Ashley’s Comments (group member since Apr 27, 2022)

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

Discussion Questions Day 3 - What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
Part Two, Chapter 13 - Chapter 17

10. As we reach the halfway point I am seeing more and more similarities to the Amelia Peabody series. Is anyone else finding this. Does this affect your impression of the book?

I haven't read the Amelia Peabody books, so I really can't say. No comparison points for me on that one!

11. We have been introduced to a number of Characters is there anyone that particularly stands out?

I personally prefer Whit over the others. He's mysterious without being off-putting. He holds back just enough to keep me curious.

12. We have been introduced to Isadora and her Father. Why do you think he doesn’t let her out of his sight?

Hmmm.... at first glance, misogyny (again) (as usual)? But I wouldn't be surprised if there's something more layered (and probably magical) at play.

13. Inez seems to be attuned to Cleopatra and sees some of her memories. If you could choose to see one memory of a historical figure whose memory would it be?

I'd love to see the last happy> memory of Anne Boleyn - just a bried moment of peace or joy before everything unraveled.

Discussion Questions Day 2 - What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
Part One, Chapter 6 - Part One, Chapter 12

6. In this part Inez spends some time with Mr. Hayes. What did you think of their afternoon in Cairo? Did you enjoy their banter?

I did, although it was predictable for the genre (which is totally fine!) They seem well-matched. That said, for all her attitude and confidence, Inez is still young and naive, so I'm assuming we will either have some heartbreak or hard lessons.

7. After sensing familiar magic from an old trinket, Inez buys it and later has a vision of Cleopatra. What do you think this vision means? Do you believe Cleopatra’s burial site can only be found with Inez’s help?

I will admit that I find the magical realism part of this book to be the most annoying. I think the story would have been better served as a historical fiction-political romance without the added "magic". I understand magical realism is supposed to feel natural and not be questioned, but here it feels misplaced and sometimes awkward.

8. Every now and then, the point of view shifts briefly to Mr. Hayes. Do you enjoy these moments from his perspective, or would you prefer the story to stay entirely with Inez?

I don't mind the shifts, and I think it lends itself well to the romance aspect of the book.

9. Inez finds a letter from her mother, in which she suspects that Tío Ricardo is involved in illegal activities. Does this letter, along with the boat conversation Inez overhears, make you suspicious of Tío Ricardo? Or do you think he’s not responsible for Inez’s parents’ murder?

It might be too early to say exactly how involved he is, but I’m sure he’s tied into it somehow. There’s definitely more to uncover about his motives and connections.

Discussion Questions Day 1 - What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

I think it's a nice start! I don't mind something a little cheesy, especially since the book feels more YA than Adult, so it fits the tone well.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

Part of me wants to believe he was testing her to see if she'd insist and push back. But of course, it could just be plain old misogyny. Honestly, I think everyone is hiding something at this point.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

Yes, I absolutely expect the ring to come back into play. And I hope we get a righteous payoff, haha! I'm sure the ring bears some significance to what her parents were researching, but I've no idea what yet.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

Honestly, I think this pace is actually decent. I wouldn't call the writing richly descriptive, it isn't overly lyrical to me, but it moves well enough to keep me engaged.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

I actually enjoy politics in books, so this isn't problematic for me. If it's done well, it adds depth rather than dragging down the story.

Robin (Saturndoo) wrote: "I'm checking in as safe!

We have been experiencing a lot of severe weather--flooding,dangerous thunderstorms and tornadoes since Friday last week. Most of the damage in my area has been from the h..."

Glad you are safe Robin!

Finished Bone Shard!

Also, just a heads up in case we need it for a quick finish - I'm about to finish The Bone Shard Daughter (maybe 1.5hr) and it'll work for

P CFN: Phalue
R CFN: Ranami
N CFN: Nisong

I'm late! I can look on Tainted Cup - I'm happy to move it wherever, doesn't matter to me!

ETA: Here are some additional possibles

Author born in USA
MPG SciFi

Oh my! Cheese!

Looks like we have to quickly do a spell out!

Tara wrote: "Laura wrote: "@Tara - can you mark Whale Eyes as read and add a date to your shelf? Thanks!

Also, re: Whale Eyes. It is MPG Childrens. I couldn't find it on arbookfind, but the audio is long enoug..."

Given that the book was released in March 2025, it's possible that it hasn't been evaluated for AR yet.

Laura wrote: "This was address in the captain's group. It is the birthplace. So this one would be Peru.

Nalini Singh's bio says she was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. So she's Fiji, not New Zealand."

Oof, will definitely be keeping a closer eye on this!

I'm hoping to finish the Tainted Cup by tomorrow evening (for Mini 3) and I'll be starting one of The Bone Shard Daughter today (mini 2) because it's due back at the library in a few days. I can't decide if I'll do the BOM or a Mini 1 next after that.

On any of my books (as you captains well know), you can move them wherever fits best. I put them with that I KNEW they could fit for, but as I read, if other options present, I'll try to add those in!

I'm off to a slow start! I only managed to read a few chapters of my first book yesterday, but I plan to spend some time today, so crossing my fingers. My reading is always hit or miss on the weekends. Someone in the house always needs something!

Excited to start! I have to work today (ugh) but just as soon as I'm home (or maybe an audiobook at work.....) I'll start in!

So glad you had a wonderful trip Bernadette!!

woo woo!!

hello!!

I have that on my holds list.... waiting VERY impatiently

Aiswrya wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Aiswyra, I really want to read that, but can I read it if I haven't read anything else from Sanderson - I have the Mistborn books on my TBR, I even bought them, but can't seem to sta..."

Ok, let me see if it's something I can get from the library anytime soon and I'll let you know! I do enjoy a buddy read!

I'm about halfway done, I try to spread it out through the whole year!

Tricia! I am also doing the 52 Book Club challenge, I do it every year! It's great!

Aiswyra, I really want to read that, but can I read it if I haven't read anything else from Sanderson - I have the Mistborn books on my TBR, I even bought them, but can't seem to start!