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A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking
Books of the Month
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A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T Kingfisher - Feb 2022 Theme BOM - Award Winner (start 16 Feb)
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(last edited Feb 21, 2022 06:25AM)
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Date Chapters MPDQs
16 Feb 1 - 8 Aiswrya
17 Feb 9 - 16 Judith
18 Feb 17 - 23 Marie
19 Feb 24 - 30 Cat
20 Feb 31 - 37 Karen
Guidance for DQ setters
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Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
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- What about that plot twist?!
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(last edited Feb 10, 2022 08:42AM)
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Judith (nominator)
Cat
Marie
Aiswrya (day 1 please)
Karen (first / last day please)
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(last edited Mar 22, 2022 10:01AM)
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While waiting for this one, people should go read Minor Mage which is T. Kingfisher's first middle grade book and has a pet armadillo so what is there more to ask for.
Lexi wrote: "While waiting for this one, people should go read Minor Mage which is T. Kingfisher's first middle grade book and has a pet armadillo so what is there more to ask for."I voted for this book thinking it was the one you recommended in a past BOM. I only realize now that it was Minor Mage and not this one. Will try to read it before the discussion starts though :)
They are both very good so I hope you enjoy both of them
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I'm in for DQs of course :)
i will volunteer for DQ's
I'm in for DQs. Sounds like an adorable read! Prefer Day 1, if possible? I'm so slow at reading these days, and any other day will probably make me super nervous.
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I guess I can use an audible credit
;)
Can do DQs for the first or last day as it will make it easier with having the audio
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And yippee for a house date!
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Day 1 DQs - Chapters 1 through 81. I absolutely adore Mona. I'm really enjoying the writing style too. It's very conversational and humorous. What do you think about Mona and the story so far? Anything that stands out to you?
2. Who's your favorite magical person/creature so far? I'm imagining Bob to be this ball of squishy goo that I kinda want to touch! And I really want to see more of Lord Ethan (was that his name? I can't remember.)
3. Now, the murder and Oberon's handling of it was (1) biased (2) so illogical. I'm so glad the Duchess had a brain on her. What did you think of those scenes?
PS - all this talk about baked goods is making me crave some cake, pastry, sugar, I'll take anything!
Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Bah. Oh all right then. Twist my arm.I guess I can use an audible credit
;)
Can do DQs for the first or last day as it will make it easier with having the audio"
K, how's the audio book? I feel like this book would be great in audio.
Mod
1. I absolutely adore Mona. I'm really enjoying the writing style too. It's very conversational and humorous. What do you think about Mona and the story so far? Anything that stands out to you?
It is very conversational. I have read some other YA / middle-grade like this and I think it makes it a bit more fun and personable.
I'm enjoying the story and interested to see where it heads
2. Who's your favorite magical person/creature so far? I'm imagining Bob to be this ball of squishy goo that I kinda want to touch! And I really want to see more of Lord Ethan (was that his name? I can't remember.)
I love the gingerbread men! how cool. Not sure I could then eat them though. haha
Bob the sourdough starter is pretty hillarious
3. Now, the murder and Oberon's handling of it was (1) biased (2) so illogical. I'm so glad the Duchess had a brain on her. What did you think of those scenes?
I agree with both of those, and the Duchess just squashing it like that was also a bit weird. Clearly much more going on here than what we know so far
and to answer your question, the audio is good! narrator is doing well with the voices
1. I absolutely adore Mona. I'm really enjoying the writing style too. It's very conversational and humorous. What do you think about Mona and the story so far? Anything that stands out to you?I am enjoying the story so far. Mona is a great MC with a humourous / satirical side to her. She knows where she stands in life.
I am struggling a bit with the audio book narration which sounds like a lesson in elocution and completely misses the humour - especially if listened to at normal speed. I have upped it to 1.5 which is a bit better
2. Who's your favorite magical person/creature so far? I'm imagining Bob to be this ball of squishy goo that I kinda want to touch! And I really want to see more of Lord Ethan (was that his name? I can't remember.)
I would like to know what is making the Investigator oberon so antsy
3. Now, the murder and Oberon's handling of it was (1) biased (2) so illogical. I'm so glad the Duchess had a brain on her. What did you think of those scenes?
I loved this scene - I can't wait to see what is coming. I did think maybe the Queen was helped toward her decision making a little by Lord Ethan (I may be wrong about this - I sonetimes get things out of order). I am a little bit ahead - reading on audio means I need to get ahead to be ready for my DQs
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1. I absolutely adore Mona. I'm really enjoying the writing style too. It's very conversational and humorous. What do you think about Mona and the story so far? Anything that stands out to you?
Yeah, T Kingfisher has a great writing style. I like how real she makes Mona, and how the increasing craziness of the day moves her reactions from (understandable) panic to a "huh" when she's "attacked" in chapter 8.
2. Who's your favorite magical person/creature so far? I'm imagining Bob to be this ball of squishy goo that I kinda want to touch! And I really want to see more of Lord Ethan (was that his name? I can't remember.)
I kinda like Nag! Bob eats rats! no way I want to go near him/it, thank you very much!
3. Now, the murder and Oberon's handling of it was (1) biased (2) so illogical. I'm so glad the Duchess had a brain on her. What did you think of those scenes?
definitely something more going on, especially after Knackering Molly's warning about the Spring Green Man. And if Oberon has a hatred against magickers for some reason, his attempt to railroad Mona into a guilty makes a sick sense....
Day 1 DQs - Chapters 1 through 81. I absolutely adore Mona. I'm really enjoying the writing style too. It's very conversational and humorous. What do you think about Mona and the story so far? Anything that stands out to you?
I have to be careful with my responses since I finished the book, but the biggest thing I've noticed so far is I have to keep remembering that she is allegedly a fourteen year old child. That part I was not convinced about. I did read the Acknowledgements and the writer provides some detail surrounding this, which is somewhat helpful (only somewhat). But the story itself has a fun playfulness to it, and plenty of wit. The ten year old boy did provide that balance. I did love how she introduces her magic into the story, saying herself that she knows it's silly, essentially. I thought her power was fun, at least entertaining.
2. Who's your favorite magical person/creature so far?
Knackering Molly is by far my favorite. Maybe it's her darkness that draws me to her, and she just seems more genuine than everyone else.
3. Now, the murder and Oberon's handling of it was (1) biased (2) so illogical. I'm so glad the Duchess had a brain on her. What did you think of those scenes?
I was surprised by the Duchess response to it, and that entire scene was well done.
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That's true @Cat! I would say my judgement about this changed as the story progressed, especially by the conclusion.
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1. I absolutely adore Mona. I'm really enjoying the writing style too. It's very conversational and humorous. What do you think about Mona and the story so far? Anything that stands out to you?
I'm really enjoying the story and it is a good bit of fun while being a unique and interesting read. I like the magic system and how unpredictable it is with so many different manifestations.
2. Who's your favorite magical person/creature so far? I'm imagining Bob to be this ball of squishy goo that I kinda want to touch! And I really want to see more of Lord Ethan (was that his name? I can't remember.)
I've read a bit ahead so I would say my favorite is the gingerbread man for some of the things that happen during the second section. But Bob is pretty hilarious.
3. Now, the murder and Oberon's handling of it was (1) biased (2) so illogical. I'm so glad the Duchess had a brain on her. What did you think of those scenes?
I thought Oberon has some other agenda going on. And I thought it was super messed up that no one thought to give the poor kid a ride home when the walk home was a few hours. I am curious about Lord Ethan and if there is some weird political power play going on between the magic and not since he seems so close to the Duchess.
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4.) What did you think about the attack of the Spring Green Man? Surprised he came back or were you expecting it to happen at some point? Any thoughts about 'the list' and 'Oberon was supposed to take care of you'?
5.) The getaway from the constables on bread slices! Was that fun or what? How strong of a baking wizard do you think Mona actually is? Side note: I loved that that gingerbread man was making faces at the constables.
6.) What do you think of her gingerbread man? The faces, not letting her cheat at solitaire, but also chucking a dough person out the window for knocking over the card house. I wish he had a name. Would you want a . . .pet, familiar (?) gingerbread man?
7.) What do you think of Spindle? Why do you think he's helping Mona?
8.) The end of this section has a lot of changes to society rules are requirements. What do you think Oberon's end game is? Any thoughts on why the Duchess is allowing it to happen?
4.) What did you think about the attack of the Spring Green Man? Surprised he came back or were you expecting it to happen at some point? Any thoughts about 'the list' and 'Oberon was supposed to take care of you'?I expected the Spring green man to play a bigger part and Obviously Oberon's desire to arrest and frame Mona for murder must have been part of a wider plan. I am not sure about the list - certainly it lists Magickers but in what order?
5.) The getaway from the constables on bread slices! Was that fun or what? How strong of a baking wizard do you think Mona actually is? Side note: I loved that that gingerbread man was making faces at the constables.
I think Mona is stronger than she is leading us to believe - whether she knows that or not is another thing. I didn't realise this had a children's genre. I think the slices of bread speak to that age range but it was funny
6.) What do you think of her gingerbread man? The faces, not letting her cheat at solitaire, but also chucking a dough person out the window for knocking over the card house. I wish he had a name. Would you want a . . .pet, familiar (?) gingerbread man?
I am not sure I would want a pet familiar in an ordinary run of the mill life i might feel a bit "watched" but here the gingerbread man is playing a role that i think is bigger than just being a "familiar"
7.) What do you think of Spindle? Why do you think he's helping Mona?
Spindle is bothering me - we find out he cannot read and write but there is something about his language, as it is used in the narrative, that makes me think he once had a more affluent life. I am not sure whether this is the way the narrator is reading (and i have mentioned this before) but there is a mismatch in the way the book is being read and its narrative for me
8.) The end of this section has a lot of changes to society rules are requirements. What do you think Oberon's end game is? Any thoughts on why the Duchess is allowing it to happen?
I am not sure on this and I don't want to guess
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4.) What did you think about the attack of the Spring Green Man? Surprised he came back or were you expecting it to happen at some point? Any thoughts about 'the list' and 'Oberon was supposed to take care of you'?
I was expecting it seeing that Oberon was so keen to arrest Mona. Seems like a list of Magickers, but not sure why
5.) The getaway from the constables on bread slices! Was that fun or what? How strong of a baking wizard do you think Mona actually is? Side note: I loved that that gingerbread man was making faces at the constables.
haha that was great. Especially as they were trying to keep standing still - I could just picture how hard that would be! Yes I do love the gingerbread man :)
6.) What do you think of her gingerbread man? The faces, not letting her cheat at solitaire, but also chucking a dough person out the window for knocking over the card house. I wish he had a name. Would you want a . . .pet, familiar (?) gingerbread man?
I feel like she should name him too. He seems to be sentient which is interesting.
I'm not sure I'd want a pet, familiar or gingerbread man with two small kids in my house. haha
7.) What do you think of Spindle? Why do you think he's helping Mona?
I guess every hero needs a good side kick?!
I didn't think too much about it really, this genre likes to add in helpers for quests
8.) The end of this section has a lot of changes to society rules are requirements. What do you think Oberon's end game is? Any thoughts on why the Duchess is allowing it to happen?
All of this made me wonder if this is a book in a series, but it is still listed as a stand alone. Lots of things to unpack and answer in not too many pages!
I guess the Duchess is a puppet, or powerless in some way and Oberon is taking advantage.
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4.) What did you think about the attack of the Spring Green Man? Surprised he came back or were you expecting it to happen at some point? Any thoughts about 'the list' and 'Oberon was supposed to take care of you'?
I'd been expecting the Spring Green Man to make an appearance. The sniffing out of magic was a bit creepy, and using Bob as a weapon was hilarious and terrifying!
I assumed it was a list of magicky people, and that Oberon is involved in the murder & disappearances.
5.) The getaway from the constables on bread slices! Was that fun or what? How strong of a baking wizard do you think Mona actually is? Side note: I loved that that gingerbread man was making faces at the constables.
Fun times! I think Mona is probably very strong - she's made a carnivorous sourdough starter after all - but hasn't yet had a reason to experiment.
6.) What do you think of her gingerbread man? The faces, not letting her cheat at solitaire, but also chucking a dough person out the window for knocking over the card house. I wish he had a name. Would you want a . . .pet, familiar (?) gingerbread man?
That gingerbread man is hilarious! I'd be worried about having one of my own though
7.) What do you think of Spindle? Why do you think he's helping Mona?
I like Spindle. he's helping in part because of narrative need but also because Mona is kinda filling similar space to Tibbie.
8.) The end of this section has a lot of changes to society rules are requirements. What do you think Oberon's end game is? Any thoughts on why the Duchess is allowing it to happen?
This is a reread, so I know the broad strokes....
Day 3 QuestionsChapters 17 - 23
9. I found the meeting with the Queen very interesting.
She accepts easily Mona's claim that someone is plotting against her but seems weak in dealing with it initially but moves on to purposeful resolve.
What do you think to how she is dealing with the situation? AND how she Describes the characters of Inquisitor Oberon does this match the ideas you had about him?
10. Mona says "when you are different, even a little different, even in a way people can't see, it's nice to know that people in power won't judge you for it" What do you think of this quote and its potential effect on the young readers this book is aimed at?
11. Hmm Magic passing through twinned bowls of water (also twinned) Do you think Mona will take any of these ideas on in her Magic?
12. Another Quote "The book felt different, kind, like a cup of tea on a warm day" - Do you have a book which feels like this to you?
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9. I found the meeting with the Queen very interesting.
She accepts easily Mona's claim that someone is plotting against her but seems weak in dealing with it initially but moves on to purposeful resolve.
What do you think to how she is dealing with the situation? AND how she describes the characters of Inquisitor Oberon does this match the ideas you had about him?
I wonder if it's partly to do wit accountability - before Mona turned up she could pretend that the plotting wasn't happening or that someone would deal with it for her. But once Mona and Spindle (LOVE how he just says what Mona's thinking, with no worries!) turned up, she had to step up as it would be shameful not to, in the face of their direct expectations that she'd help
10. Mona says "when you are different, even a little different, even in a way people can't see, it's nice to know that people in power won't judge you for it" What do you think of this quote and its potential effect on the young readers this book is aimed at?
It's such a small thing to ask or expect isn't it, and yet people have such massive difficulties.
11. Hmm Magic passing through twinned bowls of water (also twinned) Do you think Mona will take any of these ideas on in her Magic?
as this is a reread, I'll pass on this. Though she had already noticed the like-with-like working better with her experiments in the tower (bread and dough not getting on; animals built from the same loaf working better than from two different loaves etc)
12. Another Quote "The book felt different, kind, like a cup of tea on a warm day" - Do you have a book which feels like this to you?
It will come as no surprise when I say Terry Pratchett, right! ;-P
Cat wrote: "Day 3 Questions9. I found the meeting with the Queen very interesting.
She accepts easily Mona's claim that someone is plotting against her but seems weak in dealing with it initially but moves o..."
no surprise re Pratchett Cat
DQs Day 2 Chapter 9 through 164.) What did you think about the attack of the Spring Green Man? Surprised he came back or were you expecting it to happen at some point? Any thoughts about 'the list' and 'Oberon was supposed to take care of you'?
I didn't actually realize his importance to the plot initially. By this point, I wanted to know more about their collaboration and the bigger purpose.
5.) The getaway from the constables on bread slices! Was that fun or what? How strong of a baking wizard do you think Mona actually is? Side note: I loved that that gingerbread man was making faces at the constables.
This is where I started to see Mona develop more as a character. It was fun to see her growth and to see her learn what she was capable of. From the beginning, she just sort of thought she had a useless skill. Maybe there's something more that all readers can gain from that perspective.
6.) What do you think of her gingerbread man? The faces, not letting her cheat at solitaire, but also chucking a dough person out the window for knocking over the card house. I wish he had a name. Would you want a . . .pet, familiar (?) gingerbread man?
Haha I loved that moment when he wouldn't let her cheat! He's so feisty and full of character! He's my second favorite character in the book. He's also consistent and loyal. While reading it seems fun, if you truly envision a walking cookie on your shoulder... Might be a bit creepier in real life. But the entire time I read, I also played our each scene in my head. I could completely see this being a movie.
7.) What do you think of Spindle? Why do you think he's helping Mona?
i thought he was kind of annoying haha but he did have all of the traits of a child. I think his primary motivation for helping is to solve what happened to his sister and put her attackers away, or make sure they're punished. I also felt like he started to see Mona as his sister and she filled that loss. The same for Mona taking him in, as she was also an orphan at one point.
8.) The end of this section has a lot of changes to society rules are requirements. What do you think Oberon's end game is? Any thoughts on why the Duchess is allowing it to happen?
I could try to guess, but because I already know my opinion would be biased. But what do so bad guys want?
Day 3 QuestionsChapters 17 - 239. What do you think of how the Queen is dealing with the situation? AND how she Describes the characters of Inquisitor Oberon does this match the ideas you had about him?
The Queen's behavior has been a bit odd in how inviting she's been, but that's also reassuring that someone in high politics is behaving that way. It's hopeful that someone in a position of power chooses to be open. Well, Oberon has been sketchy since the beginning so...
10. Mona says "when you are different, even a little different, even in a way people can't see, it's nice to know that people in power won't judge you for it" What do you think of this quote and its potential effect on the young readers this book is aimed at?
Going back to my comment above, it's hopeful! I like that she adds those subtle nuggets in there that have a deeper meaning.
11. Hmm Magic passing through twinned bowls of water (also twinned) Do you think Mona will take any of these ideas on in her Magic?
;~)
12. Another Quote "The book felt different, kind, like a cup of tea on a warm day" - Do you have a book which feels like this to you
So many to choose from, but I'd have to think about what book brings about those feelings.
Mod
Chapters 17 - 23
9. I found the meeting with the Queen very interesting.
She accepts easily Mona's claim that someone is plotting against her but seems weak in dealing with it initially but moves on to purposeful resolve.
What do you think to how she is dealing with the situation? AND how she Describes the characters of Inquisitor Oberon does this match the ideas you had about him?
It was like she was ignoring it, or felt helpless, and then Mona and Spindle kind of ignited a spark in her to do something about it. I don't think it is realistic, but given the genre I'm pretty forgiving :)
I wasn't surprised about Oberon
10. Mona says "when you are different, even a little different, even in a way people can't see, it's nice to know that people in power won't judge you for it" What do you think of this quote and its potential effect on the young readers this book is aimed at?
That is a lovely message. It is important that books give positive messages to young readers
11. Hmm Magic passing through twinned bowls of water (also twinned) Do you think Mona will take any of these ideas on in her Magic?
Absolutely! Her knowledge is increasing with her experiments as Cat said, also.
12. Another Quote "The book felt different, kind, like a cup of tea on a warm day" - Do you have a book which feels like this to you?
I loved this quote too. For me there are a few - mostly those I read as a kid like Anne of Green Gables. But also a more contemporary one would be One Day and the Flavia series, starting with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Shoot I’m so behind! Still in chapter 14 😅
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Chapters 17 - 23
9. I found the meeting with the Queen very interesting.
She accepts easily Mona's claim that someone is plotting against her but seems weak in dealing with it initially but moves on to purposeful resolve.
What do you think to how she is dealing with the situation? AND how she Describes the characters of Inquisitor Oberon does this match the ideas you had about him?
I feel like Mona and Spindle brought some accountability to the situation. Denial is a powerful thing, but when it's gotten to the point literal children are like WTF things become harder to ignore.
Oberon is pretty much what I was expecting.
10. Mona says "when you are different, even a little different, even in a way people can't see, it's nice to know that people in power won't judge you for it" What do you think of this quote and its potential effect on the young readers this book is aimed at?
I'm with Cat where it seems like such a simple thing, but always is such a hard thing to obtain in reality.
I hope the quote serves two purposes for younger readers 1) that they treat themselves with kindness and find a way to be comfortable with who they are in their own skin and 2) give that kindness to others.
11. Hmm Magic passing through twinned bowls of water (also twinned) Do you think Mona will take any of these ideas on in her Magic?
I do or at least I hope so! It could lead to an entertaining bake sale if nothing else.
12. Another Quote "The book felt different, kind, like a cup of tea on a warm day" - Do you have a book which feels like this to you?
I've always loved The Witch of Blackbird Pond since I read it way back when as a wee little thing. But the Kate Daniels series is always a feel good read. Actually I feel that way about Ilona Andrews books in general.
Mod
13. After successfully kicking Oberon out, we get to see Mona trying to settle back into her routine, but struggling with the notion of heroism. What do you think about the different notions of being a hero that are brought up here?
14. A montage sequence of Mona practicing with her magic. What sort of magic would you like?
15. The other shoe drops, and we are at war! And another montage of the war preparations. Do you think the shift from caper to war worked? Do you like the growth in Mona and Spindle?
Mod
13. After successfully kicking Oberon out, we get to see Mona trying to settle back into her routine, but struggling with the notion of heroism. What do you think about the different notions of being a hero that are brought up here?
I thought it was interesting, the notion of heroism as covering a range of things - a political tool to avoid embarrassment (Uncle Albert / Earl and his siege story) or an actual reward even if the recipient thought their acts weren't heroic. And honestly, heroes that go out planning to do heroic stuff for the glamour aren't really heroes, are they (thinking of Prof Lockhart from Harry Potter there!).
14. A montage sequence of Mona practicing with her magic. What sort of magic would you like?
I liked Tibbie's - the ability to vanish and not be spotted when I'm in the middle of a book would be pretty awesome!
15. The other shoe drops, and we are at war! And another montage of the war preparations. Do you think the shift from caper to war worked? Do you like the growth in Mona and Spindle?
I enjoyed the montages, the only bit that didn't entirely work was that everyone deferred to Mona so easily, with the exception of the palace cook - and honestly, you can't really blame a cook for being hacked off when someone comes in an takes over their kitchen, can you?!
I did like how both the kids did step up, and I loved how Spindle's street cynicism played out into deft politicial nous!
13. After successfully kicking Oberon out, we get to see Mona trying to settle back into her routine, but struggling with the notion of heroism. What do you think about the different notions of being a hero that are brought up here?I thought the author managed to get a lot into this section and, if we consider it as a children's book she gives her readers a lot to think about
14. A montage sequence of Mona practicing with her magic. What sort of magic would you like?
I would sometimes like to be in two places at once - some of my days are very full at the moment. But really i think there is "magic" in everyday life
15. The other shoe drops, and we are at war! And another montage of the war preparations. Do you think the shift from caper to war worked? Do you like the growth in Mona and Spindle?
I am not sure the shifts work. However, i think it speaks to the target reader. I do like the growth and especially in Spindle he is turning out to be a very likeable character
DQ 4 - chapters 24 - 3013. After successfully kicking Oberon out, we get to see Mona trying to settle back into her routine, but struggling with the notion of heroism. What do you think about the different notions of being a hero that is brought up here?
Her age may play a part in this, but also how she views royalty in general. They essentially mock royalty and the rich. Maybe if the circumstances of her heroism were different, as she still seems to have an issue with her ability. She doesn't see it as grand as making an entire field of flowers turn into thorns, or make the water turn into floods, or dead horses rise from the dead. Which, at some point, all of these people felt exactly as she did as a child. I'm sure if her character were ever to be reintroduced in a future production, we may see her find it more fascinating in her late teenage years.
14. A montage sequence of Mona practicing with her magic. What sort of magic would you like?
I'd probably go with the cliché invisibility power, but from the characters here, the water guy would be useful in this situation but dead horses are much more unique.
15. The other shoe drops, and we are at war! And another montage of the war preparations. Do you think the shift from caper to war worked? Do you like the growth in Mona and Spindle?
I do think it worked. It didn't seem to transition too quickly. If we look at how wars escalate in general, it often goes from little to no prep (at least in terms of the unexpected needing solutions) to have to act fast. I mentioned early on that they have bonded due to their family experiences, so I can only see it continuing to grow.
Mod
13. After successfully kicking Oberon out, we get to see Mona trying to settle back into her routine, but struggling with the notion of heroism. What do you think about the different notions of being a hero that are brought up here?
It is interesting. I quite like the message that "just" because your magic is about dough and bread doesn't mean you can't be a hero
14. A montage sequence of Mona practicing with her magic. What sort of magic would you like?
To be able to teleport. That would be super helpful living in Australia - no more long haul flights. haha
15. The other shoe drops, and we are at war! And another montage of the war preparations. Do you think the shift from caper to war worked? Do you like the growth in Mona and Spindle?
I wasn't surprised we got here and I think the shift worked in that war can be uncertain - sometimes it comes very fast and other times brews for years.
I really like the character development
message 48:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Feb 21, 2022 12:35PM)
(new)
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rated it 4 stars
Mod
Chapters 31-27
16. I loved the idea of the golems with the bucket feet, but even more than that how her aunt had to decorate their faces (with a smile but angry eyebrows!). For a war scene, I found there was a lot of humour. How about you?
17. I wondered if Mona was done for and that is why it is a stand alone book. :o Were you surprised by Molly stepping in and sacrificing herself?
18. "You haven't lived until you've seen a cookie look smug". The gingerbread man really was a great character. Who was your favourite?
19. Final thoughts on the book? Will you read more by the author?
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DQ points:
Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5 (write): https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
So late to the party! DQs Day 2 Chapter 9 through 16
4.) What did you think about the attack of the Spring Green Man? Surprised he came back or were you expecting it to happen at some point? Any thoughts about 'the list' and 'Oberon was supposed to take care of you'?
I was definitely expecting him to make an appearance. The scene gave me very joker like vibes haha. Not surprised at all by Oberon’s involvement! He was a creep
5.) The getaway from the constables on bread slices! Was that fun or what? How strong of a baking wizard do you think Mona actually is? Side note: I loved that that gingerbread man was making faces at the constables.
This scene was hilarious! Given how the dough exploded when she tried to make a bird out of it, I assume she’s almost at her highest point with the floating bread getaway.
6.) What do you think of her gingerbread man? The faces, not letting her cheat at solitaire, but also chucking a dough person out the window for knocking over the card house. I wish he had a name. Would you want a . . .pet, familiar (?) gingerbread man?
Hmmmm, I might end up eating him 😅
7.) What do you think of Spindle? Why do you think he's helping Mona?
I think he has nowhere else to go. And has sort of replaced his sister with Mona.
8.) The end of this section has a lot of changes to society rules are requirements. What do you think Oberon's end game is? Any thoughts on why the Duchess is allowing it to happen
We’re definitely missing the bigger plot here. Why eliminate magickers, if the duchess’ right hand man is the strongest wizard out there?
Mod
13. After successfully kicking Oberon out, we get to see Mona trying to settle back into her routine, but struggling with the notion of heroism. What do you think about the different notions of being a hero that are brought up here?
I think they are fairly accurate. Most people who are seen as heroes are almost embarrassed by it. And feel they did what anyone would do in the same situation or just that they were doing their job.
14. A montage sequence of Mona practicing with her magic. What sort of magic would you like?
Whatever kind of magic that would keep my house clean (including magically cleaning the kitchen and doing laundry).
15. The other shoe drops, and we are at war! And another montage of the war preparations. Do you think the shift from caper to war worked? Do you like the growth in Mona and Spindle?
It was a bit abrupt but worked fine when you keep in mind this is a middle grade book. I love their growth and it seems like a reasonable progression.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
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Authors mentioned in this topic
T. Kingfisher (other topics)T. Kingfisher (other topics)
2021 LODESTAR AWARD for BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK
Fourteen-year-old Mona isn’t like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can’t control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt’s bakery making gingerbread men dance.
But Mona’s life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona’s city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of Mona’s worries…
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nominator: Judith