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

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

DQs: Day 2, Chap 6 – 11

6. As Sonia noted, we jump six years. Do the characters, especially Carlota, feel six years older? Do you like books that have time jumps or would you have preferred to see Montgomery get used to working in his new jobs? (Sonia already asked about the fallout but feel free to add that here).

The jump didn't bother me. I do feel like Carlota has grown some, even though she maintains that general essence of being innocent and naïve, which I think will always be a part of her personality. Whether or not I like books with jumps depends on the book and how well it works for that particular plot and characterization.

7. Do you like the method of telling the same scene from both points of view? Is there one point of view you prefer?

I do generally like having more than one POV so that I can understand each character more. Plus, there's always two sides to every story (or more), so I like to get both sides (or more if appropriate). At this point, I am enjoying both POV's and don't really prefer one over the other...yet.

8. And we have the start of a love triangle. What do you think of the two young men and Carlota’s reaction to them?

I generally like love triangles, but in this case I don't care for them but they could grow on me.

9. So far these feel very much like a historical fiction book with relationships being forwarded over the science and hybrids. Do you agree, and were you expecting that?

I love historical fiction, but I generally don't care for true horror nor sci-fi, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I guess I agree in general.

Bonus: If you were part critter, and didn’t have the health concerns, what species would you prefer?

I am a huge dog lover, so it would definitely be a dog...laze around all day, nap whenever you want, get "massages" for free, and (hopefully with the right owner) be loved on all the time.

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 can't say for certain either way. If I did read the original or see the movie, I don't remember doing either one. Who knows?

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 definitely think that's a possibility but he's done so much experimenting that he might have experimented on others first.

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 wasn't surprised at all. I think he's playing a major role in the plot so I am curious to get some insight into that mind of his. I'm sure we're going to learn a lot more about him.

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....

I'm not sure what your question is, but it's definitely a puzzle as to how he did what he did. I can only say it's because he's such a genius and also referred to as a "mad scientist" so who knows how he went about it.

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?

I have a feeling it will not end well for humans, but I am not making any true predictions at this point.

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 don't think I am sad...more like maybe a little disappointed...,but I am interested in finding out more about it and I think we will.

Louise, I have quite a few books to add that I will add to the SS in the morning. I should be able to keep on top of the books now that I am back home and hopefully have no problems with our internet!! lol

I just got home from visiting my siblings and some nieces and nephews in Florida VERY late last night so I haven't talked with my kids, but I don't think they have any set plans yet. Guessing if we do anything this year it'll be spontaneous.

I added a bunch of books to the SS, but I'll add the Spell Out options tomorrow. I'm too overly tired tonight.

Louise wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I posted a couple books and placed 2 more on the Crayola tab, but I am not sure if the you ladies (cap/co-caps) want me to do that or do it yourselves."

Please only put books on the ..."

No problem, so what do I do with The Notebook that I read from Raquel's MOD shelf? I see that it's been removed. I don't mind but I'm not sure how to know what to read for since I guess I am not reading for any specific task?

BTW I am having issues with some of my tags sticking so I just added The Notebook to my TT shelf again, so if it doesn't stick just let me know. Sometimes even though it shows as though it's there it will unstick, if you will.

Where do I find the list of tasks our books might fit?

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?

Personally, I was not confused and I did like the action.

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.

My favorite creature so far is Lastleaf's wyern. I just loved the descriptive details of its beauty and power, plus I love how she lets Lastleaf climb onto him and pet him, so to speak.

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 don't like it at all...killing just for the sake of killing basically so I am not in favor.

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 do think in his mind that his motivations are reasonable, but I don't fully agree with his reasoning. I don't think he's pure evil either. And, yes, I do feel sorry for the monsters.

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

I have really come to like Clay a lot and think he is truly more level-headed than Gabe and Moog and Matrick, so at this point he's probably my favorite character. I like how he encouraged Gabe not to give up on Rose, too.

I posted a couple books and placed 2 more on the Crayola tab, but I am not sure if the you ladies (cap/co-caps) want me to do that or do it yourselves.

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 he added a bit of crazy to the mix! lol I wasn't surprised he went so readily because he has the rot, can't seem to cure it for others, and with his recent losses he's obviously lonely too.

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 thought the entrance to the palace was fantastical and reminded me somewhat of the entrance to Circe's home in the Odyssey. lol I like Matrick and I was very surprised at the turn of events and wasn't expecting what he divulged to Clay and Gabe. He is, after all, a king who rose from being a vicious killer and thief among other things. I was neither worried nor excited, just curious.

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 loved how the druin was introduced with his wyvern because I love wyverns. I enjoyed the description of the druin bot physical and personality. I have a feeling his plan is to be king over the entire kingdom.


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?

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?

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'm pretty sure the author will pull it off. It's working for me so far...I'm a believer.

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

I like Gabe and I think the only way the rocks affected me is that it gave me more insight to his character.

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 don't feel like there's major dumping. I am learning about their world as I read and gain more info/insight. So far I am good with the world building.

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)?

Honestly, I think it made me like him even more. I was definitely taken aback by her response and didn't like it.

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

Well, I'm a dog lover so I have to say Griff...that being said, I don't know that I have a favorite otherwise but give me more time and I'm sure I will. I love how Gabe was so sure Rose would still be alive and wanted to go find her.

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

Centaur

I realized that this BOM starts after I get home from visiting my family in Florida, so I'd like to also volunteer for DQ's - Team SIP

Louise wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Louise and/or co-caps, I'm starting to plan some books. I've put a book on the May Books tab that fits for the Spell-It-Out as well. Do I put it in both places or pick one spot for it..."

Thanks, Louise

Louise and/or co-caps, I'm starting to plan some books. I've put a book on the May Books tab that fits for the Spell-It-Out as well. Do I put it in both places or pick one spot for it only?

Melissa wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Louise and/or co-caps, I'm trying to remember if I may start a book prior to the beginning of the challenge as long as I finish it after it begins or do I need to wait to begin a book..."

Thank you, I just couldn't remember nor find the answer myself.

Louise and/or co-caps, I'm trying to remember if I may start a book prior to the beginning of the challenge as long as I finish it after it begins or do I need to wait to begin a book?

To all of you Aussies (is that correct?), I am so envious! I swear before I die I am going to Australia!

Skye, I am in the central valley, specifically Manteca...sandwiched between Stockton and Modesto. How far in NorCal are you?

Catsalive wrote: "BTW, my name is Kylie, but if you forget then catsalive or cats is fine. 😺"

Good to know!

Team Sip - I'm doing DQ's only this time but not volunteering to write DQ's.

I'm in for Team Sip, but I'm on vacation so I am not volunteering to write DQ's.