Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
Nettle & Bone
Books of the Month
>
Nettle & Bone by T Kingfisher - December 2023 Theme BOM - Shortest (starts 16 Dec)
date
newest »
newest »
message 2:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Dec 21, 2023 06:22AM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
Date Chapters Pages MPDQs
16&17 Dec 1 - 7 33% Carrie
18&19 Dec 8 - 14 65% Lisa (AG)
20&21 Dec 15 - 21 100% Eunice
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?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
message 3:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Dec 14, 2023 12:27PM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
Carrie (nom)
Lisa (AG)
Eunice
message 4:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Feb 07, 2024 09:21AM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
Volunteering for DQ's.
Volunteering for DQs
Mod
Enjoy!
All good. Seeing I'm second I'll start after the Wheel is over if that's okay. So my questions should be up around Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
I've got my DQ's ready to go.. just waiting for Carrie up first.
Mod
So sorry I didn’t see this!!! I will get questions up in a few hours!!
Daily Questions: Day 11. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she states that she had not realized "a nun had more power than a princess, that she could close a door". I found this a very striking quote in that we always think of royalty as being powerful and living lives of luxury. What did you think of this quote? Do you believe that Marra is happier at the convent than she could ever be at the Palace with her family?
2. I am big fan of fables and myths. I love learning about new things. Before reading this book, I had never heard of a dust-wife or a church grim. Were you familiar with either concept? What do you think about them? Is it comforting to think of a dust-wife or church grim keeping watch over the dead or do you find it creepy?
3. Were you bothered to discover that Marra's mother, the Queen, was aware that the Prince had murdered Marra's oldest sister? Does that make you dislike the Queen or does it make you respect her more in that she is looking out for the welfare of her kingdom?
4. It's early in the book yet, but part of my favorite thing about this book is Bone Dog and the chicken with a demon in it. Have you found yourself growing attached to either one? Do you think either one will play a significant role in the story?
Carrie (friend)3031 books | 107 friends
see comment historyDaily Questions: Day 1
1. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she states that she had not realized "a nun had more power than a princess, that she could close a door". I found this a very striking quote in that we always think of royalty as being powerful and living lives of luxury. What did you think of this quote? Do you believe that Marra is happier at the convent than she could ever be at the Palace with her family?
Marra seems a bit lost in both places. Despite being very hard on herself she is an intelligent and deep thinking girl who has worked out her place in the world she inhabits quite early. Being the "spare" never seems to be fulfulling either in a book or in real life.. Just ask Prince Harry!
2. I am big fan of fables and myths. I love learning about new things. Before reading this book, I had never heard of a dust-wife or a church grim. Were you familiar with either concept? What do you think about them? Is it comforting to think of a dust-wife or church grim keeping watch over the dead or do you find it creepy?
Neither had I. It is an interesting concept and some people would find it creepy. But not me, one of my favourite holiday things to do is to wander around historic cemeteries checking out ancient gravestones.
3. Were you bothered to discover that Marra's mother, the Queen, was aware that the Prince had murdered Marra's oldest sister? Does that make you dislike the Queen or does it make you respect her more in that she is looking out for the welfare of her kingdom?
It's horrible by today's standards.. but just think back to medieval times where females only currency was how fertile they were and pumping out the heirs to the throne. The Queen didn't seem a very warm character although she would say in sacrificing her daughters all the people in the Kingdom would live.
4. It's early in the book yet, but part of my favorite thing about this book is Bone Dog and the chicken with a demon in it. Have you found yourself growing attached to either one? Do you think either one will play a significant role in the story?
That's my favourite part as well. They provide the comic relief when parts of the story get a little gruesome. Definitely adds to the enjoyment of the story .
QUESTIONS DAY 2 5. Bone dogs, drowned boys and magically pulled teeth and all quite vividly described. Where does the contents of Nettle & Bone sit on your horror meter ? And how about that demon chicken. What role does the wry humour have in the story?
6. Enter our hero Fenris. The Magic Moth indicated that Marra needed him to complete her quest. What do you think Fenris' role with be?
7. The Goblin Market. Thoughts? How important do you think the events that happened there will be to the plot moving forward.
8. By Chapter 14 Marra has a merry band of supporters ready to battle King Vorling. Agnes, Dust wife, Fenris, Bone Dog and last but not least the Demon Chook. Who do you think will survive and who will be become tragic collateral damage?
Day 1 DQs1. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she states that she had not realized "a nun had more power than a princess, that she could close a door". I found this a very striking quote in that we always think of royalty as being powerful and living lives of luxury. What did you think of this quote? Do you believe that Marra is happier at the convent than she could ever be at the Palace with her family?
I can understand what she meant by this quote. As they also say, with great power comes great responsibility. Royalty grants them a degree of privilege in their everyday lives such as in food, dress, and money, but it also comes with the cost of having the kingdom's fate resting on their shoulders. In this case, I feel like the tradeoffs are a lot heavier than the benefits. Being born into the royalty of such a small, vulnerable kingdom isn't a very fortuitous lot to get in life, especially as a woman. I think it's fortunate for Marra that she's the youngest; she wasn't the first or second choice to get married off, so she was able to escape the fate of her sisters. At the convent, Marra needs to work, but she is much freer to move and do whatever she wishes, not needing to think about her royal status.
2. I am big fan of fables and myths. I love learning about new things. Before reading this book, I had never heard of a dust-wife or a church grim. Were you familiar with either concept? What do you think about them? Is it comforting to think of a dust-wife or church grim keeping watch over the dead or do you find it creepy?
Never heard of dust-wives before. I did a quick search on it, but it seems like it is just the author's invention. I feel like it's just a cozier terminology to pertain to necromancers, but based on what we've read so far, most so-called dust-wives are simply herbalists/alchemists, and only the powerful dust-wives have necromancer powers like the one accompanying Marra.
3. Were you bothered to discover that Marra's mother, the Queen, was aware that the Prince had murdered Marra's oldest sister? Does that make you dislike the Queen or does it make you respect her more in that she is looking out for the welfare of her kingdom?
I was a bit bothered, but I think it shows that she is a strong queen whose first priority is her kingdom. I'm sure that she's grieving in private but has to show perfect composure to the public, including her children, because what can she do? She is in an incredibly disadvantageous position to seek an explanation from the Northern Kingdom. However, I get the sense that Damia and Kania already knew their responsibility early on, as well as the fate that is likely to befall them, especially Kania.
4. It's early in the book yet, but part of my favorite thing about this book is Bone Dog and the chicken with a demon in it. Have you found yourself growing attached to either one? Do you think either one will play a significant role in the story?
Animals usually make books more enjoyable in my opinion, and this one is no exception. I'm not sure what to think about the demon chicken so far.
QUESTIONS DAY 25. Bone dogs, drowned boys and magically pulled teeth and all quite vividly described. Where does the contents of Nettle & Bone sit on your horror meter ? And how about that demon chicken. What role does the wry humour have in the story?
A- Some of the horror is a bit creepy but not cringe worthy. I really like the humour and think it provides a good balance to the creepiness. The demon chicken gets all the good lines.
6. Enter our hero Fenris. The Magic Moth indicated that Marra needed him to complete her quest. What do you think Fenris' role with be?
A - To be the Knight in Shining armour/love interest. As long as he doesn't end up dead I'm fine with it.
7. The Goblin Market. Thoughts? How important do you think the events that happened there will be to the plot moving forward.
A. I like the way the author wrote this scene. It is very visual. You can nearly feel Marra when she get the tooth magically removed. Yikes. It is a pivotal scene because this is where Fenris enters the picture and gives us some more important informaton about Marra's quest.
8. By Chapter 14 Marra has a merry band of supporters ready to battle King Vorling. Agnes, Dust wife, Fenris, Bone Dog and last but not least the Demon Chook. Who do you think will survive and who will be become tragic collateral damage?
A. Gee I hope no one dies. I suspect Fenris' head is on the chopping block.. or maybe the chicken becomes chicken soup, LOL.
Day 2 DQs5. Bone dogs, drowned boys and magically pulled teeth and all quite vividly described. Where does the contents of Nettle & Bone sit on your horror meter ? And how about that demon chicken. What role does the wry humour have in the story?
Everything's just on the eerie level because we've encountered anything truly dangerous, mainly due to the dust-wife's help. I like the humor. It is a counterpoint to the horror and also helps make the characters seem more charming.
6. Enter our hero Fenris. The Magic Moth indicated that Marra needed him to complete her quest. What do you think Fenris' role with be?
He's definitely helped out a lot throughout their journey from the Southern Kingdom to the Harbor Kingdom and then to the Northern Kingdom, both for his communication skills and his physical capabilities. He's also clearly Marra's love interest. Maybe he's going to be her knight in shining armor too, once they enact their plan of killing the prince.
7. The Goblin Market. Thoughts? How important do you think the events that happened there will be to the plot moving forward.
Scary place. I would not want to be there during its more dangerous periods. I would say that's the creepiest part of the book, and we only "saw" it during one of its safer periods.
8. By Chapter 14 Marra has a merry band of supporters ready to battle King Vorling. Agnes, Dust wife, Fenris, Bone Dog and last but not least the Demon Chook. Who do you think will survive and who will be become tragic collateral damage?
I wish everyone survives. I hope this is a happily ever after with no buts.
Eunice wrote: "Day 1 DQs1. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she states that she had not realized "a nun had more power than a princess, that she could close a door". I found this a very ..."
I looked up the dust wife as well and I'm guessing it may be the author's spin on the church grim? From what I read, the church grim seems to come from English and Scandinavian folklore.
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Carrie (friend)3031 books | 107 friends
see comment historyDaily Questions: Day 1
1. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she states that she had not realized "a nun had more ..."
Lisa - I like looking at old gravesites as well. We live very close to Livermore cemetery. The area has some tragic history and is considered haunted. I am putting a link about it (if you're interested). The section "History" and "Today" are pretty interesting!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livermo...
QUESTIONS DAY 2 Full disclaimer: I've read the book before so I know some of the answers already 😊
5. Bone dogs, drowned boys and magically pulled teeth and all quite vividly described. Where does the contents of Nettle & Bone sit on your horror meter ? And how about that demon chicken. What role does the wry humour have in the story?
I love the humor in this story - especially the banter that goes on between the dust-wife and Fenris. I think it helps make what is essentially a very dark subject matter, a little bit lighter.
I am a big fan of the demon chicken!!!
6. Enter our hero Fenris. The Magic Moth indicated that Marra needed him to complete her quest. What do you think Fenris' role with be?
I believed that Fenris would be the one that would slay the prince.
7. The Goblin Market. Thoughts? How important do you think the events that happened there will be to the plot moving forward.
I was fascinated by The Goblin Market. I found the bartering system interesting. I was taken aback by some of what goes on there though. Seems like an incredibly scary place to be.
8. By Chapter 14 Marra has a merry band of supporters ready to battle King Vorling. Agnes, Dust wife, Fenris, Bone Dog and last but not least the Demon Chook. Who do you think will survive and who will be become tragic collateral damage?
My fear the first time reading this was that Fenris and/or the Bone Dog would not survive. I found myself growing very fond of them both.
Day 3 DQs9. What are your thoughts about the saint? What is the significance of her severed hand? I have to admit that I'm still confused about who she actually is.
10. Is it just me, or did anyone else wonder about the thief-wheel after the prince was killed? I thought they were going to do something about it later on, but apparently not.
11. Do you have a favorite character among our motley crew?
12. Was there any particular fairy tale that came to mind as you were reading this? This is clearly styled similar to a fairy tale but with many of the usual elements of a fairy tale being subverted.
Carrie wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Carrie (friend)3031 books | 107 friends
see comment historyDaily Questions: Day 1
1. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she states that she had ..."
Thanks Carrie, that is interesting. Is the graveyard still above the waterline? It does seem creepy that the remains of the old town are under the dam.
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Carrie wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Carrie (friend)3031 books | 107 friends
see comment historyDaily Questions: Day 1
1. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she state..."
The graveyard is above the waterline. It sits up in a hilltop. There are many very old gravestones there. They’ve developed the area into a walking trail. When it rains, the area still floods and is not accessible.
Day 3 DQs9. What are your thoughts about the saint? What is the significance of her severed hand? I have to admit that I'm still confused about who she actually is.
To tell the truth, the Saint's appearance didn't make much of an impression on me. I'm struggling to remember that bit actually. I'm not Catholic but Saints and Relics which often includes bones are a big part of that religion. Especially in medieval times. I think the Saint in this story is echoing that.
10. Is it just me, or did anyone else wonder about the thief-wheel after the prince was killed? I thought they were going to do something about it later on, but apparently not.
I thought it was cleverly done. Maybe it's something for the sequel, LOL.
11. Do you have a favorite character among our motley crew?
It was a good mix of characters, they all offered to the cohesiveness of the plot. The bone dog and the chicken spring to mind for the comic relief although Fenris made an excellent hero/love interest as well.
12. Was there any particular fairy tale that came to mind as you were reading this? This is clearly styled similar to a fairy tale but with many of the usual elements of a fairy tale being subverted.
None in particular. A fairy tale, yes but I was thinking it more was like an old fashioned quest. Like King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I really enjoyed reading it.
DAY 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2 - DQ'S - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2- ANSWERS - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Carrie wrote: "Eunice wrote: "Day 1 DQs1. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she states that she had not realized "a nun had more power than a princess, that she could close a door". I fou..."
Ohh, that's interesting! I'm not very familiar with English or Scandinavian folklore, but it sounds like an intriguing rabbit hole to jump into lmao
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Day 3 DQs9. What are your thoughts about the saint? What is the significance of her severed hand? I have to admit that I'm still confused about who she actually is.
To tell the truth, the Saint..."
About the Saint, while Marra thought it was a saint, my understanding is that the narrative was implying that it wasn't a saint at all. It's just that Marra perceived them to be saint-like at that time and only realized who they really were later on. The book didn't say who though, and it bugged me.
Daily Questions: Day 11. Marra clearly struggles with being a princess. Early on, she states that she had not realized "a nun had more power than a princess, that she could close a door". I found this a very striking quote in that we always think of royalty as being powerful and living lives of luxury. What did you think of this quote? Do you believe that Marra is happier at the convent than she could ever be at the Palace with her family?
From what we have read so far, I'm positive that Marra would be happier at the convent! Royalty has power but that power is over others; they have little power over their own lives. They have people to do things for them, in that time, even people to bathe and dress them. So a nun would have the power to do things for herself.
2. I am big fan of fables and myths. I love learning about new things. Before reading this book, I had never heard of a dust-wife or a church grim. Were you familiar with either concept? What do you think about them? Is it comforting to think of a dust-wife or church grim keeping watch over the dead or do you find it creepy?
I haven't heard of either. Not creepy to me!
3. Were you bothered to discover that Marra's mother, the Queen, was aware that the Prince had murdered Marra's oldest sister? Does that make you dislike the Queen or does it make you respect her more in that she is looking out for the welfare of her kingdom?
It's sad that she wouldn't stand up for her daughter as well as her kingdom. But I think the Queen is just a figurehead and doesn't have any real power....the men rule everything.
4. It's early in the book yet, but part of my favorite thing about this book is Bone Dog and the chicken with a demon in it. Have you found yourself growing attached to either one? Do you think either one will play a significant role in the story?
At first I was a little confused with the Bone Dog, but when he came back to Marra I was intrigued. The chicken with a demon in it is just fun. I suspect they are for a bit of lightheartedness in the story. Not sure if they will have a significant role, but I am hoping they do an have a theory of what that could be.
QUESTIONS DAY 25. Bone dogs, drowned boys and magically pulled teeth and all quite vividly described. Where does the contents of Nettle & Bone sit on your horror meter ? And how about that demon chicken. What role does the wry humour have in the story?
The subject matter is dark, but it's low on the horror meter for me. I do like the humor; it helps to even out the darkness a bit. The demon chicken is great!
6. Enter our hero Fenris. The Magic Moth indicated that Marra needed him to complete her quest. What do you think Fenris' role with be?
I expected him to have a major role, but didn't really think about what that might be. And, he is also the love interest. I can't comment further; already finished the book.
7. The Goblin Market. Thoughts? How important do you think the events that happened there will be to the plot moving forward.
I agree with Eunice; this is the creepiest part of the book and not somewhere I'd want to be anytime, especially during it's dangerous periods. In contrast, it was also very interesting.
8. By Chapter 14 Marra has a merry band of supporters ready to battle King Vorling. Agnes, Dust wife, Fenris, Bone Dog and last but not least the Demon Chook. Who do you think will survive and who will be become tragic collateral damage?
I really want everyone to survive.
Day 3 DQs9. What are your thoughts about the saint? What is the significance of her severed hand? I have to admit that I'm still confused about who she actually is.
She didn't have much of an impact on me and I too wondered what her role was supposed to show us. Unfortunately, I have no idea!
10. Is it just me, or did anyone else wonder about the thief-wheel after the prince was killed? I thought they were going to do something about it later on, but apparently not.
Maybe it will turn up in a later book....
11. Do you have a favorite character among our motley crew?
I really liked all the main characters. (Marra, the dust-wife, Fenris, the bone dog and the demon chicken)
12. Was there any particular fairy tale that came to mind as you were reading this? This is clearly styled similar to a fairy tale but with many of the usual elements of a fairy tale being subverted.
Not any particular fairy tale, but it did remind me of The Witcher.
LISA'S POSTS FOR BOM TOKENSDAY 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2 - DQ'S - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2- ANSWERS - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Hi Mods, Just checking in that you've recorded Angie and my participation for BOM tokens. 😊
Mod
After years of seeing her sisters suffer at the hands of an abusive prince, Marra—the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter—has finally realized that no one is coming to their rescue. No one, except for Marra herself.
Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince—if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.
On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.
=======
nominator: Carrie