Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series.

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party--or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, and the Fair Folk.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily's research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones--the most elusive of all faeries--lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she'll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all--her own heart.

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nominator: Lexi

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapters 		%age		MPDQs
2 Feb		20 October - 30 October	29%	Lexi
3 Feb		31 October -18 November	47 %	Mel
********* Break Day ***********
5 Feb		19 November-3 December(?)74%	Judith
6 Feb		4 December (?) - end	100%	Sammy

Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
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.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?

Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here

DQ Volunteers

Nominator: Lexi (day 1, unless a different request is made)

Mel
Judith
Sammy

Participation Verified

Mel https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Sammy https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Catherine https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Judith https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Angie https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Re-read for me, but I'll come play 😁

Also a re-read, but it will be good to refresh the experience before going on to book 2.

So, in for DQs. :)

Sammy wrote: "Re-read for me, but I'll come play 😁"

Come play with DQs, or just for the craic of the chat?

I'll do DQs if you don't have enough volunteers banging down the doors 😉

I'm in for DQs

Days assigned!

I've put a break day in, but feel free to run riot and remove it :)

Enjoy!

Works for me!

Works for me too. 😊

Yep, all good.

I should likely go get the book considering this starts soon but good for day 1.

Lexi, if you run into procurement issues I can swap if you need the extra days. Just give a shout!

I picked it up the last time Tiny Tyrant asked to go to the bookstore

Judith wrote: "Lexi, if you run into procurement issues I can swap if you need the extra days. Just give a shout!

I picked it up the last time Tiny Tyrant asked to go to the bookstore"

I might need that. I'm 2nd in line with 24 copies so fingers crossed. I should have thought of this earlier but I got back from a conference to a document that was due the same day to meetings start at 7:30 am today.

If it comes to it, I can swap too, and then you can do the final set with no serious time pressure?

Lexi, I’m starting the book today so if you want to swap to get some breathing room, we can

Sammy wrote: "If it comes to it, I can swap too, and then you can do the final set with no serious time pressure?"

I will take you up on that Sammy. I will find a copy by then.

No problem, I'm just starting now.

Judith, do you want to do day 1 or 3? I'm happy with either.

Either is fine with me. Since it’s a reread for you, I’ll let you pick which one is easier for you

I'll take day 1 then. I'm hoping to read it in a couple of days anyway 😁

Sounds good!

DQs Day 1

1. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting?
have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you will cope if you haven't?
Also splitting logs... Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs?

2. How do you feel about footnotes? *

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Bambleby?

* For an example of using footnotes in a genius way, I recommend Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov.

1. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting?
have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you will cope if you haven't?
Also splitting logs... Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs?

I enjoy this kind of setting in books. and postcards. Not so much in real life!
Our first winter in the place my parents still live now was an unusually severe one. Temperatures of -20 C and the snow was so deep the entire house was buried under the snow (we had to decamp to my grandfather's house who wasn't hit as badly!), you couldn't even see a chimney! It was made so much worse because there wasn't any central heating in the house, and all the water pipes ended up freezing and bursting! I used to wake up in the mornings and my hair would actually be frozen, and if I wasn't careful would snap right off! Brrrr!
I did used to do a lot of wood chopping though! But after the arthritis set in at 35, the fact that my hand would just randomly stop gripping without warning meant stuff like that is just too dangerous to risk. I like having limbs! 😆

2. How do you feel about footnotes?

As a die-hard Pratchett fan I am no stranger to a footnote. I have found that they are rarely as amusing in other books though...

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?

I would totally chicken out of that one.

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Bambleby?

I like Emily. I appreciate that she isn't little miss perfect. Too many MCs are. Bambleby really should annoy me no end, as so many things I dislike in characters seem to apply to him, but for some reason he just works. (view spoiler)[ I blame faerie magic... (hide spoiler)]

DQs Day 1

1. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting?
have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you will cope if you haven't?
Also splitting logs... Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs?

I don’t like the cold so only like snowy settings in books or photos. They are often beautiful but I don’t want to be out in it. I don’t want to be splitting logs either.

2. How do you feel about footnotes?

I’m fine with them.

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?

I think I would enjoy reading about them but I’m not sure I would want to meet them.

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Bambleby?

Emily reminds me of some other female scholarly characters: Isabella from The Memoirs of Lady Trent series and Amelia from the Amelia Peabody series. I like her.

Bambleby should be annoying but I find him quite charming.

DQs Day 1

1. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting?
have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you will cope if you haven't?
Also splitting logs... Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs?

I went to college at Penn State and that sometimes got rather cold/we got a lot of snow. I actually enjoy the cold and when it snows. I think it looks so beautiful especially at night under the street lamps. I think I would be fine in this setting. I also think I would be find with cutting logs.

2. How do you feel about footnotes? *

I'm fine with them (I find them to be funny at times), although I have been struggling to find the asterisk a few times.

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?

Yes. If there is an established fact that faeries exist, I would assume there would be a group of people that would want to study them and I think this would force a profession into existence (at least in my opinion, if there's a group of people that study a topic, it can be a profession)

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Bambleby?

I think Emily lacks all social skills and Bambleby is INCREDibly obnoxious with how much he sleeps and expects everything to be done for him. But I think they make a great pair put together. Emily is all business and Bambleby is the talker. They need each other in a sense.

DQs Day 1

1. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting?
have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you will cope if you haven't?
Also splitting logs... Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs?
I'm not sure that I'm a natural-born survivor, but if I knew that the place I was travelling to would be cold and snowy, I would try to make sure to be much better prepared than Emily.
Honestly, I felt a bit baffled, that she claims that she had been at field trips in Russia, etc, but seems to lack even the most basic skills of building a fire, etc.
I'm also not a skilled lumberjack, but I hope I would fare better than her.


2. How do you feel about footnotes? *
While these footnotes are clearly not reaching to Pratchettian heights , I'm generally OK with them here and elsewhere. 😊

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?
A resounding NO. But I may be one of those persons who'd be leaving food offerings or other small stuff for them. Better to be safe than sorry.

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Bambleby?
I kind of like Emily , but dislike her at the same time? even though this is a re-read. I like that she's really smart in some ways and dislike how clueless she is in some practical skills. Absent-minded professor is OK, but you can push that a bit too far.

For some reason I didn't like Bambleby on first read and still don't.

Even though his name suggests a Fae Oscar Wilde (Bambleby-Bunbury) alter ego.

I can totally see him as a fae Oscar Wilde!

DQs Day 1

1. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting?
Have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you would cope if you haven’t?
Also splitting logs…Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs?

I think it’s effective in setting a remote, isolated, lonely area for her to be in. For some reason tropical places don’t come across the same way as easily even though the person can be just as isolated.
I’ve been in really cold places. Went to grad school in Maine, Quebec and Iceland trips in winter but never without proper gear and access to modern conveniences. With her situation what would kill me is the outhouse at night. Brrr.
I feel like there is an art to splitting logs safely and efficiently that I have not learned. I’d give it a go though.

2. How do you feel about footnotes?
I think they work here. Emily is a scholar and she’s using footnotes for accreditation and additional info. It works for her character, some nonfiction authors might want to take that under consideration. *judgy face*

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?
Maybe? But probably more as protecting their spaces in the mortal world and not really what Emily is doing.

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Brambleby?
I like she’s not perfect and has made definite blunders. I’m looking forward to her character growth. Brambleby is not my favorite and I wouldn’t trust him as a colleague in terms of sharing credit, etc.

Sammy wrote: "I can totally see him as a fae Oscar Wilde!"

🤭

This is my first read of this book.

. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting?

It works for me - it's really cold here, and there is a lot of snow, so it's nice to read a book set in a similar climate.

Although I agree with the rest of the folks - why is she so unprepared? Is she used to having servants where she studies? It doesn't seem like she does, but she sure is acting like it.

have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you will cope if you haven't?
Also splitting logs... Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs?

I would be okay splitting logs. Although I'd make sure there was a hospital nearby, just in case..

2. How do you feel about footnotes? *

Well, I'm listening to the book, so I guess I don't notice :)

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?

Nah, I'm too clueless. I'd end up in a fairy ring for sure.
Funny thing though - I just finished reading a book about a scientist who studies killer whales. There are some definite similarities between the two main characters! Come to think of it, Alexandra Morton went from Connecticut to British Columbia, and was pretty unprepared. She learned a lot about living in a cold climate by just being there and trying to survive.

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Bambleby?
I like Emily. Her scientific side is nice to read about. Bambleby is okay - I kind of gloss over his part.

DQs - Day 2

5. I spy with my little eye: Faeries. 🧚‍♀️
Faeries, faes are very popular creatures in Fantasy. Do you like books featuring them or try to avoid them? How do you feel the author manages them here? Is it similar to other books of the genre or different?

6. In this part we have further confirmation that Emily's assumption about Bambleby's origins are correct. But it seems like her dog Shadow may also not be what he seems to be. Any ideas? 🐕

7. I have to say that I found the story of the couple who are left with the changeling really tragic. Apart from some weak and unsatisfactory attempts on Emily's and Bambleby's side, they seem to be left to their fate by the villagers to sink or swim. What do you think will happen to them?

8. As I was reading along, the thought struck me why I didn't like Bambleby. To me it seems that despite being socially awkward and inept, Emily is a caring person, while Bambleby very much displays the suavity and heartlessness of his kind. What do you think?

Bonus: a little quiz about what kind of fairy are you? 😁

https://www.buzzfeed.com/willow8/fair...

5. I spy with my little eye: Faeries. 🧚‍♀️
Faeries, faes are very popular creatures in Fantasy. Do you like books featuring them or try to avoid them? How do you feel the author manages them here? Is it similar to other books of the genre or different?

I enjoy stories that feature the "little folk", but I am so very over stuff with courtly fae. SJM has killed that for me, I think 😆
Having said that, this book is different - much less emo for starters - and I really like it.

6. In this part we have further confirmation that Emily's assumption about Bambleby's origins are correct. But it seems like her dog Shadow may also not what he seems to be. Any ideas? 🐕

no comment, as re-read 😉

7. I have to say that I found the story of the couple who are left with the changeling really tragic. Apart from some weak and unsatisfactory attempts on Emily's and Bambleby's side, they seem to be left to their fate by the villagers to sink or swim. What do you think will happen to them?

also no comment.

8. As I was reading along, the thought struck me why I didn't like Bambleby. To me it seems that despite socially awkward and inept, Emily is a caring person, while Bambleby very much displays the suavity and heartlessness of his kind? What do you think?

While I think there is some of that, I think he is actually far more caring than most of his kind. He may try to hide it, but I don't think he's very good at it!

Bonus: a little quiz about what kind of fairy are you? 😁

Apparently:

Water Fairy
You are charming and agreeable (you literally "go with the flow"), which makes it easy to make friends. You are heavily in touch with your emotions.

DQs - Day 2

5. I spy with my little eye: Faeries. 🧚‍♀️
Faeries, faes are very popular creatures in Fantasy. Do you like books featuring them or try to avoid them? How do you feel the author manages them here? Is it similar to other books of the genre or different?
Very much the same feelings, Sammy, on all fronts. 🤭
I really like that while Emily is scientifically interested in Faeries, she's not obsessed with them otherwise and this makes this all quite "healthy".

6. In this part we have further confirmation that Emily's assumption about Bambleby's origins are correct. But it seems like her dog Shadow may also not be what he seems to be. Any ideas? 🐕
This is also a reread for me, but I was a bit surprised about him the first time I read the book.😊

7. I have to say that I found the story of the couple who are left with the changeling really tragic. Apart from some weak and unsatisfactory attempts on Emily's and Bambleby's side, they seem to be left to their fate by the villagers to sink or swim. What do you think will happen to them?
Also no comment. :)

8. As I was reading along, the thought struck me why I didn't like Bambleby. To me it seems that despite being socially awkward and inept, Emily is a caring person, while Bambleby very much displays the suavity and heartlessness of his kind. What do you think?
Maybe my dislike can be connected with the fact that I was sure even on first read that sooner or later (view spoiler)[there would be some romance involved and I'm sooo over that (hide spoiler)] and I just did not want the story to go that way. Will try to uphold full judgement until the end of the book, maybe this time I will change my mind about B.


Bonus: a little quiz about what kind of fairy are you? 😁

Also Water Fairy.

DQs - Day 2

5. I spy with my little eye: Faeries. 🧚‍♀️
Faeries, faes are very popular creatures in Fantasy. Do you like books featuring them or try to avoid them? How do you feel the author manages them here? Is it similar to other books of the genre or different?

I don’t read a lot of books with faeries but I do like them and fairy stories. I feel that author has done a good job blending real life and the fantastical. I like that their are types of faeries I’ve heard of like brownies.

6. In this part we have further confirmation that Emily's assumption about Bambleby's origins are correct. But it seems like her dog Shadow may also not be what he seems to be. Any ideas?

I’ve read in so I know what Shadow is but I didn’t have any ideas.

7. I have to say that I found the story of the couple who are left with the changeling really tragic. Apart from some weak and unsatisfactory attempts on Emily's and Bambleby's side, they seem to be left to their fate by the villagers to sink or swim. What do you think will happen to them?

It does look quite hopeless unless Bambleby knows more than he is saying.

8. As I was reading along, the thought struck me why I didn't like Bambleby. To me it seems that despite being socially awkward and inept, Emily is a caring person, while Bambleby very much displays the suavity and heartlessness of his kind. What do you think?

I think he cares more than he lets on. He certainly cares for Emily.

Bonus: a little quiz about what kind of fairy are you?

Water Fairy
You are charming and agreeable (you literally "go with the flow"), which makes it easy to make friends. You are heavily in touch with your emotions.

DQs Day 2

5. I don’t try to avoid them but they are getting a bit overused. I agree with Sammy this is especially the case with High Fae, to the point that’s it’s almost boring. But I agree with her other point that books with the Wee Ones are interesting and largely untapped. And so much lore there to pull from.

I enjoy when authors pull from lessor known stories. So much more interesting than the same old Seelie/Unseelie, he’s so hot with a large wingspan or whatever. Time and a place 😂

I like the mix in this one and that we learn about the fae along with Emily in her research.

6. I’m assuming some sort of protector? Not sure why she has one. Maybe from helping a fae in the past? A family connection seems unlikely.

7. I hope they get help and ideally their child back but that doesn’t seem likely. Maybe find peace with their changeling?

8. He is very self centered and definitely thinks he’s above doing certain things. I know he cares for Emily but not sure why. It’s not likes he’s not dabbling in carnal pleasures do to his love for her or whatever.

I’m a tree fairy 🌳

DQs - Day 2

5. I spy with my little eye: Faeries. 🧚‍♀️
Faeries, faes are very popular creatures in Fantasy. Do you like books featuring them or try to avoid them? How do you feel the author manages them here? Is it similar to other books of the genre or different?

I like books with faeries in them. I liked fantasy in general. I think this book is similar to others.

6. In this part we have further confirmation that Emily's assumption about Bambleby's origins are correct. But it seems like her dog Shadow may also not be what he seems to be. Any ideas? 🐕

I've read this series backwards because I got the second book off of netgalley without knowing it was a series. So I know the answer, but will keep it to myself bc spoilers.

7. I have to say that I found the story of the couple who are left with the changeling really tragic. Apart from some weak and unsatisfactory attempts on Emily's and Bambleby's side, they seem to be left to their fate by the villagers to sink or swim. What do you think will happen to them?

I am hoping for a happy ending, but I'm not sure that will happen. I hope that Emily is able to help them though.

8. As I was reading along, the thought struck me why I didn't like Bambleby. To me it seems that despite being socially awkward and inept, Emily is a caring person, while Bambleby very much displays the suavity and heartlessness of his kind. What do you think?

I fully agree with this. I don't like how uncaring, lazy, and rude he is. I like Emily a lot more bc yes, she is socially inept, but at least she has a heart and will go out of her way to try to make people happy.

Bonus: a little quiz about what kind of fairy are you? 😁

Moon Fairy
You are quiet and introspective, and you don't mind being on your own. You are a mediator and appreciate the little things in life.

DQs Day 1

1. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting?
Have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you would cope if you haven’t?
Also splitting logs…Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs?

The sea adds something different but it reminds me of my time in Mongolia. So much of being there is focused on the winter and the bitter cold. Good clothes and boots are key and glad they got some. I also got a cat, which is good for mental health and camel wool blankets. Camel wool makes good blankets. I am pretty sure you should not let me near an ax just on general principle.

2. How do you feel about footnotes?
I like them in some books and not others. The e-book works fine and does not get stuck which can be an issue with older foot notes. They provide info if people want them or can be skipped. I am currently listening to Discworld and the footnotes there are somewhat awkwardly done since it is an audio but generally great fun since it is Discworld. I read one recently which had fun footnotes on all the random, horrid ways the MC’s ancestors died, which was fun - Saint Death's Daughter.

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?
Maybe but I tend to be more practical in what I study and not just recording facts but that is a very Victorian thing and very few people still do that today with modern science.

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Brambleby?
I am in part two now but at this point, he annoyed me as many males with older careers taking advantage of younger work but I like that he is more nuanced than that later. I indirectly know the people involved in this: https://www.science.org/content/artic...

DQs - Day 2
5. I spy with my little eye: Faeries. 🧚‍♀️
Faeries, faes are very popular creatures in Fantasy. Do you like books featuring them or try to avoid them? How do you feel the author manages them here? Is it similar to other books of the genre or different?

I like when they are like the myths and tricksters and not bad excuse for YA/NA romances with all the bad boy trappings and none of the substance. This is fun as it is more ”scientific” and while I can’t think of it having been done with fae, it has been done with dragons and others but still quite fun so far.

6. In this part we have further confirmation that Emily's assumption about Bambleby's origins are correct. But it seems like her dog Shadow may also not what he seems to be. Any ideas? 🐕

That was pretty clear from the start considering age, intelligence and indication that she lied about how she got him.

7. I have to say that I found the story of the couple who are left with the changeling really tragic. Apart from some weak and unsatisfactory attempts on Emily's and Bambleby's side, they seem to be left to their fate by the villagers to sink or swim. What do you think will happen to them?

I think there will be movement in the right direction and not left as is in the book

8. As I was reading along, the thought struck me why I didn't like Bambleby. To me it seems that despite socially awkward and inept, Emily is a caring person, while Bambleby very much displays the suavity and heartlessness of his kind? What do you think?

I am starting to really like him as he clearly tries and I appreciate an attempt to make everything cozy.

Bonus: a little quiz about what kind of fairy are you? 😁

Apparently:

Water Fairy – which doesn’t quite seem right

anyone tempted to nominate #2 in the Forests category? ;-P

I won't nominate, but if it happens to get nominated and wins, I could probably be persuaded to join in 😉

Lexi wrote: "

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession?
Maybe but I tend to be more practical in what I study and not just recording facts but that is a very Victorian thing and very few people still do that today with modern science."


I could totally see you doing something similar to what you do now, only with magical creatures! 😁

Cat wrote: "anyone tempted to nominate #2 in the Forests category? ;-P"

I could.... 🤭

DQs Day 3

9.) Emily seems to have a bad habit of wandering off by herself to deal with faerie problems. I'm all for independence and what not, but sometimes help is very much warranted. She got a bit lucky her first trip into faerie worked out, do you think she'll be as lucky in getting away from the King?

10.) I chuckled a bit when I realized that Wendell wrote in her journal. Did you enjoy this snippet from his POV?

11.) Wendell bemoaned a bit the lack of sword fighting in the mortal world. Thoughts on being able to settle work problems with a sword fight in the parking lot (or whatever is appropriate for your workplace)?

12.) The changeling problem has been solved (at least it appears so). Was this a satisfactory conclusion for you?

9.) Emily seems to have a bad habit of wandering off by herself to deal with faerie problems. I'm all for independence and what not, but sometimes help is very much warranted. She got a bit lucky her first trip into faerie worked out, do you think she'll be as lucky in getting away from the King?

A re-read for me, as well as already finished the book, so I shan't comment, lol.

10.) I chuckled a bit when I realized that Wendell wrote in her journal. Did you enjoy this snippet from his POV?

I did actually. But I'm also glad it was only the one entry. more effective that way, I think.

11.) Wendell bemoaned a bit the lack of sword fighting in the mortal world. Thoughts on being able to settle work problems with a sword fight in the parking lot (or whatever is appropriate for your workplace)?

Currently not an issue as I work for my husband and if I skewer him with a sword I'd be out of a job 😆
But there have been previous workplaces where I would have greatly welcomed the opportunity!

12.) The changeling problem has been solved (at least it appears so). Was this a satisfactory conclusion for you?

Yes, it was.

DQs Day 3

9.) Emily seems to have a bad habit of wandering off by herself to deal with faerie problems. I'm all for independence and what not, but sometimes help is very much warranted. She got a bit lucky her first trip into faerie worked out, do you think she'll be as lucky in getting away from the King?
Her first trip into faerie, while she ran into some bumps certainly could of been worse. And she still needed help from Wendell and Shadow to get out of it. Now with the Ice King, she has neither with her and that seems like poor choices are her part. I'm guessing Wendell will be involved in getting her out of it but there'll be a high price.

10.) I chuckled a bit when I realized that Wendell wrote in her journal. Did you enjoy this snippet from his POV?
This made me like him more actually. I enjoyed the bit from his POV and thought it was just enough. As I was reading that, all I could think was Emily is going to be so annoyed when she sees her journal. LOL

11.) Wendell bemoaned a bit the lack of sword fighting in the mortal world. Thoughts on being able to settle work problems with a sword fight in the parking lot (or whatever is appropriate for your workplace)?
This would be amazing. We should all have this option or Friday dodgeball games where you can pelt annoying coworkers during the game. Not that I'm condoning violence *looks away*

12.) The changeling problem has been solved (at least it appears so). Was this a satisfactory conclusion for you?
Yes, I like how it wasn't a rando thread but fit into the larger story/issues of the area.

DQs Day 3

9.) Emily seems to have a bad habit of wandering off by herself to deal with faerie problems. I'm all for independence and what not, but sometimes help is very much warranted. She got a bit lucky her first trip into faerie worked out, do you think she'll be as lucky in getting away from the King?

I think Bambleby is going to need to save her from the king. He doesn't seem welcoming of all the no's she has given him. And yes, I find her independence annoying at times.

10.) I chuckled a bit when I realized that Wendell wrote in her journal. Did you enjoy this snippet from his POV?

I loved this bit! I thought it was really really funny!

11.) Wendell bemoaned a bit the lack of sword fighting in the mortal world. Thoughts on being able to settle work problems with a sword fight in the parking lot (or whatever is appropriate for your workplace)?

I would love this. Even just having the ability to throw like a snowball at someone who has annoyed you!

12.) The changeling problem has been solved (at least it appears so). Was this a satisfactory conclusion for you?

I thought it was pretty anti-climatic, but it solved the problem. I think that was the end of the changeling problem as I can't see a way for it to pop up again.

DQs Day 3

9.) Emily seems to have a bad habit of wandering off by herself to deal with faerie problems. I'm all for independence and what not, but sometimes help is very much warranted. She got a bit lucky her first trip into faerie worked out, do you think she'll be as lucky in getting away from the King?
A re-read for me, but I think I remember thinking back then that she won't be able to get out of this without help.


10.) I chuckled a bit when I realized that Wendell wrote in her journal. Did you enjoy this snippet from his POV?
Yes, it was quite funny and in character. He knew he would annoy Emily, but he delighted in doing that.

11.) Wendell bemoaned a bit the lack of sword fighting in the mortal world. Thoughts on being able to settle work problems with a sword fight in the parking lot (or whatever is appropriate for your workplace)?
I hate conflicts, so settling it with sword fight does not appeal in general. Not that I'm not tempted to hit some people on the head with a heavy object sometimes... 😂

12.) The changeling problem has been solved (at least it appears so). Was this a satisfactory conclusion for you?
Yes, it was nicely interwoven with the main story arch as well. I was relieved that it was concluded the way it was.

DQs Day 1

1. Emily finds herself in a very cold, snowy location, and worries about surviving the cold.
What do you think of the setting? I think it's a perfect setting for right now in my area. I'm cold so I feel her being cold
have you ever found yourself in similar surroundings, and how did you cope, or how do you believe you will cope if you haven't? Definitely need blankets, and many layers when your outside. I do feel for Emily as she is not familiar with how to do things such as cutting wood and building a decent fire.
Also splitting logs... Would you manage like a boss, or risk loss of limbs? I would definitely try but unsure how well that would work.

2. How do you feel about footnotes? * At first it was weird and kindof annoying, but I decided to just go with it. But honestly I think I skipped some of them or ignored them.

3. In a world where the existence of faeries is an established fact, would you consider dryadology as a profession? Absolutely. Thats what I feel is so much different and fun about this book. Is it isn't a high fantasy type read but more historical.

4. What do you think of Emily so far? And Bambleby? Emily is very uptight and needs things to go a certain way or at least be in charge. I feel like Bambleby is very child like as he seems kindof clueless. But so much fun as the two together is pretty funny to read,