Gwen|| Bookish Blondie’s Comments (group member since Jan 24, 2022)

Gwen|| Bookish Blondie’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Fixed

Done

I read it during the uno challenge. I also read the hunger game series during uno challenge too. Oh well.

done

All my battle books are finished

We learn a lot more about the library in this section, for example, that new head librarians create new systems to secure their power and make themselves indispensable. I know we have a few librarians in this group… how do you feel about that? 😅 If you’re not a librarian –what would you do if the library you use just changed systems whenever it felt like it?

If the library I use changed systems frequently, it would be quite frustrating and confusing. Consistency in organization is key for accessibility, and constantly changing systems would disrupt the ease of finding information and enjoying the library's resources.

We also finally had our stories converging, albeit briefly. Livira and Evar were exploring new places in consecutive chapters, both of them marking their origin/path (Livira with books, Evar with a knife) and then their journeys culminate in them meeting in what Livira identifies as an “in-between place”. Were you expecting them to meet so soon? What was your impression of their brief time together – and why did the meeting end so abruptly?

I wasn't expecting Livira and Evar to meet so soon, but their brief encounter was intriguing and filled with potential. Their meeting felt significant yet mysterious, suggesting their destinies are intertwined. The abrupt ending added to the suspense, leaving readers eager to see how their paths will intersect again.

In her time in the library, Livira acquired a companion in the raven: is he an ally or guide? Or something sinister? Do you think it’s actually “just” a (magical) animal or maybe even a character we know already?
The raven seems like a guide or ally, though its true nature remains unclear. It could be a magical creature with its own agenda or even a manifestation of a character's influence. Its actions and interactions with Livira will likely reveal more about its role.

I can’t help but constantly think of the Book of the Ancestor as I’m reading this – the young girl protagonist who’s an outsider, the school setting, navigating friendships and political machinations while also learning about whatever type of magic there is… Have you read anything else by Mark Lawrence?

o, I haven't read anything else by Mark Lawrence.

How are you enjoying the book so far? How's the pacing for you?

I'm thoroughly enjoying the book so far; the intricate world-building and compelling characters have drawn me in. The pacing feels well-balanced, with enough action and mystery to keep me engaged while also allowing for deeper character development.

What are your favorite characters, situations, quotes so far?

Livira stands out as a favorite character due to her resilience and curiosity. One memorable situation is her first encounter with the library, filled with wonder and trepidation.

What are your fondest memories of a library?

My fondest memories of a library include spending hours in the cozy reading nooks, getting lost in different worlds through books, and the quiet excitement of discovering a new favorite author. The sense of peace and endless possibility that libraries offer is truly special.

Library as prison... does that ring true for you?

The idea of a library as a prison can ring true, especially if one feels trapped by the weight of knowledge or the confines of endless rules. However, for many, libraries are places of freedom and exploration, where one can escape and discover new horizons.

If you could have one natural ability relating to books like Evar being able to read unknown language, what would it be?

If I could have one natural ability related to books, it would be the ability to instantly understand and retain everything I read. This would open up limitless possibilities for learning and exploration, allowing me to delve deeply into any subject with ease.

Ahhh.. The Library! ..My happy place. And what a beautifully intriguing cover! How often do you visit your local library and have you visited any famous libraries around the world? Do share!

I visit my local library every few weeks, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the vast collection of books. I've also had the chance to visit the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., which was overwhelming to be honest.

The first chapters describe a barren wasteland with an equally hopeless type of existence for Livira and her people. But straight away we establish that there is something special about Livira as she rises above her surroundings and the life she seems destined for. But circumstances change... your first impressions of Livira and how she influences her new destiny.

Livira immediately stands out as a resilient and curious character, determined to seek knowledge and a better life despite her bleak surroundings. Her resourcefulness and determination to learn set her apart, making her a compelling protagonist who is likely to shape her destiny through sheer will and intelligence.

The chapter headings.. how do they fit into the tale? Do you find them interesting as a guide or somewhat cryptic at this stage of the story?
The chapter headings are intriguing and somewhat cryptic, adding an element of mystery to the narrative. They hint at the themes and events to come, serving as a guide that encourages readers to think deeper about the unfolding story.

Enter Evar in Chapter 4 and the scene changes from the barren Dust to the mysterious and atmospheric library and its Mechanism. A lot of information to absorb about how it all works and the role of Evar and his "family". Does the author do a good job in getting across what the library is and does? Is it good, evil, or omnipotent?

The author does an excellent job of vividly describing the library and its complex workings, making it feel both enchanting and intimidating. The library seems neither wholly good nor evil but rather an omnipotent force with its own rules and mysteries, leaving readers to question its true nature.

"Evar, don't turn the page. I'm in The Exchange. Find me at the Bottom." Who wrote this sentence and what is its purpose at this point in the novel? What impact do you think it will have in the story moving forward?

This cryptic message was written by an unknown character, but perhaps could be one of the main characters future selves serving as a crucial plot device to spur Evar into action and add suspense. It hints at hidden secrets and upcoming revelations, setting the stage for pivotal events and deepening the mystery of the library.

I’m almost done with my last battle
Book.

Fixed

This is the version of U get that monkey off your own back that I read. It’s on Goodreads twice. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

I'll read that last one if that's what they end up going with since it's only 108 pages and I have KU.

If they go with GIC as the end, I have access to the Gichigami Hearts book through my library and I would actually find interesting to read.

They’d likely just read this book in response to ours https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1.... Meaning they’d have to use the A.

So if we go with Ante, they are stuck with the same and they will still be one letter up on us regardless.

Well the book is The Runaway which should be much easier

Th Thursday Murder club is on my to read list for this year so I can take it if no one else wants it

I moved all the unfinished books from Round 2 to Round 3.

Just a quick note on the official spreadsheet the year was put in wrong for the top book as 2023 instead of 2024.

Alright, I’ll read that one!

Will this work for the NTS book? It’s in English and 180 pages and I have access to it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...