Zombies! discussion
This topic is about
Out of Darkness
Monthly Group Reads
>
March BOTM #1: Out of Darkness
date
newest »
newest »
Anybody reading this one?
Already read it (and the second book).
So, I started this book about two days ago, and after an initial slow start of the first several chapters, I finally got sucked in like crazy glue and couldn't put it down. I *ahem* finished it this morning with my coffee and bagel, because I had to find out how it ended.At first, I must say that I was not impressed with Mora. I didn't buy in to why she would leave her village to find this mysterious Scriven group to seek protection for her village. She kept saying that she wanted to protect her grandma and younger brother Jake, but if that were the case, wouldn't she want them to stay close to her? It didn't make sense to me, but maybe I don't have the long view that some people have.
What did you think of Mora's telekinetic powers to move large objects with her mind? Depending upon the limitations of her powers, if there are any, Mora could ostensibly kick some greyskin booty and not have to worry about begging Scriven's help for protection. Just saying...
Netanella wrote: "She kept saying that she wanted to protect her grandma and younger brother Jake, but if that were the case, wouldn't she want them to stay close to her?"Staying close to them won't help if a greyskin horde is too large. After all, that's how she lost her parents (IIRC?). If Scriven guards would come to their village, they would have more protection from the greyskins.
Netanella wrote: "Depending upon the limitations of her powers, if there are any, Mora could ostensibly kick some greyskin booty and not have to worry about begging Scriven's help for protection. Just saying..."
Addressed in the next book. :)
What I enjoyed about the first half of the book is her learning of her powers. Baby steps from there.
Randy wrote: "Staying close to them won't help if a greyskin horde is too large. After all, that's how she lost her parents (IIRC?). If Scriven guards would come to their village, they would have more protection from the greyskins...."Yes, but she leaves them unprotected in order to get more protection. Seems illogical to me. It's like those movies where the hero says, "you stay here and I'll be right back." Then the monsters attack those who stay behind.
I didn't get that part either. At one point she mentions that no one wanted her to go or thought it was a good idea - so on whose authority is she making the deal? I'm also having trouble with Mora - the audiobook narrator is terrible - sounds like a whiny 16 year old so that may be coloring my view. She seems a little flaky. Maybe this is setting up her later evolution? I do like that it's well written. Some books are so bad I can't get past the writing. Did everyone else reading it already finish? If so I'll listen to the rest of it ASAP and we can just discuss the whole thing...
I think you are right - Mora does seem to mature as the book progresses, which makes sense, both from the standpoint of her age and also the book's progression.
Mod
Although I liked this book (and the series) I thought she was a bit shallow.
Elizabeth wrote: "I think what really struck me was her pigheadedness about getting assistance even after being exposed to some of the weirdness surrounding the leader and his army. Or rather, it wasn't her pighead..."I think that's what bugged me so far too. She seems bratty but I'm assuming that's so she can grow up later.
Did anyone else think it was weird that she didn't even want to talk to the older woman who had information to give her before she left for Scriven?
How do the wristbands work without satellites for gps?
What does everyone think about the Scriven system of protection? Would you try to fortify your own village? Pay for protection? Would you be resentful about having to pay? Does the deal Jeremiah offers Mora - her indentured servitude for Springhill's protection - seem fair and worth it? Would you accept or go back and protect the village yourself with your new powers?
This is a silly question but which of the "super powers" would you want to have?
Mod
Have we all read this? I don't want to spoil anything.
What I found interesting - and slightly off - was the colony's decision to put their little town out in the open, so that they could "spot" the greyskin herds when they were coming. Of course, this little bit of logical thinking got them smacked around a lot.Didn't anyone even think that they could take advantage of natural terrain by building on an elevation, that could offer them both visibility of the enemy and a more defensible position? Argh! Just saying.
To Thia's point, yes, I would think that they would try to defend their village. I wonder if we will find out in the next book if Mora was acting alone in her quest to seek Scriven's help, or if she had the assent of Springhill. Somehow, I feel she was a lone rogue on this.
I'm guessing everyone is done now - thumbs up? Thumbs down?
Thumbs up - I'm done!
I'm going thumb sideways ;) It wasn't badly written or anything but the main character annoyed me just enough to be off putting. She was whiny and made weird decisions - I just couldn't identify with her. I also hate the interjection of the romance novelly parts. Zzzzzz!!! I guess I'm still 12 years old but through all of that all I could think was gag me with a greasy spoon! (If you're around 39 you'll get that) Anyway, not bad just not my style is my final verdict.
Thia wrote: "... the main character annoyed me just enough to be off putting. She was whiny and made weird decisions - I just couldn't identify ..."I had a hard time with Mora, too. But in the end, I gave her characterization the whole "she needs room for improvement" angle - although in her case, perhaps a whole suite of rooms is what she needs. In any event, how else would she mature as a character if she didn't have flaws to begin with.
Is anyone planning on reading the second book, If it Kills Me?
Mod
What were your thoughts? How did you like it? Does Mora 'grow up', or are there still more growing pains she needs to experience?
Mora is still emotionally erratic, as I recall. Much of the second book is about the origin of the Greyskins. I still have to get to the last book in the series.
Randy wrote: "Mora is still emotionally erratic, as I recall...True statement for most teenagers... can't wait till the kids grow up!
Week 1 - March 1 to March 9 - reading and discussion through end of Chapter 10.
Week 2 - March 10 to March 16 - reading and discussion through end of book Chapter 19.