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

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

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.

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 so far, we are at 106% and we can only go up to 110% so we need longer books again. We were only at 96% when the mini started. We have read a high number of books.

From Judith to another team:
"Actually no, we wouldn't generally think of solving a crime as solving a riddle. Unless there is actual riddle stuff going on with the crime solving (thinking of Sherlock Holmes and RACHE on the wall).

A puzzle maybe, but not a riddle. And it's the verbal riddle that is strongly tied to the myth of the Sphinx (both of them actually)"

Sphinx



The Greek Sphinx has been spotted on your lands and befuddling your citizens left and right. Requires some planning and moderate effort to defeat, send your smartest warriors and for the love of all the gods, don't confuse her with her good-for-nothing Egyptian cousin.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 200 and 299 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book where the characters go on a journey.
3.) Read a book where the MC must solve a riddle.
4.) Read a book with a mountain on cover.
5.) Read a book with a brown cover (at least 50%).

I'm adding two extra entries (6 of my 8 used) for Team Pandora

I'm going to bumb yours again, sorry. I have one for the remaining three but was on the phone with my sister and 2-year old niece.

New one
Echidna



Echidna aka the Mother of Monsters has been spotted on your lands. Hard to kill and looking for some quality "me time".

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 350 and 450 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book with CAVE in text.
3.) Read a book where a character uses a sword.
4.) Author name (first and last) contain all the letters in HERA
5.) Read a book where a MC is a mother

Truitt_T wrote: "Question - would snow flakes on the cover work for snow?



Thanks!"

Yes, that is very clearly snow

We just need a 500-650 page book that #3 in series, which should be pretty easy