Shannon’s Comments (group member since May 21, 2018)

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

Volunteering for DQs for team Ashara

This book looks like a good read! Im super excited!

Volunteering for DQs for team Ashara

I didnt get to read much the past two days but ill most likely be reading a lot this weekend at the beach :)

DQs: Day 1, Chap 1 - 5

1. Have you read the original Island of Dr Moreau book? Or watched any of the films? I only saw the 1996 movie, so, in my head, I keep seeing Dr Moreau as Marlon Brando, Val Killer as Montgomery and Fairuza Balk as Carlota.

I have not read or watched the movie. All I know is that Dr. Moreau combines humans with animals and I believe he is a villain in the book/movie. I am excited to read the book though. I hope a lot is explained and it doesn't assume you've read/watched the book or movie.

2. In the movie, Fairuza was one of the hybrids, although here, she only has "treatments" with jaguar genetic code. Do you think it's just a ruse from the doctor and she is actually the first hybrid?

I think that it's possible that Dr. Moreau could be an unreliable character here. He is trying to impress Mr. Montgomery so it's definitely possible.

3. Montgomery's past was a sad one. And he looks like just a drunk with some natural instincts to protect the innocent. Were you surprised he was considering not to accept the job, and then when the incident happens and he needs to kill the hybrid he decides to stay?

I was surprised when he originally refused the job, but I feel like the reason he is staying with the job is to prevent accidents from occurring like the one that just happened in the book.

4. I'm a bit disappointed that he didn't explain exactly how his studies came to be. In a scientific point of view, how is it even possible? We're in the 1870s... way before in vitro fertilization or genetic advances... and he manages to separate and mix genomes, or as called in the book gemmules? Not to mention that the original story was written way before cloning was a thing....

Yeah, I have no clue about any of this stuff. 1870s does seem a bit early to be this advanced in biology. However, Dr. Moreau is described as a genius and mad scientist.

5. So, hybrids are dangerous. Specially when they're still developing, and their animal instincts are overpowering the human ones (in theory, since we had no idea what the level of brain maturity the developing hybrid was). Back in the movie, there is a rebellion and it doesn't end well for humans. Do you think it will be the case here?

Yes, I think so. I also think Carlotta will have a role in stopping the rebellion.

And a bonus, Am I the only one that is sad that we're jumping 6 years? I wanted to see the fall out from the incident.

I feel like we will hear about the outcome of the incident in the next chapters. Like maybe Dr. Moreau took away her privileges and we will see that in the upcoming chapters. He did certainly seem disgusted with her.

I will also be reading the stephen king book! Looking forward to reading it w you guys! Its a long one!

Kirsten wrote: "I’m sorry to be dumb, but where are the June BOM listed?

Also, I’m signed up to read The Daughter of Doctor Moreau and I plan to answer questions. Do I have to answer all the ques..."

Vi is correct. You have to answer 3 days of DQs to get 20 points. If you don't answer the questions or do less than 3 days, we won't get the DQ points, but it can still count towards our score (just not for DQ)

Janeylou wrote: "Used a lot of vowels this time as usually hard to find

Daddy From Flames
Ashe Moon
195 pgs
6 may
CT79..author

For Real
[author:Alexis Hall|7032..."

Ill add them now! Thanks Janine! Vowels are the most difficult!

@Kerri Glad youre enjoying King of the Wyld! I also really enjoyed that book!

@Suzanne I hope you have a blast!

@Elinor Thank you! :)

Amanda wrote: "Okay I know this is a color, but what color do we think it is lol

"

Yea i'd say its mainly dark blue

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?

I thought it was awesome that they were able to give Clay his hand back. I felt awful that he lost his hand, but obviously there are risks with battle, and he was lucky to still have his life! I would allow Tiamax to heal me as well if I lost a hand. I definitely prefer having two hands that function.

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 the fight could've been dragged out a little more. I mean the description of the fight was great, but it seemed like they killed the mighty dragon a little too quickly to make him seem as powerful as he was deemed to be.

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 think his speech was inspiring especially to bands that want to become well-known. I was slightly surprised by the reaction of the attendees as I thought at least a few wouldn't go. I mean Gabriel is asking everyone to give their life for people they probably don't know. Warrior or not, that is a hard decision.

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 was confused at this part. I am under the impression that he killed himself, which would bring his mother back. I don't know why he would do that especially since he knew of her suffering. I would expect there were numerous other ways to die where he didn't end up bringing her back, but it just seems like he wasn't thinking about anything else and was scared. I think he got trampled by the horde after he died by his sword.

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 this book. It was the perfect pace, amount of action, and tone to keep me intrigued. I loved the part where Rose killed a centaur. I suspect that more about the siege will be explained in the next book.

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)?
Did you see Shadow's treachery coming?

I didn't expect Lastleaf to be a "God" although I did realize that he was really powerful. When we were first introduced to Shadow, I though he was a bad guy, but after he was telling them about Lastleaf, I started thinking maybe he wasn't. When he "tried killing them" I was surprised because of the deception.

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?

I felt bad for Moog at this. I feel like Moog has helped a lot, even if it was mainly deception. When they first escaped Larkspur, during the Chimeara battle, he definitely doesn't get enough credit!

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)

I think I would prefer not to know. I mean hope is a great thing, but at the same time, I would hate knowing my loved ones threw themselves on a literal suicide mission (although I hope things turn out ok for them)

30. Owlbear cubs! What mythical creature do you think would make a good pet?

I've always liked the Diricrawls from Harry Potter, but I also would like a Qilin (also from Fantastic Beasts), those are pretty cute

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 this is the great trait about Clay that makes him leader quality. Although Clay doesn't see it, he can always see humanity in people no matter how evil they are. He hesitated when going to kill Larkspur, he told his band not to kill Shadow after Shadow tried killing him. I think all around Clay is a person to look up to.

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?

No I wasnt surprised that they went after their friend Matrick. It was the honorable thing to do and this seems like a well-strung together group. I found it unlikely for them to just leave Matrick behind. I was surprised by the way Larkspur acted however.

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?

I think having that many people hurt you at a young age could turn someone evil. I do think she took it quite a bit far, but I understand why she was upset. I think that since she remembers her past she might not revert back, but at the same time I feel like she has to for added drama.

24. We meet Gregory and Dane during our visit to the Cannibals. What are your thoughts on how Gregory describes events to Dane?

I thought it was adorable. Gregory left out all the bad parts and made the "good" parts seem better. That is true friendship and brotherhood!

25. I’m loving the magic bag in this section. What meal would you have it magically produce?

I would have it make me a plate of cacio e pepe.

26. It seems there is a cure for Rot. How do you think this will effect Moog in the long term?

I think the book said that Moog was already cured so hopefully he gets to live a long life and cure anyone with the rot.

Summary Post BOM Kings of the Wyld
DQ Day 1: 5/2 Link
DQ Day 2: 5/3 Link
DQ Day 3: 5/4 Link
DQ Day 4: 5/6 Link
DQ Day 5: 5/7 Link
DQ Day 6: 5/8 Link
Day 7: 5/9 Link

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 did expect a brutal fight at the Maxithon with a monster that is extremely powerful and that was obviously fulfilled with the chimera. I thought the fight went pretty much how I expected. Being only halfway done the book, the main characters obviously couldn't die, or the book would be over. I did, however, not expect Moog to start casting spells.

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 did think Vanguard was a lot nicer than Raff's band, but it seemed like this was because they used to be friends with Saga. I did expect them to say no to flying them to Heartwyld just because they have their own lives and families. It's a lot to ask someone to risk their life for your daughter's sake!

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?

I think Kit will "survive" as apparently he's a ghoul. I mean, I think that technically makes him dead, but I might be wrong. Being labelled as unkillable however may be foreshadowing towards him dying (ironically)

19. Are you enjoying the writing style of the book? What about the story in general?

I am enjoying the writing style. It's more of a casual writing style, but pretty fast-paced and it's keeping me interested! I also like the story because it is so action packed

20. The Heartwyld beckons! We are going to get a closer glimpse at this mysterious forest. What are your expectations?

I expect Heartwyld to be full of action. I mean it's a super dangerous forest, you can't really expect anything less. I expect this will be the climax and their lives will be at the most danger between Heartwyld and city.

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 remember her saying she was ordered to keep Matrick alive, so I assume she's bringing him to the queen. I think that when they said they were getting Gabriel's daughter back that hit a nerve in Larkspur's heart so instead of her original plan of killing everyone but Matrick, she decided to let them live and take Matrick without causing any further trouble.

I do hope they get Matrick back, however

Shan's May '23 Netgalley Challenge



Start of the Month
# of books on shelf: 3
Books on my shelf:



Feedback ratio: 58%

Trying so hard to get back to 80% after a lot of my books expired during college.

Books added during month:



Reading

End of the Month
Read: 3
Reviews:

Review

Review

Review

Review
Added: 2
Shelf Count: 0
Feedback Ratio: 68%

I will be adding books to my shelf during the month as I read. I just don't want my ratio to be awful 😣

Nanci wrote: "Good morning all! Well for those of you in the US on the east coast, at least. I think GR was being grinchy and I'm just now getting the notifications and lots to catch up on as usual!

First off- ..."

Thanks Nanci! Also happy belated birthday!! :)

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 liked the action. I thought this was a change of pace which I enjoyed. I did struggle to figure out how many of the "clowns" were still alive at a given time, however.

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.

I liked the kobolds! They remind me a little of Gollum from the Lord of the Rings with how they talk. I like that the Fender (i think that was his name) bluntly stated that he hoped Gabe would've fallen into a hole. This made me laugh quite a bit! I also liked how they stayed true to their word, despite wanting to keep the coins. I was almost positive that there would be a fight that was going to break out but was happy when the Kobolds lived (was sad to find out about Fender's wife however)

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?

I think that the Screaming Eagles are probably like the Kings of the Wyld when they were younger. I do however think that battling in an arena is a lot different than in the wyld. In the wyld you have no "high ground" or advantage. You aren't in familiar surroundings and I'm sure there's other creatures waiting to kill you all around. The arena is safer because you know you're surrroundings and its just you and the monster.

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 felt slightly bad when he was talking about his reasoning behind his conquest. I mean, that sucks to be captured and having to fight to stay alive. That could turn anyone evil. I think that this was probably his villain origin story.

15. We all picked our favorite character in day 1 questions. Has yours changed since then?

I still really like Gabe, but I also now like Fender!

Cris (The Biblio Blonde) wrote: "Shannon, congrats!!

Kerri, congrats to you too on the house. It can be overwhelming but satisfying. We just bought a new house a few months ago, and our big project is having a deck built next mon..."

Thanks Cris!