Suzanne’s Comments (group member since Aug 13, 2015)

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

Here is the one replacing the Python. He's pretty mean looking!
Manticore



The man-eating Manticore has been terrorizing your people. Very hard to kill with 3 rows of sharp teeth that completely devour their victims. Not even the bones left to bury. If you find them, it's best to turn them into a nice 'Persian" rug before they decide to eat you first.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 500 and 650 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book set in Persia (Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan).
3.) Read a book with the letters MAN EATER in title (any order).
4.) Read a book with MPG Paranormal > Shapeshifters.
5.) Read a book with a 3 in the publication date.

I'll read Fireheart Tiger tonight for the 100-125 pages. I need to finish it for my Hugo award voting - I think it's my last novella to read. But it for sure fits other tasks too/ or we don't have to use it if someone finishes a different book first.

DQs Day 2 — "He stayed with her as the days ..." to "... given her daughter a new obsession" - 40%

6. After Angrboda performs seid for the first time again, she starts having dreams where she hears someone calling to and beckoning her. Angrboda doesn't believe it to be Odin at first, but her suspicion changes over time. Who do you think it could be? I have no idea who it is. Odin is the obvious suspect, but maybe it's an enemy of Odin. If I knew more about Norse mythology maybe I'd have a better idea.

7. Skadi reappears in this section, having left her husband behind. Do you think he'll come back into the story later? Why do you think she chose a husband as recompense in the first place? I think we'll never actually see Skadi's husband - he seems unimportant to the main story. I think perhaps she chose a husband as a reward because it sounds like it makes her part goddess? Plus maybe she wanted the hot guy. Too bad he had ugly feet :)

8. Hel was born with "dead" legs (or dead flesh on fully functioning legs? I'm honestly a little confused by it) and when she over exerts herself she starts turning blue. Angrboda attributes this to when she tried to save her daughter — but I'm not so sure. Do you have any theories on what the cause could be? Is it as simple as Angrboda believes, or do you think it's something bigger to be revealed later on?I looked up Hel and discovered she was Queen of the Underworld, which made the dead legs make sense. They really bothered me! I'd love to read a story about Hel - she is an interesting little girl.

9. There have been several mentions of a witch who birthed a race of wolves who chase the sun and moon so far in the story — and now Angrboda has given birth to a wolf. Do you think she is the Old one the stories reference? Or, if not, do you think we will meet that character later on? I'd guess it's Angrboda. Although I also really liked how Hel said "he chose to be a wolf shape" like that was totally natural.

10. Angrboda decides not to tell Loki about his and his family's involvement in her vision of the beginning of the end. What do you think of her decision? Do you think she made the right choice in not telling him?He isn't really a person she bounces worries/ideas off, so I think not telling him was pretty natural.

Now that I've read more about Loki as father, I think he's pretty good. And there is the typical father gets the kids riled up and mom has to calm everyone down. At least that happened a lot with MY kids.

Oh no Leslie - that sounds miserable! Sorry that happened.

And thanks Elena

Christina, our spreadsheets seem ok! That's so frustrating to be without internet on your laptop when you should have it!!

Alyana, I specifically come on here before bed to say how great your questions are. They are excellent! Nice job!

DQs Day 2

1. Have you heard of Theseus before? What do you think of his backstory, does it compare with other well-known Greek heroes like Hercules and Achilles? Do you think it fits his humble and collected demeanor in the previous chapter?
I may of heard of Theseus at some point, but I sure don't remember him. I can't see a lot of similarity between his story and Hercules and Achilles - but that's because what I know of their stories have a lot more interaction with the gods and Theseus seems to be doing more his own thing.


6. I don’t know about you, but “insta-love” stories royally annoy me. Ariadne spends a significant part of these chapters reveling in her undying and world-changing love and devotion to someone she just met. Do you think this is realistic, or just a cheap plot ploy from the author?
I have insta-love too, but I can kind of see it happening here because Ariadne wanted so much to get away, plus he was a lot better looking than her perspective husband.

7. Why do you think Theseus left Ariadne on the island with no heads up whatsoever? How do you feel about her thoughts and actions, as she processes this new reality?
I totally think Theseus deserted Ariadne (and I expected him to as soon as they left Phaedra behind). I was surprised that it wasn't her first thought and that it only sunk in once she saw all the food they left. I HATED she still dreamed of his returning/sleeping with him.

8. During the "great escape", Phaedra is left behind - do you think it was by accident, or purposefully (and if so, why)? Do you think it was wise of her to return to the Palace?
I think it was on purpose and it must be because it would have been harder to sleep with Ariadne if Phaedra was there. And I think she had no choice but to go back to the palace, but she could be in big trouble!

9. A common theme in Greek mythology is the linear progression of Fate - from Hubris (thinking and acting as if one is a God), to Atis (blindness of one’s puny nature, leading the mortal to commit an unforgivable or insulting act), to Nemesis (the anger and revenge of the Gods), and finally Tisis (the mortal’s punishment). Where have you noticed this process so far? Where do you think Nemesis will strike next?
I am kind of anxious to see Nemesis hit Theseus, although we shall see. Seems like these stories are always a lot less fair to women. If it does happen, I think it'll take awhile.

DQs Day 1

1. Excited about the book, or just here for the points? Were you familiar with the myths behind the story before starting this book? I'm somewhat familiar with the myths behind this story. I just picked up the book because of the points, but I'm really enjoying the name dropping of heroes and monsters and how it relates to the TT challenge!

2. "Let me tell you a story..." I don't know about you, but I love opening lines like that. Do you have a favourite opening line? Have you ever bought a book on the strength of the opening line alone? (I have!)
What a fun question to think about! My mind immediately went to "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...." which I still really like as an opener. I also like:
"There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it" (Voyage of the Dawn Treader)
And I like from Terry Pratchett (don't remember what book) Everything starts somewhere, although many physicists disagree.

3. Asterion: The early years. I bet no-one was fooled by the few paragraphs of almost sweet baby and toddler descriptions: This was always going to end with a monster in a maze of course.
But do you think it served well as a way to establish Ariadne's character? It felt very epic to me - yes it was a good establishing "shot"

4. What do you think of the writing so far? There's a lot of description and narration and very little dialogue, which tries in with the idea that Ariadne is telling the story to the reader. It allows for a lot more depth and detail than more dialogue-heavy storytelling does. Is that a style you enjoy, or do you prefer the faster pace of a book that is more about character interaction? I generally prefer more dialogue and characterization. This one is so formal. But this writing totally fits the style of the story!

DQs Day 1
Beginning to "... a promise she knew that she couldn't keep."

1.) What attracted you to this book? BOM points? That COVER? Because of the Norse Retelling angle to the story? Any expectations you'd like to share?
The BOM points were what attracted me to the book, but I do like the twisty art on the cover. I actually don't know enough to compare the story to other retellings, but I'm enjoying it so far!


2.) What did you think of Angrboda's first meeting with Loki? I mean he brought her heart back in his knapsack basically because he was bored. But he was so charming, I'm not sure I'd care either. Though it didn't hurt I kept picturing him as Tom Hiddleston. LOL Loki is so totally impulsive. I liked that she didn't sleep with him quite away and that she seems to understand what/how he is.

3.) Thoughts on Skadi? Why do you think she helped Angrboda in the first place? And to such an extent? If Skadi was male, how different do you think that interaction would of been? I love Skadi - the way she is helpful and protective. I'm not sure WHY she helped Angrboda to such an extent, and she's so non-judgemental and thoughtful. If Skadi were male and acted just the same hmm....maybe I would have expected more romantic angles. But I kind of still did expect some romantic feelings so ??


4.) The quote from Skadi, "Time doesn't matter unless you are keeping track of it." Resonated with me. What do you think of this? Do you agree with the statement? I love that quote too. But right now Skadi is probably my favorite character.

5.) Loki's reaction to the pregnancy was, let's go with interesting. What type of father are you expecting him to be? Do you think he will be a functioning part of the child's life? Oh man, I did not like hearing about his other marriage. It interested me that this baby has gestated longer than that of his other wife. I'd expect he won't be a good or present father.

@Leslie - I just realized we need justification for "Read a book where a character gets drunk" for The New Husband

Once we get that, the monster is ready for defeat.

Thanks!

I'll be done with the animal one today so don't worry about that one.

You did and it immediately got snapped up and used for one of the monsters for the MPG war. I just checked on the main team sheet and it's there. So nope - you aren't dreaming!

Thanks Anna!

New Monster - and cool picture!
Caucasian Eagle



The Caucasian Eagle has taken to the skies over your lands in the search of do-gooders who don't think the rules apply to them. Not so hard to defeat with a little effort and maybe setting some traps with organ meat.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 200 and 299 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book set in Russia.
3.) Read a book with a bird on the cover.
4.) Read a book with the letters LIVER in title (any order)
5.) Read a book where a character goes to prison/jail (or is already there).

I turned in that hydra.

@Anna - You read Fire awhile back and I saw it come up first in a list about "books with archer characters", and I see there is a boy and arrows on the cover. Just wanting to confirm - does it fit for X(3) (Centaur)? And does it fit for any other of those tasks?

Thanks CB - that does look like it would work. Good observing :)

Wow thats awesome

Centaur



The Centaurs have over run the forests on your lands and are taking no prisoners (sorry Prometheus). In a new category of moderately hard to defeat, they shouldn't be underestimated. In fact, in most realms they are known for their intelligence, so plan your attack well.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 300 and 349 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book with a forest on the cover.
3.) Read a book where a character is an archer.
4.) Read a book with MPG Classics.
5.) Read a book where a character is considered wise.

New Monsters
Chimera



The Chimera has been spotted on your lands causing destruction everywhere it goes. Hard to kill and known to have multiple personality disorder, be prepared for chaos.

To vanquish this monster you must:
1.) Read a book between 350 and 450 pages (inclusive).
2.) Read a book that takes place in Asia Minor (Italy, Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Egypt, Libya, Israel and Lebanon).
3.) Read a book with "spear" in the text.
4.) Read a book with MPG War.
5.) Read a book that features a lion, goat, or snake.

I'll be home in about 30 minutes and check them in if it's not done. Nice work!

I have an MPG Animal one I can read. It's only 288 pages though - so if someone has one with more page numbers, feel free to take it.