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« on: October 20, 2013, 01:12:25 AM »
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?
It's probably actually a trick: he's trying to entrap Harry, to get an edge on Mab, and perhaps the keys to Demonreach. But to be convincing to Harry, he'd probably say something dramatic, like, oh, the soul of Judas Iscariot, or something.
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?
He knew Dresden would be sent. He needs Dresden to diiiiieeeee...
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
Gang of newcomer mortals who have no idea what they are getting into (probably toting coins, but not yet full denarians), to weaken and distract Harry. Shagnasty the skinwalker in disguise?
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? 9/10/13 an interview was published that answers the first half of this question.
We already know Murphy is in it. Molly and Sanya will probably get involved.
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?
Sanya, Michael out for one last job.
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?
Mab owes Nic one, and Mab always answer her debts. Probably that simple, really. Mab distrusts Nic and suspects Nemesis infection, so sending Harry is one way to be sure - and to deal with it, if necessary. Mab also has possibly made a promise to the parasite to protect it, so maybe this is a way to get around this deal by some kind of quantum faeconomics.
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?
Molly eats it.
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?
Shagnasty reappears and has his own agenda. Demonreach suffers a partial prison break. Something very nasty is released. Molly will have to accept her power to prevent total destruction.
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.
MacAnally is Merlin.
Karrin Murphy is infected with Nemesis.
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.
*Why* Mab owes Nicodemus one will be a big deal in the book.
We might get some hints about why Mab and Titania had their falling out.
Nicodemus will die a heroic death.