Nistha’s Comments (group member since Apr 16, 2023)

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

I finished the book and did not like it. The deaths did not resonate strongly with me. The ending was not that great either. I don't know --- I feel the series went downhill since part 1. I think the characters were so unbearable in this one, I wish all of the 3 MCs had died but they had great plot armours. I did not think it would be this disappointing!

I am 60% done with the book. I am finding all the characters quite terrible to be honest. They all seem self-centred yet want to show that they are doing everything for good. Peeta has completely transformed with the brainwashing - his character has always remained delusional. I do feel the love triangle a bit unnecessary - like we are hardly shown Gale/Katniss's connection except at the very beginning of part 1. I feel the series have put the characters in boxes and everyone is trying to solve it in a non-intelligent way. Probably Finick is the only character I like. Let's see how it ends.

I started reading part 3. I think the one book ends and another starts feels like more of a combined read. I do wish they would have ended part 2 better. In any case, we are finally in the revolution phase. I like how they hinted at 13 districts since the beginning and it has become so important now.

I also somehow feel the charm missing since book 1 for both parts 2 and 3 (so far). The pacing could be faster in this book but they seem to spend so much time in just preparation.

I would love to have seen Peeta have a backbone rather than just chant Katniss's name (like how he has started to speak against the rebels - finally taking a stand of his own). But I feel the book will later change it to show Capitol is bad and they forced Peeta bla bla blah.. we shall see. I also feel Gale has been underutilized so far.

Well still more than 3/4 to go..

Added :) GR was being buggy

DQs Day 3, Chapter 14-21

11. Ack! Why do these kinds of stories always have the not-quite-yet couple decide after a steamy session that they need to keep their relationship platonic? You know that both people just go off wistfully lusting after each other and regretting the whole platonic agreement! What other tropes in romance novels drive you nuts?

Haha! I don't hate this trope. I like slow-burn romances. The want does drive me nuts though.

One trope I not like is misccomunication or someone being a saint to hurt the other for their bettermen.t

12. It's a huge step for (view spoiler) It's so easy to get bogged down by things, and then it can be so hard to let them go. Have you had to deal with similar situations (the general situation of having accumulated too much but having trouble downsizing)?

My friends and husband call me a hoarder because generally I accumulate a lot of stuff. But going with the story, it did happen when I broke off with my ex and did not do what to do with my side pillow from him.

13. Any further thoughts about Miles's family background? We learn a bit more in these chapters about what growing up with his mother was like for him; is there more to his estrangement than that?

Already read the book but yeah his parents are quite the character.

14. What are your thoughts about Julia? What do you think is her real motivation for her visit to Miles?

I liked Julia from the start, she fits well into the vibes. I already know now but at that point I thought she was running away from some problem.

DQs Day 2 Chapter 9-13

6. In this section, we learn that the countdown at the start of every chapter is for the Read-a-thon, a reading event Daphne is planning at the library. Did you try to figure out what it was about? What did you think? Or were you just along for the ride, waiting to find to, like I was?

I remember knowing it after while what it was for. I knew she was on some sort of coutndown and that does add to the stakes of the story!

7. Speaking of the Read-a-thon, have you heard of or participated in (or even organized!) something like it? Would you like to?

Haha, would love to but havent yet!

8. “[Sadie] and Cooper were our best friends” Daphne is not only going through the end of her romantic relationship, but also seems to have lost her best friend. What’s your take on that? Have you ever been on either side of this situation? (No need to answer/go into detail of course!)

Umm, kinda, though the common friends chose neither sides and all the friendships broke apart with time and distance. My take is this is a tricky situation. Because you can not have common hangouts.

9. “I think the beard is sheer chaos, but not inherently bad. It’s your face, Miles. All that matters is how you feel about it.” I think Daphne makes a great point here and think we should all remember that a bit more before we judge people’s looks. Were there any quotes that really stood out to you?

A lot but no longer remember..

10. What do you think is up with Miles’s family so he doesn’t have a relationship with his parents? How do you feel about Daphne neither probing nor really wondering about it?

I think it was very mature of her to do that. She knew when he needed the space. Also, knew at that point it was none of her business.

DQs Day 1 Chapter 1-8

1. Is this your first Emily Henry book or have you read others by her? If not your first, what has been your favorite book of hers, so far? If your first, has she been on your radar before or is this a BOM/Games thing you're reading for?

I have read all of her books except You and Me on Vacation. My favourite book has been Book Lovers. I quite enjoy her books.

2. What do you think so far of the story and the writing?

I have finished the book already but I think it was an amazing start. You can already sense the insecurities of our MCs. It really is a funny story..

3. What would you do if you found yourself in the same shoes as Miles and Daphne and were invited to an ex's wedding?!?

Haha, that must have been so infuriating. I am also a petty person and love revenge so I am sure I might have acted out in vengeance. Who cares about being the bigger person?!

4. I love Emily Henry's characters. I always find myself laughing throughout her books. Are you enjoying the characters so far in this one? Anyone in particular an early favorite?

Very enjoyable. Her banter is top notch as always. I liked Miles and Ashleigh from the star.

5. Any early predictions for how this will turn out? Do you think Peter's call to Daphne is an indication of jealousy? Do you agree with Ashleigh when she said "If Peter was going to break your heart now, he would’ve done it eventually." and "He's a lunch swapper, and whether it was the rusty metal Batman lunch box or a Cars 2 zip-up one that's filled with mold, at some point, he was going to trade in the sack lunch." (I love that metaphor!!)

I have already read it but yeah at that point I did think Peter was an idiot who wants to have the best of both worlds. I loved the metaphor as well.

Perfect! That's great :)

Yay! Just clearing it up, does it mean any books completed from now can be used for the mini i.e. for the next spins also? Or for next spins, we need to finish the books after we have done the spin?

Cris (The Biblio Blonde) wrote: "Just realized I hadn't added my last couple of books, so those are on my shelf and the spreadsheet now.

Can't believe we only have a couple of weeks left in the challenge!"

I know right? It went by so fast. I got some good reading done (above what I expected), thanks to this game! And I love our team..

Cris (The Biblio Blonde) wrote: "Judy wrote: "Nistha wrote: "What are the rules regarding the BoM reading dates? Can I start reading for Funny Story earlier and participate in BoM points or do I need to read it on..."

From what I understand, we need to complete it after 2 August, we can start it at any point.

I finished my book Ten Tiny Breaths and liked it so much!

Judy wrote: "Nistha wrote: "What are the rules regarding the BoM reading dates? Can I start reading for Funny Story earlier and participate in BoM points or do I need to read it only during tha..."

Ahh great! I just got it from the library and it expires just near to the start date of reading. So I can read bulk of it and then finish near the start date. Thanks :)

I plan to finish mine by tonight.

What are the rules regarding the BoM reading dates? Can I start reading for Funny Story earlier and participate in BoM points or do I need to read it only during that period?

DQs Day 5

16.) Were there any surprises about the supporting characters? Did they get the endings you expected? That the characters deserved?

Valentina maybe. I don't know, I was quite uninterested to be honest on the side characters

17.) Did the ultimate point and outcome of the tournament leave you satisfied? Or did the whole thing seem like a bizarre waste of everyone's time, money, and life (literally in some cases)?

I thought it was a waste of my time. It just felt like bent to fit the storyline. I did not enjoy this book.

18.) Luiza and Santangel's ending. Was it what you were hoping for? Satisfying? Remind you of how a different series ended the storyline for lead MCs (view spoiler). Would the ending of worked if the magical system had been more defined? I still don't have a handle on the parameters of Luiza's magic. Maybe there isn't any?

It was okay, I guess. I was only invested in Luiza and Santangel so it was kind of fine for an ending. I don't think there are any parameters, the author just made her have the power of whatever she wanted.

19.) What did you end up rating the book? Would you recommend it to others?

2 stars - To be honest, I had DNF'd other books from this author and I did not like this one as well. I won't recommend it, much better books out there

Day 3 DQ's Chapter 24 - 33

9. We keep hearing how people smell. Luzia of orange blossoms, Perez of plums and amber. Why do you think the author keeps mentioning this? Do the smells mean more than just an odor?

I thought it was just for us to blend in a more detailed scene for the magic. I could be wrong though.

10. We are over halfway through the book. What has been your favorite part/scene/person/line so far?

The only parts I like in this book are the ones involving Santángel. Everything else is a bit of a bore


11. Valentina and Marius seem to be rekindling their marriage, finding love where there wasn't before. Why do you think the author is adding that part of the story when she could have left it out?

I think they will have more role to play in the story going forward. Also a way to show how everything changed after that day.

11. Now we are over halfway and know more of Luzia, the competition and this world. Why do you think the publisher and possibly the author chose this cover over any other possibilities? If you could remake the cover, what would you want it to look like?

I feel the cover makes sense as blend between Luzia and Santángel's magic. Afterall, they complete each other. But also pose a threat to each as well.

Day 1 DQ’s
1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her magic she still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?

I do understand her predicament but that does not justify what she did. One needs to stand up for oneself if they want to improve their lives. She could find herself some hobby or be more assertive to her husband to earn her respect.

2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house?

To continue mistreating her and denying her the opportunity of a better life somewhere else

3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of.

Thats a nice power and lot of room to develop on as well

4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them?

Power play and friendship

Yeah it seemed right up my alley! I will let you know next week :)

Yay! I will do Ten Tiny Breaths :)