to eye infections, so it kind of grossed me out. I get why the other woman told her to keep it. The drugstore brand and the ratty band t-shirt definitely hints that this woman may not be as wealthy as the others on the boat.

6. Have you ever been so overly tired but not able to sleep? Do you think Lo is paranoid due to her lack of sleep and anxiety or is there someone watching her?
Yes, often! I know I get exceptionally paranoid after I hear about a horror story of someone else, so I imagine actually going through it would cause even more paranoia and anxiety. I think that's all it is for her right now, but I do imagine someone is watching her on this boat.

7. Do you like the writing style? Is it an effective way to build suspense by using the emails to give us a glimpse in the future before going back to present day?
Yes, I do like that! I like wondering what caused her to not e-mail them since we know she has Wi-Fi.

Crista726 wrote: "I have added many books to my to read list based on all of your book reviews. Some of the books I wouldnt have given a second glance if it wasn't for your positive reviews. Here's a tough question ..."

Same here, Crista! I have added tons of new books/series thanks to you all :)

I love these kinds of questions - especially so I can get even more ideas of good books!

A few of my favorite books/series are:
Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows series)
Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive Series)
Slammed

Title: The Bear and the Nightingale
Author: Katherine Arden
Pages: 332
Date Read: 6/28/17
Rating: 2 stars
Review: This book just wasn't for me, no matter how much I wanted to like it. I liked the main character, Vasya, quite a bit, but I was SO bored during any scene with the priest or Anna. It got to a point where my mind was drifting more often than not.

Oops, I forgot to say earlier that I participated in the BOM discussion for The Gunslinger.

I'm glad it's not just me that wasn't a fan of Outlander. You took the words right out of my mouth!

Title: The Kite Runner
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Pages: 391
Date read: 6/25/17
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I'm so glad I finally read this. It was hard to put down once I picked it up. It had many heart-wrenching moments and times where I literally gasped out loud. I felt for these characters, and I thought the author ended it beautifully.