Lexi’s Comments (group member since Jul 27, 2016)

Lexi’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Rebecca wrote: "Found a flip flop book-336 pgs will that work or should I find something longer?"

Works great, I hope you enjoy it

Martiza, it works for multiple. Thank you


Lamia



The Lamia has been spotted on your lands and the disappearances of children are on the rise. Requires some planning and moderate effort to defeat, look to the stars for the answers and to the shadows for the monster.


To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 200 and 299 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book with the night sky on the cover.
3.) Read a book where someone is kidnapped.
4.) Read a book that features a prophecy.
5.) Read a book where a child (under age 18) is an important part of the plot.

Internet is struggling but we need a night sky cover and I think the rest is covered by banked books.

I'll get us another new one

Empusa



Empusa aka the Karen of ancient Greece (view spoiler)[sorry Mod Karen (hide spoiler)] has been spotted on your lands causing havoc like a one monster homeowners association from hell. Easy to defeat with the right mindset, try telling her you ARE the manager.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 100 and 125 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book that takes place in the suburbs.
3.) Read a book with a character who is a bully (your interpretation).
4.) Read a book with sandals on the cover (flip-flops/thongs accepted).
5.) Read a book where the MC owns a cow or dog.

Rebecca wrote: "Cool I’ll hold on it, didn’t realize you had one going"

We need a book with a reasonable page count and sandles on the cover if you want to find one

I’m half way done with mine. If you want to wait to start

If people are looking for suggestions to help with monsters but don't want to read a sheep book or something very specific, we could use some books in the 500-650 range to bank and then we can move a bit faster on using more of our banked book. (I thought I had one while our internet was out, but it was only 480, which is sad).

I started a sheep book but its the start of the work week so I won't be very quick

Go for it, my series rarely run that high. I'll go look for sheep.

We have banked books for everything but
5.) Read a book that is #9 or higher in a series for the hydra

New one:


Lernaean Hydra



Lernaean Hydra has entered your lands and destroying villages as it looks for a new home. If you manage to defeat this monster be prepared to answer "how are you still alive" every time you tell the story. The monster is interested in shiny things and is unconcerned about losing their head(s). Best be quick.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book 800 pages or longer.
2.) Read a book with MPG Adventure.
3.) Read a book with gold text on the cover.
4.) Read a book where the MC has a sister.
5.) Read a book that is #9 or higher in a series.

They are back yet again:

Mares of Diomedes



The Mares of Diomedes are galloping through your lands and nibbling on villagers as they go. They may require only moderate effort to defeat, but don't underestimate them. The Four Horsemen's horses give them wide berth.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 200 and 299 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book with fire on the cover.
3.) Read a book where a character gets poisoned (food poisoning is acceptable, does not have to be fatal).
4.) Read a book whose title contains all the letters of HERA.
5.) Read a book with a Goodreads rating between 3 and 3.5 (inclusive).

Great, added it to the SS

Also back for another round:

Cerberus



Cerberus has decided to take a jaunty run through your lands before returning to the underworld. He's very hard to defeat, don't let those 6 puppy dog eyes fool you. May want to bring some milk bones and tennis balls.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 500 and 650 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book where a funerary celebration/service takes place.
3.) Read a book with MPG Music.
4.) Read a book with a musical instrument on the cover.
5.) Read a book that is #3 in a series.

They are back:

Mares of Diomedes



The Mares of Diomedes are galloping through your lands and nibbling on villagers as they go. They may require only moderate effort to defeat, but don't underestimate them. The Four Horsemen's horses give them wide berth.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 200 and 299 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book with fire on the cover.
3.) Read a book where a character gets poisoned (food poisoning is acceptable, does not have to be fatal).
4.) Read a book whose title contains all the letters of HERA.
5.) Read a book with a Goodreads rating between 3 and 3.5 (inclusive).

Day 1 DQs
Book 1- Chapters 1 (Never talk to strangers) - 6 (Schizophrenia)

1) Poetry and literature. Religion. Philosophy. Deep topics, deftly handled by a mad, funny writer. What do you think so far? Are you fans of Homeless (Ivan) and Belioz and their pretentious academic discussions? Are you intrigued? Confused?
This is a reread for me and I read it on my brother’s suggestion, who likes Russian let more than I do but I gave it 3 stars the first time. I like the different parts but feel it gets bogged down in areas.

2) So, you meet a stranger that that knows your name, and says that he just had breakfast with Immanuel Kant (who died over100 years ago), and was there to see Jesus, then tells you how you are going to die.
Did you know who the Professor (W, foreigner, stranger, consultant, etc.) is from the synopsis, or when did you start to realize who this character really is?
Synopsis are horrible at running spoilers. I don’t think I read the synopsis the first time I read the book, but it made the most sense for who would be telling the story and comments on proof of existence. Also, who else would it be?

3) We move to Judea, in the story that the Professor is telling. Pilate and Yeshua discuss why he has been imprisoned. What did you think of their talk? Did the characters of Jesus and Pilate differ from how you imagined them? What do you think of the different philosophies of authority vs the kingdom of truth and justice, in the book or in life?
What do you think of Yeshua’s belief that all men are good?
(I Personally loved the comment of Yeshua that his disciple keeps recording his words wrong. Teehee)
I enjoyed this part and how it played with Pilate as a coward. Also, you can see where this has influenced later books.

4) Well, Ivan’s life just took a turn. A dead friend, levitating men, a giant cat, a dip in a river resulting in missing clothing. Ever had a day like this? Do you think you would have given chase?
Of a giant cat, likely. I tend to follow normal sized cats as is.

5) I love the psychiatric hospital scene. It is so absurd. “Let him use the phone.” Teehee. I mean, poor Ivan. Do you think he will be there a while, or convince the doctor to let him go?
I think he is stuck there for a bit.

Bonus question) Anyone familiar with Stalin’s Russia? How does what you know relate to the book so far? Does the fact that this book was written during Stalin’s Russia make a difference to how you are understanding the book?
Most of what I know is from people’s stories (also some history in school), so fairly subjective but I have also read other books from this time, and they tend to reflect some similar themes.

I'll let Judith vote on the riddle but we have a new monster.
Stymphalian Birds



Stymphalian Birds have been seen filling your orchards and causing delays in harvesting. They are hard to defeat because of their numbers. Music can soothe the savage beasts, may want to try metal bands.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 350 and 450 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book that is #6 in a series.
3.) Read a book with a musical instrument mentioned in the text.
4.) Read a book with something metal on the cover.
5.) Read a book that features a bird (bird shifter accepted).

I figured that listing them on the SS was enough for during TTs or did I need to also go add the links to the last post? (Also, forgot Wildfire does not count so I have 7).
1. Razorblade Tears
2. Blue-Skinned Gods
3. Semiosis
4.The Maid
During TTs,
6. The Travelling Cat Chronicles
7. The Book of Cold Cases
8. The Witch's Heart - SS has all three
Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

Truitt_T wrote: "Lexi wrote: "Also, no for brown (too much green), and I would prefer not to use books in the 200 page range except as needed for page numbers or really hard prompts. If we count all our read books ..."

I didn't catch the page number, so if it was enough brown, it would work. Sorry, long day here.