S.’s Comments (group member since Feb 10, 2021)

S.’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

Oh, God, Carolyn, no! That wasn't my intention at all. I don’t know how my words made you and Kerri feel that way. First, I don't believe you called Kerri odd; I truly don't believe that. Second, I meant to express that I don’t find you odd, either—that’s what I was saying in message 57. And third, I don’t have any issues. I’m really sorry for the misunderstanding and for making you feel sad, but I'm glad you asked for clarification to set things straight.

Hi Carolyn and Kerri

I think we can imagine sleep-people like Artemus, and Glendower, and non-sleep-people like Gwenllyn, or even Maura becoming part of a spell, or under it, in which there is no straight answer or reason for the lack of food and water all this time.

Of course, we want Maura to be Blue's birth Mom, there is no doubt about that, just Artemus's question sounded somehow off-place, which could have many reasons.

I think we'll see more of Matthew and how being on Earth by Ronan, as Kerri mentioned, he did something like that and never understood, is something to pique curiosity. I expected Matthew to be more attached to Ronan if he is his dream, don't you think so? Like chainsaw or nightmares?

As for the skipping details, I don't think there was a need for more of it. In some books, we might faced with lots of detail that mostly suits the story, but in this case, I think Maggie expended many events with small processes, although this book was better than the previous one.

Carolyn, I never imagined any disrespect from you. You know, we have a very unusual connection; at least from my point of view, it's bolder. We are from different continents and different cultures, so sometimes maybe some things we say are okay in our land but not yours. I personally never imagined I would disrespect either of you, or that it would be completely okay with not guessing right.

In my case, I don't even speak your language natively, which can become more complicated sometimes. Also, I think sometimes writing can't show our emotions and feelings; it is not like talking face to face or at least hearing each other voices.

In any case, I agree with your reaction about the ending and message 24, which I discussed before. I am also waiting for the conclusion.

We have been experiencing internet problems and frequent power outages for a few days, which is quite frustrating. I also suspect that Goodreads is blocked, which is annoying because every time I want to check it or make a post, I have to turn on the VPN. This process takes too long, is unstable, and slows down my internet speed. I hope that Goodreads won't be permanently filtering in Iran.
Sorry, Carolyn. It seems you are also having a tough time dealing with these things.

Carolyn, I think everyone has some sensible points, but that doesn't make us weird people just because you don't like certain sounds and coughs.

I am fully in if you want to read earlier; January sounds good. I think The Raven King is shorter, or perhaps this version of mine has a smaller font; it’s only 307 pages.

I don't remember much about Joe's death other than what you two mentioned. I will check the book to find the chapter for more details.

Carolyn, you made a great point about Artemis and why he said that Maura can't be Blue's mother. But the real question is: he can't be her father, right? ("I can't be your father", suggests that Maura must have been with another man after him, or perhaps even before her relationship with Artemis.) We know Blue has expressed that they are alike with Artemis, and could this be a clue? I imagine she is like Maura, too. But what if Blue is actually Artemis's child and Maura is the one who took care of her?
My first impression, like Kerri's, is that he seems confused about how much time has passed.
But again, as you mentioned, they've been down there together for two weeks, their teenage child is definitely a good subject for conversation!

I can't believe the ending! Neeve and Piper make what a diabolical group!

I agree too that Roger's appearance was pointless and unnecessary; Maggie could have utilized more of his potential.

In the end, I realized I didn't like Colin and his wife at all. However, my feelings toward Mr. Grey changed; he was very protective of Maura and especially Blue. I liked the part where Blue asked him will you feed me?
I won't even spit in it.

I prefer Adam in this book; he grew up and worked hard to put his father and tough life behind him. He wants things to be right with Gansey and especially Blue. As you mentioned, the scene in the courtroom was touching, frendship of the unshakable kind. frendship you could swear on...
As well as the moment when he showed trust in Calla and Blue, something he never does with anyone else.

And the bomb was Persephone, I suppose! I see you two sneaky ones completely avoided mentioning it! :) Now I understand the screaming part at the end, Carolyn.
How much my heart ache for Blue. I keep thinking that I can hit the reset button, restart things. I almost cried in chapter 42 the Blue that was before, and the Blue that was after...
That was so sad, and there was no reason. At least we don’t know what has happened to her; maybe the mystery will be solved in the last book.

I wonder about the three sleepers. If we don’t count Gwenllian as a sleeper and consider Artemus as the one in between, that leaves us with two. We know that Glendower is the one who grants favors, while the one who should not be awakened also offers favors to everyone in that cave where minds become foggy. Could this suggest a theory that Glendower is the one who should not have been awakened? What do we really know about him? Richard sees him as a hero, but can he truly be considered a hero if he buried his daughter alive?

Thank you, Carolyn, for clarifying the use of email. I got it, I will email you from the same address you used and will only use ProtonMail for attachments. :)
Have a good time in the city and Christmas shopping! :)

Wow, Kerri! Tarot cards are like a dream! I can't order from those sites, but I don't know how much I can resist buying an ordinary version here! :))

I am also so scared about the little dog in Piper's hand, I really hope nothing bad happens!

Last night, I kept reading and told myself, "one more chapter/page to go," and I would write a few lines about it. but I couldn't resist and fell asleep in the middle of chapter 31! That was SURPRISE

First, I believe Adam and Ronan are a couple that is very suitable for each other. In addition to the chemistry and ease of interaction they have in each other's company, they are special, a magical creature and a magician!
Who was this person who could dream a dream into a concrete shape? no wonder Aglionboy bored Ronan. See the understanding, chemistry and ease interaction!

I loved the sense of their skidding. You see, Carolyn, I think you understand correctly. There are things we can’t, at least I can’t imagine ever doing in my life—chaos, breaking rules, screaming, or whatever it may be, being hero, fighting your right in a battle! It’s not in a bad way, though. But you see, they are doing it, and this is good.

Kerri, I liked the parts you mentioned in message 32 about Adam and Ronan, as well as Blue and Richard, how she was dismissive of the Aglionby boys, and yes it is lovely to see how these characters grow and learn more about each other, and how they develop a deeper fondness, love, and respect for one another.

I also liked the part in Chapter 25 where Adam understood that something was happening and that Blue was hiding something. He quickly realized that So one of us is on it and he desperately wanted not to be on the dead list.

My second surprise was Gwenllian. I agree that Glendower's daughter was annoying, but I'm also curious to know why she was tied up like a criminal witch and why she was a duplicate grave for her father and used alive as bait!
And the third is who Artemus going to be; he definitely couldn’t be a guy like ex-boyfriend of Maura and has lived for about 600 years, right?

I believe "clairvoyant" was a typo by Kerri or if not, a mistake on the author's part. Oh, This word "clairvoyant" was mentioned by Roger in the aura section, and I wonder what he meant by it!
The part about aura was very interesting. I sometimes feel something from certain people, like brightness or intensity, when I first see them. I remember once telling my mother about one of her colleagues, saying it felt like she slapped me in the face with her energy when she walked into the room!
There’s something amusing that reminds me of myself when Roger mentioned being in a crowded place. Although I’m not like that now, when I was little, around one to three or four years old, my parents told me I cried every time I saw someone else except my parents! Haha, I think the auras or energies of people choked me. Even now, after meetings or interactions with many people at work, I often feel completely drained and only could find myself in the next few days in comfort of home.

In chapter 23, Carolyn reminded me of you when Blue thought, she wasn't sure anymore if there was such a thing as ordinary tree...Perhaps out here, trees where robbed of their voices.
I’ve seen a few episodes of The Graham Norton Show; he is so funny! I've also caught glimpses of Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel here and there. They all have such fun talk shows. :)

Yes, Carolyn, I remember your review. You reminded me of a great book I have been wanting to read for a few years: "Ready Player One," which is a duology, I think. I hope to read it in 2025.

Hello Girls

Carolyn, I received your email and would like to mention that I will send an email to your Protonmail account. I will try to find some of my pictures of caves that are no more than 1 MB and respond to your emails there.
Iran has 31 provinces, some near the northern and southern seas, while the central area consists of deserts. Tehran, where I live, is in the upper half, the most crowded and is the capital.

Kerri, I am happy to hear about your sunny day and Izzy. I love swimming, but I think you mentioned before that it is not really your type. I hope you have a good time.

I am currently reading chapter 16...

The description of tarot cards made me tempted to buy one; I always feel this way while reading these books!

Carolyn, I completely understand your point of view about Ronan and agree with you in some ways. As Kerri mentioned, in real life, I do prefer your approach. But in fictional worlds, sometimes the villains can be fascinating in their own right.

This is unfortunateI hate to say Colin's wife did not go away by novel's end. I agree that she is greedy and bored, which makes her very dislikable. However, you're right; let's move past the negativity and let the magic spill over!

Persephone is very interesting and a positive figure, whose age we don't know. She remarked on suddenly noticing that Adam was young and new... I notice exactly this time that we know little about her age, and I wonder if she is the only person who knows what's going on and waits back for everything to go with the flood.

Carolyn, I think the term "young adult" for this book is mainly because the characters are mostly teens, and the content regarding violence and sexuality is suitable for younger readers.

I agree with you, Carolyn, about Calla. I'm mostly curious about Persephone, and I feel a little disappointed with Maura. She better have a good reason for leaving and be safe and sound. Blue seems desperate and can't walk this path alone. I think she is just trying to avoid falling apart not healing. The part where she argues with Calla broke my heart.

I completely agree with both of you about Adam. I think we mentioned in a previous book why he continues to struggle financially when it isn't necessary, especially since he has two good friends to rely on. Men and their pride I think!

I just finished chapter 11, and I think this is going to be my favorite book in this series so far. Maybe it's a little too soon to say because I've only read a quarter.

The most mysterious thing... three women with blue's face on a flag, going to die to figure this out!

Carolyn, I believe this sentence shows why I, at least, and perhaps Kerri, have been fond of Ronan since the beginning. I know you now have more compassion for him because of his kindness towards animals, but anyway, Ronan was always saying that he never lied, but he wore a liar's face. Ronan is like a wounded animal, too scared to get close to people to avoid any more pain. I think he shows his teeth as a defense mechanism. Perhaps he could learn that some people don't want to hurt him. Or maybe it just feel safer to hide behind a stronger mask.

I like the part where Richard thinks, Violence was a disease Gansey didn't think he could catch. But all around him, his friend were slowly infected. really is the calmest and coolest person in the group.

I'm glad to see Adam getting himself together, and he is happy that he is no longer fighting with Richard and wants to keep it that way. On the other hand, it's sad to see Noah break down like this. I wonder how he can improve; maybe this situation is meant to push him apart, pity.

And Colin, I know he is portrayed as the bad guy and we’re all supposed to hate him, I personally hate his wife, or at least the woman they claim is his wife.
There is something intriguing about him. I think Maggie made him that way, Adam was badly impressed so do I, just like Adam, I find myself drawn in as well.
Sometimes, I do feel a certain affinity for villains in stories. Colin seems to fit that category right now, but it’s too early to say for sure. I might end up hating him by the end.

I will read more of your message tomorrow to respond after I catch up to your chapters; this time mostly expressed my thoughts.

I only read one more chapter (3) but today and tomorrow I will have more time.

Happy birthday to your father, Carolyn! It’s great that both of you celebrate in the same month. I’m sending you lots of love and hoping you find comfort in the fond memories you have of him. By the way, I haven’t forgotten about your last two emails and will respond soon!

I may refer to Ronan as a magical creature till now. I liked chapter 3 it was funny (are you done growing, Roger asked Blue) and I find Roger Malory interesting with his dog which I don't know his name yet.
He seems easily distracted during conversations (never trust a poet), and Richard brought him back on track.

You see, Carolyn, I'm practicing to use first names, just as you wished. :))

Oh, I didn't understand that two pictures weren't loading. Maybe I could find some of my own pictures from the archive in the cave and email them to you. It's not in my town for more details, but I can provide some.

Hello Girls
Unfortunately, I didn't read anything new, but I did get to message 16. I’m going to the library tomorrow, so I need to finish this book tonight. Carolyn, I haven’t been reading anything new except for a few audiobooks and audio short stories while I was out and about, cleaning my room, or washing dishes. :)

Carolyn, this is a reminder about the untraceable vehicle. I forgot, and I wonder if this will be used in this sequel.

I love cave exploring too! As you know, this is part of my education since I studied geology. While I'm not exactly a field geologist, still love caves. Look at the pictures; this is Alisadr Cave, and we went boating there. Here are some pictures that is not mine!


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I appreciate your view on forests and other living beings having sentience. It's nice to think of nature as a connected network of communication, rather than just a background to our lives. Your thoughts on sacred spaces and the possibility of deeper connections are valuable.

I know you would enjoy it so much, especially as someone with experience in earth and nature. I agree with you that this sentiment applies to all forests, not just the one in Virginia. I just think the author needed a limited geographical plot to develop the story. This is a reminder to all her readers that the nature near you is just as significant.

I just finished chapter 2 (44 pages)

My version has 470 pages, and I didn't find this edition on Goodreads. However, we can track it by chapter.

Carolyn, don't change your plan of reading this fantastic mystery. I have joined in! Keep your spirits up this month. I will talk about my little progress every day until this weekend.

I completely agree with both of you about not racing to challenge. Yes, real-life things are more important than the number of books read each year. I also congratulate you on the many books you have read this year, Carolyn.

Kerri, starting with this unique picture of Persephone was a great choice.
I hope we see more views like this of Persephone, Calla, and Maura. I liked in too that to learn about Maura from the beginning, especially regarding the letter that didn't seem like her. The P.S. and P.P.S. that she thinks about in her mind reflect the real thoughts she has— cares for all of them, especially Blue.

I liked the part when Gansey was hanging, and they all supported each other, telling Cabeswater that if one were to die, there would be no deal anymore. Who are we to you?

Thank you, girls! That was an amazing reminder of everything we've read and discussed so far!

Congratulations on finishing your reading challenge, Kerri. Enjoy your slower books! I feel like a cheater reading short stories because I'm behind schedule. :)

I'm just flipping the last book and looking for the part with Blue and Richard when she refuses him while they were in the car. Am I remembering that correctly? Anyway, I couldn’t find it. I only remember that Adam and Noah are aware that Blue can't kiss because of a prophecy.

I think we are all waiting to see what Maggie is cooking for us and hopefully see more sparkles. I completely agree with you two that the second book was necessary, as it focused on character building and development events that I presume will lead to this and also the final book.

Mr. Gray. Did we need this new boyfriend of Maura's at all? I don't like Mr. Gray, but I think he seems like a key character with special and defined ways and talent. He walked into the Blue family’s life, and Maura became close to him, even though she usually seemed like a woman without a boyfriend. Then, all of a sudden, she disappeared after all those years. Did you sense some sort of conspiracy? A martyr or sacrifice maybe, which Maura thinks she could use?! Haha, maybe I just read lots of dark fantasy lately!!

I read the series in English, and I believe reading it in its original language would provide a better understanding of the details. I really like Maggie's style and writing. Let me see if I can find your favourite quote today. :))

I have three books from the library, and I’ve finished two of them. There’s only one left, which I need to return by Saturday latest. However, I will start "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" today. Honestly, I fell asleep last night after the epigraph!

Hello Carolyn and Kerri,

I will start reading today. "a little every day" sounds like a good plan over the next few days, as I only have a couple of hundred pages left in the two books I’m currently reading. After that, I’ll begin reading “Blue Lily, Lily Blue” and try to catch up with you. I will give you daily updates. Got it!

Carolyn, I am also writing to answer your email and will send it today or tomorrow at the latest. :)

Hello Kerri and Carolyn,

I'm sorry for not being around lately. I've been busy with an unpleasant university project, but I'm hoping things will improve this month.
Anyway...

Carolyn, I'm really sorry for the mistake with the Opal Spanish file. I was so focused on finding the PDF version that I didn't even realize it wasn't in English. I'll send you the correct file right away.

And about the books you mentioned,
Confessions Of A Shopaholic is categorized as Chick Lit and Contemporary Romance, the genres I mostly avoid, I am not sure to be very suiting me. Same as for autobiography and memory by non-writers that aren't exactly my cup of tea.
It has been years since I wanted to read The Time Machine, it is not my priority but it's short and I am in if you want to read it.
No, I haven't watched Remington Steele, but I did recognize Pierce Brosnan from his previous role as James Bond. :)

Lament sounds like a cool book, but I may prefer to finish The Raven Cycle than to start a new series.
I am mostly waiting to see if we can learn more about Blue's father and what Blue's mother's secret is, where she's gone and how they can get to her.

I'm not saying that I got bored, and I completely agree with both of you that there was a need for world-building and not being rash. However, I think that the first book had more sparks, although there were many things I liked about this book, such as getting to know Ronan better and learning about Gansey's family. But, I think Adam was too doubtful about himself and his feelings towards Blue, and the car race and Joe were a bit much.

Nevertheless, I completely agree with both of you that our perception of the characters will change once we know more about their past. So as you said, when we saw Dean Allen's brother, we didn't find him as terrible as we thought he was. Similarly, when we met Joe, we got to know that Ronan was not a jerk and had his friends for support. He also cares about the orphan girl and got her permission to bring Richard's car.

I also find the link between Persephone and Adam quite interesting. These two seem to have more knowledge and power over the mystery of Glendower than anyone else. Therefore, I believe that the story will delve deeper into topics such as Blue's father, Neeve, and Glendower. Also, do you recall the moment when Adam pulled the tarot magician card and Persephone laughed? It makes me wonder if Adam is going to become a magician in the future!

Yes, Carolyn, we have found out why Richard's steering wheel was in the pond. However, we still don't know why it was old. Is there a possibility that they (Or Richard's car) will travel through time (to the past), like in Glendower time? Perhaps Maura traveled to a time when Blue's father was still alive!!

Thank you Carolyn for the congratulations, it is on a negotiation level, and I hope it works out.

I'm glad you two enjoyed the book. I haven't finished it yet (I'm starting chapter 50), but I'm happy to see that you gave it a five-star rating.

Carolyn, I think I didn't reach some parts that you mentioned above (like your complaint about Persephone), but I agree with you and Kerri about Richard's family, They turned out to be nicer and more caring than we expected!

I also have my complaints, I think this book is slower than the first one. There's a lot of focus on angry Adam, much of Kavinsky and Ronan's plots and we had so many questions from the last book, but almost none of them get answered.
While there were some good parts, like the boys' family and Ronan's gift, the story didn't progress much. There was nothing about Blue's father, Neeve, Glendower, Adam's sacrifice, or even the whole story of Ronan's father. In fact, we now have even more questions than before.
Oh, and the Gray man is another complaint. Was he really a necessary to the story?! He doesn't seem like a well-developed character - is he supposed to be a professional hitman or something else? definitely not a lover. I found everything about him to be quite shallow and unconvincing to me.
Well, I hope I'll have a better feeling about the book in the end.

I am sorry I wasn't there for a few days. There is a project that I might have and things with its proposal, so I couldn't read anything, I am still on the first page of chapter 34.

"I think he is developing new abilities", I was thinking about something like that, Carolyn, not dying but methamorphing perhaps. And I think things that happened in Chicago are the reason for his changes!

Yes, Carolyn, I think "Greywaren" means the raven king, right, means Ronan?!! In chapter 29, Declan said Dreywaren is he!

I think I agree with Kerri on this, I don't think the Gray killed Niall, he is looking for "Greywaren" from the Lynch family, not a hired assassin to killing them. Anyone who killed Niall knew that "Greywaren" was Niall (now Ronan) and wanted to exterminate him completely.

Carolyn, I will read and answer the message 45 later, after reading a little more and thanks for telling us that there is no spoiler in it. I hope You and Ron enjoy new television channels.
And about "Opal", I will send its PDF file, but shouldn't we read it after book four? I mean we have "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" and "The Raven King", then "Opal", right?

I finished chapter 26 and have read all your messages.

Carolyn, we know now the Gray asshole is old, at least it seems grey, which might to related to Ronan's grandpa, but I wonder now if he planned to get closer to the Blue family because of the boys or if it's accidental. He was keen on knowing about Gansey on the phone at the end of chapter 25, and Blue understood he was trying to hide it!

"Ronan's grief needs to be worked out." Yes, Carolyn, I think it is true; remember where they were at the barns; he tried to mock or get angry but did not show his true feelings about how he missed this place and did not express his sadness and grief. "The only way he could get the sentiment out was by drowning the words with acid."
Other parts show even his friends know that Ronan is not an expressive type of person, where Noah says, "It is not my job to tell other people's secrets." and Adam says that Ronan wouldn't -couldn't- express himself with words, but with fist, fire, and bottle.

I don't know if we might have the Lynch brothers in a better relationship plot after Ronan's promise to his younger brother. I like to see the story twist that way! Oh, and it was good to know that Ronan didn't kill himself; it was just a nightmare. Gansey was just relieved Ronan was not like that.

And yes, Noah and Ronan's relationship are excellent with glitter and when they throw things out, including Noah :))

currently reading chapter 15...

And I wonder about Maura in the last chapter, does she become interested and fond of Mr. Gray?! Persephone said "we all know what you are keeping your eye on"

I think Niall Lynch's will might had protected his sons from anything on that land, and also for the sake of mother to be left alone, maybe as she wished.
Kerri, is it possible Niall was killed by the devil that Ronan mentioned once?!

And what is about images Adam sees?! I think he is getting hard on himself with all his rages, self-pity for he isn't like other Aglionby, and fear of becoming like his father.

Ronan was that no one ever expected him to do anything nice for anyone, even Adam never crossed her mind that maybe it was Ronan who related to church and lowered his bills.
I think it is nice to see more about the Lynch brothers, Matthew seems fun and I am also not sure about their ages, except that Declan is older and Matthew and Blue are the youngest.

I am currently reading chapter 7

I am enjoying that we have more Ronan in this book. the last page of chapter 5 was funny when Ronan asked something and Gansey gave him a look then he knew what he meant.

I didn't read much, so didn't read your last two messages.
I also am curious about the reason behind Ronan's father's will, the Gray and Professor. It was interesting the ancient Greeks didn't have a word for Blue, I wonder how this could be related in the story?!

I just finished chapter 3, hope to read more tonight.

Yes, Kerri the Gray Man was quite a mystery! and I wondered what was "trebuchet", even searched in the dictionary and online but didn't find anything, except some sort of building machines which I think is unrelated.

Oh, no I didn't see you mention mysphonia before, but I understand you are very detailed about pronouncing words. I do not see the differences, especially in English, I assume myself should have many writing and speaking mistakes. :)
Though I am happy you are happy with Maggie writhing.

I think the Gray Man didn't kill Niall Lynch, "That is the same question he asked me" like Niall asked the Gray if he killed his father, meaning Ronan grandpa, or something else?! Maybe the Gray wanted Greywaren from Niall too.

I am sure we find out more clues, 410 pages left. :))