Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who frequently leave her behind.

When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.

With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

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nominator: MelanieJoy

Official Page Count: 416

Chapter Breakdown

Date	Chapters 				MPDQs
18 May	Prologue - 				MelanieJoy (Icono)
		Part One, Chapter 5
19 May 	Part One, Chapter 6 - 			Rina (Liz)
		Part One, Chapter 12
20 May	Part Two, Chapter 13 - Chapter 17	Lousie (3P)
21 May 	Part Three, Chapter 18 - 		Logan (Lotus)	
		Part Three, Chapter 23
22 May	Part Three, Chapter 24 - 		Judith (Belem)	
		Part Three, Chapter 29
23 May	Part Four, Chapter 30 - 		Teddie (ESB)
		Epilogue

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?

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DQ Volunteers

nom (guaranteed): MelanieJoy (Icono)

Judith (Belem)
Lexi (Belem)
Catherine (2nd set if poss) (Burj)
Teddie (ESB)
Logan (Lotus)
Preeti (Sky)
Insiyah (Sky)
Aiswrya (Pisa)
Cordelia (Icono)
Ashley (Pisa)
Jenny (ESB)
Angie (ESB)
Ushashi (CNT)
E (Lotus)
Louise (3P)
Rina (Liz)
Judy (OoA)
Apoorv (ESB)
Fiona (3P)
Cat (Liz)

Randomised List

Icono guaranteed as nominator team

There were 10 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Liz
3P
Lotus
Belem
ESB
Pisa
CNT
Burj
Sky
OoA

Timestamp: 2025-05-13 09:34:30 UTC

Participation Verified

Judith https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Ashley https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Shannon https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Teddie https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Tammie https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Christina https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Catherine https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
ChrisP https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Jenny https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Preeti https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Insiyah https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Angie https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
RachelG https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Rina https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Alaina https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Fiona https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Judy https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I’m in for DQs (Team Belem)

Me too, I'm in for DQs (Team Belem)

I have the book and can assist with DQ's for Team Burj Khalifa

I can do DQs (Team Empire State Building)

YOU GUYS MY BOOK WON!!!!! I don't think I've EVER won a nomination before. Super excited!!!!

And yes I'm in for DQs, any day.
(Team Icono Tower)

I can do DQs. (ETA: Team Lotus Tower)

I'm in for DQs and am ok with any day.

(Edit: Volunteering for Team Sky Tower)

I'm in for DQs as well! Team Sky Tower

I’m in for DQs. Day 1 if possible. TT leaning tower of Pisa

Volunteering for DQs (Team Icono Tower)

Volunteering for LTofPisa! :)

For those that haven't already done so, if you are playing Tower Teams this year, please edit your post to include your team name.

THANK YOU!!

Volunteering for DQs- team Empire State Building

Volunteering for DQs - (Team Empire State Building)

Volunteering for DQs (Team CN Towers)

My gosh! I have the book sitting here staring at me, waiting to be read and I almost forgot to sign up haha.

Volunteering for DQs (Team Lotus Tower)

Eta: as back-up since Logan from Team Lotus Tower has already signed up :-)

Volunteering for DQs from Team Three Pagodas

Volunteering for DQs - Team Elizabeth Tower

Volunteering for DQs - Team Obelisk of Axum :)

Volunteering for DQs - Team Empire State Building :)

Volunteering as Backup for DQs - Team Three Pagodas

I'll be backup for Liz

Days have been allocated.

As we are in a challenge, you can't horse-trade your day amongst other teams, but if you have a backup member listed from your team you can swap them in.

If you don't have a backup, or they can't do your allocated day, we'll move to the next team on the randomised list

Enjoy!

I’m good with my day, thank you randomizer 🙂

I'm good with my day - yay!

My library hold is ready.

I’m ready and my day works!

reading for Axum

I can't get hold of this at the moment but it does sound interesting. Does anyone know how much of it is set in Egypt? it might work for a different challenge I am doing

Notifications ticked, I’m good with my day.

I'm also good with my day.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

MelanieJoy DQ Links:
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: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 6: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue – Part 1, Chapter 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, a cheesy start, or are you indifferent?
Indifferent — I figured out what the letter was going to say based on the précis, so it didn’t leave much of an impression.

2. Why do you think Tío Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and insist they be chaperoned and taken care of?
I’m very suspicious of this guy. I feel like he has something to do with the parents’ death. While some of his dismissal might stem from the typical male mindset of that time, I suspect most of it is driven by his need to hide something from Inez.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses about its significance?
Oh yeah, that scene made my blood boil. That man was a total ass! I do expect the ring to play a role later in the story — it probably leads to some kind of hidden treasure.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions, or do you prefer a more fast-paced story?
I think the pace is a little slow. The dialogue is repetitive. After the 100th time she talked about how her parents' abandonment affected her, I was just like — I get it, move on! LOL. I feel cold-hearted saying that!

5. In Chapter 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you, or will you feel bogged down by the details?
Hmm, I’m not sure yet. If this turns out to be a typical Indiana Jones setup with a bit of romance thrown in, I’m going to be very disappointed.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?
I liked it and thought it was a strong opening.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?
At first, I suspected he might be the villain and had something to do with her parents’ deaths. But after the dinner scene, I changed my mind: I think he’s actually a decent person. I get the sense that he and Inez’s parents were living under constant threat, and he didn’t want Inez to be exposed to that danger. He probably also believed she needed protection but didn’t have the resources (men or money) to provide it.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?
I’m sure Inez will want the ring back, so I expect she’ll either try to confront Sterling or find a way to steal it from him. The ring definitely seems to have some kind of magical significance - maybe it’s linked to Cleopatra in some way?

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?
The book reads quickly, but I haven’t really connected with the story yet. Maybe my expectations were too high (I was hoping for something similar to Crocodile on the Sandbank)

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?
So far, the political elements feel a bit too black-and-white. I’m hoping things will get more complex and morally nuanced as the story progresses.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

I think I am indifferent. It is a little cheesy and seems like something I would've used back in middle/elementary school as an attention getter, but I think the rest of the book that follows is more important than the first line. Its a little early to judge

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

My immediate reaction was that he must be hiding something. But then he explained that he was following her parents wishes and since she was never invited here, then she shouldn't be here. But didn't he invite her to Egypt and that was the reason she went? They were expecting her right? I thought the whole thing was confusing and I still think Ricardo is suspicious.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

Ugh! I hated that scene! I definitely expect to see the ring later in the story. Especially when Sterling's name came up while they were eating. I think the ring must be something that is attempted to be stolen from Egypt and Inez's father wanted to make sure that didn't happen so he sent it to Inez in Buenos Aires. (not expecting her to ever be in Egypt!)

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

The writing style is fine. It is easy to read. The pacing is a bit slow for my liking, but I am hoping it will pick up in the future. I am used to reading thrillers, so it's a bit of a change of pace.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

I think this will add excitement to the story. Sometimes politics can be overplayed, but this is, in my opinion, giving the book a historical fiction appeal. I love historical fiction, so I think I'm going to enjoy this part of it.

Day 1 - May 18
Prologue - Ch 5
1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

This line didn’t jump out at me as anything particularly memorable, as some first lines do.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

I'm not sure this question needs the "...at that time..." - lol. Tio Roberto doesn’t know Inez at all, so sees her as someone to be protected and does dismiss her as being not of use to him. He does seem to be keeping secrets, but whether that is to protect her or for more nefarious reasons, we don’t know yet. At this point her parents are just missing and presumed dead, with “presumed” carrying a heavy load.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

As I read that scene, I was just thinking “Make a fist, you fool!” I suppose he could have just overpowered her to rip the ring from her finger, but it was infuriating. She knows the ring is special from the magic twing it elicited when she first put it on, but was brought up sheltered so didn't have the experience yet know to keep it hidden away. I'm sure it will come up again as a significant magic artifact.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

I like the writing - doing a good job of setting the time and the place for me. The pacing is fine - sometimes the river rushes by and sometimes you just float along with the current.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

It is no secret that Egypt and other ancient cultures had volumes of artifacts purloined by the British, Americans, and other wealthy Western travelers. Cleopatra, a Hellenistic pharaoh herself, descended from one of Alexander’s buddies, was known to be the only Hellenistic pharaoh to actually learn Egyptian. I have read a few books recently that deal with colonization and cultural dismemberment. I don’t think this book will go that deep, but I appreciate the context the history adds to the story.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?
It tied with the précis and it was appropriate given her course after she read it. Although I did feel like she was set on going to Egypt regardless of the letter.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?
During the later 1800s it still wasn't appropriate for women to be involved in such adventurous things as hunting for treasures. Now that her parents are no longer in the picture, he could be thinking she needs protection. It's possible Tio is involved in something nefarious...we'll see.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?
That ring is definitely important. The scene reminded me of Indiana Jones and the last crusade where dad sent the diary to Indiana for safe keeping and he shows up with it. Thomas Sterling has certainly been set up as a 'bad guy'...I'm sure we'll be seeing more of him in this story.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?
I always prefer a faster pace myself, but I can handle the descriptions...it helps set the scene. Now if the author starts repeating herself...that will drive me crazy!

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?
It adds another layer which typically enhances a story. I liked it.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

It wasn't very memorable, so I suppose indifferent.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

I wasn't given the impression that Tio Roberto had anything to do with Whit wanting to send her back. It seemed crazy that either of them would think Inez should trust a random guy showing up at the docks. I think they are all trying to hide something. I am more surprised that her parents didn't want her around.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

I hope that we do see the ring again and that Thomas Sterling gets what is coming to him. I wouldn't mind some revenge. She probably will fall in love with the guy or something or make an excuse for his terrible behavior. I think the ring shows that there is a tomb location that people are looking for.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

There is something about the book that bothers me but I can't put my finger on it yet.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

I think the politics will make it more exciting. I feel because of known history and things we saw earlier in the book we had an inkling it was about politics.

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?
I'd have to go with indifferent. With the blurb about the book, I had an idea as to what was going to happen and nothing was all that surprising.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?
Well I think he's up to shady things and doesn't want her there for safety reasons. Nor does he really know her or used to dealing with a 17 year old girl who has no practical experience living on dig sites or in Egypt. I honestly wouldn't want her there either. I just wouldn't want to be bothered. But there is likely shady things going on because otherwise the story would be boring.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?
I definitely think the ring and the dude will made a later appearance. I'm guessing it lets you into the tomb? Reveals it's location? Something like that, it also has weird magic that Inez can feel/absorb. So I don't know how that factors in either.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?
It's fine for now but I have a feeling Whit and Inez and going to start getting on my nerves at some point. And I'm worried Inez is either going to be some sort of spunky Mary Sue or TSTL. Or both. I hope I'm wrong.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?
I love political drama, especially when it's routed in issues that are real. And those very much are, I'm curious to see how the author runs with it in the story.

DQ Links

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Discussion Questions Day 2
Part One, Chapter 6 - Part One, Chapter 12

6. In this part Inez spends some time with Mr. Hayes. What did you think of their afternoon in Cairo? Did you enjoy their banter?

7. After sensing familiar magic from an old trinket, Inez buys it and later has a vision of Cleopatra. What do you think this vision means? Do you believe Cleopatra’s burial site can only be found with Inez’s help?

8. Every now and then, the point of view shifts briefly to Mr. Hayes. Do you enjoy these moments from his perspective, or would you prefer the story to stay entirely with Inez?

9. Inez finds a letter from her mother, in which she suspects that Tío Ricardo is involved in illegal activities. Does this letter, along with the boat conversation Inez overhears, make you suspicious of Tío Ricardo? Or do you think he’s not responsible for Inez’s parents’ murder?

Discussion Questions Day 2
Part One, Chapter 6 - Part One, Chapter 12

6. In this part Inez spends some time with Mr. Hayes. What did you think of their afternoon in Cairo? Did you enjoy their banter?
It was fine and relatively predictable. I find their chemistry lacking though. I'm not liking either character all that much, though Inez is very much acting her age. Which I don't mean as a compliment.

7. After sensing familiar magic from an old trinket, Inez buys it and later has a vision of Cleopatra. What do you think this vision means? Do you believe Cleopatra’s burial site can only be found with Inez’s help?
I think it means that trinket also came from Cleopatra's burial site. And Inez will help them find what they are looking for. Whether it can only be found with her help? I don't know enough to understand the vagueness of the magic system that exists in the story.

8. Every now and then, the point of view shifts briefly to Mr. Hayes. Do you enjoy these moments from his perspective, or would you prefer the story to stay entirely with Inez?
I think the shifts are helpful, there is a lot going on under the surface that Inex knows nothing about. I think those snippets will be important to understand the bigger picture.

9. Inez finds a letter from her mother, in which she suspects that Tío Ricardo is involved in illegal activities. Does this letter, along with the boat conversation Inez overhears, make you suspicious of Tío Ricardo? Or do you think he’s not responsible for Inez’s parents’ murder?
Not any more than I already was. I'm assuming his doing some smuggling of some sort or digging where he's not supposed to be. Or other similar shady type things. My guess is his sister and BIL didn't approve and were judgy about it (right or wrongly). But I don't think Ricardo killed them but secrets in the circles these people travel in can get you killed and I think that's more what Ricardo meant. Also, are we all sure her parents are dead? No bodies have been found, maybe they are trapped in Cleopatra's tomb or something.


DQ Links

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Discussion Questions Day 2
Part One, Chapter 6 - Part One, Chapter 12

6. In this part Inez spends some time with Mr. Hayes. What did you think of their afternoon in Cairo? Did you enjoy their banter?
I did! I was listening to the book while on a run and laughed out loud multiple times on the street like a crazy person.

7. After sensing familiar magic from an old trinket, Inez buys it and later has a vision of Cleopatra. What do you think this vision means? Do you believe Cleopatra’s burial site can only be found with Inez’s help?
Yes, I think so! I feel like the plot is going to lead to the box being reunited with the ring, and finally pointing us to the location of the tomb.

8. Every now and then, the point of view shifts briefly to Mr. Hayes. Do you enjoy these moments from his perspective, or would you prefer the story to stay entirely with Inez?
I like it—and the narrator’s voice is hot, lol!

9. Inez finds a letter from her mother, in which she suspects that Tío Ricardo is involved in illegal activities. Does this letter, along with the boat conversation Inez overhears, make you suspicious of Tío Ricardo? Or do you think he’s not responsible for Inez’s parents’ murder?
I'm torn. As I read the letter, I was ready to hate the uncle. But when he goes to her room to say goodbye again, I felt like he was genuinely trying to keep her safe. I'm 50/50 right now.

Teddie wrote: "As I read that scene, I was just thinking “Make a fist, you fool!"..."

Same!! How did she not see that coming??

Discussion Questions Day 1
Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?
I didn't really have a feeling one way or the other. As far as first lines go, it wasn't bad.

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?
I would assume he is hiding something. And is ready to dismiss her as a useless young girl who should be drawing in the parlor and embroidering, instead of digging for treasure in a foreign country.

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?From the little we have gotten about the magic system in this book, I would assume it holds some powerful or important magic. It will come back in the story for sure.

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?
I am reading this after having just read a few seriously amazing books, one of which was a Pulitzer Prize winner, so I am trying to not be disappointed that this one isn't as good. I don't mind descriptive writing to set a scene, but so far I am not wholly into the story or the characters. I hope that changes.

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?
Politics and history are fine in a story for me. It sets things in a context that makes even unrealistic plots a little more real. If that makes sense.

Prologue - Part 1 Ch 5

1. The first line is “A letter changed my life.” Would you say this was a good start, cheesy start, or are you indifferent?

Moderately cheesy, but I did appreciate the scene-setting, especially in getting information about magic out there quickly, in a way that wouldn't be possible if we'd just started on the liner over to Egypt

2. Why do you think Tio Roberto wanted to immediately send Inez back to Egypt without even seeing her? Do you think he’s hiding something? Or do you think it’s just typical of men at that time to dismiss young women and enforce them being chaperoned and taken care of?

Can it be a bit of both? He's busy with difficult projects as it is, and sparing the time to look after a novice can't appeal. But he doesn't know Inez so he's also dumbing down her strength and resilience

3. The ring scene with Thomas Sterling was definitely outrageous; I felt Inez's outrage and all of her shock. Do you expect to see the ring later in the story? Any guesses to its significance?

I do expect to see it later. This was nice evidence of how naive she is - thinking that she'd be believed over the white man....

4. What do you think of the writing style and the pacing so far? Are you enjoying the lyrical, rich descriptions or do you prefer a more fast paced story?

It's reading pretty faced paced to me! I'm liking the writing

5. In Ch. 5 we see politics at play, and we can tell this is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect your enjoyment of the book? Will it enhance the story for you or will you feel bogged down by the details?

Politics is always way more interesting than just a pure Indiana Jones type adventure. I enjoyed the Argentinians being outraged by British colonial approach, though there wasn't much reflection about their impact on Argentina..