1. We have been told that Nicodemus has a very specific target in mind, ostensibly kept in the Labyrinth of Daedalus. What is Nic trying to get his hands on and why?I want to guess Ferrovax's gift, because I want to know what was in that GD box. But then I think, why would a "capital D Dragon" rely on someone else to safekeep his belongings? So this is a tentative guess because I don't think we have any good indication toward any other relic.
2. Nicodemus apparently called in a marker from Mab to get Harry on the team. Does he have a specific plan for using Harry or did Mab twist his request? Which of Harry's capabilities will he admit to needing, and (given that this is Nicodemus after all), which abilities is he scheming for Harry to use?In most cons, you need a patsy, I think Harry and guest will be said patsy, and Nic bet on Mab using Harry. The side benefits (White Council Warden Winter Knight Destroyer of the Red Court) may be helpful, but Harry's main purpose is the patsy.
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?I think it will be mostly denarians, but probably a couple other favors called in from Nic, none of them good. Ooo, maybe some demons, like Chauncey.
4. Harry's general method of operation is to call on his friends for help. In this book, Harry is (initially) allowed one extra backup member on the crew. Who will it be? Which of Harry's other allies will "interfere" before the plot is over?I think Murphy might insist or otherwise inject herself into the situation. Otherwise, maybe Thomas because of Nic having his "spawn" accompany him as was said in the SG teaser.
5. This is a Denarian book, so (unlike the last "end of the world" showdown), the Swords will almost certainly be present. In fact, there have been various hints... Which Sword wielders will appear in the next book and how will their interference/help affect the plot?Harry at some point may likely be up against Sanya and maybe even Michael, but Michael likely sans-sword. Also, I feel Murphy should be the one to acquire Fidelacchius, either during or as a result of the events of SG. Harry will be forced to lie to Sanya/Michael about his involvement with the entire operation, which will create huge amounts of suspicion or fall out from Sanya/Michael.
6. Mab is apparently against Nicodemus succeeding in this heist. In the Cold Days, we found that Mab had complex reasons for wanting Harry to kill Maeve. What are Mab's reasons in this book? Is it simple thwarting or is there something deeper?Nic has violated the accords previously, which charges Mab with punishing the violator, and Mab always repays her debts
7. At the end of Cold Days, Harry needs to stay on the island to keep his growing headaches at bay. The start of Skin Games implies that those headaches will need to be resolved by the end of the book. Who or what is causing those headaches, and how will the whole thing get resolved by the end of the book?It's Lash, and Molly will have to "cut" her out of Harry, like she cut out her friends' addictions in various ways. Lash will then take residence in Bob's old or new vessel.
8. One of the key components of the "Ocean's Eleven" movie is that there is a final twist/reveal. Given that we've got Nicodemus, Harry, Mab, and potentially Hades (and who knows who else) all trying to get the better of each other, if there's one thing you can count on it's some sort of last minute quintuple-cross. What will be the nature of the twist and how will it all fall out?I think Harry being the patsy will be the big twist. I think Harry's also being worked over by Mab, and this heist will alienate him from most everyone except maybe Molly.
9. (Extra Credit) There are many WAG ("Wild A$$ Guess") theories on the boards, some crazier than others. Write up to three WAG theories (or make up your own) you believe are correct that will be confirmed (or at least have evidence in favor of) in Skin Games.Murphy has Lascielle's coin, and will she will be used to screw over Harry. This will lead to Murphy being confronted by Sanya, Michael, and/or Harry, having her coin removed, and her becoming a KotC of the sword of faith.
Mouse will Fu Dog the sh't out of Cerberus
Anduriel was the shadow that killed Harry
10. (Extra Credit) This is that "free form" question where you can come up with anything else you think will be in this book. Specific quotes Harry might say (will he actually quote Ocean's Eleven? The movie will have come out already in Harry's timeline)? Tidbits about the White Council? The fate of Molly? Write down anything you want. Note that whatever you write must be specifically mentioned or hinted at in Skin Games in order to be worth credit. Lea will get screen time after a full book of being a no-show.
We'll find out which angel killed Harry
Harry will tell Michael about Molly, and Michael will get The Warrior-style irrationally angry about it. Harry's gonna be really sore after.
We will find out something about Maggie Sr. from Nic
We will find out a tiny bit more about Malcolm
Harry will receive his backpay from the White Council