Vaginal Fantasy Book Club discussion
Apr 2013: Ghost Planet
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Felicia, Grand Duchess
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Apr 27, 2013 07:19AM
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I've been surprised by the amount of rape/almost rape in the VF books. Not having read any romance genre books before this club, I was wondering is this typical for romance? I find it strange because I can't think of anything less "romantic".
Hi ladies!Ghost Planet:
Were you irritated that the super secret rebel/alien camp seemed ridiculously easy to find.. even by the fiancee (Ian?) on his first trip to the planet? A little too convenient?
What happened to the Aunt?! Where did she go?
Song of Scarabeus:
Did you like the pace of the romance or think it moved too slowly? (no sexy times)
Tethering was a central obstacle in both of this month's books. Which would you prefer?
You'd technically be dead and have to follow someone around...but you can make flowers grow when you get it on!
OR You are still alive and can zap your man if he gets out of line but your sexy feelings make him want to throw up or double over in pain lol
Did yall find that the fights between Elizabth and Murphy always ended so quickly strange/irritating. Do you think the author introduce the fact that Elizabeth and Murphy could heal each other to soon..would it have been better at the end when Murphy was shot
Was I the only one who thought that everything just seemed to happen when it was convenient to Fisher to move the plot forward without much effort- plant growth (provided poison), the disappearance of the aunt (opportunity for the entire story to happen), random arrival of Paul despite the fact that he would hardly pass the tests to get to come to the planet, based on Elizabeth's earlier descriptions of the things they cared about. Having a dead fiancee who was an odd case as a ghost should have convinced them not to allow him to go. And the healing thing, of course. None of this was ever really logically explained.And how in the world did Mitchell not find the Devil's Rock if everyone else just looked it up online?\
I did rate it four stars though.
Beth wrote: "I've been surprised by the amount of rape/almost rape in the VF books. Not having read any romance genre books before this club, I was wondering is this typical for romance? I find it strange bec..."Sorry to say Beth, its REALLY common in romance books
Did anyone else get really into Ghost Planet for the first 60-odd % of the book then find they no longer cared and everything suddenly everything seemed rushed and random?
My question to the ladies is: "What are your thoughts on the whole "connection" thing between Elizabeth and Murphy? I hate that we don't ever get a definite answer on WHY they have this connection or if this is definitely a unique ability for the two of them. Maybe I missed it!
Nicole wrote: "Sorry to say Beth, its REALLY common in romance books .Hmm. That's unfortunate. I wouldn't be surprised to find it in erotica, because, well, you can find ANYTHING in erotica (Cthulurotica springs to mind) but I thought Romance would be heavier on the ... romance. Silly me. :)
Do you ladies think a perfect book must have at least the slightest hint of romance?I know we read romance in this club, yet I noticed that books that have at least a small grain of romance feel more realistic to me; while on the other hand I have a hard time getting into a romance-free novel (Sorry Bonnie... Lovecraft is not as good as Clive Barker)
Question for you all (apologies if someone already posted this): If you had to live on Ardagh 1 who do you think your "ghost" would be? Also, why did the ghost have to be a person, couldn't it have been a favorite pet from your childhood?Looking forward to Tuesday though it will be a late night for us East Coast types! :)
Sorry to go all AP English on this one, but I might as well write them out like the semester final:#1A: Accents: What are the sexy accents? Hold on, now. The ACCENT. Don't picture some actor's face or grumbly, I-play-Sherlock-Holmes-in-a-modern-setting-on-the-BBC voice. (Save that for the inevitable casting suggestion.) The actual accent, regardless of the pouty lips it comes out of or the testosterone ravaged vocal cords that emit it.
#1B: What are the not-sexy accents?
#2: Second chances: One of the sub-themes of Ghost Planet is getting a second shot at a missed romantic opportunity. Are second chances worth it, or is the fantasy of the missed chance really the appeal?
#3: Commitment. OK, in both these books the characters are connected through mental links (mysterious and technological) from the very beginnings of the book. Essentially, they are married BEFORE they even meet, THEN have a romance and wind up all yippy-hippy, we're in love, bypassing--or at least subverting--the whole vicious timing of love, sex and commitment. Plus, in the forums the whole "I love you" thing came up....
So, when is the proper time to
A. make the sweet, sweet love?
B. say "I love you" to your Almost Significant Other?
C. propose marriage?
Was anyone else bothered by the crazy amount of abbreviations in Song of Scarabaeus? I guess it was supposed to make it seem futuristic, but it drove me crazy! Took me out of a book that I otherwise enjoyed (except for a slightly unfulfilling ending).
For Ghost Planet, what did you think of the pregnancy plot point, especially as a consequence of their first time having sex? I thought it was contrived and unnecessary since it didn't seem to move the plot or relationship forward, but I would be interested to hear what the ladies thought.
"Ghost Planet" was a great read with some nice sexy times, but I felt like the pregnancy was entirely unnecessary to the plot - especially because they didn't follow through to birth or anything. The flower growth was not explained very well and it seems that the poison growing in her pocket was a stretch when the rest of the plants, while strong enough to grow through concrete and such, were still growing from the ground.
The appearance of Paul seemed to serve no purpose other than to provide tension in the relationship between Murphy and Elizabeth.
Anyone else think that super secret camp was way too easy to find?
"Song of Scarabaeus" - The amount of abbreviations is TOO DAMN HIGH. It made me wonder whether the author was lazy or too unimaginative to come up with new words or terms for things.
Lack of sexy times was saddening. Not even when they were stuck in the little seed on Scarabaeus hiding from the creatures or in the escape pod!
The ending seemed abrupt and left me wanting.
I was talking to another reader, and he suggested that Ghost Planet isn't really sci-fi, except in the loosest terms (it happens on another planet). Do you ladies have any thoughts on what defines the genre itself and the differences between hard and soft(?) sci-fi?
Nicole wrote: "Did anyone else get really into Ghost Planet for the first 60-odd % of the book then find they no longer cared and everything suddenly everything seemed rushed and random?"I loved it up to 40% myself.
Kamil wrote: "Do you ladies think a perfect book must have at least the slightest hint of romance?I know we read romance in this club, yet I noticed that books that have at least a small grain of romance feel ..."
I don't think we connect more to romance, but the building of relationships. I love books where we see the chick of the month grow as relationships grow deeper. That's why we really get into side characters, I believe.
Minsta wrote: "Question for you all (apologies if someone already posted this): If you had to live on Ardagh 1 who do you think your "ghost" would be? Also, why did the ghost have to be a person, couldn't it have..."As a writer, I think it would be hard to have a mental connection with an animal. I mean how would you convey feelings and emotion to a being that does not think the same way?
I viewed the "Ghost" as people the colonist wished they knew better or wanted a deeper connection with in live before they died.
Ghost Planet: I enjoyed this book, but did not love it. I do believe I would call this Soft Syfy. For someone who has never read Syfy I would say try reading this book. I did some research on this Author, and I believe this is her novel. That is why I'm not judging it so hard. I believe this book could of been broken up into 3 books easily, and been much better. The release of information was rushed.
As someone who always dreams of being a content editor I would of suggested of ending the 1 book where Elizabeth was stuck with the needle. The 2 book would end at arriving at Devil Rock. That way she could of made the characters more rounded.
Questions: Did anybody like the fact Mitchell was this smart sexy guy who all of a sudden became a sex addict?
MA: I did love Mitchell's sexual drive, but it felt like once it kicked in that was all he had going on.
Did anybody else felt like this could of just as easily played out on earth instead of another Planet? Like maybe the rock could of hit earth instead?
MA: I think it would of been better if new plants had been grown. Like purple potatoes or something. Its a new planet or something for crying out loud give me some new scenery.
Last question: Did anybody else feel some of the sex scenes were lacking after the first one?
MA: Hell yea. I know Ms. Day has a blushing problem and I do to when I talk about sex scenes in a book (might be a red head thing who knows?), but as a single mom I felt that the door was slammed in my face as soon as it was just getting good!!!!! Either give me details of everything or just hint to it. Don't get "it" started and stop like the batteries die and you have no replacements. It's very rude.
Thank you to every person who reads this. I only found out about this group on Saturday so on to the next book. Oh and I'm always up for a chat, I'm unemployed too Bonnie. I feel your pain!
Here's a question about a future book pick:Why haven't you considered The Privilege of the Sword?
It's a really fun read, it seems to be right in the VF wheelhouse (swordplay, romance, sexy times), and Felicia even narrates the audiobook version.
Jessica wrote: "Ghost Planet: I enjoyed this book, but did not love it. I do believe I would call this Soft Syfy. For someone who has never read Syfy I would say try reading this book. I did some research on thi..."
My copy of the book says this was her debut novel. And I agree with your view on the sex scenes, the author seemed to get lazy. I also thought she used them to avoid having real relationship building moments, or to solve and argument.
Another question did anyone else forget that Murphy was his last name sense that is what she called him all the time
Celise wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Ghost Planet: I enjoyed this book, but did not love it. I do believe I would call this Soft Syfy. For someone who has never read Syfy I would say try reading this book. I did some..."
To be really honest Celise I sometimes felt like author was a man trying to please a woman. This is why, example from my last relationship:
Me: "We should talk about what we are doing here."
X : "Huh?"
Me: "You know our relationship."
X : "Here let me show you." Start of sex scene.
I mean really? Most men believe sex is the answer. If you can't get sex from you woman then you know your in real trouble. Men can't live with them and sex is just boring with out them.
On the Ghost Planet, would your most pressing question have been "how do we untether the ghosts?" or would it have been, "why are 'ghosts' showing up in the first place? What can this planet do?"
Hello ladies! I don't have a question because I couldn't find either of the books on Kindle, and my paper copy hasn't arrived yet *shakes fist*. I just wanted to let you know that the first UK G+ Hangout happened last night, and was pretty successful :)
Jessica wrote: "Celise wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Ghost Planet: I enjoyed this book, but did not love it. I do believe I would call this Soft Syfy. For someone who has never read Syfy I would say try reading this boo..."everything is an answer (dynamics third law), yet some answers are false
A couple thoughts:1. So will everyone who "detaches" all get awesome superpowers? Wouldn't they get a ridiculous influx from Earth once everyone finds out that not only do you get to bring back a dead loved one, but you can also breathe fresh air and gain some crazy ability?
2. Peter seemed unnecessary. I know they needed someone to get the story out, but bringing back the briefly mentioned ex-fiance seemed forced.
3. Are Irish accents universally considered hot?
How would you ladies feel about being teathered to someone else? Or them teathered to you till death?
Nicole wrote: "How would you ladies feel about being teathered to someone else? Or them teathered to you till death?"And speaking of "tethered", or rather, of Tethered (the newest in Meljean Brooks' "Iron Seas" series)... are you now reading sequels of books that were VF picks because you're so into the series? Have any authors or genres discovered here become firm favourites? Are there any series or authors you think we should give second chances to, like Linnea Sinclair?
(I was also thinking that if Song of Scarabaeus is too hard on sci-fi and too low in romance and if Ghost Planet is too light on sci-fi but has too much insta-lurve, then maybe Sinclair's Hope's Folly might be in the Goldilocks zone inbetween.)
I guess I'm looking for all of your thoughts on VF books now that its been over a year and we havent had much of a look back to see if the book club & its selections has made as much of an impact on the 4 of you as it has had on some of us. (Steampunk VF, where have you been my whole life?!)
In regards to Ghost Planet...- Are they extensions of the planet itself OR are they reincarnations of their earthly persons?
- Do you think Elizabeth commited murder when she poisoned Ardagh? Ardagh would come back for another go at life, BUT his memory would be wiped and he would have no recollection of his previous life on that planet...so, by wiping out that previous life, should she feel remorse at committing murder or relief at "resetting" Ardagh?
- Would each time a ghost was "reset" (like Ardagh was after Elizabeth poisoned him) result in a ghost with a different approach to life/create a different endgame? Or would someone like Ardagh commit the same crimes/have the same issues in his next go-around?
Sharon wrote: "In regards to Ghost Planet...- Are they extensions of the planet itself OR are they reincarnations of their earthly persons?
- Do you think Elizabeth commited murder when she poisoned Ardagh?..."
this brings another questions... we got a concept similar to reincarnation with the chance to start as a blank slate. But do you think this could be done endlessly, or there would be a set limit of "rebirths" before one personality would return?
This is sort of a silly, but fun question:Since the main element in both books is tethering, who would be your ideal person/thing to be bonded to?
In terms of fictional characters, celebrities etc etc
And vice versa, who would be the least ideal person?
Have fun!
Ladies, first of all, congratulations for finding new contestants for my fictional five ( both top 1 and 2 in one month.... that's impressive). But since the characters were bond strongly to other beings, i felt guilty for fantasisising about'em. Do you think the tethering can be unbound?And Song of Scarabeus was a masterpiece, I wonder if you'll be able to find something bether
Brianne wrote: "Did yall find that the fights between Elizabth and Murphy always ended so quickly strange/irritating. Do you think the author introduce the fact that Elizabeth and Murphy could heal each other to..."
I think if she'd done that, then we'd all cry foul on a dues ex machina.
Philippa wrote: "For Ghost Planet, what did you think of the pregnancy plot point, especially as a consequence of their first time having sex? I thought it was contrived and unnecessary since it didn't seem to mov..."I agree, I thought it was shoved in there as some sort of "romance" check list. Sexy times? Check. Hot Irish accent? check. Pregnancy? check. Oh, to be different let's make it TWINS. Check check. And for an extra dose, have everyone else get pregnant too. Check check check.
I did enjoy it over all but towards the end I felt like it was done way before it ended. Too many plot points! The whole idea of being tethered to someone was fascinating to me and I could have done with more exploration of THAT rather than the pregnancy and ex-fiance popping into the picture.
Did anyone else think it was too convenient that Elizabeth suddenly found the way to break the tethering? To me, the way the planet functioned...seemed like they should remain tethered forever. I didn't think it should be able to be broken. Or if broken, each one should get a new ghost.
Melinda wrote: "Brianne wrote: "Did yall find that the fights between Elizabth and Murphy always ended so quickly strange/irritating. Do you think the author introduce the fact that Elizabeth and Murphy could he..."
we already got telepathy and pregnancy, one more deus ex machina wouldn't make any difference
Does anyone else feel the ex showing up seemed an afterthought? As if the author realized they needed some way to reveal the ghost connection to humanity so why not bring in the ex who, oh by the way, just HAPPENS to be an investigative reporter.
Felicia, I just saw this book and wanted to know if you'd posed for the cover of if they just hijacked your Supernatural dream look? :)http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/1...
The vaginal fantasy group in Austin, TX met up on Sunday, and our biggest point of discussion about Ghost Planet was regarding the worldbuilding. Being a biologist, I thought the whole symbiotic planet component of the world building was really lacking in providing a solid mechanism. How can a planet create full replicas of people, including their memories? What did you ladies think of the world building in this book?
Sarah wrote: "How can a planet create full replicas of people, including their memories?..."DNA and RNA might be the answer
Do any of you feel that the 'hot Irish accent' is overrated? At this point it seems that it's definitely becoming a cliche (if it's not one already.) What are some other accents you find just as (or more) hot?
Kamil wrote:DNA and RNA might be the answer"
For form, sure, but not memories! Although that would be very cool, if we had ancestral memories passed down (Like Robin Hobb's dragons...)
My theory, if I had to come up with one, is that the planet is fueled by souls (which must be a form of energy, because energy can not be created or lost, only exchanged...), which the planet can gather through their links with other living souls and use them as fuel to create the life forms (plants/animals) that feed and protect those same souls, creating a circular, symbiotic relationship. But, I'm not the author, and it's all fantasy anyway ;)
Katie wrote: "Kamil wrote:DNA and RNA might be the answer"
For form, sure, but not memories! Although that would be very cool, if we had ancestral memories passed down (Like Robin Hobb's dragons...)
My theor..."
Actually, I wonder if it's more of a computer program. The ghosts are "rebooted" every time they die from the original copy and the description of how they are generated sounds semi-digital as well. It doesn't really explain how ghosts of individuals who haven't died on the planet would have memories, but neither does the "Gaia" approach, so, oh well. :)
Sarah wrote: "The vaginal fantasy group in Austin, TX met up on Sunday, and our biggest point of discussion about Ghost Planet was regarding the worldbuilding. Being a biologist, I thought the whole symbiotic pl..."I thought the world building in the alt was so much better than the main pick. Song of Scarabaeus felt like a fleshed-out universe, complete with technology and politics. Ghost Planet felt very incomplete to me. Did others see this?
I'd rather Scarabaeus have been the main pick and get the most discussion during the hangout.
Hannah wrote: "Do any of you feel that the 'hot Irish accent' is overrated? At this point it seems that it's definitely becoming a cliche (if it's not one already.) What are some other accents you find just as ..."I like Rythian from Yogscast, Youtube comments tell me he's Swedish, but I'm not sure how accurate that is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc7BBm...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1IYOj...
Beth wrote: "I've been surprised by the amount of rape/almost rape in the VF books. Not having read any romance genre books before this club, I was wondering is this typical for romance? I find it strange bec..."Not really now, but there were some books written in the 70's, Bodice Rippers. That the hero would rape the heroine.
I feel like rape or the threat of it is used pretty often in romance books even today. I do read mostly historical and paranormal romance, though. It's not usually the hero, though. If anything, seems like it's used to contrast the "good" hero and the "bad" villains.I also tend to wonder if authors are more comfortable expressing violence towards women in a sexual way. Violence is violence, and rape is not preferable to beating. I just very rarely read a scene where violence is directed at a female character that doesn't have sexual undertones; I rarely read a scene where violence is directed at a male and does have sexual undertones.
Sue wrote: "Sarah wrote: "The vaginal fantasy group in Austin, TX met up on Sunday, and our biggest point of discussion about Ghost Planet was regarding the worldbuilding. Being a biologist, I thought the whol..."I just finished the alt book. I have to agree that it was much better world building than the main book.
Here is one question for the alt book:So I don't ruin the ending for people who haven't finished the alt book. Does anybody feel like they have to read the next to see how Edie and Finn get out of the pickle she is?
Don't read the next bit if you haven't finished the book.
MA: I so mad now. I have to read the next book to find out how they get that implant fix. Edie is bounded to planet, Finn is bounded to Edie. I'm sitting reading the last chapter wondering why she can't re-due her DNA or something to fix that depended issue. That's all I'm saying if you could rewrite the cod of the BRAT why not your own. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
Thanks for reading the rants of a single with no one over the age of 10 to talk to. Lets face it kids just look at you funny when you finish a book that just gets under skin. I give this one 4 stars because the ending drove me nuts. Must go drink to calm myself.
Vaginal Fantasy Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Tales of Fire: Pages from my personal diary (other topics)Tethered (other topics)
Hope's Folly (other topics)
The Privilege of the Sword (other topics)
