The Dresden Files > DF Reference Collection
Skin Game Predict-a-thon. [All the latest Spoilers permitted and encouraged]
KurtinStGeorge:
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?
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What Nic is trying to steal is almost irrelevant, it is what he wants it for that is important. If it is the Spear of Destiny, it is for the purpose of using against an Archangel like Uriel. Also, it is not Nicodemus who really wants the "whatsit." This time Anduriel is in the driver's seat which should give Harry a chance to outsmart him (it).
However, Nicodemus does have his own goals. Hades is the Underworld of the Ancients Greeks, which is what Nic probably is. He wants to visit with someone in Hades and perhaps find a way to take them out and leave Harry in their place.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?
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He needs Harry's Winter icing power to deal with things like rivers of fire and potetial threats like Harpies. He may also need Harry's magic ability to help Nic make potions to speak with the shades in Hades. In the original Odyssey the dead needed a libation of blood in order to speak.
As I stated in the answer to the first question Nic wants to ditch Harry in Hades and take someone else out.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
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I think we are going to see the Redcap again. He's real good at setting up traps and is known to be very fast on his feet. Plus Nic will have discovered Red has a grudge against Harry. Shagnasty will also be part of Nic's crew. He will be along because Nic wants some serious muscle to deal with overt threats from heavyweight creatures like the Minotaur. He also has a score to settle with Dresden. I think there is a 10% chance that Mavra will also be on the team. There really isn't anything in Hades that can harm her, with the possible exception of the Gorgon turning her to stone.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?
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Harry will ask for Lady Molly to be part of the team and even suggest that Mab could put a geas on her to prevent Molly from removing the parasite until Harry is finished the job. Mab will refuse this request, and Harry will chose Thomas. Molly will go along anyway and remain under a veil until the vital moment when Harry needs her most. However, while Molly will remove the parasite in time, it won't be her or Thomas who ultimately saves the day.
Murphy will appear at the point where Harry and company will emerge from Hades. She won't be carrying Fidelacchius either. She will have given the swords to Michael because she no longer considers herself to be worthy of holding them. She will oppose Nicodemus as a Denarian; who has decided the only way she can stand up to Nicodemus is to take the power offered by the Fallen in her head. She will survive and disappear at the end of the story, setting up part of the plot for the next novel.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?
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Sanya has to appear as he is the last wielder of a sword still on active duty. Someone we don't know will pick up a sword and do well for a while before getting killed. The sword will not have been handed out by Murphy as she will have given them to Michael for safe keeping. Michael will pick up the dropped sword and use it until the end of the book. He won't know that he can trust Harry until he sees his friend is fighting for his life against the Denarians.
It is likely Sanya and Michael will find themselves fighting Tessa and Rosanna, but more on them later.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?
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Mab still has a score to settle with someone on Tessa's crew. She expects Tessa and Rosanna to show up and try to steal the MacGuffin from Anduriel/Nic. She wants Harry and his allies in place to deal out some harsh retribution to one or both of them.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?
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The parasite is Nemesis. It can't take over Harry because he is a Starborn so it is doing something else. It is growing like a tumor, but one with intelligence and will of its own to destroy Harry and everything and everyone he loves.
Molly will use her neuromancy to see exactly where the parasite is and her new Winter Power to eliminate it. Failing the ability to destroy it, she will remove it (in a frozen condition so it can't do any harm until it thaws out) and then leave it stranded in Hades.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?
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I think I've already got a couple of last minute double crosses in action. Tessa and Rosanna show but are foiled by Sanya and Michael, while Murphy shows up and saves Harry. Here is my final twist. While Murphy saves Harry, frustrates Anduriel, and Rosanna probably bites the dust; much to Mabs satisfaction, but Murphy will steal the MacGuffin and disappear with it. However, Harry will find the magic "whatsit" on the Water Beetle with a note from Murphy explaining why she had to do what she did.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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.
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We know Anna Valmont will be part of the team and Harry has to look her up. My guess is that Harry will kill the thug Nic recruited because of his thieving skills; when said thug makes a move against Harry, and will be forced to find a replacement and Anna will be available. There is a WAG (not my own) that she is carrying Lasciel's coin. I like that one.
Here's one of my own WAGS; Fix will also be on hand when Harry emerges from Hades. He won't be there to help him. He will make a serious attempt to kill Harry on the general principle that he is opposing Mab's will by opposing Harry. Harry will be forced to kill him in self-defense. Mab will heartily approve of Harry's actions which will do nothing but depress Harry. However, Mab and Harry will discover it was likely that Titania deliberately sent Fix on a suicide mission when; near the end of the book, she announces a party to celebrate the choice of her new Summer Knight, Warden Carlos Ramirez, whom she recruited after he was crippled in a fight with the Fomor.
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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.
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Harry and Molly will visit the White Council near the end of the novel. Harry will all but be accused of using necromancy to return from the dead. He will be accused of letting a Warlock run free when he was absent. Molly will then unveil, and Harry will introduce her as the new Lady Winter and ask the senior Council to pay their respects to her. Harry and Molly will feel somewhat smug about how they handled the situation until the announcement of the new Summer Knight is read before the Council.
The Carpenter's will be reluctant to let Harry see his daughter. It is also likely she will be in school at the time the initial conversation between Michael, Charity and Harry takes place so even if they did agree Harry wouldn't be able to see her until after the business with Nicodemus is finished. After Molly sees her parents, Harry will finally meet Maggie at the end of the book.
huskermic:
1.) As I've stated before I think nic wants to pull off a darkhallow spell to become a demi god. Maybe even to take over Hades spot. And instead of a bunch of people fueling the spell use just one. Hades.
2.) Nic needs Harry because he still wants him on his team. And I believe demonreach is the point to get into never never. We've been told that something dark and deadly is on the otherside and hmmm would Hades lair count.
3.) Nic's crew will have shagnasty, Mavra ( because every five books has denarians and every three has vamps ) some denarians, Ferofax and Cowl. And all of them will be trying to provoke Harry like a bunch of bullies.
4.) Kincade will be the plus one because he has a severe score to settle from small favor and maybe something else from long ago. Later in we'll see Murphy, Sanya, Michael, Daniel, Thomas , mouse, Molly, Marcone and his group, Alphas, Ramirez, and Ebenezer. Basically everybody because he's going to need lots of help.
5.) Murphy will finally if not already have a sword and I'm still thinking Daniel will wield a sword. Plus I think they will be showing some new powers. ( unless king Arthur shows up than he gets Ammorochius )
6.) Mab's reasons are um wow this is hard because I'm twice divorced so I can't figure out normal women. OK she wants balance and payback for crimes of the past. Nic double crossed her so she wants it done to him.
7.) The parasite is He Who Is You the third walker. We haven't seen the subconscious Harry in a long while and I think that is HWIY and that's why Harry has had such a reaction to the mantle. Remember sub conscious harry was lot more primal.
8.) The twist is somebody from either side of the team will switch sides in the end and we will find out who either nemisis or cowl is.
9.) Three previous wag that will be revealed A. Lacuna is the tooth fairy. B. The prisoner of demon reach will be released and C. King Arthur will appear
10.) A. We will meet a new ally that will have Hindu background. Jim has stated that he wants to use their history. B. We have meet all 6 of the Queens now its time to meet Oberon. C.) Never seen any of the movies so will go with this quote. Harry will meet Nic's crew for the first time he will say a Bogart line ( may mess this up ) of all the bars of the world you guys had to show up in my mine.
pcpoet:
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 believe that nick is trying to get a hold of the titan chronos. who had been imprisoned in the labyrinth.
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? I believe that harries purpose is to be used to get rid of team that nicodemus is putting together. the team that nicodemouse has put together a team that he wants to work together to get his goal done and to kill off as much of the team as he can. as far as nicodemous is concerned if harry kills off some of his team at the same time as getting his goal great if harry dies even better. another thing that is that harry has his mothers jem that allows harry to travel the never never able to predict where conections are. I believe that the jem is necessary to navigate daelous.
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry? this one I have to think about I will edit in my answer later
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 that the +1 kinkaid, I also think that William borden and the alas will interfere in some way along with buters, after all with butters and andi an item now how can butters not get involved he is a member of the pack now he just cant turn into a wolf like the rest.
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? I believe that Daniel will be wielding his dads sword and will almost kill himself because of this bringing his dad micheal in to play who will be there in an advisory level. I also think that murphy at the end of the book will take up the sword after being embarrassed at the sacrifice that Daniel almost makes of himself. Sonja will be there to and he will be the one that convinces murphy that for the greater good she must take up the sword.
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? I think that mab is looking at this as a training exercise for harry she wants him to learn how to double deal . she wants harry to learn to hold to the letter of the agreement but in the end not give the person what they want. the other thing is mab is smart enough to no that anything that nicodemous wants could also hurt her.
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? I think harie was infected with the deamon of the red court when he killed of the court at the end of changes. I think that the head ache is that deamon fighting for control of harry and to be born into this world
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? the twist is going to be that the trip to labryth is a honey pot trap for the denairians and they will be trapped there by hadeas at the end of the book
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.
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. at some time in the book Dresden is going to pay charone for a trip acoss the river styx with a denarion coin ( I am hopping that it is nicodemouses coin and at the end of the book nicodemous gets out of hadeas mines his coin and minuse andrails influence. and as mad as he can be at Dresden for doing this to him.
sociotard:
--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?
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Whatever Ferovax got in the box at Bianca's party. I like the "Hope from Pandora's box" theory a lot, and this could be one and the same. Yes, we won't see Ferovax until the last book, but if he banks with Hades he might have the object there.
As Nic also likes to do things for multiple reasons, he probably wants to get Harry killed while he's at it.
--- Quote ---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?
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Concur that Demonreach opens up to Tartarus and Nic wants to use the Back Door. Harry will be sorely tempted to have the island imprison them all. But, Harry is also good at finding things and people. Anna Valmont, among them. Lastly, because Nic does things for multiple reasons, he intends to use Harry for barter. Coming back from the dead annoyed some of the greater powers, and Nic will try to hand Harry over in exchange for cooperation.
--- Quote ---3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
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Concur Mavra will be on the team. She only works for herself, but she makes deals.
Evil!Bob.
Cowl.
Shagnasty.
A greater Ghoul or lesser dragon. (lower case d)
Marcone will not be part of the core team, but he will provide some necessary resource
And a bunch of Denarians.
--- Quote ---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?
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Probably Thomas. He might also try to get an extra secret-hiding ally along, like Toot or Bob. I suspect we will see interference from Sanya, Daniel, Michael (confirmed, AFAIK), Murphy, and Fix
--- Quote ---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?
--- End quote ---
Agree that Sanya will probably die. Daniel will be denied the chance to wield a sword, and will be so desperate to save the day he will take up a coin while Michael watches.
--- Quote ---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?
--- End quote ---
Mab wants to keep her knight. She knows that Nicodemus, whatever he promised, will try to kill Dresden. So, she has to advise Dresden to dutifully assist in completing the heist, but also tell him to skin Nic alive before Nic can do the same. I don't think she actually said she had any problem with the heist itself, just that she wanted Nic skinned alive.
--- Quote ---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?
--- End quote ---
The lovebaby Evil!Bob put on Harry's tongue way back in the day. Getting his baby was Evil!Bob's condition for helping Nic.
--- Quote ---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?
--- End quote ---
The whole Heist was engineered by Odin to lure a bunch evil dudes into Tartarus and/or Demonreach, there to be detained. However, this will be thrown into chaos when Marcone uses the heist to take the godhood of Hades and go from lord of the Chicago underworld to Lord of the Underworld Period.
--- Quote ---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.
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The Favor Mab owed Nic will be revealed to actually be the favor Cat Sith owed Nic. Cat Sith was Harry's Batman in exchange for Mab taking up Cat Sith's debt to Nic. I just noticed Nic and Sith use similar phrasing. Either they spent enough time together for one to pick up the other's phrasing, or Jim just thinks "Tempus Fugit" is something smart evilish dudes like to say.
--- Quote ---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.
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In the first part of Cold Days Thomas mentioned how scary Lara is getting, to the degree of reaching for national control. Harry put her on his "to do" list. Lara will not get resolved in this book, but we will se a plot seed for her to be the central point of the next book.
At some point, Harry will say "Hell was freezing over, and it wasn't my fault."
PirateJack:
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 have two ideas in mind here. The first is a set of silver coins used to pay Charon for crossing the River Styx. This could symbolise the return from the dead, as these obols are not meant to return to the land of the living. It might grant Nicodemus the ability to bring two people back to life, or perhaps allow him to bring two more Fallen to Earth.
The second is a bag full of pomegranate seeds, which he plans to trick his enemies into eating (and thus dying). My bets for this one would be attempting to trap Harry in Tartarus and that this is one big con where Nicodemus tries to kill Harry in as complicated a way as possible.
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?
Hmm. Bets on trying to start a war between Winter and Hades. Harry's good at that and Nicodemus would definitely have known that Mab would try to screw him over in the worst way possible; by sending the Knight that knows how to kill him.
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
We've got confirmation that Anna Valmont will be returning, so I'll count her out. Otherwise I'd say someone from Greek mythology, probably one who has been to Hades' realm and returned. Orpheus possibly, if he still lives. I'm not ruling out anything here; Greek mythology is full of people interfering with Hades.
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?
Michael. Almost certainly Michael. Harry doesn't need someone to watch his back in a physical sense; he needs someone who won't waver in the face of Hell and provide expert advice on the Denarians Harry may encounter. Sanya will likely get involved in some way... and end up trapped in the Underworld, if my Worst Case Scenario senses aren't betraying me.
Molly will likely involve herself as Lady, but be unable to actually join in the action due to Mab. Otherwise I think Harry might be on his own for this one.
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?
Michael will show up, as I said above, with Sanya showing up in the nick of time.
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?
She probably has an idea of what Nicodemus wants/could do with the various items that must have ended up in the Underworld over the course of history.
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?
Lash, the Parasite, and Molly will remove it... Or Lash will emerge from Harry's skull, killing him in the process, but someone will save Harry's life with an item from the Underworld.
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?
Oh Dear God I have no idea. Knowing Nicodemus it'll be something horrendously bad... Prison break of all the souls in Tartarus? Harry and crew stealing the treasure out from under Nicodemus' nose without him noticing?
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.
Pomegranate seeds will play an important part in this book. Harry will find Helen Beckett's daughter in the Underworld and will find a way to get her back to her body.
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.
I'm too tired for this one.
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