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

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

Still in 2nd? OK, let's do this, team!

Darn lol

If we find something (samba, for example) I assume we can't use it if it isn't on the list even though it's a Brazilian dance?

Upton wrote: "Vicki - could you please add Her One Regret to your wheel shelf? Thank you!"

It was on my wheels and read, but evidently Angie said it didn't have my read date so I fixed that. :)

DQs Day 3: to 37%
Start: start of Part II
End: "...while she died there in the mud."

11. Part II opens with a really grim sonnet, though very apposite when considering the content with hindsight. Did you have any thoughts on the sonnet epigram? Do you / are you now interrogating the epigrams at the start of the parts for clues?

I love poetry, but I don't generally analyze it and look for clues when I'm reading unless I feel like I need to understand it to understand what's going on. In other words, only if I think it must be important to the plot. For this epigram, I just enjoyed reading it and getting the "feel" of it, which was very creepy!

12. Part II - the history of Juan through the eyes of Dr Bradford was a different sort of horror, with the visceral descriptions of the surgeries. Why do you feel that Enriquez included this section in the book?

Good question...I think it might've been to show that his darkness wasn't born/innate - it was created. Enriquez wants us to see Juan's power not as mystical destiny, but as a product of exploitation and violence. He is a victim. I also think it explores & exposes the Order's brutality.

13. We meet Gaspar as an older child. Did you like the start of Part III, with what seemed like a normal childhood? What seeds of doubt did you pick up about his life (I'm thinking of up to about 30% in - before the dog Diana goes missing)

After the backstory of Juan's brutality, the shift to Gaspar's school days and friendship feels ordinary and safe; however, it doesn't feel like it's a "permanent safety factor." Seeds of doubt? I think Gaspar's intuition is so sharp he notices things he "shouldn't." It's almost like he's tuned in to danger. This isn't a normal father/son dynamic. Juan's childhood includes a forced secrecy which no child should have to be so worried about. I liked it because it gave me a moment to breathe and learn to really like Gaspar. Kind of like comic relief in Shakespeare's tragedies. lol

14. After Diana goes missing things get a bit weirder! How do you feel about Gaspar and Juan's relationship now?

Their relationship becomes more complicated and fragile. Up to this point I could still think MAYBE Juan was just overprotective or paranoid, and Gaspar was just a kid trying to have a normal life. But once Diana disappears, that illusion break.

15. Omaira, in the Columbian disaster. It's a small story, but I wonder why Enriquez decided to include it. Any thoughts on how it links to wider themes and ideas in the book?

It's a small episode in terms of plot; however, it's huge symbolically, in my opinion. I think Enriquez picked it intentionally. It reinforces the idea of being trapped. Gaspar, Juan, Rosario are all trapped in their own way. I think Omaira's helplessness becomes a metaphor for all the characters who can't escape their situations.

DAY 2: to End of Part I

6. Enriquez has sharpened the reality of Juan’s life into a blade that just keeps nicking the reader on every page. This book transgresses mere horror and pulls the reader into an almost constant state of discomfort. The language she uses to convey the unending pain of Juan’s migraines, his ruthless use of others, and the flashes of violence and anger that seem to spark from Juan - it’s all adding up to more than a horror book for me. What do you think - unique or like other horror you've read? What other books have hit you in a similar/comparable way?

I don't read a lot of what I'd call true horror books. Some do have MPG of horror, but they're more of a mystery or thriller to me. I would say based on my horror reading though that this isn't a typical horror genre book.

7. I respect Gaspar’s attempt to change his son’s fate, trying to protect him from serving as the Order’s next medium. Do you think Tali will be able to keep the block on Gaspar, hiding his medium gifts from Mercedes, Florence, and Anna? How successful do you think Juan will be at giving his son a “normal” childhood?

I seriously doubt that Tali will keep it a secret because it's just too difficult to keep it totally to herself. I don't think Juan will be successful at all giving Juan a "normal" childhood since he's not doing that as of yet and Juan is experiencing too many "abnormal" childhood experiences.

8. I found it notable that the estate in the jungle was founded by a non-native family, wealthy colonizer, member of the Order. Then the author juxtaposes Gaspar’s trip to the zoo with Juan’s finding the stolen children suffering in the tunnel (man, that was a hard section to read.) What do you think this says about the comparison of the dark power the estate generates powered by the hideous capture and suffering of indigenous children, vs other countries unduly influencing native people based on wealth and perceived privilege?

I had a very difficult time making it through that section. I HOPE there's nothing worse than that part of the book. I think I would need to get into my political philosophy to answer the last part and I don't care to do that.

9. Juan's gifts as a medium encompass more than seeing and speaking to the dead. In the scene with Mercedes in the tunnel, he can lock doors, and after eating Mercedes' lips and taking her teeth, says he now has what he needs to reach her. Wondering what your take is on this - is he more like an acolyte to the god Darkness, and can channel its power? Also, what are your thoughts about the “Other Place, a zone of the Darkness that the Order didn’t know about”?

I have no idea what he really is, so I'll agree with your idea that he's an acolyte because it makes sense to me.

I am so not good with thinking through something Iike this. But I guess maybe it's an alternate domain they know nothing about and maybe can't for some reason. Sorry, I don't have good enough understanding of it to answer this one with any real insight.

10. Maybe the pacing was a little slow at the beginning, but the book is starting to get under my skin, laying its burrowing eggs that – erm. As you get to the end of part one, what do you appreciate about the writing? How are you finding the pacing? The tone? What aspects of the book are working or not working for you so far?

I think the pacing has picked up, but I was totally into it at the start and didn't find it too slow. I don't care for the more graphic aspects of the book; however, I think the writing itself is good.

DQs Day 1 : Beginning of book - 12% ("... the seal of the summons, the permission, the welcome.")

1. This book opens with a father and son in what seems like a mysterious and dangerous situation, and there is a startling mix of normalcy, grief, and dread all juxtaposed with one another as we slowly learn more details. How did it make you feel? Do you think this was a good start?

I like how it started. It drew me in right away, especially such a little boy who's recently lost his mother. Then the road to what seemed like potential danger and a father who seemed potentially off a little, the way he responded to the woman who asked about his mother got me right away. It made me feel curious, put off, and concerned for Gaspar because his dad indicated he was potentially on death's bed.

2. We learn through Juan's perspective that young Gaspar has inherited the ability to see ghosts. The first sighting occurs in a hotel, which would inevitably remind many readers of The Shining, even though the context is different (apart from them both taking place in late 1970s/early 1980s)! Do you think the author did that on purpose? And did you find the ghost super creepy, or were you totally unfazed?

I don't know if the author did that on purpose since I can barely remember The Shining. But, no, the ghost didn't scare me and I didn't think it was creepy at all. Maybe because I don't believe in ghosts so it just is imaginary to me.

3. There is a rather abrupt POV switch from Juan to Tali. Why do you think the author chose not to tell the story only from Juan's POV? Did you appreciate the switch? Why or why not?

I think getting Tali's POV gives us a more rounded perspective of their life. I don't know that I "appreciated" the switch, but it was fine once I realized what was going on. The abruptness did confuse me for a minute.

4. We learn about a secret Order of which Juan and Tali are both members. Rosario -- Gaspar's late mother and Tali's half-sister -- was a member too. Juan is trying to keep Gaspar away from the Order. From what has been revealed or hinted so far, do you have any predictions as to what the Order is all about? Do you think Juan is doing the right thing in keeping Gaspar away? Do you think Juan is a good father, overall?

The Order sounds is a cult of some sort, it seems. I do think Juan is doing the right thing by keeping Gaspar away, if he's able to do so without consequences to the child. I think Juan thinks he is being a good father, but I say nope. Maybe he'll prove me wrong but as of this point, I can't say he's a "good" father.

5. Juan and Gaspar encounter many kind and generous strangers. Juan is paranoid but also good at reading people (not sure if that's part of his "powers" or simply part of his personality), and doesn't seem to have any problem using them for his own ends. Do you have any thoughts on these interactions so far? And for those readers who are more familiar with Argentina: do you think the author is using Juan's interactions to attempt some social commentary on the Argentina of 40+ years ago, vis-à-vis the police, sexuality, etc.? Or could this book be taking place anytime, without much difference? (I realize that Argentine history may not be worth discussing until we've read more of the book, but I think it's an important enough topic that we can keep coming back to it again and again as the story unfolds!)

Honestly, I don't know much about Argentina, if anything. I can't answer this question intelligently. I imagine the author is not totally unbiased, so she definitely might be making a statement based on her political beliefs.

Awe, there's my Jenny! :) How cool to have a picture with someone as legendary as he is. It's nice to have a face to someone I "know" so well. :)

Jenny wrote: "William Shatner Rocks!!!!!
Just saying. So tonight I went to the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix to watch Wrath of Khan, and listen to Mr. Shatner speak for about an hour and a half. He is 94 years old,..."

I'm dying to see it! He's such a legend!

Alive? Yes. :) Kicking? I wish! lol

Jenny wrote: "Well Vicki, even though your question disappeared from the face of the Earth, I found the answer!

Q: Does anyone know, or can anyone remind me what the ruling on anthologies with short stories wri..."

I knew one of you could find the answer for me. Thanks, Jenny! ;)

Is this book Danger and Desire: A Romantic Suspense Anthology allowed? If so, may I use any of the authors, main characters, etc.?

DQs Day 3 Ch 21-29

10. How do you feel about Din and Ana’s relationship? Din is her assistant, do you see them that way or more as equals? Do you feel like their relationship changed at all up to this point of the book?

I actually feel like Din and Ana's relationship has been evolving toward something that looks like equality but isn't fully there yet. On the surface, he's technically her assistant, which gives Ana the authority. I think their dynamic has definitely shifted. It's subtle, but there's a sense that he's starting to believe in her mission, not just serve it. That makes them feel closer to equals, even though that's nthe official hierarchy says otherwise.

11. Din has asked Ana why she hasn’t disclosed her augmentation, why do you think that is? What augmentation would you want if you were investigating this crime?

I think Ana hasn't disclosed her augmentation because it ties to her vulnerability, both emotional and social. In this world, disclosure is power; by hiding it, she keeps a layer of protection against people who might judge her or use that information against her.

If I were investigating this crime, I think I'd want an augmentation that helps with perception - maybe something that heightens pattern recognition or emotional detection. Being able to read micro-expressions or energy shifts could help sort truth from manipulation.

12. How do you feel about the explanation of why the empire is trying to stabilize the marrow? Do you believe the motive started for the benefits of the people or was it always just political?

I think the empire's attempt to stabilize the marrow probably started under the guise of helping people, maybe even with a sliver of genuine intent; however, power corrupts so easily in this world. My gut says that even if the idea began as a humanitarian effort, it quickly shifted into political control once leaders realized how much influence they could gain from managing something so essential. So no, I don't fully buy the "for the people" story.

13. We have a suspect! Ana also concludes that he could have taken everyone out already and is confused as to why he hasn’t yet, why do you think he has waited?

I think the suspect's hesitation says a lot about motive and ego. If his goal were purely elimination or efficiency, he absolutely could have acted already. So the delay feels intentional. To me, that usually means one of two things: either he's playing a long game or he's deriving power from the suspense itself. I think he's waiting because he's in control and enjoying it. He's turning fear into a weapon.

14. So far in my reading I have thought there have been several details that have reminded me of other novels (especially Sci-Fi). For example, the heavy emphasis on augmentations reminds me of The Murderbot Diaries. Where there any elements that made you think of other works, novels or otherwise?

The political manipulation through biology brought Divergent and Brave New World to mind. Both societies obsessed with control under the banner of perfection or stability.

DQs Day 2, Ch 11-20

6. After establishing the hypothesis that it was not Sujedo, but an imposter, Din questions Ana on the how. What are your ideas on how this imposter actually proved his Treasury credentials without living blood?

Although the treasure requires living blood to verify things, the imposter likely bypassed the system through internal corruption rather than magic or other means. With forged paperwork and assistance from someone already inside the treasure network, he could present credentials that no one dared question, making the blood check ore of a symbolic safeguard rather than an enforced one.

7. The owner of the Apoth Box also began tapping on his body/clothing… as the chapters progress, it is clear that this is an important detail, but might it also be a red herring? Any thoughts or ideas?

The tapping isn't likely just a nervous habit. It feels deliberate, as if he's checking for or signaling something, which hints at a hidden code or communication method tied to whatever the Apoth Box contains. At the same time, the behavior has the rhythm of stress-response or trauma, suggesting the item and its secret carry emotional weight or danger. Whether code or conditioning, the gesture links him to the box in a way that signals importance rather than coincidence.

8. More questioning of Ana’s alterations has begun! If you read the previous novel, did you make any assumptions to that end? And do you have any new ideas?

In the first book (if I remember correctly), there were subtle moments where Ana's sensitivity to patterns and overstimulation felt more innate than engineered, almost like traits she learned to mask rather than ones she was given. While the enhancements amplified her abilities, those early hints suggested she may have always had an unusual way of processing the world, and the modifications simply sharpened what was already there. Looking back, it now feels less like she was built to be this way and more like someone who was selected because she already was.

9. The King of Yarrow, and those in his employ, seem very… corrupt. Considering the book's title, do you think the corruption is relevant to this murder, or a side plot?

Given the King's behavior and the conduct of those under him, the corruption in Yarrow's court doesn't feel like a background detail. It mirrors and feeds directly into the forces behind the murder. The title suggests that corruption spreads like a slow poison, so it's reasonable to see this crime as a symptom of a much larger rot rather than an isolated act. In other words, the murder isn't separate from the corruption; it's one of the consequences.

I hope you love it!

Day 1 - Chapters 1 -10

1. As The Tainted Cup was a recent BOM, how did you like it? Are you here for the book, or just for the BOM points? 😉
If you liked it, what are you hoping to see or learn more about in A Drop of Corruption?

I honestly am here for the points because I read this earlier in 2025. I don't have anything specific, but I know I always "find" something I missed the first time, such as clues that didn't pop out to me the first read probably will this time and that will help me remember more.

2. The mystery so far feels like a “locked-room” kind. Do you usually enjoy that type of mystery, or do you prefer others?

I am a mystery/thriller/psychological thriller freak, so I love all kinds of mysteries. My favorite is a psychological thriller!

3. Din really got hit with some serious money problems early on. Do you think he’ll actually deal with them this book, or are they the kind of thing that’ll keep haunting him in the next one?

I can't answer this since it's a re-read for me and I already know the answer.

4. The political intrigue is building nicely — Yarrow seems half in, half out of the Empire, and we’re starting to see how people on both sides of the law feel about that. Do you think the King might actually be in cahoots with the smugglers somehow?

Once again, I already know the answer; however, my first time reading it I do remember that I definitely did think he was in cahoots with the smugglers, but mainly because SO many people in positions of authority and power are corrupt. It wasn't far-fetched to think he was too.

5. When you read the description of Yarrow, did it remind you of any real place? If so, which one and why?

The only place I can think of is Florida. It's the only place I've ever been to where I've seen anything even close to the description of Yarros. I went to an alligator farm so that's the only thing I can think of.

YAY! Thanks. :)

Jenny or Angie, if I've already read A Drop of Corruption in April 2025, can I re-read it in order to do the Q/A for points? It was a little over 6 months ago.

Angie, I won’t read my book then. I was only going to IF we needed it. So you go, girl! I have plenty of books! 📚

Angie ☯ wrote: "We have our first treat for Halloween! We got DQs for A Drop of Corruption!!

Rebecca - you are up for this one.
Drop in the BOM thread and let the mods know if Day 4 works for yo..."

Awesome! I read that one in April, so 7 months ago. I don't think I can do the BOTM reading/questions, can I?

I am going to read a book if we need it, but it's only 152 pages and it doesn't have any MPG genres listed. I got it on Amazon for $4.99 so I have it to read. It has defenestrate in it. So if someone else stumbles on the word in a higher page count book, feel free to remove it.

For now I put it on the SS but wondering, should I move it to the RESERVED tab?