Joely’s Comments (group member since Aug 14, 2022)

Joely’s comments from the Scripted in Fantasy and Fiction group.

Alright, I finished, so here are some thoughts!
1. I liked being an outside observer for each of the protagonists. It felt intentional - like we aren't supposed to get close enough to them to trust them.
2. I think there was a poetic melancholy that Schwab accomplished in this novel, but I don't think it was necessarily poetic in nature. Although I do appreciate the nod to dark romanticism characteristics.
3. Oof, this is a hard one because all three vampires really do experience hunger in different ways. For me, Maria/Sabine is the character that is "in your face" hungry. Her bloodlust is a personal desire AND belief system. But, I respect Lottie's hunger the most! It feels more relatable and real for a teenager to simply long for more than what her society is willing to give her.
4. Charolette for sure!
5. I don't think this is a women empowerment novel as much as it is a series of love letters with countless breaks in between. I like that each character is entirely their own, and that itself is an asset, but I'm not like "WOOHOO WOMEN!!" after reading, ya know?
6. I can see how each character represents a stage in someone's coming out journey: the ravenous exploration (Sabine), the lingering timidness (Alice), and the genuine longing (Charolette).
7. In general, I think fear impacts one's mortality by forcing obstacles in front of someone's ambition. In this specific novel, I see that the most with Alice's story. Her experience with death presents several obstacles in accepting who she is.
8. Intent is everything in this novel!!!! Each character is obviously the main character in their own eyes, and it is interesting to see how they make decisions for themselves (and no one else). It is a little bit selfish, but I think if you lived that long you end up being that way!

Over the next year, Ash and I are launching a Book of the Month (botm) inspired by the zodiac—and we’d love your help picking the perfect books for each sign!

For example:
It’s June 30, which means we’re in Cancer (June 21–July 22). Cancers are a water sign known for being intuitive, loyal, and a little moody. What fantasy books do you think capture that energy?

💫 Share recommendations for your own sign or any other you feel inspired by. You can suggest books you personally resonate with as that sign or stories that match the traits associated with it.

SO FUN! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Discussion Questions (more questions will be added as we read):
*answer some, or all*
1. How do you feel about the alternating third person limited pov?
2. Schwab has said that she wrote this book with poetic intention. In your opinion, is this accomplished?
3. According to Schwab, the theme of the novel is "Hunger." What character and/or scene do you think best helps to achieve this?
4. What character do you resonate the most with & why?
5. How does Schwab play with the female gender as an ASSET in this book?
6.

Oof, I hate to say it buuutttt I’m bored. I was hoping for an Addie larue vibe with the historical fantasy, but I just can’t get into it. 😭

I've been waiting to read this one! Share your thoughts!

YAY! I'm super excited to read this book with you all!

Share your thoughts!

Share your thoughts!

1. Gild by Raven Kennedy: Okay, I have really been enjoying The Plated Prisoner series, but book 1 (Gild) was hard for me to finish. I felt like it was rushed in some ways, but hen very slow in others.

2. The Dead Take the A-Train by Cassandra Khaw: This felt SO young to me. I couldn't make it past the first 100 pages.

3. The Stars are Dying by Chloe Penaranda: oof... the amount of times I had to re-read something to understand what was going on.... couldn't do it.

What are some recent fantasy or sci-fi books that you haven't finished OR just didn't love? Why?

Released on Jan. 21!

I feel like the Venin leader is going to be someone that we have been briefly introduced to already. A WILD theory I have is that he's Xaden's father.... but then again... I think about how Yarros already brought Violet's brother "back from the dead" and there's no way she would do that again.... right?

What are your predictions for Fourth Wing #3?!

From Brian Smart, Creative Director at Stellar Nursery Media:
Just want to let you and your readers know that our ebook of Kali Rises: Marauding Stars Book 1 is available for free this weekend on Amazon. Here's what I've posted on other sites:

Happy holidays! We've set Kali Rises: Marauding Stars Book 1 as a free ebook on Amazon for this crazy Black Friday to Cyber Monday weekend! You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CV65K1TH
Enjoy the book and feel free to post your thoughts... and because you really enjoyed it, Leviathan Dives: Marauding Stars Book 2 is also available (it is not free tho).

I'm so excited for this one! It's been on our runner-up list for a while!!!!

Let's chat about this amazing sequel from Olivie Blake!

Hey authors! We’re excited to offer a space for you to share your books with fellow readers and writers. Feel free to post your book links, along with a brief blurb to describe what your story is about. Don’t forget to mention any key tropes or character details that might pique readers' interest. We can’t wait to support and discover your work!

Not Blackwell basically being a nicer, ghost version of Draco Malfoy.... hahaha

All That Consumes Us - ghosts, dark academia, mystery, cult
Starling House - ghosts, mystery, other worlds
House of Hunger - vampires, historical, thriller
The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures - non-fiction, historical, spooky creatures, literature lovers

What are some spooky fantasy reads that you love?