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

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

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!

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?

I thought that Moog's dedication to finding a cure to the rot was appreciable. I find it said that he is willing to rot away, however, because as he claims he has nothing else to live for. I like him as a character. I was slightly surprised that he agreed to go so easily because Clay mentioned it would be hard to convince the others to join them.

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?

I did like the entrance and was confused by Clay killing someone immediately. I thought that Matrick was a very patient man especially around his children (who aren't actually his children which makes it even better). I was definitely worried when Moog announced he had a plan! His plans usually are quite dangerous, but I'm also excited because they tend to be quite fun!

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?

I have to say, I can't imagine druins without laughing. I mean imagine a "threatening" human with rabbit ears lol. Its impossible!

I am not sure of what Lastleaf's plan was for asking the council to stand down. I am sure it will be reveled later in the book though.

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 wasn't at all surprised by Lillian's arrangement of the funeral. I thought they were going to set fire to the boat from the moment they announced they were sending him off to sea. This is a common viking (maybe?) burial and I was seriously questioning how Matrick's friends weren't worried he was going to be killed. I also think this was Lillian's way of making sure Matrick wasn't sneaking off. I feel like she's a smart lady and had an idea of what was going on.

I liked how Clay interfered and saved Matrick's life. I was smiling when reading this part because I found it rather funny. I do think that Moog's plan worked rather well, however, as they are all still alive, Matrick is just a little beat up from the waterfall.

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 think that the fact that Rose is still alive is a good sign. Gabe described her as a brilliant fighter, if not better than himself in his youth. I think Gabe's reaction was out of fear. For a moment he was underestimating Rose's abilities and panicked. I like the Band's reaction though of saying, "we're going to save your daughter, join us when you're done crying by the river." I think that will give Gabe hope back.

Apoorv wrote: "Question:
Do you folks think this shade of violet is the closest to the Rainbow tag RT20/38/56? We don't really have a "violet" prompt in the main 18-book tower. So was curious if this fits anywhe..."

I think that would work

Jen wrote: "Congratulations on your graduation!!"

Thank you!

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 like the idea of old mercenaries getting back to it. I like that Clay was like "absolutely not, we're too old," but then Gabe was more of the believer. I feel like this is important in these situations, but it makes sense because Gabe's daughter is missing.

2.) The rocks, may of hit me a bit in the feels. Did it affect your opinion of Gabe at all?

I felt awful for Gabe. I immediately knew there was a reason beyond just bringing rocks to his daughter because she liked rocks, but I wasn't expecting that. I think Gabe is definitely a realistic type of character as he realizes she could be dead, but I think highly of him for still going after her for the chance she might be alive.

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 am reading this story a little slower than usual because of all of the world building. I am enjoying it a lot though. It makes me feel like I am in the book.

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 also thought the girl's reaction to being cat-called was annoying. I was hoping she would shoot an arrow or something at him (one can only hope)

5.) Do you have a favorite character so far?

My favorite character so far is Tally. I think she's super cute, but if we're talking main characters it has to be Gabe. He is determined to get his daughter back and was willing to go alone (or without Clay). This shows true love for his family.

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

I think a drunk person just saw a moose.

Thanks Vi and Keli!

Thanks Kerri and Suzanne!

Finished my first book, Truth in Blue, today. Was expecting to finish it sooner but i was busy with grad parties this whole week. Now that im graduated i will have more time to read

Tone wrote: "I think maybe there has been some moving around of the reasons in the winners towers? I also see that there has been a lot work done to the spread sheet since yesterday so I guess some things moved..."

Yes, the reasons column magically vanished yesterday, but Lisa added it back thankfully. If you're reasons column is messed up you can fix it on the "books" tab

Vi wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "Vi - I like your comment about the wife and family aspect of that book. It seems like such a small part of the book so far (I'm about 45% right now) but it's also THE most important..."

Yes they just have to be finished within a month of the start date of the book

Leslie Ann wrote: "I am really enjoying Kings of the Wyld so far. Are you guys enjoying it?"

I havent started it yet. I'm starting it probably the 5th or 6th when my mom brings it up to me lol I'm still at college. Glad you're liking it tho. Ive heard good things about it!

Nanci wrote: "Team,
Do you think this will work for a white book?

"

I think so!

Vi wrote: "Also, since 3 people or so are planning to read Kings of the Wyld, will we all get the BOM points? Or is it 1 BOM per team?"

For everyone that participates by reading and responding to at least 3 sets of DQs we get 20 points for each person.

I have finished the book I was reading prior to the challenge (was going to finish yesterday, but something came up) so I am now ready to start reading for this challenge :)

Happy first day of the challenge:)

Welcome Leslie and Andrea!

Elinor wrote: "Hi everyone again,

I think I've caught up with the most of the thread -

@Nicole, a bookshop... *I've just died with envy*

@Suzanne, wow thanks for mentioning they're is no cap this year. I thou..."

I see mainly orange, but it could also work for brown I suppose

Kirsten wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "Books of the Month (group reads)

These are a great (optional) way to get bonus points.
Writing a day's worth of discussion questions = 40 points
Participating in a current BOM (pa..."

You get the participation bonus for participation tokens, but the book won't count towards the challenge and you won't get BOM points for it (I hope that makes sense)