Kate’s Comments (group member since Dec 06, 2017)

Kate’s comments from the Parallel Magic group.

Jonas wrote: "Kate wrote: "Slytherin and proud!

My Ilvermorny House is Wampus... but I'm not sure anyone knows what that really means yet."

Wow, digging in deep here. Horned Serpent in Ilvermorny. Shall we go ..."

YES! I know Rowling says you can't directly equate Hogwarts and Ilvermorny houses... but from the internet digging I've done, it seems that a lot of Ravenclaws get Horned Serpent, and a lot of Slytherins get Wampus.

Patronus: Blackbird
Wand: Ebony wood, Dragon Heartstring, 12.75"

Slytherin and proud!

My Ilvermorny House is Wampus... but I'm not sure anyone knows what that really means yet.

Hey, everyone! (If you listen to the podcast, I'm the one who always kicks it off with that greeting. LOL)

I'm Kate M. Colby. I've loved reading books of all genres since I learned how, but I've always had a special affection for science fiction (especially post-apocalyptic/dystopian) and fantasy novels. While the other genres are great, there's just something about being transported to an entirely new world (or a version of Earth that feels new) that grabs my imagination like nothing else.

Currently, I've independently published three books in the steampunk/science fantasy series, Desertera. I'm hoping to write many more over my lifetime!

I'm really excited to record these podcast episodes and have some awesome, bookwormy discussions with you all. Thanks for joining me and Jonas in this group!

Jonas wrote: "Is this book an even split between sci-fi and fantasy or does one genre take precedence?"

Technically, this book is almost all science fiction. The technology the characters use to travel is grounded in science, and the places they go are portrayed as other planets, as opposed to other dimensions or realms.

However, since the science isn't spelled out and the other planets are so fantastical, it reads more like a fantasy. Plus, the way Meg defeats the villain at the end seems way more fantasy than science. Though, perhaps there's some kind of psychological or neurochemical explanation that would bring it back to science fiction?

Olivia Williford wrote: "I hadn’t read this as a child either but when I read it in December I kinda hated it.

Here’s my review 😅
http://livthebooknerd.blogspot.com/20..."

I'm glad all the other "read it as an adult" people are emerging. I'm not alone anymore!

As you'll hear in the show (or read in my Goodreads review), I had mixed feelings. It's a charming and fun story, but I thought the protagonist was annoyingly immature and lacked agency (until the final hour, she doesn't actually do much). Plus, I could have used a little more explanation of the science and the alien worlds.

Overall, though, I thought it was cute. But I do wish I'd read it as a child, because I think I would have liked it much more back then.

Jonas wrote: "Kate wrote: "ALL THE THINGS!

Awesome! Which musical instrument would you try to tackle first? Which language?"

The language would definitely be Spanish, as I studied it for six years (and have promptly forgotten much of it). So, I'd have a head start there.

As for the musical instrument... I attempted piano once and wasn't completely terrible. But I've always wanted to play the guitar.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff will feature in episode 2 of Parallel Magic (airing Feb. 5, 2018). I won't spoil my thoughts ... but I wanted to make sure you could see these GORGEOUS interior photos. Def worth checking out the hardcover edition!

ALL THE THINGS!

Seriously, though, my top priority would be to travel. One of my bucket list goals is to visit every continent, so I'd probably expand that to visiting every country (whatever that might look like in this globalized world).

I'd also want to write and read as many books as possible, as well as finally become fluent in another language. Maybe even learn an instrument too. I've always wanted to be more musical ... maybe with immortality I'd finally have the patience! LOL

Liz wrote: "OMG, I've never read a Wrinkle in Time (bad nerd!!) I have been wanting to! And now I'm totally gonna start it! Get ready for some epic thread discussions!!!
I LOVE Goodreads! ;)-Lizzie"

THANK GOD! Based on the way my friends were talking, I thought I was the only person who hadn't read this as a child! I'm excited to finally right this egregious bookworm wrong.