Robin’s Comments (group member since Jan 04, 2017)

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

the first book took me two whole weeks to read. the second book i read much faster so i guess it was a lil more interesting, but i also found both books from this series to be really slow moving even with all the action packed into the second book and could only read a few chapters at a time, too. while i thought certain concepts were interesting i definitely didn't find this series to be as captivating as the divergent series.

ive also been reading this not knowing there was a buddy read going on and just happened to stumble across this so hiya! there were parts the first book i remember and liked but a lot of it dragged for me.

you definitely called that one, Tahmina (view spoiler)[ about the switched at birth thing - i wasn't shocked by that great reveal because there were a few hints leading up to it, but i didn't think about it really until it was disclosed. (hide spoiler)]

i am about halfway through so i wont say much more until i know it is safe to and i am glad it is going a little faster.

Discussion Questions Chapter 32-39
25. Nova found on a registry that Max's ability was absorption? How do you think it is linked to his telekinetic ability, and how dangerous it could be?
his ability is absorption so he can steal powers from anyone he comes in contact with and him not being able to control that could be extremely dangerous if the person he steals from is left defenseless without their powers. plus their former powers can suddenly be used on them.

26. How do you think Max stole Ace Anarchy's power? Maybe he was present when he died. Do you think it is linked to his real parents, and who are they?
Max was at a battle between the renegades and anarchists and he took Ace's powers using his. i don't recall them talking about Max's parents other than they were dead and what their powers were.

27. It was quite obvious that Nova and Adrian will get involved romantically at some point, did you see it coming also ? And how do you think it will evolve ?
yes totally saw it coming almost immediately, though it seems to be more gradual than instantaneous. i think they will eventually realize each other's true identities and if that doesnt ruin things, then maybe they will find a way to work together to make things better for society as neither renegades nor anarchists.

28. Ace Anarchy’s helmet is not destroyed, do you think it can still be used, and to what purpose ? Maybe Max can use it to join Adrian and Nova ? Do you think it can control his absorption ability ?
not gonna say some of my thoughts on this one because they are a little spoilery... i would be interested to know if it could control his ability, but it may not be the best idea.

29. If Nova lost her powers, do you think she’d still be a prodigy ? How well does she fits in the renegade teams ? I feel she is really in between with her desires to stay with the Anarchists or go forever with the renegades ?
if she doesnt have any powers anymore, she wouldnt still be a prodigy and would just kind of be a normal person. unless they learn her real identity i think the renegade team would still want her though because she has lots of other skills and capabilities. it seems like she is totally torn right now. she still feels loyalty to the anarchists, but she realizes some of the renegades arent all bad or who she thought they were either, and that both sides have their strengths and weaknesses.

30. What do you think of a world without prodigies versus a world with superpowers ? Do you think it is necessarily better to have superpower ?
once again i know i am making comparisons to X-Men/ the gifted/ powers, but i feel like those who don't have superpowers either think those who do are the coolest, or they are afraid of/ unaccepting/ don't understand the mutants who do, though they still expect them to basically take care of them and save them from any harm. i think it would be cool to have certain superpowers, but it isnt okay to use them against others and it seems like it creates more issues and problems and divides between those who have and don't.
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DQs Ch 40-End
25) What did you think of the ending? Will you be reading book 2?
i was NOT expecting that ending!!!! definitely. i want to read book 2 right now.

26) What did you think of the big reveal? How do you think he survived?
totally unexpected twist. i am still asking that question, but i guess it is possible that either Max didn't drain all his powers from him and he survived or someone else saved him.

27) Why do you think the Anarchists don't know Ace's secret?
i don't know if it is a trust issue or what, but at first i thought Nova was talking to his grave/ a photo of him/ something to that extent. there is one other character that i think could possibly also know about him or actually even be him as another identity, so he may still possibly interact with the anarchists as the other person... not saying anything more spoilery thoughts though.

28) Do you think the Renegades have Ace's real helmet? Or just the fake just for show?
i think it is possibly the real one and maybe that is also why Ace is kind of in hiding because he is defenseless without his powers and without it.

29) Do you think the Renegades suspect Nova? Why or why not?
nope. i think they are clueless about her real identity. they seem very trusting with everything they have revealed to her in such a short time of knowing her.

Discussion questions: Chapters 24-31

18. Why do you think Ingrid changed the plan?

i feel like ingrid didnt trust nova to follow through with their plans and also hoped to sabotage things because she decided that nova was going to turn against the anarchists

19. Nova is learning and experiencing that the Renegades are not quite what she was told or led to believe. Do you think in the end she will betray the Renegades?

i think she will end up either betraying the renegades since she is truly an anarchist, or she will end up breaking away from both sides and do her own thing (along with Adrian) since both of them are starting to realize things they thought to be are not all true for either group.

20. Will the Mirror Walker come back to "out" Nova?

i think the mirror walker will be back for sure, wanting revenge so it is possible she just might do that, or at least use her knowledge of nova's identity as a blackmail mechanism.

21. I'm undecided about which side I am rooting for. Anyone else feel this way? Do you think Meyer deliberately did this? Which side are you rooting for; Renegades or Anarchists?

im kind of torn, too. it is hard to pick a side because there are certain things i agree with/ disagree with for both groups. yes, i think the author did this deliberately to have a balance of good and evil so you question who is right or wrong.

22. What is your favorite superpower that we have read about so far and why?

Adrian's power is one of the most interesting to me because he can produce pretty much whatever is needed.

23. What do you think will happen to Winston?
i think eventually he will try to escape

24. Any thoughts on how this story is going to end?

i have a couple theories but even with how long this book was, it seems like there is still a lot to tell. i think nova and adrian will work together to make things better than how they are currently, but i am hoping when they eventually learn the truth about each other's alternate identities that it doesnt push them apart.

Discussion questions for Chapters 15 - 23:

13. What do you think is going on with Max? His special talent must be something lethal for him to be isolated like that. What do you think the Renegades want his blood for? Are they developing a weapon or are they trying to find something to help him?

at first i thought Max was sick (contagious), but then i realized that there was more to it and being around him is dangerous so that is more so why he is isolated. let's just say what i thought they want it for and what they ACTUALLY want it for are totally not the same. not saying anything else that would be spoilery.

14. Did you like Nova's first day working for the Renegades? Did you like the description of their headquarters? What about her interaction with the other Renegades?

it was kind of interesting how she interacted/ learned about each of them

15. I liked the Origin stories they told each other. I thought prodigies were born with their powers, but it seems that is not always the case. What do you think of that? Did you like their stories? Why wouldn't Nova tell them what happened to her family?

yes it was interesting to learn how some of their powers developed rather than them being born with them. she couldnt because she doesnt want to give away her identity obviously so she cant be completely honest about who she truly is and about her past

16. How do you think Nova's first assignment is going? What was Detonators plan going in like that? What do you think is going to happen now?

it went a little differently than she had planned but it seemed to turn out okay

17. While browsing the internet a little I came across the Renegades website where you can take a quiz to find out your superpower. Here is the link find your superpower.
My superpower is INVISIBILITY: You love spending time by yourself catching up on your favorite TV shows. What's yours? Which side did you choose?

Your power is... Water: You’re laid back but know how to get things done. heroes because the good guys always win. ;).

Renegades DQs Ch 8-15

8. Ace told Nova that the Renegades did not protect her family and allowed them to be killed. Do you think there may be more to the story?

probably. supposedly they were promised protection but then help didnt come in their time of need. i guess maybe because they were kind of sort of anarchists?


9. Nova scoffs at the Renegades and wants revenge. Do you think anything can change her mind given why she hates the Renegades so much?

in her mind she lost her family because the renegades who supposedly promised protection didnt come save them so i think she will always kind of hate them, especially after learning something that occurs later on in the book (yah im a lil ahead but wont say anything spoilery)


10. Phobia has never been seen without a costume, and they don’t know his real name. Any guesses on who he might be? Will this become important later in the book?

i have a few thoughts on who he might possibly be but not gonna share them yet because it is possibly spoilery if i am right


11. What do you think will happen once Sentinel and Nightmare figure out their true identities? Do you think they might be able to work together eventually?

well technically they already work together, but as their other identities, yes, i believe they may work together at some point


12. What do you think about the world that Meyer has created? Do you find it well developed? Is it living up to your expectations?

i find it interesting. still reminds me of x-men or powers so it is hard not to make comparisions whereas her other world (like for the lunar chronicles it was totally different with space and other planets and stuff so that was maybe a little more well developed)

Tahmina wrote: "Robin wrote: "i'd like to be able to either read minds or instantly teleport to wherever i want/ need to go. Siphon.
..."

I love the Name!!

Robin wrote: "yes very much when i first heard about t..."

thanks! i did too and it made sense to me for a few reasons! :)

Questions Chapters 1-7 pgs 5 - 105

1. Why did you choose to read this book? Have you read anything else by Marissa Meyer? If so what do you think of her work? Do you have a favorite book by her?
i have read the lunar chronicales series and heartless and i enjoyed all of them (it is hard to pick a fave since i liked most of the characters), so i was excited to read this book, too. i have been wanting to read this book for a while and a few groups currently have/ recently had it as book of the month.

2. In the prologue the setting is pretty bleak before the Renegades come on the scene. The normal people were told to stay inside where it was safe while the Renegades fixed everything. It sounds like with the Anarchists there was no control and maybe with the Renegades there could be too much control. What do you think? Which is worse, no control over the people or too much control over the people?
no control over the people has them thinking it is okay to do whatever they want and not fear any consequences but too much control makes for an uncomfortable environment too. so it seems like both options are crappy and there needs to be some sort of happy medium or compromise so it isnt all one or the other.

3. Do you have a favorite character yet?
there are a few i like but no actual favorite

4. If you could have a super power what would it be? And what would you choose for a super hero name?
i'd like to be able to either read minds or instantly teleport to wherever i want/ need to go. Siphon.

5. We learn the significance of Nightmare's quote, "One cannot be brave who has no fear." Do you agree with this quote? Where do you think it ultimately comes from?
yes because being brave takes courage and if you have no fear you cant be courageous.

7. In the story the Anarchists want no rules, and this was not good. The Renegades made rules for themselves, but Sketch (Sentinel) seems to think that this is bad. Sketch seems prepared to break the rules. Any ideas where this might lead?
this goes back to what i said about no rules, no control and no consequences and too many rules is not okay either because it just makes those who are not in power want to rebel. Sketch seems a little more balanced with what he wants so i feel like it might lead to a rebellion against the renegades due to some of their beliefs and rules.

6. Are you enjoying the story so far?
yes very much when i first heard about the premise of this book and started reading it kind of reminded me of x-men or the show powers. i am familar with the x-men comics, movies, and many of the superhero tv shows that are currently out there so a book based on something similar intrigued me.

Discussion Questions Dec 6/7 Ch 10-end

13. It turns out Imke’s “The Following” vibes were spot on. Were you surprised by Graham’s involvement? Had you thought it was someone else? Were you satisfied with this turn of events or disappointed?
it didnt surpise me. i knew someone closeby had to be involved because there were too many things that kept happening too coincidently otherwise. i kept hoping it wasnt sam because i actually liked the thought of him becoming part of their lives.

14. Do you believe Javi’s story about going fishing or do you think something else will be revealed in the next book?
i thought the timing was a little suspect and i am hoping he isnt involved with Mel/ one of his followers. it seemed like he did actually want to look out for Gwen, but it also seemed like he felt betrayed by Gwen for keeping her true identity a secret.

15. What do you think is next for Gwen and Sam?
it seems like Sam is going to help protect Gwen and the kids maybe they will end up together after all.

16. Melvin has escaped. Where do you see this series going? What would you like to see? Not like to see?
holy moly. it is bad enough to constantly feel unsafe by all of the victims/ families of victims wanting justice, people harassing her, etc. but now Mel has pulled a prison break?!?!? i am hoping he gets caught and sent right back to prison but im thinking he is going to cause a lot more trouble first.

17. How did you like this book? Will you read the next one?
i really enjoyed it so i am glad i chose to read it finally. definitely. i checked to see if my library had it but since they dont i will probably end up buying it.

Discussion Questions 02 & 03 December Prologue - chapter 3

1. What did you think of Gina after reading the prologue? Do you think her change of character to Gwen is believable? Can you understand the change?
i couldnt imagine finding out something so horrific about the man she thought she loved. she had to become a much stronger, independent person once she was acquitted and protect her children so yes, her changing completely makes sense.

2. What do you think of how her children have changed? Do you think she is doing them any favours by not taking them to therapy, which they need, just so they are not found out?
i get why she wants to keep a low profile and not expose them to possibily being found but the kids are kind of already are aware of most of what happened. they have both changed a lot due to this which is understandable so therapy and being able to talk about everything would probably help them.

3. What is your stance on the internet trolls she is describing? Why do you think Gwen is punishing herself reading those comments? What do you make of Absalom and his "help".
she is punishing herself but also protecting herself by making herself aware of what is going on and what she has to look out for. i dont know if i fully trust Absalom. i know he helped her change identities several times, but the fact that she keeps getting found, still gets mail from Mel, and feels unsafe way too often makes me wonder how good of a job he is actually doing at keeping them from being found.

4. What would you do if you were Gwen at this point in the story? Run like hell or stay there and hope you can keep in hiding where you are. Can she trust Javi or Sam? Are the police going to find out who she is, can she trust them?
i dont know that she should fully trust any of them. i would have considered runnning again as she was thinking when she was negotiating for the cargo van. i dont know i would have told Sam the truth even though she felt she could trust him since she knows so little about him still. it is possible he could have reported her to the police once he learned who she really was and after the first body was found.

5. Have you read any books by Rachel Caine? This seems a change from what I have read from her. Do you like this book so far?
nope first book by this author. this was a kindle first book that seemed interesting. just hadnt gotten around to reading it yet and i am glad i hadnt since it is now a book of the month read.


Discussion Questions 04 December - 05 December Chapters 4 - 10

6. The relationship between Gwen and Sam seems to be developing nicely. Can she trust him?
i know she wants to but i dont know that she should. yes they are spending a lot of time together, he is helping her do lots of work on the house and good with her kids, but she still knows SO little about him.

7. I get a lot of "The Following" vibes.
Have you seen this TV series with Kevin Bacon? It's about a serial killer who has a lot of influence outside prison and followers who kill for him and stalk his family. I know it's not the same yet, but I can't shake the feeling that it's going to turn out like this. What do you think?
oh yes!!! it definitely reminds me of 'the following'. i am hoping it is not exactly like it though because that would be pretty lame and unoriginal. i think it is creepy that somehow all of Mel's letters still seem to find them no matter where they go, what tehy change their names to. so it is almost like running isnt solving anything.

8. How did you feel about Gwen going to see Melvin in prison? I think that she went too far by having him beat up and she shouldn't have given in to him.
i guess she was hoping to threaten him/ get him to back off chasing after her and the kids but he seemed to taunt her even more in person and since having him beaten up didnt seem to phase him much i am not sure she really accomplished anything by going to see him.

9. Gwen told Sam everything about her past. Should she have done that? I think there is more to him and he is there for a reason. What do you think? Is he there for revenge? Does he have anything to do with the dead girls in the lake?
Sam claims he is there to write a book and probably won't be there for very long. he doesnt offer much else about himself aside serving in afghanistan, knowing how to cook, and being a handyman. i know it is so easy to be suspicious of him which probably means he is really only at the lake to write a book, but how do we really know he isnt looking for Gwen and the kids, or isnt one of those angry family members looking for revenge, or one of Mel's followers (like back to 'the following' theory again), or just a psycho copycat killer?

10. Gwen's cover has been blown and everything is falling apart around her. Do you think she can get the police to stand up for her and help her or is the prejudice against her so deep they can't? Do you think Javi or will help her? Who do you think leaked the information on the internet? Is it Melvin or is someone from the police force responsible?
hopefully. they seem pretty suspiscious of her since the MO is so similar and if Mel is in jail it obviously isnt him which makes it easy for them to assume his former wife must have something to do with it

11. Gwen keeps blaming herself for what is happening, why would she do that?
she was naiive when it came to knowing who Mel REALLY was. i havent gotten much further than after her visiting him in prison and them finding the second body and i am eager to get back to reading to find out what else happens.

12. Time to make some predictions. What do you think is going to happen in the last part of the book? Will things between Gwen and Sam get better and are they going to work together? Is there a bad apple in the police department? Who killed those girls? How much is Melvin's involvement?
i am hoping so. not because i just want a love romance happy sappy ending but i feel like after all Gina/Gwen has been through she deserves to find some happiness and hopefully she can have that with Sam since they seem to actually care about each other and he seems good with her kids, too. i am hoping not to be disappointed and find out he was really just there to write a book about them or is an angry realtive or anything like that. i am not sure yet who the killer is. i am glad about that, too, because i am not feeling the story is too predictable/ bored and i am actually excited to read more but sleep/ work is getting in my way.