Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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The Rook
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O'Malley, Daniel - The Rook - Start Date October 12th 2012
34) Lady Farrier just seems as sweet as can be (not really), "but if you'd been killed, what would simply have served to tidy up an inconvenience." Gah! I'm outraged for Myfanwy.I don't know. With the position she occupies I don't think she can afford to get too attached to anyone. If Myfanwy ran away they would have had to find her and kill her so creating friendships doesn't do. I find her frankness very endearing.But if I was in her position I would't do the same.
35) What the heck are the Alrich sentences included for in chapter 11???? Is it for a timeline reference??? Was it truly necessary?
I thought there was a error in the printing. Then it appeared again and I kept thinking something important is happening but nothing happened. I am finding the author's writing style very tedious
36) Initial thoughts of Lady Ferrier?
Not the killer but definitely hiding something
37) The question of King and Queen is answered. What did you think of the court?
One sided chess board. Wonder which side they belong to Black or White. Is it me or is the author deliberately trying to keep us guessing by leaving the description of Alrich for last
38) Sounds like Myfanwy is really throwing Gestalt off his game with her new found assertiveness.
True, all of a sudden he feels like a weak character
39) So we now know the rest of the court and the suspect who may have wanted Myfanwy dead. Any of them standing out to you?
Conrad seems a bit suspicious. I wouldn't have given Alrich a second thought if not for those few lines in Chapter 11. Henrich seems too nice which is kind of a red light
40) The Van Syoc video was pretty gruesome.
Yeah, still going with the resident evil Nemesis metaphor
41) I like that we now know more of how Myfanwy came to learn she would loose her memory. So now we know 100% she is Myfanwy with no memory. How would you have taken the news if someone told you you would lose your memory?
Denial the first stage. Then will think of all the possibilities and now that I think about it, feels like dying. You are what you are because of your memories. Will do all the things I wanted to do before memory fades
42) The question of what happened to Van Syoc has been answered. These Grafters sound scary and rather subtle in their new creations/enhancements.
I think it is kind of creative. They look normal, which makes them difficult to spot and can change in an instant and self destruct when faced with interrogation. Sounds like the perfect killing machine. But still not sure how the implants work.
43) I think Gestalt is having issues with the new Myfanwy. Do you think he'll create new problems for her? Is he intimidated by her, jealous, or does not handle change well?
I think he is not much capable of dealing with unexpected situations.
44) We now find out there are Checquys all around the world. This could get interesting. The American Coatoan sounds interesting.
They does sound interesting. When they mentioned Plymouth I kept thinking when the croatans will appear. Didn't it will be another Checquy group. But the descriptions and back story was a bit of a drag. I am kind of wishing that Myfanwy was not so well organized so as to go into the details of each and every thing.
Sonia wrote: "I totally mixed the dates, and was convinced that today was the 12th... don't ask... and I didn't start the book yet... there is no way I'm able to play catch up..."Just go at your own pace and don't worry about being behind. I love seeing what people think as they read. You don't have to be on the same day as the rest of us. I'll attempt to post the questions at the top of the thread so you don't have to search for them. Originally we'd hoped to set the BOMs up so people could answer whenever they could find the time, but I must admit it's more fun when a group of people read it all at the same time.
Parvathy wrote: "44) We now find out there are Checquys all around the world. This could get interesting. The American Coatoan sounds interesting. They does sound interesting. When they mentioned Plymouth I kept thinking when the croatans will appear. Didn't it will be another Checquy group. But the descriptions and back story was a bit of a drag. I am kind of wishing that Myfanwy was not so well organized so as to go into the details of each and every thing. "
Omg yes! At first the info vomit was at least interesting information. But now I'm sitting here going, "I don't care about Eckhart's parents! Even if he is a suspect, I don't care!!"
@Mary34) I agree
35) I'm still confused.
36) I'm not liking her all that much
37) I guess the King question isn't truly answered. I'm assuming that this was the King being talked about, but I may be wrong. Sounds like he'd be referred to as Lord?
38) I really liked seeing Gestalt off balance. Will his temper come into play later?
41) Thank goodness Mary. I was a little worried, you know, that there might be someone after your. lol Sorry your last little comment made me chuckle.
42) True
43) I'm still unsure what to think of Gestalt.
44) That was fun.
Questions and Comments for chapters 16 - 19 45) First impressions of Shantay?
46) Is Bronwyn truly her sister or a spy?
47) Do you think it was smart for Myfanwy to let Bronwyn stay the night? I thought that strange.
48) So now we know someone siphoned off funds to buy land and create Camp Caius. I wonder who did it and why?
49) So Myfanwy is called into the field. Do you think this is a set up to get rid of her?
50) Do you think Myfanwy can rise to the occasion and end the crisis without any help from Gestalt?
@ Lisarenee35) It was definitely abrupt and very confusing, but I can only assume that it was important that O'Malley show Alrich's perspective briefly right then, and that it will come into play later when Thomas reveals more about Alrich and when more of the mystery unfolds.
37) I'm guessing it was a supernatural King of something, or he called himself King of something, but he wasn't really that important in the grand scheme of things - just a threat that needed dealing with. The King and Queen of the Checquy call themselves Lord and Lady, yes, so it couldn't have been the King of the Checquy there. I'm guessing we don't hear anything else about it.
38) I could see that. I hope so, anyway. I like him off balance, too.
41) Glad to amuse. :-)
Questions and Comments for chapters 16 - 1945) First impressions of Shantay?
I like her, but I've become incredibly paranoid with this book, so my instinct is to mistrust her, even if she doesn't deserve it. The conversation she and Myfanwy had about family and childhood was interesting...you have to wonder if this new take-charge Myfanwy will make some changes as to how things are done when it comes to the children.
46) Is Bronwyn truly her sister or a spy?
I think she's the real deal.
47) Do you think it was smart for Myfanwy to let Bronwyn stay the night? I thought that strange.
That was strange. I thought surely they would meet at a public place, for one, and not at Myfanwy's own house. But overnight? Someone in the Court wants to kill Myfanwy and they surely know where she lives. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to guess that this would-be assassin has her under some sort of surveillance. Personally, I think Myfanwy has put her sister in danger by potentially revealing her existence to the Court (and would-be assassin) and leaving herself vulnerable. Dangers aside, doesn't the Checquy monitor anything online with Myfanwy's name in it? What if Bronwyn's email to her brother triggers an alarm? Hmm.
48) So now we know someone siphoned off funds to buy land and create Camp Caius. I wonder who did it and why?
I found it very interesting that the security was so horrible, too. And the group showers... Strange. Perhaps it's a Grafters training area of some sort.
49) So Myfanwy is called into the field. Do you think this is a set up to get rid of her?
I don't know. What a place to stop! It's definitely odd, this chanting calling "the Rook" out specifically. I wonder, if Gestalt were there, how he would have handled the situation.
50) Do you think Myfanwy can rise to the occasion and end the crisis without any help from Gestalt?
I think so. She's proven both lucky and unexpectedly skilled at opportune times, so I think she'll be able to handle whatever comes. I don't know how, though.
Questions and comments for chapters 11 - 1534) Lady Farrier just seems as sweet as can be (not really), "but if you'd been killed, what would simply have served to tidy up an inconvenience." Gah! I'm outraged for Myfanwy.
This actually fits her character rather well from what we've been told. She has been portrayed as being very distant and cold, and she was.
35) What the heck are the Alrich sentences included for in chapter 11???? Is it for a timeline reference??? Was it truly necessary?
No, it wasn't necessary. I'm finding a lot about this book unnecessary lol.
36) Initial thoughts of Lady Ferrier?
I kind of like her, but then I am not a fan of MyFawny...old or new, so that might make sense.
37) The question of King and Queen is answered. What did you think of the court?
It's an interesting set up. I like how it's structured as a company, the Court is kind of like the board.
38) Sounds like Myfanwy is really throwing Gestalt off his game with her new found assertiveness.
I still just don't see how they wouldn't be more interested in this complete 180 in personality. They work in a department dealing with the supernatural, but they're just shrugging off something so weird, it's absurd lol.
39) So we now know the rest of the court and the suspect who may have wanted Myfanwy dead. Any of them standing out to you?
Not really. I think Gestalt is too obvious. Ferrier doesn't really seem to care either way. I really don't know.
40) The Van Syoc video was pretty gruesome.
That was pretty icky.
41) I like that we now know more of how Myfanwy came to learn she would loose her memory. So now we know 100% she is Myfanwy with no memory. How would you have taken the news if someone told you you would lose your memory?
I am still not sure it's the same person. The homeless man seemed to imply it would be someone entirely new in her body. The boy seemed to think it would be the same person, but he's just a small boy so he may have been confused. I think it would be more interesting if she was an entirely separate entity.
42) The question of what happened to Van Syoc has been answered. These Grafters sound scary and rather subtle in their new creations/enhancements.
I had wondered if it was something like that and it appears it was. But not so much a self-destruct device for him to activate, one that they could activate if he became too much to a liability. It's pretty scary.
43) I think Gestalt is having issues with the new Myfanwy. Do you think he'll create new problems for her? Is he intimidated by her, jealous, or does not handle change well?
I am hoping he causes problems for her, otherwise I'll have a hard time taking this book seriously.
44) We now find out there are Checquys all around the world. This could get interesting. The American Coatoan sounds interesting.
I admit, I was very interested when I heard they were coming to meet with her. After a whole chapter telling me about them, no longer interested. I literally fell asleep in the middle of that and only woke up when I dropped the book.
Lisarenee wrote: "Just go at your own pace and don't worry about being behind ..."I will, thanks. I was able to start it yesterday, finally! :o)
Since we seem to have so many behind, should I rework the reading schedule to have a catch up day?
A catch up day is fine with me, Lisarenee. :-)
@Mary45) I know what you mean,but it seems unlikely she'd have a hand in whatever is going on.
47) I thought the same thing that it would definitely make her sister a potential target. Wonder when we'll get to meet her brother or will we? Maybe she's not her true sister?
48) You may be on to something. With someone trying to kill Myfanwy and the Grafters showing up out of the blue could there be a link?
50) I look forward to seeing how she handles herself especially not knowing all the procedures and protocols.
Lisarenee wrote: "Since we seem to have so many behind, should I rework the reading schedule to have a catch up day?"That would be wonderful for me! I am currently in the middle of yesterday's reading. So not too far behind but a day to catch up would be great.
Lisarenee wrote: "Since we seem to have so many behind, should I rework the reading schedule to have a catch up day?"So should I post today's questions tomorrow instead?
Mary wrote: "Lisarenee wrote: "Since we seem to have so many behind, should I rework the reading schedule to have a catch up day?"So should I post today's questions tomorrow instead?"
It's up to you, just let me know and I'll change the schedule tonight or tomorrow.
Lisarenee wrote: "Mary wrote: "Lisarenee wrote: "Since we seem to have so many behind, should I rework the reading schedule to have a catch up day?"So should I post today's questions tomorrow instead?"
It's up to..."
I'll just post them tomorrow.
Sooooo, I'm finally able to start answering questions... far behind than everybody else :(Questions for Chapters 1 - 3
1) Did you wonder, like I did in the beginning, if Myfanwy had lost her memory or if they had managed to switch souls between people? The way she wrote the letters I couldn't quite figure out what exactly happened.
I'm still confused of what happened
2) What did you think of Myfanwy's powers? Scary or cool?
Both. Specially because of all the hints that they were more than everybody thought
3) If you woke up not knowing who you were among a bunch of corpses wearing surgical gloves would you have freaked? I though Myfanwy handled herself very well.
That would have scared the beezejus out of me... she definetly have some pretty good inner strenght
4) Can you tell a man wrote this book? I don't think I'd check out my body and evaluate it unless I saw myself in a mirror while getting dressed, showering, etc. Perhaps, however she wanted to see the scar to verify she truly was Myfanwy?
I wouldn't, but I rarely look at the mirror, or have many thoughts about how I look like or the state I am.
5) Would you have decided to stay Myfanwy or have attempted to runaway with a new identity? Do you think running away would truly have been possible?
That's a tricky question. It all depended of the winner between curiosity and self-preservation. Although after reading about the runaways, the chances of really escaping were pretty thin, unless she really was as good as she thought, ans so far, I think she underestimated herself a great deal.
6) What are your initial thoughts of the Checqey Group and their function?
something in the lines of the MIB movie.
7) Do you think her signing the petition will cause problems later?
that action was so foreign to the initial storyline that maybe it would have some repercussion of sorts
8) Did you like how she managed to find her office?
clever girl... a little odd, but clever
9) Gestalt sounds very interesting and creepy at the same time.
I am totally fascinated by that character... I need to know more... much more :o)
10) Do you feel Myfanwy (the original) sounded a little naive?
She sounded like a scared little thing... a brilliant scared little thing
11) Were you surprised that the woman from Myfanwy's dream wasn't going to tell anyone she lost her memory? I wonder what Myfanwy did for her?
I don't trust her
12) Any thoughts as to why someone would want to kill a paper pushing higher up?
have no clue
13) So do you like the story so far? It has a direct line to my curiosity bug... I really am dying to know more and to uncover all the dirty secrets :o)
Don't worry about it, Sonia! Glad you're able to start catching up, but don't stress yourself over it. 5 - Love what you said here, about curiosity and self-preservation. Great point!
9 - Definitely a fascinating character.
13 - Glad you're enjoying it!
Since everyone's behind on the questions, I'll post today's questions under a spoiler tag:Discussion Questions for Chapters 20 - 24
(view spoiler)
Questions and Comments for chapters 16 - 19 45) First impressions of Shantay?
I like her, she's interesting and funny. Though MyFawny came off as a super bitch with her "I hope she slept her way to the top" garbage. I think the author believes all women are threatened by pretty woman and secretly hate them because she's done that a few times now.
46) Is Bronwyn truly her sister or a spy?
Hopefully a spy or that whole storyline will be super pointless.
47) Do you think it was smart for Myfanwy to let Bronwyn stay the night? I thought that strange.
I don't think it was, but then...so far she's acted like kind of an idiot many times so I wasn't surprised.
48) So now we know someone siphoned off funds to buy land and create Camp Caius. I wonder who did it and why?
Sounds to me like they are trying to take after the Grafers on that one.
49) So Myfanwy is called into the field. Do you think this is a set up to get rid of her?
Maybe, or it could just be a plot device for SOMETHING to start happening.
50) Do you think Myfanwy can rise to the occasion and end the crisis without any help from Gestalt?
I think so, hopefully it won't be easy though.
Ok so this is a side note but it's been really bugging me. This is set in London, why does everyone speak and act like an American? Except in a few circumstances where all of a sudden a character starts using the word "bloody" even when they never have before. Examples: cell phone, sidewalk, lunch, dinner...these are not British terms! Lunch is dinner to Brits, dinner is tea. And I've been to England several times, never seen blueberry pancakes on a menu. And I mentioned it to a British friend and got the "oh Americans" look. Even the spelling is American, not British. And the author is Australian! On his blog, he spells like the Australians and Brits do, so what the hell lol.
@ Stefani45 - Yeah, I've thought several times that O'Malley doesn't really know how to handle writing from a woman's perspective.
And I wonder if the publisher decided to tone down the Britishness in the book for the American readers. It certainly wouldn't be the first time.
I am a bit behind but trying to catch up.45) First impressions of Shantay?
Capable and friendly. But I am a bit paranoid so I don't think this friendship is going to end well.
46) Is Bronwyn truly her sister or a spy?
I am going for sister at the moment but I am also getting the impression that she knows more about the situation. There was so much flaws in the story Myfanwy told Bronwyn. Like for instance when her terminal disease was detected she was left somewhere by her parents but who paid for her treatment all these years and why are they sending money to her parents. Any normal person would have probed further. Also the whole explanation she gave for googling Myfanwy not believable
47) Do you think it was smart for Myfanwy to let Bronwyn stay the night? I thought that strange.
Yes, it was strange. She barely knew the girl. But I think she trusted her powers on this one.
48) So now we know someone siphoned off funds to buy land and create Camp Caius. I wonder who did it and why?
It could be either Conrad or Eckhart. Conrad doesn't seem like the loyal type and Eckhart because his childhood has to play significance at some point.After all she did give a detailed description of it and the attacking the King, something doesn't add up
49) So Myfanwy is called into the field. Do you think this is a set up to get rid of her?
May be but not yet sure.
50) Do you think Myfanwy can rise to the occasion and end the crisis without any help from Gestalt?
Yes. I think she can rise to the occasion. She has proven she is capable so far.
Did anyone else fall asleep while reading one of the Dear you letters? I did, yesterday. That's why I need to catch up. The whole discovery of the second estate too descriptive.
Parvathy wrote: "Did anyone else fall asleep while reading one of the Dear you letters? I did, yesterday. That's why I need to catch up. The whole discovery of the second estate too descriptive."I have twice now actually. I'm not finding the italicized parts interesting anymore, its cumbersome and annoying. Especially the one in chapter 22, I fell asleep during that too.
Mod
Sorry, guys, but I just couldn't get into this one. I've put it aside and will pick it up later. I don't know why, but it just didn't hold my interest.
Parvathy wrote: "Did anyone else fall asleep while reading one of the Dear you letters? I did, yesterday. That's why I need to catch up. The whole discovery of the second estate too descriptive."As long as they're related to Thomas's search for the bad guy, I find them pretty interesting, but I'm with Stefani - the one in Chapter 22 didn't seem relevant at all. I didn't understand the point of it, but perhaps it'll be important later. *shrug*
I appreciate O'Malley's attention to detail, but I think he gets carried away with the world he's created. Like, we don't really need to know the life story of (view spoiler) (some people may not have gotten there, yet). Or maybe we do, I don't know. Either way, it wasn't very interesting. I wonder why we get pages of descriptions on the American Checquy, though, and we still haven't read any background on Ingrid. Surely Thomas would have given Myfanwy a cheat sheet on her.
@ Parvathy45 - Yes, me too! Especially as they seemed to become friends instantly like that.
46 - Yes, very true.
48 - You're right about Conrad - and Thomas made a point of saying that Conrad was paid handsomely for joining the Checquy. Perhaps money steered him away. Interesting theory about Eckhart, too.
Cathie wrote: "Sorry, guys, but I just couldn't get into this one. I've put it aside and will pick it up later. I don't know why, but it just didn't hold my interest."Don't worry about it, Cathie! Life is short - read what you want! :-)
Cathie wrote: "Sorry, guys, but I just couldn't get into this one. I've put it aside and will pick it up later. I don't know why, but it just didn't hold my interest."I almost wish I had stopped too lol. I'm on page 263 and kind of want to run it over with my car to vent my irritation with it.
Discussion Questions for Chapters 20 - 2451) We learn a little more about the students at Camp Caius through Thomas’s letter. Does anything stand out? Do you think this is where the altered Retainers from Chapter 24 come from?
It's possible, it sounded Grafter like...and their activities at the camp also seemed Grafter like. So it would make sense.
52) Thoughts on the purple fungus house? What was its purpose? I’m confused there. The image of the chanting cultists covered in purpley goo was pretty disturbing.
I kind of found it funny lol. I think it was just...too easy. Send MyFawny in, her special powers that she's never used before will save the day!
53) Did Gestalt’s treachery surprise you? What exactly have they/he been up to with “Goblet the hedgehog man”? After Chapter 24, it seems very likely Gestalt is involved with the Grafters in some way. What do you think?
Or involved with the Camp. I wouldn't be surprised if it was connected to that.
54) So Myfanwy’s powers seem to work on everything, even purple fungus and hedgehog men. Do you think her powers will be an important weapon against the Grafters?
I think this is kind of a cop out to be totally honest. Her power can't work for everything, there are other ways to tell these things other than that.
55) What did you think of Thomas’s story about the dragon? What about her order to kill it upon hatching?
Mildly interesting but ultimately pointless to the plot. And I wanted to scream when we stopped, literally, right in the middle of an action scene to talk about a dragon.
56) So who is this Greek that made Thomas buy colorful clothes? Hmm. I wonder if Myfanwy will start to embrace this new style, seeing as she’s tired of black business suits.
I was wondering that too. Maybe another person within the company?
57) So, crazy stuff happening in the last chapter. What surprised you the most? Could any of the remaining characters secretly be a Grafter or Grafter agent?
I'm just hoping this is somehow connected to who tried to kill her. Because that was supposed to be the point of the book and we've done...well nothing so far.
Also, side note on this one: Was I the only one who thought it was incredibly odd that MyFawny gets control over Eliza's body WHILE she is trying to kill everyone and her first thought is "hey she's on her period!" Like, really?
51) We learn a little more about the students at Camp Caius through Thomas’s letter. Does anything stand out? Do you think this is where the altered Retainers from Chapter 24 come from? I didn't think of this. It is possible or it may be a grafter school
52) Thoughts on the purple fungus house? What was its purpose? I’m confused there. The image of the chanting cultists covered in purpley goo was pretty disturbing.
I am also wondering the same. What is the purpose of the pink fungi? How does it fit into the big picture? May be it was meant as a diversion or a way to ensnare people for the Grafter operation.
53) Did Gestalt’s treachery surprise you? What exactly have they/he been up to with “Goblet the hedgehog man”? After Chapter 24, it seems very likely Gestalt is involved with the Grafters in some way. What do you think?
I was surprised because he felt like the obvious choice from the very beginning. But he feels like a pawn in this whole scheme
54) So Myfanwy’s powers seem to work on everything, even purple fungus and hedgehog men. Do you think her powers will be an important weapon against the Grafters?
I am counting on it. She will be the saviour in the end
55) What did you think of Thomas’s story about the dragon? What about her order to kill it upon hatching?
I don't know what is the purpose of that story. Is it to show the absolute devotion of Myfanwy to her work.
56) So who is this Greek that made Thomas buy colorful clothes? Hmm. I wonder if Myfanwy will start to embrace this new style, seeing as she’s tired of black business suits.
The reference to the Greek lady came out of the blue in the story. Wonder if she will make a late appearance. As for her embracing the new style she will grow into it gradually.
57) So, crazy stuff happening in the last chapter. What surprised you the most? Could any of the remaining characters secretly be a Grafter or Grafter agent?
The retainers attacking their employers and death of Heinrich. I think the ring leader is still with the Chequey. My bets are still on Conrad. Since he is able of producing smoke like substance that can cause varied reactions. Who knows may be he attacked Myfanwy and produced some kind of substance that makes her loose her memory
51) We learn a little more about the students at Camp Caius through Thomas’s letter. Does anything stand out? Do you think this is where the altered Retainers from Chapter 24 come from? Could be.
52) Thoughts on the purple fungus house? What was its purpose? I’m confused there. The image of the chanting cultists covered in purpley goo was pretty disturbing.
I think it was to establish Myfanwy could handle herself and had really changed. Basically to show she was coming into her own.
53) Did Gestalt’s treachery surprise you? What exactly have they/he been up to with “Goblet the hedgehog man”? After Chapter 24, it seems very likely Gestalt is involved with the Grafters in some way. What do you think?
I agree. I think everything that is happening is tied in to them.
54) So Myfanwy’s powers seem to work on everything, even purple fungus and hedgehog men. Do you think her powers will be an important weapon against the Grafters?
Yes.
55) What did you think of Thomas’s story about the dragon? What about her order to kill it upon hatching?
I'm trying to figure out why this chapter was included.
56) So who is this Greek that made Thomas buy colorful clothes? Hmm. I wonder if Myfanwy will start to embrace this new style, seeing as she’s tired of black business suits.
I'm not sure if some of this stuff is to set up a sequel or what.
57) So, crazy stuff happening in the last chapter. What surprised you the most? Could any of the remaining characters secretly be a Grafter or Grafter agent?
I guess I was surprised just how many people were involved in the conspiracy.
Questions for chapters 25 - 30 58) So it appears Gestalt has a fifth body. We know the female sibling had a weight gain could she be pregnant or have had a child or do you think there's another sibling?
59) You had coworkers killed by Grafters and you know some of the Grafters escaped and are at large. Would you go out clubbing?
60) From Alrich's information dump we know the Checquy seems to employ people of questionable origin. I thought it strange that they'd hire the man after he and his family killed so many of the group. This makes me think it would be easy for Grafters to infiltrate.
61) Now that we know Gestalt was a supporter of the Grafters looking back at his Dr. Crisp assault do you think he was attempting to shut him up?
62) Did the new Myfanwy need to know where all the colorful clothes and fripperies came from? Were you curious?
63) Why did they reject Myfanwy at the hotel this time, but not the last?
64) What did you think of the interaction with the guy at the pool?
65) The man with no skin was an odd addition to the story. I'm a little confused by what is going on here. Was the mutiny and grafter attack two separate things?
Questions for chapters 25 - 3058) So it appears Gestalt has a fifth body. We know the female sibling had a weight gain could she be pregnant or have had a child or do you think there's another sibling?
I honestly found that surprising. I wonder when that happened and why the company would not have known it happened. I'm still hoping this has something to do with that Camp Caius.
59) You had coworkers killed by Grafters and you know some of the Grafters escaped and are at large. Would you go out clubbing?
No, but I've decided new MyFawny is kind of an idiot. But it led to SOMETHING happening so I can't say it was a bad thing lol.
60) From Alrich's information dump we know the Checquy seems to employ people of questionable origin. I thought it strange that they'd hire the man after he and his family killed so many of the group. This makes me think it would be easy for Grafters to infiltrate.
That was strange. I get that they were afraid but, wouldn't you at least try to covertly figure out more about vampires while he's working for you in case you need to destroy him later? I know I would.
61) Now that we know Gestalt was a supporter of the Grafters looking back at his Dr. Crisp assault do you think he was attempting to shut him up?
I think he was so shocked that one of their guys got caught that he kind of lost it for a minute. Crisp didn't seem to know anything damning that he hadn't already said, so I'm not sure. Maybe making himself/itself less suspicious?
62) Did the new Myfanwy need to know where all the colorful clothes and fripperies came from? Were you curious?
Not really, unless it was important to the plot. More info vomit.
63) Why did they reject Myfanwy at the hotel this time, but not the last?
I think last time she clearly appeared to be a woman in distress, as opposed to just a woman covered in gross smelly stuff. I think most people would be far more compassionate to a woman who appears to have been beaten.
64) What did you think of the interaction with the guy at the pool?
I found it rather unnecessary. Couldn't we have just skipped to the part where she got another shirt and moved on.
65) The man with no skin was an odd addition to the story. I'm a little confused by what is going on here. Was the mutiny and grafter attack two separate things?
At this point I have no idea, and I'm not sure what any of it has to do with who tried to kill MyFawny. I mean...that was supposed to be the point of this book wasn't it?
@ Stefani52 - I had no idea what to expect when she and Shantay went into the house, and I found that a bit suspenseful, but I agree with you that the end result was a bit of a cop-out.
53 - True, hadn't thought of that.
55 - Yeah, I'm wondering why the story was necessary, too.
57 - HAH, that was really random, I agree.
@ Parvathy52 - Yeah, absolutely no clue, either.
53 - Agree, on both. He's definitely not the mastermind.
55 - I suppose so. If that's all it was, though, I don't think it was necessary.
57 - Totally agree with you on Conrad.
@ Lisarenee52 - Agree with you there, but what I'm confused about is what Gestalt and Goblet were doing with the house itself. What operation were they running? I still don't understand the purpose of the house.
55 - Me too.
56 - Possibly.
57 - I was, too. I didn't expect the Grafters to have invaded on that level.
Questions for chapters 25 - 3058) So it appears Gestalt has a fifth body. We know the female sibling had a weight gain could she be pregnant or have had a child or do you think there's another sibling?
I didn't think of a pregnancy - that would be interesting. I think it's more likely that Gestalt has always had five bodies and has always kept the fifth from the Checquy, for reasons of its own.
59) You had coworkers killed by Grafters and you know some of the Grafters escaped and are at large. Would you go out clubbing?
UGH. STUPID MYFANWY. That is all.
60) From Alrich's information dump we know the Checquy seems to employ people of questionable origin. I thought it strange that they'd hire the man after he and his family killed so many of the group. This makes me think it would be easy for Grafters to infiltrate.
I thought it was strange, too. Then again, the people in charge of the Checquy seem to be power-hungry and ruthless, and if they really thought they could use Alrich, they would. Besides, if they said no, that might make Alrich mad, and mad vampires are scary.
61) Now that we know Gestalt was a supporter of the Grafters looking back at his Dr. Crisp assault do you think he was attempting to shut him up?
Definitely. And as Myfanwy said, he was probably scared that the prisoner had been about to reveal everything about the Grafters and their plans.
62) Did the new Myfanwy need to know where all the colorful clothes and fripperies came from? Were you curious?
The only important thing in this story was that the Greek woman told Thomas she'd be betrayed by a member of the Court, but that could have been explained in one of Thomas's other letters, like the one where she found out she'd lose her memory.
63) Why did they reject Myfanwy at the hotel this time, but not the last?
Agree with Stefani, here. Last time, she looked like an abused girlfriend, as opposed to a smelly, gooey mess.
64) What did you think of the interaction with the guy at the pool?
Unnecessary.
65) The man with no skin was an odd addition to the story. I'm a little confused by what is going on here. Was the mutiny and grafter attack two separate things?
I don't really know, either. I'm confused, too.
58) So it appears Gestalt has a fifth body. We know the female sibling had a weight gain could she be pregnant or have had a child or do you think there's another sibling?The pregnancy idea is good. But it is all kinds of messed up. The child also being controlled by the same mind. I don't think there is a fifth sibling because that would mean some elaborate planning from the very beginning on Gesalt's part. May be the grafters grew him another body or something.
59) You had coworkers killed by Grafters and you know some of the Grafters escaped and are at large. Would you go out clubbing?
It seems Myfanwy is going out of the way to show that she is not meek. But if she didn't do it then the story wouldn't have progressed.
60) From Alrich's information dump we know the Checquy seems to employ people of questionable origin. I thought it strange that they'd hire the man after he and his family killed so many of the group. This makes me think it would be easy for Grafters to infiltrate.
If you can't kill them and if they are willing to join you let them. That seems to be the Checquy motto. In this context it would seem that Checquy will even let the grafters join if they come bearing gifts.
61) Now that we know Gestalt was a supporter of the Grafters looking back at his Dr. Crisp assault do you think he was attempting to shut him up?
Yes or trying to find out whether he knew anything more
62) Did the new Myfanwy need to know where all the colorful clothes and fripperies came from? Were you curious?
No, Not in the least. But that doesn't seem to stop the author. I just hope all this add up to something in the end or this book is going into my "books that drag" shelf.
63) Why did they reject Myfanwy at the hotel this time, but not the last?
May be because of the smell. Not wanting to stink up the whole place.
64) What did you think of the interaction with the guy at the pool?
Another unnecessary tidbit unless the guy finds his way into the story again.
65) The man with no skin was an odd addition to the story. I'm a little confused by what is going on here. Was the mutiny and grafter attack two separate things?
That guy was gross. Even reading about him is making me feel kind of sick. May be his partner defected and is now working with Checquy to raise their own Grafter army or he is being kept a prisoner and forced to create a Grafter army.
@Stephani58) My favorite character is Gestalt. Is that a bad thing to admit? The author keeps knocking my socks off with the things he comes up with for this character.
59) lol
60) You've got to wonder
61) His reaction was strange. Could he have been mislead somehow with who he was helping?
62) I agree TMI.
63) You may be right.
64) I agree
65) Hopefully everything will pull together by the end.
@Mary58) Or maybe his parents did? I'm not sure about this.
59) lol
60) I'm still trying to figure out his reaction.
61) Do you think it was one of them that set off the self destruct mechanism?
65) I'm glad I'm not alone in my confusion.
@Parvathy58) Oh are you thinking a clone? I like that.
59) True, but I guess she truly wasn't safe anywhere. This time, however, she put her sibling in significant danger.
60) We'll see.
61) I know.
64) True
65) Now that would tie things together.
@ Parvathy58 - That would be interesting. Ooh.
59 - Very true.
62 - Ditto.
65 - That would be interesting. Maybe he's changed his name and is someone we already know? I'm probably grasping at straws here...
Lisarenee wrote: "58) My favorite character is Gestalt. Is that a bad thing to admit? The author keeps knocking my socks off with the things he comes up with for this character."He's definitely the most creative character in the book. I still can't really wrap my mind around four (wait, no - five) bodies in one mind. That's very inventive.
I like Ingrid a lot, too - even more so now that we know she actually knew about Myfanwy's amnesia and called her out on being awful at impersonating Thomas. I was worried that wouldn't be addressed.
Lisarenee wrote: "59) True, but I guess she truly wasn't safe anywhere. This time, however, she put her sibling in significant danger."
Yes, I agree! What was she thinking?! It's one thing to go out alone without your bodyguards in the midst of a war with the Grafters - horrendously stupid, but at least you're only putting yourself and the entire Checquy at risk. But when you go out without your bodyguards in the midst of a war with the Grafters, accompanied by your sister and her friends, you put yourself, your sister, your sister's friends, and the entire Checquy at risk. STUPID.
Mary said, "Yes, I agree! What was she thinking?! It's one thing to go out alone without your bodyguards in the midst of a war with the Grafters - horrendously stupid, but at least you're only putting yourself and the entire Checquy at risk. But when you go out without your bodyguards in the midst of a war with the Grafters, accompanied by your sister and her friends, you put yourself, your sister, your sister's friends, and the entire Checquy at risk. STUPID. t seems like Myfanwy sometimes has no common sense or at least doesn't notice anyone but herself. Almost like she sees everything in a boxed in type of setting. She's sees what's immediately in front of her, but nothing outside that range. I'm not sure what to think of her.
Questions and Comments for Chapters 31 - 35 66) Thoughts on the examination?
67) I did not like the scene with the skinless guy on the telephone. What the heck was she thinking???
68) Now we know how the old Myfanwy knew she had little time left. A duck told her. If you had three questions with the duck what would you have asked?
69) Gestalt was definitely acting strange prior to Myfanwy losing her memory. Was that the way he always was with her? Then they were straightening each others clothes in preparation for the an important visitor and I don't know what that was about.
70)I thought the situation where Myfanwy told Gestalt that one of the duck's predictions had to deal with him was pretty funny.
71) Thoughts on the cube thing? Do you think it was a Grafter?
72) Do you think we'll get some answers? We still don't know what or who the king was whom Echart was dealing with at the beginning of the book. Is the Lord compromised? We don't know how the fifth body came into being. Why was a heart delivered? Who the heck is Ernst von Suchtlen and where is he?
Questions and Comments for Chapters 31 - 3566) Thoughts on the examination?
That was...hmmm, I dunno, but the author's weird thing with boobs and vagina continues! Wait, I think that was this book...I dunno, I'm tired.
67) I did not like the scene with the skinless guy on the telephone. What the heck was she thinking???
I don't really understand what he was calling for. Yeah, she pissed him off...over and over, but calling is risky so I don't see the point. Seemed like a very convenient plot device to move things along.
68) Now we know how the old Myfanwy knew she had little time left. A duck told her. If you had three questions with the duck what would you have asked?
I would ask....1 Will I be moving next year? 2 Will I finally be married by the end of the year? 3 Is this overtime at work going to end in the next 6 months?
69) Gestalt was definitely acting strange prior to Myfanwy losing her memory. Was that the way he always was with her? Then they were straightening each others clothes in preparation for the an important visitor and I don't know what that was about.
Neither do I. Though I'll confess that I spent most of today's reading imagining awful things to do to this book when I've finished it.
70)I thought the situation where Myfanwy told Gestalt that one of the duck's predictions had to deal with him was pretty funny.
That was pretty amusing. So she had spunk a little at least before the memory stuff, that's refreshing.
71) Thoughts on the cube thing? Do you think it was a Grafter?
Didn't they say something about a guy walking into the station and "enveloping" people? I am pretty sure it's the same thing, he enveloped them and them used them as an extension of his being. But I dunno, we got interrupted halfway through with info vomit, so I didn't really follow it.
72) Do you think we'll get some answers? We still don't know what or who the king was whom Echart was dealing with at the beginning of the book. Is the Lord compromised? We don't know how the fifth body came into being. Why was a heart delivered? Who the heck is Ernst von Suchtlen and where is he?
And, we still have NO idea who tried to kill MyFawny and she doesn't really seem to care. I doubt we'll see many of these answered, there's just not enough time if these info dumps keep happening.
66) Thoughts on the examination? Kind of Strange. Still don't know the significance of writing it all in to the story instead of just saying "She went through her examination and it was painful
67) I did not like the scene with the skinless guy on the telephone. What the heck was she thinking???
Again showing off her new found boldness
68) Now we know how the old Myfanwy knew she had little time left. A duck told her. If you had three questions with the duck what would you have asked?
Gee I don't know. At this point I would say 1)Will the world end in 2012? 2)If yes, will I survive? and 3)If yes, will I be able to start a tribe with me as their queen?. If the answer is negative to the first question then my second question will be 2)Will I get top marks for my upcoming exams? 3) Will I win the moot court competition?
I already have an astrologer telling me that I will get married before May 2013 so no need to recheck that one. LOL
69) Gestalt was definitely acting strange prior to Myfanwy losing her memory. Was that the way he always was with her? Then they were straightening each others clothes in preparation for the an important visitor and I don't know what that was about.
The author is throwing confusing hints all around the place. Gestalt and Myfanwy actually feel like friends from this.
70)I thought the situation where Myfanwy told Gestalt that one of the duck's predictions had to deal with him was pretty funny.
It was but I think he didn't know she was bluffing and took things way too seriously and she didn't know any better to realize that he was acting strange
71) Thoughts on the cube thing? Do you think it was a Grafter?
Yes, Definitely another form of that fungus type thing.
72) Do you think we'll get some answers? We still don't know what or who the king was whom Echart was dealing with at the beginning of the book. Is the Lord compromised? We don't know how the fifth body came into being. Why was a heart delivered? Who the heck is Ernst von Suchtlen and where is he?
I have more questions to add. Who the heck is the mystery man Myfanwy dreamed about in the beginning? What is the deal with her sister? Why is everyone targeting her? Why doesn't Alrich get more action? Why doesn't the author divulge anything useful.
I fell behind yesterday too. Had too much to do and not enough hours to do it. I am reading like crazy to catch up.