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Grossman, Lev - The Magicians - Start Date: March 2nd, 2013
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Laura's Questions for Emily Greenstreet - Manhattan27. Poor Emily Greenstreet and poor Alice! I never expected to find out the story of Alice's brother in this way. Do you think Jane knew about Alice's brother or do you think Alice is overreacting?
I don't know if Jane knew (but I wouldn't put it past her) but what a horrible thing to sit through.
30. Dean Fogg thinks that all magicians are unhappy and that is what makes them magicians. It sure seems that way. Thoughts?
I liked this explanation. Always seeking for something better, something more.
Cathie wrote: "Laura's Questions for Emily Greenstreet - Manhattan27. Poor Emily Greenstreet and poor Alice! I never expected to find out the story of Alice's brother in this way. Do you think Jane knew about A..."
The more I read about Janet, the more I dislike her. She seems to be so unhappy that she purposely hurts others. Quentin just seems confused.
@ Nancy#27- I didn't at first either, but I agree with you on this now. She seems really mean and angry.
#29- Yes, it was the tattoo scene! Creepy!
#30- I hope so too! I really like Quentin and hope that he and Alice can work out their troubles and he can figure out what he needs to in Fillory.
Questions for today's reading will be up shortly!
Finally got a hold of the book, a little late though!!
Laura's Questions for Humbledrum-Ember's Tomb41. Humbledrum is a talking bear. It sounds like he is very confused. Do you think this has something to do with the Watcherwoman or just the overall state of Fillory? It seems like everything is chaos there, would you have been disappointed?
42. Were you surprised that Richard stayed behind at the inn? Do you think he is right? Are they all making a huge mistake?
43. What did you make of Fin and her thoughts about why they need them to become Kings and Queens? I don't know how I feel about Dint and Fin. Do they sound like they have a hidden agenda that might not be for the good of Fillory?
44. This is turning into a bloody book here at the end. Can you believe Anais is so into the fighting and Quentin is so against it, but then he fights inside the tomb? Do you think he had a choice? What do you make of all the bickering amongst the the group? Will this end badly?
45. It sounds like Alice and Quentin may be patching things up. Alice makes some very good observations about Quentin. Do you think they will be back to being a couple by the end of the book? They apparently both still love each other.
46. Any predictions on the end of the book?
Jane wrote: "Finally got a hold of the book, a little late though!!"That's great Jane! You can answer as many or as few questions as you want. Feel free to comment on things not mentioned in the questions that you want to discuss! I can't wait to see what you think.
I'm a little behind; just at the Upstate part, but I will endeavour to do more tomorrow.
Sonia's Questions for Penny's Story-Fillory33)Penny drop out? That was a surprise. Not as big as knowing he actually felt lonely. And Lovelady found something of power. I don't think Anything good would came out of it. What do you think about his strange connection to Penny?
Lovelady didn't seem to know what he had found but Penny knew immediately when he saw the stone. So, I'm not sure if Lovelady is up to no good or he was just trying to sell something to lonely Penny.
34)The buttons? The key to Fillory? Is that really that simple? Can Quentin finally find the missing part of his life?
I don't think it can be that simple....but I'm really hoping Quentin can find the missing part of his life.
35)Way to go Alice. Smacking him all right. Do you think he really needed to hurt Alice to finally have a change on his life? Or is Alice right and Quentin just hates himself so much that he doesn't know how to be happy with life?
I think the latter, that he hates himself. He seemed so happy at Brakebill, believing in the magic, and now he's moved on and doesn't know what to do with himself. I'm still bothered with him sleeping with Janet though. If he wanted a change of life he could have hooked up with any girl anywhere. Since he chose Janet he REALLY hurt Alice, knowing how much Alice disliked her.
36)Penny is really happy. I never saw him talking so much. I think I may underestimated him. Am I the only one?
Yes, he definitely seems happier now. And I underestimated him too! I was surprised that he was traveling back and forth to The Neitherlands and doing an independent study at school.
37)Are Quentin's fears so illogical? They learned that magic should not be used to harm or they can be consumed by it? Are they all so drunk with Fillory that they are just ignoring the risks?
No, he mentioned something about dark magic and I see something like this getting them into trouble.
38)Am I the only one worried about this whole Quentin-Alice thing? People made stupid decisions or mistakes when hurt or angry. I think they are a time bomb disaster waiting to happen.
I think they're both not over each other. Now that she's slept with Penny she's gotten Quentin really mad. So I think he's the time bomb!
39)The weird reaction of Janet to the Netherlands is bothering me. What could that mean?
I'm not sure......
40)"None so cursed" That was a not so good premonition. Or was it just a statement. Insects shooting arrows. Walking trees. Fillory has a lot of promises. Thoughts so far?
It's all very weird to me! I wasn't really paying much attention when the books were being mentioned and now I'm very confused here in Fillory.
Brooklyn1) Do you think we'll see the strange attractive doctor that gave Quentin the envelope again?
Yes, I do think she will show up again as the Dean mentions she is an independent.
2) I had no idea what would be in the envelope but I do believe the book will make another appearance.
Brakebill
3) Possibly, but I think it was more of a test for Quentin. James didn't appear to be into magic at all.
4)Not surprised, but I believe his strength and control was related to his high emotional level at the time.
Eliot
5) I think Quentin is desperate to make a connection with someone at the school.
6)I get the impression that Alice is something of a rarity and many of the students are clueless like Quentin.
7) I don't remember this - will have to go back and check.
General Questions
8) Interested but not hooked. I was almost put off by the concept of Fillory and its access through a piece of furniture by four children. It seemed to be a total copy of The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis which I found very annoying. I'm glad to see the book take a different turn.
9) Any crazy predictions yet? No, not yet.
@ Jane#8- I totally agree with you, most of the book seems to have a Narnia for adults feel. When looking at the reivews of this book, it seems like that is the general concensus.
Laura's Questions for The Ram-End47. What did you think of Ember? Is Quentin's anger justified? I guess there were many evil creatures and people in Fillory, why else would the water nymph give them a horn that calls forth The Beast?
48. WOW! I wasn't expecting Martin Chatwin to be The Beast. Is anyone else surprised? HE ATE PENNY'S HANDS!! Ugh!
49. Alice dies the same way her brother did, but she manages to kill The Beast. Do you think her dying was the only way? Do you think we will somehow see her again in the sequel?
50. The Retreat is interesting. The centaurs are kind of snobby. He was left by all his friends. I would have been depressed and it sounds like he was. Thoughts?
51. Quentin finds the questing beast and shoots it and then it gives him three wishes. Would you have asked for something different?
52. What did you think of Julia hooking up with the gang? Will we see Alice again in the next book? Are you going to read the next book in the series?
53. Overall thoughts on the book? What did you rate it?
Laura's Questions for Emily Greenstreet - Manhattan27. Poor Emily Greenstreet and poor Alice! I never expected to find out the story of Alice's brother in this way. Do you think Jane knew about Alice's brother or do you think Alice is overreacting?
It's hard to say if Janet really knew or not. I haven't gotten the vindictive vibe from her, but who knows. That's definitely not an awesome way to find out about your brother, but maybe it's better to know?
28. What did you think of Alice's parents? I don't know about you but I would love to be able to change the interior of my house all the time! Am I the only one that finds something wrong with Quentin and Alice's relationship?
It sounded like more effort to change the house then it was worth. Two years for the current theme? That's a lot of dedication. I think Quentin and Alice are starting to grow apart. It's suppose to go along with the a magician can never be happy thing or they wouldn't be able to do magic in the first place and since Quentin is so great at it he's just that much more unhappy and therefore he needs new things.
29. The whole Daemon scene was just a bit much for me! Did anyone else feel like maybe this was not a good thing? The whole thing felt weird. Would you have thought it was cool or scary?
It's definitely weird, but it's kind of cool knowing that you have something to fight for you at a moment's notice in case you get in over your head one day. I wonder if we'll get to see one in action this book.
30. Dean Fogg thinks that all magicians are unhappy and that is what makes them magicians. It sure seems that way. Thoughts? Do you think they have a chance at being happy or do you think this book is going to have a sad, miserable ending?
It seems like a plausible theory based on everything we've seen so far. Also explains why they all love alcohol so much. I think there's some big quest coming for Quentin as well that requires him to hit rock bottom again, which he seems to be heading toward quite nicely.
31. So they all go to Manhattan. Do you think Quentin is going to snap out of his stupor anytime soon? Are you surprised that he hooked up with Janet? Is this the end of Alice and Quentin?
I think it's the end of Alice and Quentin, but Quentin will find better things. I think we'll be seeing the paramedic soon and the real fun story will start. Maybe.
32. Any predictions on why Penny is so happy? What do you think his story is going to be?
The start of a grand adventure! I have no clue. And why would he run to the physical kids? Maybe it has something to do with his weird independent study he had been doing.
Laura's Questions for Humbledrum-Ember's Tomb41. Humbledrum is a talking bear. It sounds like he is very confused. Do you think this has something to do with the Watcherwoman or just the overall state of Fillory? It seems like everything is chaos there, would you have been disappointed?
I don't know about being disappointed since I wasn't really sure what to expect. Umm, he's a bear....so I'm not sure I expect a lot from him???!!!
42. Were you surprised that Richard stayed behind at the inn? Do you think he is right? Are they all making a huge mistake?
I'm just confused on how he's going to get out, if they do....since they all have to be connected when touching the stone to go back and forth.....is he going to stay there?
43. What did you make of Fin and her thoughts about why they need them to become Kings and Queens? I don't know how I feel about Dint and Fin. Do they sound like they have a hidden agenda that might not be for the good of Fillory?
I"m not sure how I feel about them either. Once we met the talking bear this is where things got really weird again for me.
44. This is turning into a bloody book here at the end. Can you believe Anais is so into the fighting and Quentin is so against it, but then he fights inside the tomb? Do you think he had a choice? What do you make of all the bickering amongst the the group? Will this end badly?
Definitely looking to end badly. I feel like they're going to lose at least one of the group.
45. It sounds like Alice and Quentin may be patching things up. Alice makes some very good observations about Quentin. Do you think they will be back to being a couple by the end of the book? They apparently both still love each other.
I found her observations to be pretty insightful. She really did know him more than I thought. I hope they are able to be a couple again.
46. Any predictions on the end of the book?
No....just trying to finish it! I'm a little curious to see how this all ends but this is definitely not my type of read!
Laura's Questions for The Ram-End47. What did you think of Ember? Is Quentin's anger justified? I guess there were many evil creatures and people in Fillory, why else would the water nymph give them a horn that calls forth The Beast?
I thought it was sad that the kids were kind of duped.....Ember was basically a prisoner, hiding out and they got drawn into the game. There were definitely evil creatures in Fillory!
48. WOW! I wasn't expecting Martin Chatwin to be The Beast. Is anyone else surprised? HE ATE PENNY'S HANDS!! Ugh!
Yes! Very surprised.
49. Alice dies the same way her brother did, but she manages to kill The Beast. Do you think her dying was the only way? Do you think we will somehow see her again in the sequel?
I was sad to see her die....but she ended up saving them all. I will not be reading the sequel but hope she comes back somehow.
50. The Retreat is interesting. The centaurs are kind of snobby. He was left by all his friends. I would have been depressed and it sounds like he was. Thoughts?
I think that after all the time and the prognosis of him not likely recovering that they were justified in leaving.
51. Quentin finds the questing beast and shoots it and then it gives him three wishes. Would you have asked for something different?
I agree with him and would have asked to go back home. I wouldn't want to be alone in Fillory! Not sure about the other two wishes though.
52. What did you think of Julia hooking up with the gang? Will we see Alice again in the next book? Are you going to read the next book in the series?
Was a bit surprised to see Julia with the gang. I'm sure there's a backstory that will be told in the next book. but I am not going to read it. There were bits and pieces of this book that I liked but it was just a bit over the top for me.
53. Overall thoughts on the book? What did you rate it?
I gave this 2 stars....it was just an okay read for me.
@ Nancy#41- I am sorry my question didn't come out the way I wanted it to. I really meant, how would you feel if you were Quentin. He goes to Fillory expecting a magical and awesome land with mostly nice people and a few quests and look at what he gets.
#47- Yeah that was a bit sad. I would have been angry, too.
#50- I agree, but if I was the one left, I would have been depressed and angry like he was.
I finished it :-). I really liked it - thought it was about one of the best fantasy books I've ever read because you had to suspend your belief in everything and at times it was so ridiculous that you had to love that it was pure fantasy. Sometimes I think it's wonderful to read something totally illogical and made up; I never understood why people want their fantasy to be believable ~ to me fantasy is the unbelievable, the total make believe of a world that I can't possible know or comprehend. It allows me to entertain where my brain doesn't normally let me go:-)I'm really sorry I didn't answer all the questions. I very seldom do. I start off with determination that I will answer them all and then inevitably I get a day or so behind in my reading and end up missing them. I appreciate the work and time and effort it goes into those making up the questions and moderating the discussions; please in no way think that my not answering all the questions is meant as a sign of non-appreciation for all that you moderators do:-)
Sonia's Questions for Penny's Story-Fillory 33)Penny drop out? That was a surprise. Not as big as knowing he actually felt lonely. And Lovelady found something of power. I don't think Anything good would came out of it. What do you think about his strange connection to Penny?
I don't know if it was a connection per se, just a coincidental meeting. They ended up in the same place hiding from the world. I'm sure that Lovelady was happy to be rid of the buttons since they were keeping him from doing his job and all.
34)The buttons? The key to Fillory? Is that really that simple? Can Quentin finally find the missing part of his life?
I have a feeling that Fillory isn't going to be the happy go lucky place that it was in the books. They're in for some adventures, but not the nice ones they think. Maybe the beast is there!
35)Way to go Alice. Smacking him all right. Do you think he really needed to hurt Alice to finally have a change on his life? Or is Alice right and Quentin just hates himself so much that he doesn't know how to be happy with life?
He doesn't know how to be happy. That's why he's such a great magician.
36)Penny is really happy. I never saw him talking so much. I think I may underestimated him. Am I the nly one?
It seems he's finally found his niche. Although anyone that spent his school time wandering an empty city. That has to take a toll on being alone for so long.
37)Are Quentin's fears so illogical? They learned that magic should not be used to harm or they can be consumed by it? Are they all so drunk with Fillory that they are just ignoring the risks?
I think they are just trying to cover themselves in case of the worst.
38)Am I the only one worried about this whole Quentin-Alice thing? People made stupid decisions or mistakes when hurt or angry. I think they are a time bomb disaster waiting to happen.
I think it will play a bigger part later, but they'll get back together. Or it will drive Quentin to be so angry that magic will consume him. One of the two.
39)The weird reaction of Janet to the Neitherlands is bothering me. What could that mean?
Maybe Janet isn't fully human?
40)"None so cursed" That was a not so good premonition. Or was it just a statement. Insects shooting arrows. Walking trees. Fillory has a lot of promises. Thoughts so far?
Sounds like they are in for a treat of sorts. A war to fight and all.
Laura's Questions for Humbledrum-Ember's Tomb41. Humbledrum is a talking bear. It sounds like he is very confused. Do you think this has something to do with the Watcherwoman or just the overall state of Fillory? It seems like everything is chaos there, would you have been disappointed?
I don't know if it was that he was confused or just single minded. If you got him on certain topics he knew everything in the world (such as honey), but he just didn't seem to know much about politics or ways of the world. (Sounds like most Americans to me....)
42. Were you surprised that Richard stayed behind at the inn? Do you think he is right? Are they all making a huge mistake?
I was very surprised. No matter what happens to the rest of the group, Richard is now stuck in Fillory because he chose to stay behind. Unless of course they make it through all the danger and are successful enough to come back for him, which he didn't think they would be. Maybe Richard has another agenda and he just had to get away from the group to follow it? I don't know. Richard just always seemed like a character that was thrown into the story for not particular reason.
43. What did you make of Fin and her thoughts about why they need them to become Kings and Queens? I don't know how I feel about Dint and Fin. Do they sound like they have a hidden agenda that might not be for the good of Fillory?
I don't know about a hidden agenda. I just think they don't really know why exactly humans need to be king and queen. They seem to be just going through the motions because some scroll says they have to. They don't really know why or what for. They are just the ones stuck escorting these beings through the danger that they may or may not come out of.
44. This is turning into a bloody book here at the end. Can you believe Anais is so into the fighting and Quentin is so against it, but then he fights inside the tomb? Do you think he had a choice? What do you make of all the bickering amongst the the group? Will this end badly?
I think we are starting to see what each character is really made of and who they really care about. Eliot is the one that is surprising me most of all.
45. It sounds like Alice and Quentin may be patching things up. Alice makes some very good observations about Quentin. Do you think they will be back to being a couple by the end of the book? They apparently both still love each other.
I think they will be back together, side by side as King and Queen...or on their way. There is a sequel so I don't know if they make it to the throne this book or not. I think there is definitely something special between the two of them though and they will patch things up in the end.
46. Any predictions on the end of the book?
Nope. I don't really know what to think being so close to the end and there still being so little climax. I'm guessing they find the crown and make way toward the throne? I think that Alice, Eliot and Quentin end up on the throne all though I can't figure out who the 4th will be. Maybe Penny? I want Janet to die but that won't happen. I think she isn't given the throne and goes to the dark side. Anais will dissapear all together as they are hinting at her breakup with Josh. I don't know what will happen to Josh. Either Josh or Penny will die and the other will be king.
@ Jex#41- Yes, it does. Its sad how many Americans don't keep up with the truth about what goes on in our country. I know many who don't even know what the word sequester means.
#42- I agree, we never really learned much about Richard. Maybe he is going to play a role in the second book?
#46- Yeah, I don't really care for Janet either.
I've ended up skipping over the questions for the earlier sections33)Penny drop out? That was a surprise. Not as big as knowing he actually felt lonely. And Lovelady found something of power. I don't think Anything good would came out of it. What do you think about his strange connection to Penny?
I'm not sure if it was a connection, other than loneliness, but Lovelady didn't really seem to understand the nature of the button.
34)The buttons? The key to Fillory? Is that really that simple? Can Quentin finally find the missing part of his life?
I don't think Quentin will find the answers in the way he thinks. Running away (going to Fillory) usually doesn't solve any problems.
35)Way to go Alice. Smacking him all right. Do you think he really needed to hurt Alice to finally have a change on his life? Or is Alice right and Quentin just hates himself so much that he doesn't know how to be happy with life?
I think Alice is right in that Quentin is just really dissatisfied with himself and his life.
I think Quentin is just basically very immature.
36)Penny is really happy. I never saw him talking so much. I think I may underestimated him. Am I the only one?
I'm not sure what to think of Penny - it seems there is more to him than suspected, whether its good or bad though I don't know
37)Are Quentin's fears so illogical? They learned that magic should not be used to harm or they can be consumed by it? Are they all so drunk with Fillory that they are just ignoring the risks?
I don't think Quentin's fears are illogical at all. They are being very reckless indeed.
38)Am I the only one worried about this whole Quentin-Alice thing? People made stupid decisions or mistakes when hurt or angry. I think they are a time bomb disaster waiting to happen.
I don't think either of them is over the other one. Whether they can salvage anything though seems doubtful, given they way they're acting towards one another. If not, hopefully, they won't hurt each other further.
40)"None so cursed" That was a not so good premonition. Or was it just a statement. Insects shooting arrows. Walking trees. Fillory has a lot of promises. Thoughts so far?
It certainly doesn't seem that Fillory is the perfect little paradise they imagined. Quentin thought all his problems would be solved by going there but I think he'll learn some major lessons instead.
I finally finished this! I loved the ending! It took us places I never expected. Quentin giving up magic? The Beast being Martin? Alice being killed off? and who is Julia at the end?I want to start the 2nd book right now! I'm a little sad that Janet is going to be in the 2nd book, but at least Eliot will still be around. Josh faded off just as I thought he would.
I really liked that this book took everything heroic and pure about the usual fantasy adventure and turned it raw and realistic. I loved it!
You and me both Jex :-). Hey, do you want to do a buddy read of The Magician King
? Maybe in April or towards the end of March?
I am glad at least two people enjoyed this BOM. It wasn't the worst book I have read, but it wasn't in the category of good books I have read either.
I'm kind of swamped right now in terms of reading. I really want to read the 2nd one though. Maybe late April? or early May? Can you wait that long? If not we can read separately and share later :-P
Late April or Early May works well for me; it's always fun to read with someone else and hear their thoughts:-)
message 78:
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Mar 19, 2013 02:28AM)
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rated it 3 stars
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Ok, so I'm a bit late starting this one..! But I am completely hooked. I hope it continues as it has started - just loving it so far.
1) A dead body! Do you think we'll see the strange attractive doctor that gave Quentin the envelope again? She was mentioned later as some sort of recruiter-ish person for the school.
--absolutely we will meet her again. I expect she is a student that was the best ever at something important and went rogue. There will be a connection down the track that made her find Q
2) What did you expect to be in the envelope? Do you think Quentin will ever see the book that was in there again?
As above, I think the book was taken as the Dean is trying to work out where that girl is/what she is doing. I expect this to be an important part of the book later
Brakebill
3)Do you think James would have taken the exam had he taken his envelope? Was that part of the test?
No, I don't think James would have had the same inside to the envelope. I think she knew only Q would take an open it
4)Bam! Quentin can do magic! Surprised? He had an awful lot of control for his first time. Is he that good? Or was it purely emotional?
A bit surprised! Looks like it was a bit of beginners luck though :)
Eliot
5) Quentin seems to have bonded with Eliot (well at least from his side). Do you think he's intimidated by him or simply looks up to him? or something completely different?
He just needs a friend I think. I'm looking forward to how this friendshop develops
Magic
6)Do you think a lot of the students came to school knowing magic like Alice? Or that more are in the same boat as Quentin, completely lost?
More like Q I think. A few may have more of an idea as they are all incredibly gifted apparently
7) What do you think is the purpose of the perfectly arranged squares that Quentin found?
Don't remember this?
General Questions
8) Are you hooked yet? Do you like the book style? the characters? etc?
Yes. Love it! Like Harry Potter for grown ups
9) Any crazy predictions yet?
Something sinister is going on at the school and the girl who was posing as the paramedic will come back into it. He and Wliot and her will try and overthrow whatever is going on. As for his old friends... I hope they show up at some point. Seems odd to introduce them and then throw them aside. Especially the potential love interest
Snow
10. Wow! Quentin, Penny, and Alice get to skip half of their first year! Does it seem odd that Quentin is getting to move up even though he seems to be having all of these problems with magic?
Yeah, good point although I didn't really question it at the time. I think as the main character I took it for granted that he would be special, but you're right, this hasn't really been explained by the author yet
11. So Eliot is homosexual and plays games with his "lovers". So creepy. Surprised? I know I was. What did you think of Quentin's reaction?
I was very surprised, that was when this book went from a bit Harry Potter-ish for grown-ups to DEFINITELY for grown ups..lol!!
12. Alice didn't get invited to Brakebills. What did you think of her story? Any predictions on what happened to her brother? Do you think we will find out?
This makes her character oh so more interesting. I think the brother angle will be similar to the paramedic girl angle. Something sinister and perhaps a rogue element of former students out there.
The Missing Boy
13.What did you think of Welters? It reminded me a bit of Alice and Wonderland for some reason.
Glad they don't have broomsticks or the HP comparisons would be rife...lol. It is a bit interesting that this has been brought into the story. But I guess college kids at magic school don't play football ;)
14. Penny went a bit crazy. Were you shocked? Do you think we will see any more of Penny after this?
Totally shocked and felt a bit like this wasn't resolved as to why (jealousy doesn't seem a bit enough reason?) and consequences for his action
15. We meet the paramedic again. Do you think she took the book? Do you think she is an important part of the story? I don't think she took it, but I do think she is pivotal in the story.
The Physical Kids
16. The Physical Kids are interesting. Do you have one of them that you would like to see more of? What did you think of the way they had to get into the Cottage? Which discipline would you want to have?
I'm a bit confused with the authors choice of names (his original friends were a boy and a girl with J names, and now here is another set. Not sure if this is intentional?). So far they just seem like a bunch of lazy drinkers! Not sure about the disciplines as the author hasn't really described them in detail yet
The Beast
17. The Beast was interesting. What did you think of the fact that none of the teachers could do anything about the beast? It must have been really powerful.
Really unexpected. I actually went back and read this chapter again.
18. Amanda Orloff died. I was shocked when I read this at the end of the chapter. Do you think this is going to become a part of the story? How will this affect Quentin? Totally shocking. I'm guessing Q has some very powerful magic and that is why the paramedic girl made sure he got to the school. Did she kill the guy who was meant to interview him? I wonder....
19. Josh kind of goes a bit loopy. First with the black hole and then after his meeting with Lovelady. Do you think Brakebills is that difficult or do you think it is just the type of kid that gets accepted there. Most geniuses are a bit different.
This was a bit odd, and to be honest by the time I'd finished the Alice chapter I had forgotten it!
20. What did you think of Lovelady? He seems awfully sinister. Do you think he tries to bully kids into buying from him? Is he more than just a peddler?
Hmmm... another loose end. Will he return to the book?
21. So the fourth years go on a quest to the Antartic. What did you think of them turning into geese? Do you think you would have enjoyed being a bird? What did you think of Professor Mayakovsky?
I really enjoyed this part. I just read that many of you thought it jumped the shark at this point. For me, I was glad it was something really öut there"because it had been built up so much. The south Showed that there is more to the school than one 'perfect'campus. There is a dark underbelly including the professor. I guess anyone could go mad living by themselves in the Antarctic!
22. The whole artic fox scene was interesting. Do you think that the professor knew what was going to happen? What do you think the point of them changing into all of these different animals is?
This was kind of strange as surely the professor knew what the result would be. You wonder about the ethics of this!
23. Their exam is a journey to the south pole on foot 500 plus miles long!! Would you have done it? Do you think that their journey makes them the only two that truly learned the lesson they were to learn at Brakebills South?
I think this showed who were the 'real'magicians that the professor talked about. I think I would have done it if I felt confident as otherwise what was the point of going there?
24. So Julia really was at the Brakebills entrance exam! Were you surprised? I felt very sorry for her. Do you think we will see her again? Would you go and talk to Dean Fogg or just pretend it never happened and hope it went away?
Certainly surprised that she remembered but has taken this long to confront Q on it (3 years?). I would definitely talk to Fogg as for her own good she needs to forget
25. Alice and Quentin are an item now. Do you think they will stay that way? Does he truly love her? Thoughts?
I think they are drawn together through their high abilities and love of magic. I'm not sure they eally understand it either
26. Yet another thing that Quentin seems to be in the dark about. What did you think of dragons being added into the story? Do you think we will meet one later on?
Yeah, what does Q do all day if he seems to be clueless about so much?!
I feel like there are constant loose ends and halfway through the book I wonder if we will get some answers? Still enjoying it though but I will need some parts to be revisited to get some satisfaction, otherwise this may become a very frustrating read!
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I think she knew and told the story to stir things a bit. I do wonder how much of it is true, and how much urban legend?
28. What did you think of Alice's parents? I don't know about you but I would love to be able to change the interior of my house all the time! Am I the only one that finds something wrong with Quentin and Alice's relationship? pretty crazy people, but I guess if you have all that magic and no use for it, that is what happens. I do think the relationship is a bit weird and it is getting wierder. On 'the outside'there isn't much holding them together
29. The whole Daemon scene was just a bit much for me! Did anyone else feel like maybe this was not a good thing? The whole thing felt weird. Would you have thought it was cool or scary? I liked it, as it is a sign of things to come. But ANOTHER loose end. I'm starting to get a bit frustrated that the author is adding in all these bits to (hopefully) revisit later, but the story isn't actually moving at this point. I'm not surprised you struggled to come up with questions for this section!
30. Dean Fogg thinks that all magicians are unhappy and that is what makes them magicians. It sure seems that way. Thoughts? Do you think they have a chance at being happy or do you think this book is going to have a sad, miserable ending? I think they are miserable if they don't have a purpose for their magic. Like when people do a degree in something and then can't get a job in that field, they end up doing menial jobs and being pretty unhappy
31. So they all go to Manhattan. Do you think Quentin is going to snap out of his stupor anytime soon? Are you surprised that he hooked up with Janet? Is this the end of Alice and Quentin? I was a bit surprised by the threesome, but I guess it has been coming for a while. I think it will probably send Alice over the edge and I'm expecting a pretty nasty ending to this
32. Any predictions on why Penny is so happy? What do you think his story is going to be? No idea. This guy is weird... I am a bit surprised he is back in the story actually
33)Penny drop out? That was a surprise. Not as big as knowing he actually felt lonely. And Lovelady found something of power. I don't think Anything good would came out of it. What do you think about his strange connection to Penny?
I feel like Lovelady has been thrown back into the story a bit conveniently. It's a shame as I thought there would be more to his character developed. Penny entering the story again so suddenly also seems a bit strange. He wasn't that great in school, but now seems to be an advanced magician? What's with the name anyhow? I get so confused as I keep reading Penny as a girl and have to keep reminding myself it is a guy. I have never heard of Penny as a male name before
34)The buttons? The key to Fillory? Is that really that simple? Can Quentin finally find the missing part of his life?
Does seem a little to easy. At this point the book seems to be completely disconnected from the first half. I feel like the author couldve developed the story further and ended it at graduation and had a second book going to Fillaroy. Or he shouldbe had the front half much shorter. For a book I was loving at the start I am now not so sure about it
35)Way to go Alice. Smacking him all right. Do you think he really needed to hurt Alice to finally have a change on his life? Or is Alice right and Quentin just hates himself so much that he doesn't know how to be happy with life? Q is so bloody miserable he is becoming annoying. Hopefully Alice stays away from him now, she deserves better
36)Penny is really happy. I never saw him talking so much. I think I may underestimated him. Am I the nly one? Yes his character has completely changed. Again it feels like the book is in two halves
37)Are Quentin's fears so illogical? They learned that magic should not be used to harm or they can be consumed by it? Are they all so drunk with Fillory that they are just ignoring the risks? They are all bored out of their mind I think. And probably all know drinking yourself stupid everyday isn't a great idea!
38)Am I the only one worried about this whole Quentin-Alice thing? People made stupid decisions or mistakes when hurt or angry. I think they are a time bomb disaster waiting to happen. Total disaster in the wings. You can't be that hurt and continue to be 'friends'
39)The weird reaction of Janet to the Netherlands is bothering me. What could that mean? I didn't notice it too much. I just thought she was being her usual bitchy self!
40)"None so cursed" That was a not so good premonition. Or was it just a statement. Insects shooting arrows. Walking trees. Fillory has a lot of promises. Thoughts so far? I'm a bit annoyed with the book at the moment actually. I feel like if we were going to go down this Narnia type path it should've happened about 200 pages ago. Did anyone else feel like the book was completely disjointed at this point?
@ KarenI didn't like the book at all. I thought it had enough action, but I think the author threw in everything but the kitchen sink. I also don't like that it was a lot like Narnia in a lot of ways. I wish he had done it a little differently, but its his book not mine and I know a lot of people love it. He is a good writer and I would read a non-fantasy book from him if he ever writes one, but I am not sure that I will read another fantasy book from him.
ITA Karen - I was very disappointed that so many parts were taken from the Narnia books, then the idea of the school of magic seems to be taken from Harry Potter. I definitely won't bother reading the 2nd one.
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I'm glad I did the questions here as I went through the book, as I can see the point it really turned for me. I'm not sure I'll read the second one, it will depend on what happens in the last 100 pages!!
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At this point I'm not sure I care anymore. Oh so disappointed about how this book has developed!
42. Were you surprised that Richard stayed behind at the inn? Do you think he is right? Are they all making a huge mistake? Yes, all a bit convenient and strange that he elected to stay. Wouldn't you just ask to go back home?
43. What did you make of Fin and her thoughts about why they need them to become Kings and Queens? I don't know how I feel about Dint and Fin. Do they sound like they have a hidden agenda that might not be for the good of Fillory? I'm annoyed with the Narnia rip-off aspect of this part. *grumble*
44. This is turning into a bloody book here at the end. Can you believe Anais is so into the fighting and Quentin is so against it, but then he fights inside the tomb? Do you think he had a choice? What do you make of all the bickering amongst the the group? Will this end badly?
I do like the writer was quite real about people's reactions in this situation. Most people wouldn't want to fight and would feel unable to do it. A hint of realism in a surreal world. They have a choice - to go home - but ego is overtaking (i.e. to become a king/queen)
45. It sounds like Alice and Quentin may be patching things up. Alice makes some very good observations about Quentin. Do you think they will be back to being a couple by the end of the book? They apparently both still love each other.
Too much pain and hurt here. I don't think they ever had a healthy relationship so probably better that it ends
46. Any predictions on the end of the book?
I am so conflicted with this book! And disappointed. I'm just finishing it out of curiosity now, not because I care too much about the ending. :(
47. What did you think of Ember? Is Quentin's anger justified? I guess there were many evil creatures and people in Fillory, why else would the water nymph give them a horn that calls forth The Beast? I found this whole part a bit strange. I guess in my frustraion with how the story is going I missed something along the way. I guess the beast is called forth as he planted the nymph and the horn as wanted the chance to attack them?
48. WOW! I wasn't expecting Martin Chatwin to be The Beast. Is anyone else surprised? HE ATE PENNY'S HANDS!! Ugh!
Totally surprised. But still don't get the leaf in front of his face bit. It's not like they wouldve recognised him? And yeah, the eating of people. urgh
49. Alice dies the same way her brother did, but she manages to kill The Beast. Do you think her dying was the only way? Do you think we will somehow see her again in the sequel?
I kept expecting her to pop back up, and I still think at some point she will. Her and her brother are whisked away somewhere waiting for a reappearance! Sad that she had to die considering Q is the miserable one, she was worth developing as a character!!
50. The Retreat is interesting. The centaurs are kind of snobby. He was left by all his friends. I would have been depressed and it sounds like he was. Thoughts? I understand his friends leaving, but it does become difficult with what does Q do for the rest of his life? But then that was the same issue he had on Earth!
51. Quentin finds the questing beast and shoots it and then it gives him three wishes. Would you have asked for something different? I liked the wishes. He really is so depressed and has no meaning in his life they made sense to me
52. What did you think of Julia hooking up with the gang? Will we see Alice again in the next book? Are you going to read the next book in the series?
You know, I compeletely missed that was Julia. I was trying to work out who that was. It is the author's use of all those J names that confuses me and I didn't realise it was Julia and Janet at the end. I'm not sure if I would read the next one. Maybe out of morbid curiosity.
53. Overall thoughts on the book? What did you rate it?
Certainly one of the most difficult books to rate. I felt it had so much more potential, and with all the half story-lines and characters thrown in, I was convinced that these would be developed in the later part of the book. And then none of that really happened.. a few things were tied back together but in a haphazard, rushed kind of way. The book became very disjointed for me between the first half and the last half. I would have enjoyed it so much more if he had developed some of these components more and finished this book at graduation, and then have a second book more thoroughly exploring Fillaroy. By the time they get to Fillaroy it just kind of races through to the end. Very conflicted as to if I enjoyed this or not!!
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Glad you enjoyed it! I think that is why I love our BOMs and Buddy Reads so much.
I honestly don't really know what I expected from this book, but as it was recommended to me not once, but three times in one day by people in my life who don't even know each other and then the read for this group. I felt like it was a little bit of fate urging me on or something along those lines.I was initially put off by the description of Fillory when it started because it reminded me so much of Narnia. However I soon found myself falling into the novel, despite my distaste for Quintin.
I don't know what it was about this, and have been unable to explain it but something in it grabbed me, and I will definitely been reading the next one.
A bit more than a month behind, but I did wind up putting this book on my to-be-read pile because it was featured here and finally finished it a short while ago.I'm unsure whether I actually liked the book or not.
There were moments it was engaging and interesting and moments where my dislike of the protagonist overrode my enjoyment of what was going on around him. It was definitely rich and fascinating and had good world-building.
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I want to read the sequel. I thought it was so nonsensical, a total flight from reality and was intrigued (and sometimes annoyed) by all that the author tried to incorporate in it. I did have to suspend my beliefs in everything while reading this novel.
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33)Penny drop out? That was a surprise. Not as big as knowing he actually felt lonely. And Lovelady found something of power. I don't think Anything good would came out of it. What do you think about his strange connection to Penny?
It was a surprise seeing as how not many kids do. I am not surprised that Penny would have a connection with the peddler. I think that having this button may not be the good fortune that Quentin thinks it is.
34)The buttons? The key to Fillory? Is that really that simple? Can Quentin finally find the missing part of his life?
I think Quentin may learn a life lesson from going into Fillory, but I think it is going to be something different than what he thinks it is. The buttons do see like a really simple piece of magic, but it fits with the Fillory stories nicely and makes sense as part of the story.
35)Way to go Alice. Smacking him all right. Do you think he really needed to hurt Alice to finally have a change on his life? Or is Alice right and Quentin just hates himself so much that he doesn't know how to be happy with life?
I think it has to do with Quentin's happiness. He doesn't know how to be happy and that is causing him to be confused and to do things that end up destroying him in the process. I don't think he is purposely hurting people though.
36)Penny is really happy. I never saw him talking so much. I think I may underestimated him. Am I the nly one?
I don't like him, but he may be smarter than I originally thought. I am interested in seeing what happens in the end.
37)Are Quentin's fears so illogical? They learned that magic should not be used to harm or they can be consumed by it? Are they all so drunk with Fillory that they are just ignoring the risks?
I think that these kids are reckless. It seems like they are so infatuated with everything and think that they can justify breaking the rules because of the circumstances. I am definitely interested in seeing what happens to them in the end.
38)Am I the only one worried about this whole Quentin-Alice thing? People made stupid decisions or mistakes when hurt or angry. I think they are a time bomb disaster waiting to happen.
It doesn't seem like anything with Quentin and Alice have been resolved. I don't know if anything bad is going to come of their failed relationship. I am thinking some life lessons are going to be learned.
39)The weird reaction of Janet to the Netherlands is bothering me. What could that mean?
I was wondering this also. It could mean so many bad things.
40)"None so cursed" That was a not so good premonition. Or was it just a statement. Insects shooting arrows. Walking trees. Fillory has a lot of promises. Thoughts so far?
I like the way the world of Fillory is so different from the books about it. It makes it a bit more believable to me. I am thinking something bad is going to happen that will lead into the next book in the series.