Book Loving Kiwis discussion

Use this folder to discuss Geist by Philippa Ballantine.

A huge thanks and a big welcome to Philippa for taking up the invitation to join our group. It is always so much better when the author of a book we are reading is on hand to answer our questions and respond to our comments. We appreciate it! You're a star!

Woot!

Thanks everyone...it's very cool (and a little nerve wracking) :) Did anyone ever watch the TV series the Book Group where the writer sat in on the group talking about his book? http://www.amazon.com/Book-Group-Comp...

I promise not to leap out of the potted plants!

The Book Group looks very entertaining! Might just have to buy the first series.
My copy of Geist arrived today. I'm going to read a couple of other books first, so hope I get to read it mid-December. Can't wait.

I have a copy of Geist sitting waiting for me to finish my current read. I hope to start it tomorrow.

Well after half a week of only managing a chapter a day, I'm on holiday now, and starting to pick up pace. Fully hooked; I'm enjoying the story and the style of writing very much.

Halfway... loving Sorcha and Raed, what great characters. Such snappy dialogue, and nice that the humour is coming from important characters, not just a 'comedy sidekick' thrown into the story for that single purpose. Still getting a handle on Merrick.

OK, finished this morning. A 5 star read. It's a long time since I read a 'proper' fantasy like this, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them. It seemed like there were plenty of new, fresh ideas in Geist, and as I implied above, I thought the characters were a real strength. Hope you enjoy it when you get to it Angie.

I am extending this group read out until the end of January. Hopefully this will allow more members the chance to get the book read. Group reads will be over two months from now on.

I am going to begin this book today. I have been putting it off because I wasn't sure how to pronounce the title! Wikipedia tells me that it is a German word meaning mind, spirit, ghost, essence and it is pronounced gaIst (aI like the ie in tie). I was thinking it could be pronounced like geese but with a t ending (thinking of words like receive, deceive and how their ei works). And then of course there is the Japanese word geisha with its ei making a long a sound. Can someone clear this up for me? I might need help with some of the names too!
Signed: One neurotic teacher ;)

I'm a third of the way through 'Geist'. I've got to the point where I can sit back and relax a bit more with it now. I really struggled with the first chapter and had to read it really slowly and was constantly re-reading parts to better understand it. I am blown away with all the amazing language, terminology and names. I really like the characters Sorcha, Raed and Merrick. How do you think up this sort of thing, Philippa? I have to admit that I don't usually read books like this, but I am secretly enjoying it!

I've just finished! I have to say, you are an amazing writer, Philippa. Incredible!
I have probably been unfair rating it 4 stars, but as I mentioned above, I don't usually read this type of book, so the rating is due to that.
Thanks for joining our group and for providing us with the privilege of reading your book.
Who knows, you may just have me tempted to read the next installment!

As the person who nominated this book, I'm really relieved you enjoyed it!

I am going to read this book. It sounds interesting and something I would enjoy! Thanks!

Angie wrote: "I've just finished! I have to say, you are an amazing writer, Philippa. Incredible!
I have probably been unfair rating it 4 stars, but as I mentioned above, I don't usually read this type of book..."

Thanks for giving it a try even if it was outside your normal comfort zone. Spectyr is out, and Wrayth is coming this September.