Vicki’s Comments (group member since May 01, 2018)

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

Day 3: Chapters 19-27

11. The fantasy genre is known for its world building. How do you feel about the world building in this book? How does it compare to other fantasy novels you’ve read?

I don't consider myself to have expertise on world building, but for me I would say it's not exciting, it's meh...honestly average or less than.

12. In this section we meet Cade’s former teacher Hazidan. What do you think of her character? Did you ever have a favorite teacher and were they similar to Hazidan in any way?

Oh boy, I'm a retired high school teacher and taught English and yearbook for 25 years and I loved it. Teachers are so important IMO. I didn't like all aspects of her, but in general she's smart and witty and I liked that. I also think she was good at "guiding" Cade to discover what he wanted to know rather than just tell him and expect him to simply believe her. A little crazy helps when you're teaching. lol

13. Chapter 25: Friends in Low Places had a pretty big reveal about the Celestials plans and how they’ve been herding Cade this whole time. How did you feel about this twist?

I did not see this coming so I was pretty shocked and upset by all of the scheming they did.

14. At this point I think we have the whole team together: Is one of them your favorite?

I honestly don't care much about any of them, I hate to say. I'm dragging my feet on this one. But if I had to say ONE, I guess it would be Mister Bones.

Bonus for audiobook listeners: How are you liking the audiobook? Would you recommend it?

I would say yes, I like the narrator so I would recommend the audiobook to help someone like me get through this! I'm reading along and I don't know if I would've stuck with the book alone if not for a challenge. It'd probably have been a DNF for me.

So in this case the four letter overlap is IGHT, so that means it would have to start with those four letters only...a word that would begin with IGHT which doesn't exist? Therefore we go to the next letter N?

Day 2 DQs
Ch 9 to 18

6.) Did Galass turning into a blood mage and Fidick being the cause of Lucian's death (I assume that's what the black cloud that left the tent did) surprise you? Or were you expecting their bit in the story to be over and just a footnote about Cade's character?

No, I wasn't expecting that at all! I was very surprised/shocked. I didn't thought they'd continue as characters in the plot, but definitely did not expect Fiddick to die.

7.) We learn about more magic types and there's pretty much any type of magic you can dream up. What type of magic you like to have or what animal would you like an affinity with?

Well, that's a hard one. I guess I'd like magic that creates good in world. I'm a big dog-lover, so I'd want an affinity with dogs. But I also love horses and would like an affinity with them as well as my second choice.

8.) Is anyone else's favorite character Mr. Bones? Just me? mkay.

He's adorable and is possibly my favorite at this point, but we'll see what the future holds as that could change.

9.) At this point I think it's clear Cade is a fallen Glorian of some sort, likely a Justicar. Do others agree with my guess here or do you have other thoughts?

I think you are right on, so I must agree with your assessment.


10.) Assuming my guess in Q9 is right, why do you think Cade got the heave ho from the Glorians?

Hmm...good question that I don't have a definitive answer for, but I think he might've switched sides.

Would something like Might Makes Right or The Light Between Oceans or Fighting Destiny work for a four-letter overlap or am I thinking wrong?

And here WE were trying not to make it too difficult of a book for the next team...might want to change that strategy.

DQs - Day 1: Chapters 1-8 (pages 1 -71)

1. The book has the MPG Dark Fantasy. Do you like this genre in general? If so, do you have any favourite authors or books?

I don't care much for Dark Fantasy genre, but I've probably read a few, I'm guessing. If I did, I couldn't tell you what they were.

Picture a wizard. Go ahead, close your eyes. There he is, see? Skinny old guy with a long straggly beard. No doubt he's wearing iridescent silk robes that couldn't protect his frail body from a light breeze. The hat's a must, too, right? Big, floppy thing, covered in esoteric symbols that would instantly show every other mage where this one gets his magic?

2. The book starts with the quote above. Is this your mental image of a wizard, too? Or something different? :)

That's exactly how I picture a wizard but with a magic wand too.

3. And the author lands us in the middle of a siege (ideal for the Book Games, right? ;) with 2 of the main characters Cade Ombra and Corrigan Blight. Cade is narrating what is happening and offering us his views on good and evil, the part they are playing and how they "win" this particular siege.
Do you think it's a strong start to the book? Has it got you intrigued?

No, I have to be honest and say that I was quite confused by the beginning. I was like, "WTH is going on?" The battle put me right in the middle of it without any back story to have a clue what was going on, and it just seemed to jump from this to that to something else and was not my favorite start. I was, however, curious.

4. As an extra incentive & entertainment, the Ascendant Lucien offers young girls and boys (sublimes) to the wanderists after the siege. We get introduced to Fiddick and Galass and learn that Cade decided to kill Lucien. We can actually start putting some pieces of Cade's character together. What do you think about him at this point?

I don't think much of him so far. He's kind of annoying and irritated me. I am still open to find out more before I make a final judgement on his character.

5. Some demonic highlights to this introductory part: Tenebris the demon, with whom Cade as an "infernalist" mage trades with to get his spells. What were your impressions of Tenebris? How do you find the "religious/magical" system of the Infernals and the Celestines?

I don't normally care for demonic characters at all, so I'm not "into" him so to speak; however, Tenebris has that snarky attitude and I do love snark in characters, so I like him so far. I am still unsure about the "religious/magical" system of the Infernals and the Celestines...I'm confused so once again I'll withhold my judgment until I (hopefully) understand better what's going on.

I just added a read book but I put it on week 1 since I finished it tonight/June 14. I had to read it today, so I'm sorry for the late entry because I know you wanted our books posted earlier. If we can't include it, no worries but I figured I would try adding to week 1 since, I don't think, week 2 starts for a few more hours. I saved my much larger book to finish until tomorrow.

Catherine wrote: "Vicki wrote: "@Teddie, I would LOVE to read Verse and Vengeance to start us off; however, if you or someone else wants to I don't want to step on anyone's toes.

@District 7: I have..."

We are staying in St. George and we love the city here!

Thanks for that nice summary, Teddie. I'm excited to get going on this battle! I just got the audiobook from my membership on Amazon and the ebook from Libby, so I am ready for June 22! Woo hoo! Let's BATTLE!

@Teddie, I would LOVE to read Verse and Vengeance to start us off; however, if you or someone else wants to I don't want to step on anyone's toes.

@District 7: I have been in Utah on a national forest sight-seeing vacation. We've been to Zion, Cedar Break, Bryce Canyon, Dixie, all national forests. We also went to see Funny Girl at a black box theater and that was too fun. I'm with hubby, one of my daughters and her girlfriend. I am the LATE NIGHT person, so that helped get reading done. And we drive home on Sunday so I'll get a lot of reading in that day too.

I've done a lot of reading while driving in certain parts and listening while "hiking" around too. I did move 3 books to round 2 that I thought I'd read this round but ended up adding other books instead as I went. lol

I have not been reading about the battle and other discussions until now. I'm trying to fully understand. IF I read Verse and Vengeance (or not), do I also need to look for a book with ATH letters? Or it appears the other team wasn't sure. I guess my question is do I need to look for a book with the overlap letters whatever that may be?

Another question: Does page count matter and I assume whatever books we read, the person reading will want/need to read them ASAP?

Melindam wrote: "Sophie, glad I almost got it right. :D

My back-up book is finished.

I won't finish more books for Round 1, but already started listening to a 1000 pager + have the Backroom BOM on kindle. I'll f..."

Does the page count provide more points for us? Curious what you are reading too.

DQs – Day 3 Protective Impulses-Pert Thing

11. What do you think about the revelation in the garden/the haunting? Did you see it coming, and do you think there are others involved with the “curse”?

Yes, I did have a feeling that was going to happen. I do think the Doctor is involved and have suspected him for a while now.

12. What do you think about Mr. Rochester sending away Jane and the staff? If you have read the original, how does this change Jane’s agency, and do you like the change? Either way, why do you think the author made it Mr. Rochester’s choice?

I never read the original so I don't really know...I can't do a comparison/contrast.

13. Have you ever visited an Apothecary’s Garden? Would you be interested in seeing one? Do you grow any herbs or are you interested in growing any?

No, I never have but sure I would love to see one. My husband is the gardener in our family but he mostly grows veggies. I have NO interest in planting and growing a garden.

14. What do you think about the scene with Miss Ingram? What does this tell you about Mr. Rochester’s character and did that seem consistent with his character so far? Did his explanation make sense to you?

It made no sense to me at all. Not sure why it was even part of the story to be honest because it added nothing for me. And, nope, his explanation didn't work for me.

DQs Day 2 - Baneful-"My Own Wee Thing”

6. Jane gives Rochester a black-coloured thumb-sized stone to keep with him as a protective talisman. Do you believe in talismans? Please tell us about an object that you keep with you as a talisman?

No, I don't and I never have so I can't tell you about it.

7. Between some of the chapters narrated from Jane’s point of view, we get chapters from Rochester’s point of view. What do you think of these “interludes”? Do they help or distract?

I really like them and I think they are helping, definitely not distracting.

8. We are introduced to Dr. Poole. What did you think of this character particularly with regards to Jane meeting him in the poison garden? Were there any changes in your opinion after reading Agnes’ conversation with Jane about the late Mrs. Rochester?

I loved the poison garden but as far as Dr. Poole, he is not setting well with me. I have my eyes on him because I feel like something is just off with him. I'm pretty suspicious of him.

9. We have been told several times about a curse on Thornfield. Then Jane follows Rochester to the graveyard where his family members are buried. At this point Jane says “This was a story of heartache. Everyone in Mr. Rochester’s family had died before their time, especially the females. Then his wife had done the same.” Do you think there is a connection between the curse and the early deaths?

No, I don't think there is a curse but maybe I'll be proven wrong.

10. We have been given information about Jane and her origin? What do you think of this twist in the tale?

I love twists, so I like it. Plus it made me more curious about Brocklehurst.

Bonus: The author has used several of the same names as those of characters from Jane Eyre. Other than Jane, Rochester, we have Brocklehurst, Maria Temple, Mrs. Fairfax, Poole etc. What do you think about authors using the same names in retellings?

I really have no idea since I've never read Jane Eyre.

DQs - Day 1 - Prologue-Blackthorn

1. A paranormal retelling?? of Jane Eyre - this prompts the question about the original or let's call it the "source for inspiration". What is your relationship to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë? Have you read it? Loved/liked/disliked it?

I have never read the book, but I've told myself 1,000 times that I should. I don't know why I have resisted.

2. What about Retellings? Is it a genre you like/avoid?

Usually when I read that genre I end up liking it; however, I never go in search of a retelling or want to read one like I do a mystery or thriller. I can take it or leave it.

3. Jane Aire as a witch in a school for orphan witches? How do you like the setting of this alternative Victorian world where magic is at least tolerated?

I like the setting a lot, but I can't compare it since I never read the book.

4. What are your first impressions of Jane and Rochester?I don't have much impression so far either way, but I'm curious to see how their relationship grows.

5. What do you think about the occurrences in Thornfield? Are they really caused by supernatural elements or is it human action?

I tend to think it's supernatural but I have to wait and see. It could possibly be both.

DQs Day 3 ~ Chapters 14-19

11. Starling House reminded me up to a point with some vibes of Beauty and the Beast, although lesser now as the story progresses. Is the book reminding you of any other stories you have read before?

If you knew how bad my memory was, you wouldn't ask me that. lol But I did read a book a while back where the house was very much a part of the plot. It's called The September House. "Then they discovered the hauntings. Every September, the walls drip blood. The ghosts of former inhabitants appear, and all of them are terrified of something that lurks in the basement. Most people would flee."

12. Ch 14-19 have answered a lot of questions about Opal, the house, Arthur, the history of the place and what's going on. Has anything revealed in this section been surprising to you? Does the explanation so far of everything that has happened ring true?

Not really, other than I assumed the house was both good and evil, but now it appears that it really is just good to fight the evil so to speak.

13. Jasper and Opal are clearly close, although he is sometimes moody and surly. He seems resentful at times of Opal going out so far on a limb to take care of him and get him out of Eden. What do you think of the character now that he has more fleshed-out scenes and more has been revealed about him and their relationship?

I am like so many others and very FRUSTRATED and UPSET that they have such a lack of communication! I mean, come on now...get it together!

14. Arthur and Opal have heated a few things up. Do you think they fit each other well with these developments?

They definitely fit together well as good friends though. I guess we'll see if anything more develops.

15. There is humor in the book that is overshadowed by genuinely creepy horror like tales, What do you think about Underland "beasts" revealed so far?

I was intrigued by them, especially by the "befriend" advice.

DQs Day 2 - Chapters 8 - 13

6) The narration is using dual POVs: 1st person for Opal, 3rd person for Arthur. Does it work for you? Do you think this suits the story?

Generally I prefer 1st person, but I also usually prefer multiple POV's, so it's working for me for sure. I like getting both perspectives.

7) Opal goes to the Library to find out more about Starling House and finds her mother's phone number among the Gravely family's documents. What implications can it have? Do you think it could be a hint about Opal's parentage?

It definitely is being set up to at least make the reader think it could be a hint about Opal's parentage; however, I thought it might have something to do with her mother's death. I seriously doubt it was an accident.

8) After Bev's story about the relationship between Eleanor Starling and the Gravely brothers, we get a totally different perspective from what Nathaniel Boone went through. What do you think about the Gravely family and their "hold" over the town of Eden? What do you think Nathaniel may have discovered in the dark?

Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that they're totally on a power trip. So I don't think much of them for that reason. I am pretty sure Nathaniel probably found the underworld/gates to hell.

9) Finally we learn some more about about Arthur's role (warden) and his connection to the House. What do you think about their "relationship"? What is your opinion about Starling House as a sentient being? Could it be good or evil?

Their relationship? hmm...Well, I love the house being personified as it gives an interesting perspective on it. It's always creepy to think of something like a house being alive. I do think the house is sentient and I'd like to think that it has the capabilities of being both good and evil, depending. Good vs. evil always makes me think of Friar Lawrence's monologues on good vs. evil. I think all living things can have both qualities.

10) On "characters not communicating"
In Chapter 12 we find out that Opal has not told Jasper about the fact that she arranged for him to go to a different school and she actually managed to put together the fee for the 1st year already. Opal doesn't tell his brother about her working in Starling House and she doesn't tell Arthur about her spying on the House for Elizabeth Baine and getting more and more demands.
What do you think of all this?

I think it's terrible and wrong of her not to have a talk with him about her plans and how she's already making progress towards her goal. Jasper shouldn't be blindsided. If I were spying on someone, I sure wouldn't tell them because I'd obviously be trying to find something about about that person so why give him/her a heads up?

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to 7

1.) Have you read other books by Alix E Harrow? Was this on your tbr list before it was a BOM selection? Any expectations going in?
I have read 3 of Harrow's books. I rated two of them 4 stars and one a 3-star. Based on that and the GR ratings, I expect it'll be a book I like but probably won't love. I'm not much of a fan of gothic or horror either.

2.) Did you read the footnotes as you went along? Find them helpful? Annoying?
I'm listening to the audiobook as well as reading along with an ebook (a combination, at times just audio since I'm on vacay and only using audiobook while hiking around in this awful heat in St. George, Utah!) Anyway, so yes, I'm reading them or hearing them. I don't find them annoying as it seems to have become a new thing in a lot of books, so I've gotten somewhat used to them.

3.) The discussion of E.Starling's book being too scary for children reminded me of some interviews with M.Sendalk when the Where the Wild Things movie came out several years ago about books, etc that scare children (when children are the target audience). His response was basically children should be scared sometimes and there's nothing wrong with that. And has further said, it's better to have a book full of fears than one pretending there's nothing to be afraid of. What are your thoughts on this topic?
I think age-appropriate fears are fine! Some children are frightened over the smallest things or visuals and others eat it up, so you just have to know the child. I have one granddaughter who HATED anything that gave her any creep factors at all, even commercials, and she's still like that at 15 years old, so just know your child. I do believe they need to know there are things in the world to fear but they don't need to be inundated with that truth either.

4.) What are your thoughts so far on Eden and Starling House? Has the author done a good job so far of creating an atmosphere and setting for a good gothic story?
Yes, I think he's set up a good sense of community and a creep factor so far. I'm not sure about the gothic aspect, but I know that I got creeped out so yeah...good job so far.

5.) Any favorites so far in our motley cast of characters? Opal, Arthur, Jasper, Bev, and Starling House.
I don't have any favorites as of yet. I am curious about Jasper and the secrets of the Starling House, don't care much for Arthur either. But he may grow on me. If he turns out to be evil and he's a "good evil" meaning portrays a bad character really well, I'll like him for that but only time will tell.

Sophie, I think I got them all marked now. I usually mark them after I've read them just in case I don't get to them. If I missed any, let me know.

I am curious why 2 of my books are in white (lines 225 & 226).

Sophie wrote: "Been doing a quick check through shelves etc.

Suzanne: could you please look at which resources Throne of Grace and A Woman of No Importance could be used for?

Teddie: Can The Templar Legacy be a..."

Sure will. :)

Melindam wrote: "I just happened to be on the Amazon website (no... of course I wasn't browsing for new books... ME? NEVER! 🤣), so thought I might as well check. 😊"

I don't want to call you a liar, but somehow I just don't believe you! lol