Mirliz’s Comments (group member since Dec 05, 2013)

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

Chapters xvi-xix

(view spoiler)[22. Sabriel decides not to go into Death to find out more about the sacrificed healer. Do you think that was a wise decision?

Yes I think so. Death is a very dangerous place for her now and she shouldn't spend more time than neccessary there.

23. Did you like how Touchstone introduced himself as the sworn swordsman for Abhorsen?

Yes!

24. I loved how Sabriel got Aline to talk about her lessons on the Great Charter. So clever!

I like Sabriel more and more. She is indeed a very clever girl!

25. What did you think of Touchstone's story? I think they are on the right path looking for Rogir and how frustrating we didn't get to hear from Mogget his past!

I also wanted to know more about Mogget!

26. It looks like we get a YA love story after all. Would you like to see Sabriel and Touchstone together?

I wouldn't mind, but if there turns out to be no YA love story, that wouldn't bother me as well.

27. Do you think they will find Abhorsen's body? Can Sabriel bring him back?

I really don't know. And I prefer not to speculate too much about it, I just want to wait and see what happens. :) (hide spoiler)]

Subgenre Challenge: Fantasy
Duration: 1.1.2014 - no limit
Level: Lord Commander (41-42 books) | Progress: 11/42 (26%)

I've decided to count books for one category only each, even if they belong to several subgenres.

Alternate World Fantasy

Arcanepunk Fantasy

Arthurian Fantasy

Bangsian Fantasy

Celtic Fantasy

Christian Fantasy

Comic Fantasy

✓ Coming-of-Age Fantasy: Sabriel (Abhorsen #1); by Garth Nix [1.30.2014] ♥♥♥

Contemporary Fantasy

✓ Court Intrigue Fantasy: A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire #2); by George R.R. Martin [1.21.2014] ♥♥♥♥

Cross Over Fantasy

Dark Fantasy

Dying Earth Fantasy

✓ Epic Fantasy: The Final Empire (Mistborn #1); by Brandon Sanderson [6.28.2015] ♥♥♥♥♥

Erotic Fantasy

✓ Fairytale & Fable Fantasy: A Kiss in Time; by Alex Flinn [12.29.2015] ♥♥♥♥

Fantasy of Manners

Gritty Fantasy

High Fantasy

Historical Fantasy

Heroic Fantasy

✓ Juvenile or Children's Fantasy: De tre nycklarna (Englamark #1); by Mia Söderberg [7.17.2015] ♥♥

Literary Fantasy

Low Fantasy

Magic Realism Fantasy

Medieval Fantasy

Military Fantasy

✓ Mythic Fantasy: The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2); by Rick Riordan [6.22.2015] ♥♥♥

✓ New Weird / Slipstream Fantasy: Un Lun Dun; by China Miéville [1.22.2016] ♥♥

Prehistoric Fantasy

✓ Quest Fantasy: The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time #1); by Robert Jordan [1.31.2016] ♥♥♥♥

Romantic Fantasy

✓ Science Fantasy: The Bone Season (The Bone Season #1); by Samantha Shannon [7.8.2015] ♥♥♥♥♥

Shenmo

Steampunk Fantasy

Superhero Fantasy

Swashbuckling Fantasy

Sword and Sorcery Fantasy

Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Fantasy

✓ Vampire Fantasy: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1); by Richelle Mead [1.24.2014] ♥♥♥

Wuxia Fantasy

✓ Young Adult Fantasy: Red Queen (Red Queen #1); by Victoria Aveyard [9.21.2015] ♥♥♥♥

Subgenre Challenge: Fantasy
Duration: 1.1.2014 - no limit
Level: Lord Commander (41-42 books)

Link to my post
Completed: 3/42

I've decided to count books for one category only each, even if they belong to several subgenres, and strive for at least one book in each subgenre.

✔ Coming-of-Age Fantasy: Sabriel (Abhorsen #1); by Garth Nix [1/30] ♥♥♥

✔ Court Intrigue Fantasy: A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire #2); by George R.R. Martin [1/21] ♥♥♥♥

✔ Vampire Fantasy: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1); by Richelle Mead [1/24] ♥♥♥

A Few of my Favorite Things (February) Challenge
Duration: 2.1.2014 - 2.28.2014
Level: Bitten (3-5 books)

Favorite color: Pink (read books with pink cover)

Link to my post
Completed: 4/5

✔ The Stepmother's Diary; by Fay Weldon [12/26] ♥♥♥
☆ Breathless; by Laura Lee Guhrke
✔ Things I Want My Daughters to Know; by Elizabeth Noble [3/25] ♥♥
✔ Totta; by Riikka Pulkkinen [5/24] ♥♥♥
✔ Undercurrents; by Tamara McKinley [7/10] ♥♥♥♥

A Few of my Favorite Things (February) Challenge
Duration: 2.1.2014 - 2.28.2014
Level: Bitten (3-5 books)

Favorite color: Pink (read books with pink cover)

Completed: 4/5

✔ The Stepmother's Diary; by Fay Weldon [12/26] ♥♥♥
☆ Breathless; by Laura Lee Guhrke
✔ Things I Want My Daughters to Know; by Elizabeth Noble [3/25] ♥♥
✔ Totta; by Riikka Pulkkinen [5/24] ♥♥♥
✔ Undercurrents; by Tamara McKinley [7/10] ♥♥♥♥

Chapters xii-xv

(view spoiler)[17. Mogget's true form is pretty scary! Were you surprised at how aggressive he was? In his "cat" form he had asked her to trust him and remember the ring. Does that mean he is "good" (and wants to be) when bound?

I was a bit surprised actually. I thought he would be unruly but never guessed he would be that aggressive. I'm not sure about his cat form... It could very well just be that when he's in his cat form, he has to obey the Abhorsen, and isn't able to keep that kind of instruction away from him/her.

18. Touchstone has been wood for 200 years! I wonder how he and Mogget know of eachother and what Touchstone did? Is there something about this that compelled Sabriel to bring him back?

Oh I don't know. I'm very curious to find out though.

19. I like Touchstone as a new companion for her journey and the humour their relationship brings to the story. Thoughts on him so far?

He's a bit annoying, but I can sense something in him that might make me more fond of him later on.

20. When pushing on the door to the Watchwood:
"I can see time," whispered Mogget, so softly that his words were lost
Is there even more to this free magic / cat than we know so far?

I'm sure there is.

21. Newstowe's charter stone must be broken. Does that mean another Charter Mage has been sacrificed? Is there anyone left alive in the village?

I don't expect anyone to be alive there. And there's probably just a lot of danger in the area. (hide spoiler)]

|| 1.25.2014 || 335 pages

Current Total: 251,040

Chapters viii-xi

(view spoiler)[11. What do you think about Mogget? I wonder how he gets from place to place? Would you trust him?

There's something about him that makes me very wary. I wouldn't trust him too much.

12. Thoughts on the house and the servants (sendings) that have been created through the generations?

Kind of creepy, but at the same time not. I don't know. I would like to know more about the house, but if I lived there I would prefer to be without the sendings.

13. Will she find her father's body? Do you think she should bring him back if she does?

If he is truly truly dead, I don't think she should bring him back. Dead is dead, and should be left dead.

14. Belisaere was the Capital, there hasn't been a King or Queen in 200 years and no Regent for 20, and the Kingdom "sinks day by day into a darkness..."
I wonder why Abhorsen kept the truth about the Old Kingdom from Sabriel?

He must have had his reasons, even though I can't imagine what they would be. It seems now that it would have been wiser of him to keep her informed about what's going on in her homecountry, to prepare her for the future. He can't have believed she would never have to return?

15. What did you think about the flood? Did she have to do it for the "overall good" in the fight against the dead or was it a selfish act to save herself?

Sometimes the line between "selfish" and "for the greater good" is very thin. In this case, I couldn't say what was the right decision to make.

16. Thoughts on the scenes in the Paperwing? Would you have loosened Mogget's collar?

I would have loved to travel in the Paperwing! As for Mogget... There didn't seem to be any other way to survive, did there? I would probably have loosened his collar too and hoped for the best, worrying about the rest after I had survived... (hide spoiler)]

|| 1.24.2014 || 336 pages

Current Total: 232,684

Can't wait to start with this one! This series has really captured me!

Winter into Spring Seasonal B.I.N.G.O.
Duration: 2.1.2014 - 4.30.2014
Level: Busy Bee (10-14 books)

Link to my post
Completed: 5/14

1-2-3: Things I Want My Daughters to Know

2-3-1: A Storm of Swords
2-4-1: Brave New World
2-4-4: Springa med åror
2-5-2: A Long Winter

Failure, challenge abandoned

Winter into Spring Seasonal B.I.N.G.O.
Duration: 2.1.2014 - 4.30.2014
Level: Busy Bee (10-14 books)

Chapters iv-vii

(view spoiler)[7. Finding the Ancelstierran patrol dead does not bode well. Especially with their heads cut off! And then the Charter stone which was used to sacrifice a Charter Mage. Does this mean the person who captured Abhorsen brought back some greater dead who killed these men to use them as shadow hands?

I still don't have a really good understanding of this world yet, but that sounds like it would be possible?

8. I love how Sabriel is such a clear thinker. Able to use her necromancing skills and Charter magic and not get distracted from the task at hand. Do you agree?

Yes, I'm growing very fond of her and wonder what great things she will accomplish further on!

9. So Sabriel's guide is her mother! I was surprised at this, and also had a little giggle when it described the situation of when she first called her. I had assumed her mother would not return to the story, but it looks like she may be quite important?

I wasn't very surprised, but I was happy about that.

10. First Thralk and then a Mordicant. I think Sabriel needs to get some allies for her journey! And what is the significance of the "Servants of Kerrigor"?

Well, it doesn't sound very good to say the least... (hide spoiler)]

Chapters: Prologue-iii

(view spoiler)[1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?

I really like the writing style. And the prologue just made me want to keep reading - that's a good sign eh?

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?

Very interesting, I want to know more about him.

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?

I would like to say there's probably more to it.

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?

My guess is that he is in a really bad spot and needs her to save him, and then she needs his things.

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?

Sounds plausible. And I also liked the history.

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?

Theories about destiny are always fun to think about. I want to think that every person rules her own destiny, but at the same time I often feel like destiny is choosing a person's path. She's a necromancer, and he's her father, so it's logical that she should try and help him when he's in trouble and no-one else she knows could help him. Destiny? Who knows. (hide spoiler)]

|| 1.22.2014 || 373 pages

Current Total: 217,269

Chapter 64-67

(view spoiler)[158. It sure seems as if Harrenhal is unlucky for those who rule there. I can’t really blame Arya for wanting out of that place. Think it is haunted, or jinked, or something? What does this foretell for Littlefinger? (If he ever gets to own it.)

I'm not usually inclined to believe in curses or whatever, but seeing what exists in that world, Harrenhal might well be cursed. In that case, it will most likely mean bad luck for Littlefinger as well.

159. Did you ache just a little for Arya when she grieved for her brothers? Do you think that was really Lord Stark, Arya’s father, talking to her in the godswood?

Of course I did. I'm very fond of Arya. And I like to believe that was really her father talking to her.

160. Is Arya going to be a “skinchanger” like Bran? Will all the Stark children be able to do this?

Not sure.

161. Gendry and Hot Pie seemed pretty unhappy with Arya; were you surprised they went with her? Clever Arya, taking those maps; think they’ll come in handy for something other than finding her way to a safe place? BTW, will she really go to Riverrun?

I was a little surprised they went with her, but happy.

162. Did you think Arya had it in her to kill that guard? Think the coin had anything to do with it?

Yes, I thought so. And I don't believe the coin had anything to do with it. She is a strong girl.

163. Was King Joffrey’s whole wimpy “Mother!” court scene too, too pathetic, or what? At least Sansa’s has a sense of humor. Nevertheless, what ever will they do with her now?

I'm a little afraid for her. I still don't like her very much, but I do feel for her, now that she has had to wake up from her world of dreams and realized what the real world is like.

164. Okay, just who is Ser Dontos? What’s with the hair net for Sansa? And there is that city again, Asshai!

No idea.

165. Okay, I’m pretty sick of Theon, but I think Winterfell just fell into worse hands than his. Was that a surprise that made perfect sense in hindsight?

Yes.

166. Tyrion wasn’t quite an amnesiac, but the milk of the poppy was making him have some strange dreams. Any new revelations there for you?

Not really.

167. Will Shae still want to be with Tyrion once she sees the extent of his injuries?

Not sure.

168. BTW, who do you think found Tyrion down in the cellar?

No idea.

169. Who do you think assigned Ser Mandon to kill Tyrion? If it was Cersei, and Jaime makes it back to King’s Landing alive, it will sure make for an interesting dialogue to see whose side he takes.

That would indeed be interesting.

170. Methinks Tyrion is in deep poop, and I don’t just mean his injuries. What do you think? How about his father taking over as the Hand?

Things don't look good for him. He needs to get to a safe place as soon as possible. Maybe find some new allies? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 68-69

(view spoiler)[171) Did you expect that Jon would be asked to secretly keep his vows to the Brothers? Were you surprised he had to kill Qhorin? What was that all about? I'm still confused why someone would want to take over the Wall?

I'm also confused why they want to take the Wall. I didn't expect Jon to have to yield and then keep his vows to the Brothers in secret. But I wasn't surprised he had to kill Qhorin.

172) What was up with the birds? Are they like the Direwolves?

Not sure they are like the direwolves - I understood it as if they are reincarnations of some kind?

173) Thank goodness Bran and Ricken are alive. Anyone else surprised?

I'm just relieved. I really like Bran.

174) Where is Arya?

I think she will try to go to Riverrun, since she saw on the map that it wasn't very far.

175) Can they trust Osha? I felt someone else should have gone with her.

I hope they can trust her.

176) I wonder how badly damaged Winterfell is? I thought it would be razed to the ground, but they found food and the last description made me wonder if it was as bad as I feared?

I think it is very damaged, but probably possible to rebuild.

177) Wonderful last lines by Bran in the book:
"The stone is strong, Bran told himself, the roots of the trees go deep, and under the ground the Kings of Winter sit their thrones. So long just broken. Like me, he thought. I'm not dead either."

I also liked those lines. He is a very strong child. He will be alright. (hide spoiler)]

Relay Race Reading Challenge: Our First Million Pages for 2014
Duration: 1.1.2014 - 12.31.2014

My latest post

Challenge completed

|| 1.21.2014 || 1,031 pages

Current Total 208,001

Chapters 50-end

(view spoiler)[44. JP confesses to Rachel. Were you surprised that he did this? That she was ok with them going back to check on Polly?

Not surprised, I had the feeling he would do that eventually. And of course she was ok with them going back to Polly.

45. Tess decides to give Will until Christmas to make up his mind about Felicity. Did you agree with her? Should she have told Will about Connor?

In a way, she should have told him but since she decided to try and mend the marriage, adding that piece of information would do more harm than good. But I do agree with her on giving him until Christmas.

46. Do you think Rachel will ever tell the police? And if not, is it because of her own actions with Polly or because she doesn't want to break up his family?

I don't think she will tell the police. Because she has harmed his family too (without intending it), and she knows too well how hard it is when a family is ripped apart - she doesn't want to do that to his family.

47. What did you think about the Epilogue?! I can't believe that he may have contributed to Janie's death, but it would've been manslaughter if the coroner had gotten things right. And Tess having another baby?! Is that fair on Connor to never know if it is his? I'm glad he finally found a nice woman.

A little bit upset about the Tess-Conner-second baby thing. But happy for Connor.

48. Final thoughts on the book? How would you rate it?

I'm rating it 3/5. The thing I liked most about it was the distinctive voices of the characters and how the POVs let us see the characters both from the inside and the outside. The story itself was good enough. (hide spoiler)]

|| 1.9.2014 || 352 pages

Current Total 73,866