Natalie’s Comments (group member since Oct 24, 2015)

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

There’s also SOS: Serious Overload of Series
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

Their bingo game starts soon and was my first competitive team game on GR. Still haven’t won. Maybe I shouldn’t advertise it anymore…

I also had fun playing with everyone and thank you to Michelle and Jenny for all your hard work captaining!!

Day 4 DQs
Chapter 15 - end

19. "He isn't trying to win your forgiveness. He is here to atone, because it's the right thing to do" Do you believe Hugh's motive's for coming to help Kate? Were Andrea and Raphael right to keep from Kate from knowing where Hugh was given their history?

I like Hugh, so I believe him. Based off his book he was willing to go against Roland regardless to help save his people. I'm not sure about Raphael and Andrea, maybe it was around the time that Kate was super pregnant/just had Conlan so they didn't want to distract her.

20. "You barged into the house of the closest person I have to a sister and you interrupted my breakfast" Hugh to Dali about kate (and his breakfast) What do you think of this statement

Again, I like Hugh, so I found it funny. I honestly would love a good fanfiction of them growing up together.

21. We now know what was in the briefcase and that Roland i trying to win the pack's allegiance through a vial to help Dali and Jim conceive. Are they right to mistrust the vial? Hugh can help them with their fertility issues but it will be an incredibly painful procedure for Dali. Do you think she will ever convince jim that they should go through with it?

They are right to mistrust the vial, it may work, but I'm pretty sure it would have some consequences. Roland wanted to take out the Pack long before he knew about Kate being in the area, he wouldn't ignore that opportunity. I think she will convince Jim and we'll probably see it in one of Hugh's books.

22. What did you think of Neig's realm? Was Kate right to accept the invitation to visit it? What did you think of Roland making a blood ward so he could scream at Kate uninterrupted ?

Honestly didn't have many thoughts of Neig's realm, clearly he was overconfident as he had the anchor in plain sight. Loved the blood ward scene, especially when Erra got in on it. I have an older brother so it was fun to watch.

23. Kate nearly lost Curran before the battle as the balance between humanity and godhood started to tip. Was Curran right to do what he did given the reasons we later find out. Were you surprised when you found out he had done it to resurrect her when she died trying to kill her father? Do you think he should have told her before hand? Do you think perhaps this could have gone very wrong?

Definitely could have gone wrong, though obviously, I'm glad it didn't. I understand the reasons for it to remain secret.

24. What did you think of the battle and the use of the bagpipes to make the yeddimur go crazy? What did you think of Kate's plan to get kill the dragon? Did you expect t to work the way it did?

Oh bagpipes, nice to see them have their moment of glory. I hoped the plan would work, but I wasn't sure if it would. A lot of the times a plot device is if a plan is described in a book/movie, it's not going to work out versus if the scene is just "I have a plan" and then move on to the event.

25. Did you expect Roland to betray Kate in the end and what did you think of her solution with the anchor? What did you think about what Kate did to Julie and were you surprised at her perspective about it in the epilogue?

I was pretty open minded coming in and didn't have any preconceived ideas of what would happen. I did think/hope that Kate, Conlan, and Curran would survive at least. I wasn't sure how/what Roland's fate would be, but I found it fitting. The Julie part makes sense. Kate would protect her, even if she had to go against her word. It was the right move in the end.

26. This is purportedly the last book in the Kate Daniels series however we know there is at least two more books about Hugh and Elara to come. Are there any other characters you would like to see spin off novellas and /or series about?

Julie/Derek, especially Julie after her adventures with Erra. I think the authors had said they may write about her, but that they don't write YA so there would be a time jump. Although there was a big jump in this book so she may be 18 now? Still, give her a few years and more experience and then check in.

Apparently at a fan event Gordon mentioned having (view spoiler)[Desandra and Nick (hide spoiler)] as a couple which I would have never put together on my own but now that it's in my mind I want to read about so much.

I think another Jim/Dali novella maybe after/during Hugh's trilogy would fit nicely. I'd also love to see more of Roman.

Finally, Conlan. I would love to see him (and any other siblings) as adults.

27. Last but not least, to continue the trend. What was your favourite Conlan moment in this section? Your favourite Conlan moment of the book? Also given what Conlan can do at 13 month, do you think the world should be somewhat terrified at what he might be able to do when he is older?

I had finished before I got to day 2 of the questions, so I haven't been answering as I wasn't 100% sure what happened when, but my overall favorite part was when he unleashed his blood claws. As I said above, I would be happy to read about him as an adult.

Finished another book that has a Y character, but I also added other letters and TW tasks. I don’t think I’ll finish another book before the end.

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

216 pages
8/30

Characters: A (title), C, D, E, F, M, P (author), R, S, T (author), Y
Coram Smythesson, Douglass, Francis, Myles, Raoul, Ylira

TW:
2.5/7.5 - Sword on cover
3.4 - transportation on cover - horse
5.4/7.5 - someone dies - Francis dies from sweating sickness

I stayed up and finished last night, but here are more answers.

DQ’s Day 2 Chapter 6-10
7. I really do not remember Yu Fong. I also haven’t read all of the novellas so that may be why. Yu Fong is part dragon and was fighting something in the sky. Any ideas? Do you think he will play an important role later in the book?

I remember him. I read all the novellas. I think he was first in Magic Dreams when Dali finds him and then Magic Tests where he's a student at Julie's school. I love dragons so I was happy to see him again. I skipped the novellas during my reread this summer and I don't think he appears in the main series otherwise.

8. So, Roland did not answer Kate’s communication. Someone did right before magic came back up. Who do you think he is? Will he offer useful information? Is he responsible for Serenbe?

Finished so can't answer. At the time I had no idea who it was. But I found the whole getting caught off thing funny.

9. Luther has a working theory on how the humans are changed. Since it hasn’t gotten to the zombie apocalypse stage yet, is someone able to contain it and waiting for the right time to release the cotangent or is it not as contagious as they think?

Finished so can't answer.

10. Avag Barsamian went into the Keep for two hours!!! The next day Robert offered an alliance. Should the Pack be trusted? Is the Pack going to stand by their alliance or abstain from fighting?

Finished so can't answer.

11. I love Conlan!!!! Wouldn’t it be great if there were short stories in the author’s newsletter with Conlan’s adventures?! What is your favorite scene with Conlan in this segment of the book?

Finished so can't answer. I can't remember what happened in these sections versus the rest.

DQ’s Day 3 Chapter 11-14

12. In this section, we are reminded of how strong both Kate and Curran are willing to protect their family. Kate is willing to die if she has to kill her father and Curran is killing gods to gain power. Do you think they are having a breakdown in communication by not sharing these things with each other?

I don't think they had a breakdown in communication, they clearly both had plans that they knew the other wouldn't agree with and didn't share on purpose.

13. We find out that the box delivered to Kate, Serenbe, and Yu Fong are all connected to Neig, a dragon! Do you think this is going to disrupt current alliances; will everyone want to fight something so big and unknown?

Finished so can't answer. But just want to comment again that I love dragons.

14. Kate kills almost all of the Sahanu and when she turns around she sees that Conlan watched her do all that killing. She is so concerned abouth that, but Conlan still reaches for her and calls her shiny. Are you worried for Conlan and how this life might impact him? Or will he just roll with it?

Finished so can't answer as that concern comes up. I am content with how it was resolved. It does make me hope that we eventually get some sort of novella/series of Conlan as an adult.

15. Wow, surprise, Hugh is here! What have you thought about Hugh in previous books? Does Christopher's thoughts about Hughs' empathetic side and his blood bond with Roland change your feelings toward Hugh?

I love Hugh! I was pretty sure he would show up at some point and did read Iron and Magic when it was released. But I had actually forgotten about him for a while. In my earlier comment I said that Nick was the closest thing Kate had to a brother, but Hugh does fit that role much better and I forgot about him when I said that. Nick is maybe that cousin on the other side of your family who just hates you/your side for some issue years ago. I think they did go a bit far in redeeming Hugh. I would have been fine with just a change of heart, but I don't think that would work for everyone. I look forward to the rest of Hugh's trilogy.

16. Why do you think Julie is keeping so much from Kate?

Finished so can't answer.

17. I love the playful times between Kate and Curran, banter is always great:

"admit what?
He pointed to himself.
"All this is too much for you".
I rolled my eyes.

Do you miss the tension they had before they were together or do you prefer this loving partnership?

Both have been fun to read. One of my favorite parts of the series is seeing both and how their relationship has evolved through each book. They did have a lot of disagreements after getting together in Book 4, but it's never been a stupid misunderstanding argument. I've really enjoyed seeing them work together as a couple.

18. In keeping with the previous sets of questions, what is your favorite Conlan scene for this section of the book?

Finished so can't answer. I can't remember what happened in these sections versus the rest.

I finished and posted what I think is being used as my second sword book, but I added in about everything it works for.

I'm planning to read at least one more that I believe has a y character. I'll post everything it counts for. Not sure if I can read another, but I'll watch the thread and see what we need.

Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews

352 pages
8/29
BoM: my first comment

Letters: A (author), C, D, E, F, I (author), L, M (title), R, S, T, Y
Curran Lennart, Derek, Erra, Nick Feldman, Raphael, Saiman, Teddy Jo, Yu Fong

Tasks:
2.3/5.3 - Cat (lion) on cover
2.5/7.5 - Sword on cover
3.2 - shapeshifter characters
3.3 - paranormal as MPG
4.2 - dragon in book
4.3 - favorite romantic couple in book
5.4/7.5 - someone dies - multiple deaths
5.4 - large battle - large battle at end
6.3 - Someone protects someone else - Conlan is protected by his parents

Discussion Questions - Day 1
Prologue - Chapter 5

1. What do you think of the authors' choice to start with Conlan's birth and then jump forward thirteen months?

I’m fine with it. Get out of the exhausting newborn time and have a child who can somewhat articulate for himself and move around on his own. I am curious about what’s going on between Curran Andy Erra.

2. To me the opening prologue really showcases how far Kate has come from the loner mercenary in the first book. What impressed you most about it?

I did the reread this summer and seeing the change in Kate has been my favorite part. Her speech in the second book about no one being around for her has stuck in the back of my mind throughout it all.

3. Do you think Roland is behind the massacre at Serenbe either directly or indirectly? Any early guesses about who the culprit may be?

I don’t think it’s him, based on the book summary. Seems to be something else. I’m not sure if Kate will have to work with Roland to overcome it, and that will end their feud. But I think it’s somthing from the further past.

4. After everything Nick has said and done, Kate still goes to defend him. What did you think of her handling of the Order members? Nick holding Conlan on his lap?

It was a good move by her. It acknowledged that they have a contentious relationship but that they do work together. To me Nick is the closest thing she has to a brother, technically, so I enjoyed seeing him interact with Conlan.

5. Conlan is so adorable! What is your favorite Conlan moment so far?

Half-form. I was thinking he wouldn’t end up a shifter for a bit there.

6. The wrap up or characters is already beginning. Are you surprised that Ascanio is leaving Cutting Edge or that Raphael comes to speak for him?

I am actually, but it makes sense in the context of the book.

Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce

308 pages
8/27

Characters: A, C, D, E, F, I, L (title), M, P (author), R, S, T (author)
Alanna, Coram Smythesson, Delia, Faithful, Liam Ironarm, Myles, Raoul

TW:
2.3/5.3 - Cat on cover
2.5/7.5 - Sword on cover
3.4 - transportation on cover - horse
5.4/7.5 - someone dies - multiple deaths
5.4 - large battle - large battle at Jonathan’s coronation
6.3 - Someone protects someone else - many people protect Jonathan during his coronation
6.5 - main character dies

Butterfly Islands by Chris Seabranch


Read: 8/26
Pages: 225

Letters: A, C (author), D, F, L, M, P, R, S (author), T
Casey Archer, Dawn, Fay, LeFevre, Margaret, Peacock, Ringlet, Timothy

TW:
2.5/7.5 - Sword on cover
4.4 - Water on cover
6.3 - Someone protects someone else - Margaret protects daughter Casey from an unwanted marriage

Michelle wrote: "Someone else should definitely fill the deadly weapon with one of those swords. I'll knock out a few others this weekend.

Let me update the book I just finished and I'll claim a few more tasks.

I..."

I'll plan on
- mode of transportation (3.4)
- someone tries to protect someone (6.3)

To finish off those two tasks we also will need a
Read a book with time in the title (there is a book in 7.2 that has time in title, task is #3 in series, can that be moved?)
Read a book with "Vow" in the series or title name)

How many people are still around and able to read, I apologize I haven't been paying too much attention and I know we lost some people. I just didn't want to claim a bunch of tasks.

I can read another sword book for sure. Probably a snake book. For the rest I can find an option probably, but I need to know where to focus my search.

I finished and posted my U book, it doesn’t look like we need anymore so I will not continue the series. That book also works for D and N so it can be slotted there instead.

For right now, I’ll take a sword book. I’ll check back in to see what other people can cover.

Completion post

Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson

Read: 8/21
Pages: 288

Letters: A, B, D (author), E, M (author), N, S, T, U (title)
Alicia, Elizabeth “Betsy” Taylor, Eric Sinclair, Nostros

I'm reading a U title book from a series and can read two more. Not sure I'm going to want to read more than that. How are we on letters?

My mirror book was finished and posted.

Completion Post
Michelle: Bride of Mississippi by Cindy Caldwell

Read: 8/15
Pages: 134

Letters: A, C (author), D, M (title), P, R
Anthony, Melanie Davis, Penelope Benson, Mrs. Robertson

The Likeness

Read: 8/21
Pages: 466
Task: mirror on cover

Quidditch Books

Frat House Troopers by Xavier Mayne

Date Read: 8/14
Page count: 260

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

Date Read: 8/14
Page count: 336

The Female Few: Spitfire Heroines of the Air Transport Auxiliary by Jacky Hyams

Date Read: 8/15
Page count: 192

Slytherin Seeker

As her team is well into partying and butterbeer, Michelle has been circling the pitch looking for the snitch.

She spots it hanging around the table of delicious treats that the elves set up and begins her dive. She keeps her focus on the shiny object, ignoring everything else.

Reading Wonder used in Slytherin Chaser Chain #12.

Sarah wrote: "@Natalie - likewise, I was surprised that the temptingly low page count didn't sway you to read my Spitfire Heroines quaffle book until today. ;)"

I was intentionally saving it for the end. Didn't like it as much as I thought I would I was thinking the stories would be more interwoven as opposed to basically separate essays.

Oh I also really enjoyed The Library Book, especially as an LA native.