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The Last Murder at the End of the World
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The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton - September Adult / Non-Fiction BOM (starts 2 Sep)
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DQs Day 4 - Chapters 52 to 6816. Were you surprised to learn Jack was alive? Or at least didn't drown like everyone was told?
Absolutely surprised!
17. Did anyone else google if peeing on your hands will toughen them up? No, just me? Mkay. Apparently it's a thing some baseball players do. Thoughts about this?
Of course I looked it up! I found an article about some baseball players who do it. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2...
18. What a unique protection system, carnivorous flowers. Would you want them on your property or a hard pass?
I have a black thumb so they'd never survive. 😐
19. "She was afraid" "Powerful people usually are, they have the most to lose." Do you agree with Thea's statement?
Yes, I do. If you don't have a lot, you don't have much to lose, whether it's possessions or power or anything else. Conversely, the more you have, the more you have to lose. It's frightening to contemplate losing what you've acquired... for most people anyway.
20. Well, do you think Emory is right? That Hephaestus killed Niema? If so, why do you think he did it?
Well, I was on board with Thea being the guilty party, so I'm not sure I'm the best one to be weighing in on this question. 😅😅😅
DQs Day 3- Chapters 35-5111. Does anyone else want to slap Emory's father Seth? Any ideas why he is so dismissive of her?
His conditioning is soo deep rooted that he cannot question anything apart from what he has been taught.
12. The way Thea describes the villagers, she hold no regard for them, except as slave labor so to speak. So, was Niema changing them or something, trying to make them more human?
Niema might have trying to change them a little and may have had a soft spot for them but at the end she also regarded them as inferior and someone to be humoured. If she valued them at all then she wouldn't have switched on the button to put the barrier down in case she is harmed.
13. What do you think about Niema's safeguard so no one in the know would kill her? Do you think that the threat (and now reality) of dropping the shield was Niema or Abi?
I think it was originally an intention if Niema that was then executed on her wishes by Abi.
14. If the villagers are basically programmed to not be independent thinkers, why are some of them starting to do that? Or dream? Or are sleep-writing advanced equations?
I think Niema was tinkering and evolving them to give them more human like qualities.
15. For those who are reading along and not ahead, do you believe Adil's statement?
Whether you are reading ahead or just up to the day's pages, are you enjoying the book?
I don't completely believe Adil's statement. He has deep rooted hatred for the elders and might be trying to sway emory's investigation to harm Thea. I am really enjoying the book but I do find it difficult to read sometimes due to switching POV's like sometimes its Emory or Thea and sometimes its Abi talking and it gets confusing as to who said what!
I'm a slow reader and also reading other books so still on Day 1 DQs. Hope ok to still post now. Just finished chapter 14 so rushed to see this.DQs Day 1
Prologue to Chapter 14
1.) Did you read 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle or The Devil and the Dark Water or is this your first Turton? Any expectations either way going into this book?
I read 7 deaths and loved the clever plot and twists. Love how it gave little clues along the way. I was hoping this book would be the same and so far it's raising a lot of Q's in my head, I just hope the answers deliver in the end. Getting Lost vibes at the moment. Also wondering if the world has really ended or the island is just some kind of Truman Show social experiment type a thing.
2.) What did you think of humans having a hard stop on their life at their 60th birthday? Did you thoughts change at all when you learned kids don't show up on the island until age 8? How do you think knowing the maximum length of your life would impact your decisions?
Intriguing. 60 y/o seems young, but then the elders seem to be using the villagers for something while they 'sleep' so does that affect their age span? Are the elders somehow feeding/stealing the villagers' years?
3.) This age math is still a bit confusing to me even after learning people get kids who are 8 and not newborns. Niema and the other scientists are all well over 100. Seth is 49, his father was 60, and Emory is old enough to have a grown daughter. Is everyone else as confused as I am?
Very confused and as per answer above, all sorts of theories coming to mind. I was very confused on Emory's age too esp at the beginning, but I guess once understanding the villagers are not the biological parents and they're just 'gifted' an 8 y/o I guess all family tree math goes out the window. I also wonder about the parent-child bonds, they seem as strong as if they had raised the kids from birth. Interesting.
4.) Who or what do you think Abi is?
Some kind of AI developed by the elders to control the villagers? If you've heard her your whole life as has everyone else you know, it must be really odd, maybe unfathomable, to imagine NOT having a voice in your head. And as Abi mentions it herself, you'd trust it blindly and implicitly wouldn't you? How do you separate the two, Abi from who you are? She's certainly a very effective control tool and takes one in a million (Emory) to question it!
5.) The concept of memory gems is an interesting one. Would you like access to all the memories of people who have died? Do you think this would be a curse or a blessing?
Interesting. I think a blessing first that would then become a curse? I'm struggling to picture how this would work, I'm thinking they would see it play out as from the person's perspective but not necessarily see/hear the person's thoughts? I can see how on one hand it would make the separation and death acceptance easier, but on the other, what if people just get consumed by it, as in all they do is replay that again and again and stop contributing to the community? I also wonder how Seth, who was so devastated about his wife's death, eventually stopped using/obsessing about the gem? Do gems expire at all? Or could you see your great-grandfather's gem and for all generations to come all ancestors' gems would be available?
DQs Day 3- Chapters 35-5111. Does anyone else want to slap Emory's father Seth? Any ideas why he is so dismissive of her?
I think that is his way of perhaps, protecting her. But I also feel that the love and emotions are a bit different at this time. I mean who knows if they were made differently.
12. The way Thea describes the villagers, she hold no regard for them, except as slave labor so to speak. So, was Niema changing them or something, trying to make them more human?
Hard to say. It feels like Niema was trying to be better but she seems like the one in charge and therefore put this all in place.
13. What do you think about Niema's safeguard so no one in the know would kill her? Do you think that the threat (and now reality) of dropping the shield was Niema or Abi?
I do think the safeguard was for protection and I think Abi and Neima had control to take it down. And in this case I feel like it was Abi who took it down.
14. If the villagers are basically programmed to not be independent thinkers, why are some of them starting to do that? Or dream? Or are sleep-writing advanced equations?
I think they are evolving and Abi is losing control.
15. For those who are reading along and not ahead, do you believe Adil's statement? I think he is proof they are evolving and that is why he looks older, because he is. He is right about being lied to, and I believe they are not the only providence.
Whether you are reading ahead or just up to the day's pages, are you enjoying the book? It was harder to get into (re-read first 7 chapters) because I only have the Audio. However I think this group has helped me clear up a lot. I am enjoying the book but have to confess the Narrator is not my cup of tea, at all.
DQs Day 4Ch 52 to 68
16.) Were you surprised to learn Jack was alive? Or at least didn't drown like everyone was told?
Absolutely, why would the lie about a death like that?
17.) Did anyone else google if peeing on your hands will toughen them up? No, just me? Mkay. Apparently it's a thing some baseball players do. Thoughts about this?
Ha no but it doesn't sound correct as pee is ammonia based and gloves sound more reasonable. LOL
18.) What a unique protection system, carnivorous flowers. Would you want them on your property or a hard pass? Maybe if I had a lot of land but as is, No way would I want a crazy plant like that near me or my family.
19.) "She was afraid" "Powerful people usually are, they have the most to lose." Do you agree with Thea's statement? Absolutely I mean that is why people can be blackmailed so easily. But I kind of want it to be Neima was giving away the secret not for power but repentance.
20.) Well, do you think Emory is right? That Hephaestus killed Niema? If so, why do you think he did it? No because would the memory extractor really work after everyone's minds were wiped. But very plausible it was an elder as they have the most to lose.
My question is why doesn't Abi know, or maybe it does and wants to see if they can resolve it without assistance and if so then they are ready for something greater?
DQs Day 4Ch 52 to 68
16.) Were you surprised to learn Jack was alive? Or at least didn't drown like everyone was told?
I was surprised, and then I was surprised that I was surprised. Niema had a lot of things going on behind the scenes, and as much as she seemed to really like or love the villagers, she still didn't feel the need to keep them in the loop.
17.) Did anyone else google if peeing on your hands will toughen them up? No, just me? Mkay. Apparently it's a thing some baseball players do. Thoughts about this?
I did not google that. I did think about peeing on a jellyfish bite, but I think that may have been debunked? As someone who works with their hands, and often gets blisters, I think I will still forgo the peeing thing. Bandaids work just fine.
18.) What a unique protection system, carnivorous flowers. Would you want them on your property or a hard pass?
Tempting, as the main doorbell ringers for me are those peddling religion or politics. Friends know to come in the back door.
19.) "She was afraid" "Powerful people usually are, they have the most to lose." Do you agree with Thea's statement?
Yes. I have never wanted power over others. Well, I joke about becoming queen of the universe, when I get pissy about something happening in the world, but I would be a benevolent ruler and I would ask for many many opinions before I used my power to smite anyone. I swear.
But, those with power seem to really want to keep it, and they will do horrible things to keep it. So, I guess they are afraid of becoming a regular schlub like the rest of us.
20.) Well, do you think Emory is right? That Hephaestus killed Niema? If so, why do you think he did it?
I have finished, so I will not answer this one.
DQs Day 3- Chapters 35-51 11. Does anyone else want to slap Emory's father Seth? Any ideas why he is so dismissive of her?
I will join everyone else in not knowing how parents can act that way toward children and the not direct biologic children is not excuse.
12. The way Thea describes the villagers, she hold no regard for them, except as slave labor so to speak. So, was Niema changing them or something, trying to make them more human?
I have finished the book but throughout Niema gives them a chance to be and do more while the others see the only as tools.
13. What do you think about Niema's safeguard so no one in the know would kill her? Do you think that the threat (and now reality) of dropping the shield was Niema or Abi?
I’ve finished reading but was very similar to Angie at this point. Something fishy was going on.
14. If the villagers are basically programmed to not be independent thinkers, why are some of them starting to do that? Or dream? Or are sleep-writing advanced equations?
I like Judith’s answer of Life will find a way and I am currently reading Children of Ruin which has all sorts of non-humanoid species evolving but that is on the surface, a limitation with the lab origin model since they should not evolve since we don’t have reproduction and selection unless something is going on in the lab.
15. For those who are reading along and not ahead, do you believe Adil's statement?
Whether you are reading ahead or just up to the day's pages, are you enjoying the book?
I am done and I enjoyed the book while not my favorite of the author’s, it was a good, fast read and a fun puzzle.
DQs Day 4Ch 52 to 68
16.) Were you surprised to learn Jack was alive? Or at least didn't drown like everyone was told?
Yes, I was surprised and also surprised that (view spoiler)
17.) Did anyone else google if peeing on your hands will toughen them up? No, just me? Mkay. Apparently it's a thing some baseball players do. Thoughts about this?
Hahaha no I did not and I don't believe that's true at all, also found it really unhygienic, other people may also touch the pee covered oars..... All I can think about was Thea and Emory used the same oars later.
18.) What a unique protection system, carnivorous flowers. Would you want them on your property or a hard pass?
Hard Pass, I was scared reading about them.
19.) "She was afraid" "Powerful people usually are, they have the most to lose." Do you agree with Thea's statement?
Yes agreed, powerful people usually have the most and so they can lose more that's the reason we see fear and greed in super rich & powerful people. Niema was definitely afraid to lose things.
20.) Well, do you think Emory is right? That Hephaestus killed Niema? If so, why do you think he did it?
I don't know, literally everyone had a motive to kill her, Hephaestus has the most brute strength to do the damage that was done to her. But in anger if many people attacked her then the same injuries are possible. I am eager to read the next set and find out.
DQs Day 5: Chapters 69 - end 21. What an ending? Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
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21. What an ending? Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
I did like how the book ended. I actually liked Abi's final choice and that she accepted it as for the instead of being some diabolical AI that used circumstances to take control of everything.
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
I was mostly just reading along. I do think Abi narrating made it harder to connect. I felt like I was floating above the story instead of being a part of it.
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
I guess it doesn't really matter as it was an effective device in setting up the circumstances. I assumed some environmental chemical disaster when it was first described.
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
Ohh, interesting question and good point about this. I know there a several but right now my brain is failing me. I think I need more coffee.
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
I think genre hopping is hard for authors. One because not all writing styles work well in all genres. And I can see it being hard to get your editor or publisher to be on board with that since it impacts your audience
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DQs Day 5: Chapters 69 - end21. What an ending? Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
I loved the ending! I wanted and was hoping for something like this and it was satisfying.
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
I was connected to Emory and how she thought and investigated the things. I honestly did not like Abi and saw it more as a shady character in the book up until the end (view spoiler)
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
Interestingly this question did not cross my mind but now that I think about it, it might be artificially engineered in a lab that got out of hand.
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
I actually while reading this thought it will make for an amazing mini-series, might be the differences in the villagers and elders would have to be made less glaring.
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
I did not read the authors note but maybe I will after this question. I definitely want to read other books by this author purely because I enjoyed the storyline and the pacing.
DQs Day 5 - Chapter 69 to end21. What an ending! Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
Oh, Abi! Her ending sat right with me; I'm glad that (view spoiler) And as for the rest, yes, that was a great ending as far as I was concerned.
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
I connected most with Emory; I was cheering for her all along! I enjoyed her character a lot. I also enjoyed Abi as narrator. I'm not sure that impacted ow to related to the characters or not; I think I'd have to read a different version of the book told another way to really answer that.
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
I hadn't even thought about that until this question, and for me it doesn't matter.
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
I can't think of any books off the top of my head. I know, too, there are books I've read that I remember thinking are better as print/digital than audio--books that have incredibly convoluted plots, etc. But again, I can't think of any off the top.
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
Yes, mine had that note. I'm very glad I read this book. As I mentioned somewhere else, I've read Evelyn Hardcastle, and based on that I'd decided I wasn't interested in reading more books by Turton. And I wouldn't have read this if not for the buddy read opportunity. Now I'm eager to read The Devil and the Dark Water. He mentioned his next book (at least as he saw it as of the writing of his author's note) will be "a more contemporary thriller thing." I am in for that!
DQs Day 5: Chapters 69 - end 21. What an ending? Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
I think Abi made the correct choice, but since that choice was made, it made me wonder if Abi had any self-determination at all, or was just following orders until the bitter end. Since I spent a good portion of the book being angry with Abi, it makes me question whether I should have redirected that anger.
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
I didn't really connect with anyone. I didn't mind Abi narrating, as I don't think that Emory or anyone else's inner thoughts would have been that interesting to bond with. that sentiment made sense in my head. I was reading to find out how many of my many many questions would be answered. Most of them were.
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
I spent most of the book thinking that Niema, or her colleagues created the fog. I was a bit disappointed that the fog was never explained. Although, it does leave room for a sequel, which it is unlikely this author will write.
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
Since I am currently reading the new Bobiverse book, I think that series would be hard to put on screen. I think that this one could maybe get done, if it is made clear that the differences in physical attributes was mainly internal, and not external. It would be an info dump instead of seeing people with built in armor and the like.
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
I really like this approach to writing. A few more authors who do this with varying degrees of success (but mainly good) are Matt Haddon, Matt Haig, Christopher Priest, and Matt Ruff, and I did not mean to mainly name Matts. They were just the first few who popped into my head.
I think I would have preferred this book better without the buddy read aspect. If I had just sat down and read it cover to cover without analyzing it, I think it would have been a better ride. I will give this author another go for sure.
DQs Day 5: Chapters 69 - end21. What an ending? Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
- I thought it was, overall, a pretty satisfying ending. Everything got wrapped up nice and I feel good about where everything landed!
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
- I was mostly just reading along. I know it was from Abi's perspective, but it really just felt like third person. When reading in third person, I feel like I'm watching it unfold, rather than being wrapped up in it.
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
- I had assumed that it was made in a lab and got out of control or that it was some freak thing that showed up one day. But in the end, I don't think it matters too much, I'm just curious.
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
- I cannot think of too many books that wouldn't work as a movie/tv show off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are some out there!
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
- There are only a few authors that I specifically watch out for their new books- I like a lot of different genres, so I mainly will just find something in a genre that I like and read it!
DQs Day 5: Chapters 69 - end21. What an ending? Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
I don't know if Abi was ever in control of anything they did. I believe it to be a program and that the ending was the only option for Abi. Possibly unable to continue on without Thea. Which would make sense if She was the one who created Abi. Not sure I cared for the happily ever after ending. I have sooooo many questions!
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
I did not connect and I think it was because Abi was narrating. I think several POV's would have been more fun.
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
That was one of my peeves of the book because it was such a prominent part of the story and I was like WTH!
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
I think this would make a great episode type show. I kinda feel almost any book could be made into a movie/tv series. I think Sci-Fi is a little harder to sell, as most people would prefer drama over that.
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
No!! I would have loved to read that. Maybe I will go look around some libraries for that.
Catherine BOM Tracking for TokensDQ1- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
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DQs Day 4 ~ Ch 52 to 6816.) Were you surprised to learn Jack was alive? Or at least didn't drown like everyone was told?
I was surprised, but also surprised I wasn't expecting this.
17.) Did anyone else google if peeing on your hands will toughen them up? No, just me? Mkay. Apparently it's a thing some baseball players do. Thoughts about this?
Nope! But I also thought it was weird and that gloves or something else would work!
18.) What a unique protection system, carnivorous flowers. Would you want them on your property or a hard pass?
It is tempting! But, I get way too many deliveries for that to be an option at my home. Now, if I had a secluded getaway area that could become an option.
19.) "She was afraid" "Powerful people usually are, they have the most to lose." Do you agree with Thea's statement?
Yes. As other have said many people with power will do anything to keep it and if they want to keep it that badly, they have to be afraid of losing it.
20.) Well, do you think Emory is right? That Hephaestus killed Niema? If so, why do you think he did it?
I continued to have the same thought as I mentioned earlier as to who killed Niema. I did not suspect the Hephaestus.
DQs Day 5: Chapters 69 - end21. What an ending? Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
I was relieved that Abi final choice followed Niema's wishes and she wasn't actually trying to take over the world!
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
I was mostly just reading along. I think that we got more information with Abi narrating, not sure whether it effected connecting with the characters though.
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
All in all, I guess it didn't matter, but I really wanted to know! I thought Niema and the scientists had accidentally created it.
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
This is an interesting thought. I think there are probably a lot of books where you would lose a lot of information that is in the book (I've always thought that people who watched the Hunger Games movie and never read the book were missing so much!). But I also think that most could be effective movies, and only people who have read the book would know what was missing/lost in translation.
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
I think it is hard for most authors to do successfully. I applaud those who can. If it is an author that I really enjoy, I would try anything they write regardless of the genre. If it is an author that I didn't have a great experience reading, I might try a book in a different genre.
Angie ☯'s BOM Participation Tracking:September 2024 ~ Adult ~ The Last Murder at the End of the World
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DQs Day 5: Chapters 69 - end 21. What an ending? Did you like how everything ended up fitting together? Thought’s on Abi’s role and final choice?
I also liked how the book ended. I liked that Abi stepped back and let the villagers live their own life and thought it was clever that throughout she was doing her instructions but did them in a way that Niema would not have planned or potentially approved of. It gave the outcome another level of complexity and explained the inconsistencies.
22. Did you connect with any of the characters or were you mostly reading along to see how the mystery ended? Does Abi “narrating” the book effect how you were able to connect with the characters?
I wrote this question, so I read it more as a puzzle and the reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is that is was hard for me to connect to the characters. I liked Emory but I never had any sympathy for the humans/scientists and I think that would have made the book stronger/more complex. The puzzle part was great though.
23. We never learn where the fog came from. Do you have any guesses, and do you think it matters?
I ‘m not sure it matters, but I wondered if Niema was involved. She seemed to know a lot and had a safe haven ready when no one else appears to have.
24. Reading this I realized that some books really would not work in a visual medium, as the visuals would ruin the surprise on the non-humanity of the villagers fairly quickly. Do you agree and do you have other book examples of ones that a visual media would not allow the same story to be told? (Think comic book as well if not movie for books with heavy internal thoughts that might be more difficult as a movie/tv show).
I have read others where you have a non-human narrator and that is left unknown for much of the book and the reveal is very interesting. Also, there are books that purposely leave the narrator more unknown – nameless, genderless etc. This keeps the reader from jumping to conclusions that would be done with a visual media. I think of Murderbot and a male actor for this as well.
25. Does your copy have the Author’s note about how he writes different book genres/ IF it does, what do you think about this for an author and how does it affect you desire to read other books/new books by this author?
I liked the Author’s note and find it interesting that the author explains this to the reader. I still like his second book best. I would try another book but contemporary thrillers are not my personal favorite genre.
Lexi's BOM Participation Tracking:
September 2024 ~ Adult ~ The Last Murder at the End of the World
Day 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
1.) Did you read 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle or The Devil and the Dark Water or is this your first Turton? Any expectations either way going into this book? The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle was my introduction to Stuart Turton and I enjoyed it. I did recently purchase The Devil & The Dark Water but haven't started it. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this one.
2.) What did you think of humans having a hard stop on their life at their 60th birthday? Did you thoughts change at all when you learned kids don't show up on the island until age 8? How do you think knowing the maximum length of your life would impact your decisions?
I thought it was an interesting age/choice to stop/end the life at. Not getting a kid until they are 8 is interesting as well. For both ages, I don't know if it would impact my decisions or not. It is certainly something to think about.
3.) This age math is still a bit confusing to me even after learning people get kids who are 8 and not newborns. Niema and the other scientists are all well over 100. Seth is 49, his father was 60, and Emory is old enough to have a grown daughter. Is everyone else as confused as I am?
I thought that the age math was a bit confusing. But I thought it also made it a bit more interesting as well.
4.) Who or what do you think Abi is?
In my mind, Abi is some sort of intelligence/surveillance system.
5.) The concept of memory gems is an interesting one. Would you like access to all the memories of people who have died? Do you think this would be a curse or a blessing?
If they were happy memories, I might be interested in accessing them, but out side of that I wouldn't want to know. I think it could potentially be a curse because the memories show you everything and to me that isn't always a good thing.
6. With Abi putting all to sleep together, do you think it lets some sleep when they want to, Like the scientist?
I am not entirely sure.
Ch 52 to 68
16.) Were you surprised to learn Jack was alive? Or at least didn't drown like everyone was told?
- I was- this was a twist that I did not see coming at all!
17.) Did anyone else google if peeing on your hands will toughen them up? No, just me? Mkay. Apparently it's a thing some baseball players do. Thoughts about this?
- Only one: gross.
18.) What a unique protection system, carnivorous flowers. Would you want them on your property or a hard pass?
- I think its so interesting! Maybe, but I would really only want them on overnight I guess, so maybe not?
19.) "She was afraid" "Powerful people usually are, they have the most to lose." Do you agree with Thea's statement?
- I agree that they are afraid, but I think this statement also shows how greedy some powerful people are.
20.) Well, do you think Emory is right? That Hephaestus killed Niema? If so, why do you think he did it?
- I had so many guesses throughout the book, I know I thought it was him at least a couple times!