Once Upon A Time There Was A Reading Challenge...

Spring is over and summer has officially begun and that means it’s the end of the Once Upon A Time Reading Challenge.  I had a wonderful time with the books I read and I enjoyed seeing what others were reading.  I discovered some new books that have been added to my TBR pile and I was able to talk about the books I love.  I want to thank Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings for hosting such a great event.  I’m already looking forward to next year.  And even though the Once Upon A Time Challenge is over, I still have the Summer In Discworld going strong, so all is not lost.  Below is a list of books, an animated series and the one movie I enjoyed during this challenge:


Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed


The Thief of Bagdad starring Douglas Fairbanks 


The Gammage Cup by Carol Kendall


The Whisper of Glocken by Carol Kendall


The Firelings by Carol Kendall


Avatar The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1 Graphic Novel


Going Postal by Terry Pratchett


The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester


Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (Group Read)


Guards! Guards! By Terry Pratchett


The Legend of Korra Animated Series (Spoilers if you have not been keeping up)


I didn’t embark much into fairly tales, mythology or folklore so maybe next year.  I committed to Quest the First, which was to read 5 books in each of the categories.  I think I met my goal and then some.

Overall I had a great time and a big thank you to everyone who stopped by for a visit and a chat.  I also found some new blogs to visit and I look forward to seeing what they are reading so we can chat some more.  I recommend taking a look at the review site here.  If you’re looking for a good book to read, I’m sure you’ll find it there.

The Legend of Korra Episode 10: Turning The Tides

With each episode I always make sure I sit and watch with Venessa to experience each one for the first time.  It also provides an arm for me to grab and let me tell you, it’s happened quite a bit.  There’s also a lot of couch jumping.  By Venessa, obviously, not me, duh.  So it’s been like this for the last 3-4 episodes or so: a lot of arm grabbing, shoulder shaking, jumping up and down, laughing and squealing in fright.  Yesterday, there were some tears to add to the mix.  You know that whole scene in Spinal Tap, about the amp going to 11?  This episode was an 11 and then some; upping the ante and the intensity factor at least 100 times more than the whole series so far in my opinion.  I fear for the finale, I don’t think my heart can take it.  And I feared writing the recap that follows because I didn’t know if I wanted to relive what happened all over again.  But, I will...

SPOILERS

The episode begins with Korra getting some much needed rest.  Then after a good home cooked meal, Korra tells everyone what happened to her, Tarrlock’s true identity and about Amon showing up to take away Tarrlock’s bending.  A council member attacked my Amon worries Tenzin and Asami confronts Mako about the kiss between him and Korra.  Before Tenzin heads to Republic City, he asks Lin to look after her family.  Pema is only too happy to take advantage of Lin’s generosity.

When Tenzin arrives in Republic City, he is too late.  The Equalists have attacked the other council members and Tenzin manages to escape when they come for him.  That’s when all hell breaks loose as strategic blasts go off throughout the city.  Republic City is under attack and the New Team Avatar rush to help.  We find out Korra can’t drive and Mako has been banished to the backseat.  Tenzin arrives at police headquarters but it’s not long before it comes under attack.  As Tenzin tries to lead those that are left to safety they find themselves surrounded.

New Team Avatar arrive just in time to save Tenzin, who for the second time, was almost captured by Equalists.  But their work is not done yet when they look out across the bay and see Equalist airships heading for Air Temple Island.  Of course, unborn children always choose the worst time to be born so Pema goes into labor as the airships are coming for them.  Lin stands her ground to protect Pema and the children, but is soon overwhelmed.  When it looks like this is it for Lin, who should come to her rescue but Jinora, Ikki and Meelo!  They are able to hold off the first attack in time for Tenzin and New Team Avatar to arrive.  Tenzin and the children meet their new brother but there’s no time to enjoy the happy moment.  More airships are on the way.  They decide to split up, to regroup and return to fight another time.  The members of the White Lotus hold off the Equalists while Lin, Tenzin and his family leave on Oogi.  Korra, Asami, Bolin and Mako leave on Naga.  But the airships are hot on the trail of Oogi.

Lin turns to Tenzin and his family, tells them “Whatever happens to me, don’t turn back”, then makes the jump to the closest airship.

Lin manages to take out one of the ships.  As she starts on the second, she is captured.  The second airship breaks off its pursuit of Tenzin’s family but Lin is brought before Amon and her bending is taken away!

Republic City has fallen, the police force has been captured by Equalists, but General Iroh and the United Forces are on the way.  But is it too late?

Let’s start with the hard part first, like ripping off a band aid quickly; Lin Beifong losing her bending.  This was so heartbreaking.  I don’t know which was worse: hearing her tell the others not to look back for her, leaving us to think we wouldn’t see her alive again, or her bravely facing Amon as he took her bending.  Not even a tear from her.  But not a dry eye amongst most of us fans I’m sure.  She has nerves of steel and was not about to let the last airbenders fall into Amon's hands or betray Korra.  Toph would be so proud.  Meelo said it for all of us: That lady is my hero.  Ugh, I’m about to cry writing this.

Okay, next up: General Iroh.  It’s obvious this young man is related to Zuko from the original series (voice actor is the same too).  I’ve only heard through the internet grape vine that Zuko has a daughter.  Since Zuko was the oldest out of the Gaang, I’m going to say this is likely his grandson and Zuko would be old enough to have a grandson as young-ish as General Iroh seems to be.

And grr, I knew Tenzin would get himself into trouble heading back to Republic City.  Thank goodness Asami’s father had her take those self defense classes.  She single handedly took down five Equalists to save him.  And once again Mako is annoying but it was about time we finally see someone redirect the electric charges that has been used against the benders.  I’ll just move on and complain that there wasn’t enough for Bolin to do and I’m not counting him worrying about parking tickets then pointing out mustache guy.  This episode was also a bit Korra-lite too but she did a lot in the last one so I’ll let it pass.  But at least we got to see the airbender kids show off!


I've already said it, that Amon is using a really good chi block to take away someone's bending, or rather, to give the impression it's been taken away.  I think Tenzin made it very clear a few episodes ago, that only an Avatar can take away someone's bending permanently and that's that.  So what's Amon plan?  To attempt to "take away" Korra's bending in order to trigger the Avatar State, then he'll go in for the kill because it's only when you kill an Avatar in the Avatar State that you can stop the cycle, otherwise a new Avatar will be born.  It's never been discussed what happens if the Avatar ceases, other than there will never be another.  What if that also rids the world of bending as well?  Which is ultimately Amon's plan.  So anyways, that's what I think...

Memorable Moments:

The set up to the Equalists attack on the council members with them posing as "innocent" exterminators and window washers

Seeing Republic City under attack from Air Temple Island

You can feel Tenzin’s helplessness as he looks on unable to stop these events on his own

Preparing to attack Air Temple Island

Jinora, Ikki and Meelo coming in to help Lin

Naga gets a hero moment

The hope that help is on the way

I really don’t know what else to say.  I love this series.  This episode was just packed with action, there was no room to breathe... it was fantastic!  It looks like we’re possibly heading into an Empire Strikes Back ending and yes, this one was pretty close but this was just Han Solo being encased in carbonite.  We haven’t even gotten to the Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father revelation yet!  (Side note: Oh my god, Google Docs actually had Vader in its dictionary!)  I’m just happy I can enjoy such a wonderful, well thought out show and to be able to share the experience with my daughter.  RIP Lin’s bending (for now, because darn it I won't believe it's permanent!) and whether I’m prepared for it or not, on to the finale!

Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett

Captain Sam Vimes of the Night Watch is a drunk.  There is a dragon loose in his city.  Why is there a dragon?  They’ve been extinct for ages.  But some overly ambitious Elucidated Brethren have summoned it and it’s wrecking havoc on poor Ankh-Morpork and Sam will not have it!  So that means Sam is going to have to sober up, his men will have to find their courage to stop it.  And with luck - quite a bit of luck, actually - perhaps they can manage to not get killed along the way.


Back when I read Snuff I became a fan of Sam Vimes.  I met him at a point in his life where he’d already achieved so much, he is a husband, a father and Commander of the City Watch, having gained a few more titles along the way.  I’d always wanted to see what he was like before that and I got my opportunity to do so in Guards! Guards!  This Sam is so very different yet he is the Sam I met in Snuff.  In Guards! Guards! we meet Sam for the first time, drunk and mumbling to himself in the gutters.  He is just a captain of the Night Watch, with only two men under his command.  Not much is expected of them and they actually prefer it that way.  But Sam will not stand by to let a dragon destroy his city.  When he came to his senses and knew he would have to do something about it I couldn't help but feel proud of him; that was the Sam I got to know in Snuff.


I also got to meet Lady Sybil Ramkin, Sam’s future wife (I am not considering this a spoiler since I already wrote about her in my Snuff review), an eccentric heiress who is an expert on swamp dragons, the very small brethren of the very large dragon causing chaos.  She also plays a big part helping Sam and the Night Watch towards a future or being more than just mall security.  It’s also nice to see the beginnings of their romance.  They’re so cute!


The Patrician is back too and this book just made me like that guy even more.  I also got to meet some new people: Colon, Nobby, Carrot, the Librarian and Errol, the swamp dragon.  I’m not sure if Errol makes much of an appearance in other books but I had to talk about him because he plays an important part in the fight against the dragon menace.  We learn from Lady Sybil that swamp dragons will often re-work their plumbing, sometimes with messy results, but Errol manages a way to re-work his plumbing that made me do a double take before realizing that what I read was what I read.  It’s so delightfully hilarious and silly (and gross).  Colon and Nobby are the grizzled veterans; grizzled veterans in the way that they know where all the good watering holes are at.  The Night Watch takes on Carrot, a human raised by Dwarves (visions of Elf can not be helped with this scenario).  Carrot is very naive and the conversations he has with Colon and Nobby are great when they try to explain how the non-Dwarf world really works.  And there’s the Librarian, a wizard-turned-orangutan after a spell gone awry, who does not concern himself much with the goings on of humans but when someone dares steals a book from his library he is dead set to find it, even if he must communicate by charades.


A great cast of quirky, unique characters... check!  Excellent and witty dialogue... check!  A laugh out loud storyline... and check!  I’m sensing a pattern with these books and I’m liking it.  So far, the 3 out of 3 I’ve read have been fantastic.  I have not been disappointed and once again I’m looking forward to more!

The Legend of Korra Episode 9: Out of the Past

I don’t know if I can love this show any more than I already do.  It just keeps building and building toward a bigger pay off, but revealing just enough details here and there to satisfy our instant gratification needs.  Below is a recap of what happened in Episode 9 Out of the Past and I’ll discuss my thoughts next.  

SPOILERS OF COURSE!

Tarrlock imprisons Korra in a metal cell leaving her in some shack far up in the mountains.  Tenzin gets a call that Korra has been taken by Equalists.  When he goes to City Hall to find out what happened, Tarrlock lies, saying Equalists attacked him and Korra and that he tried to protect Korra but he was unable to.  Lin hears the news and, still injured, suits up and busts Asami, Bolin and Mako out of jail.  While trapped, Korra meditates and finally connects with Aang’s memories.  That means we finally get to hear what a forty year old Aang sounds like!  And Toph still calls him Twinkle Toes!  Anyways, back to business.  We get the arrest and trial of Yakone, a gangster accused of using blood bending, which is illegal, obviously, to intimidate innocent citizens of Republic City.  Lin, along with New Team Avatar, minus one, go to recruit Tenzin to find Korra.  Lin believes that where Korra is, her officers will be there too.  They find a secret network of tunnels used by the Equalists and while inside Mako is unusually worried about Korra and Bolin tells Asami about the kiss between Mako and Korra.  While in the tunnels, Lin senses her officers but no Korra but when they rescue the officers it’s too late, their bending has been taken away.  Mako interrogates an Equalist and they find out they don’t have Korra and they didn’t attack City Hall.  Tenzin realizes Tarrlock was lying and that he has Korra but the Equalists are alerted to New Team Avatar’s presence and there’s a thrilling escape through the tunnels with Lin displaying some really incredible earth and metal bending.

Once they are safe we return to Korra meditating and we see Yakone’s trial, where Sokka is sitting in as a council member on the proceedings.  When Sokka announces Yakone is guilty and sentenced to life in prison, it doesn’t seem to disturb Yakone one bit because he begins to blood bend everyone in the room!  Back to New Team Avatar who confront Tarrlock, who then denies taking Korra, but Tarrlock’s assistant admits seeing Tarrlock take Korra and that Tarrlock is a blood bender.  As Lin and Tenzin attack, Tarrlock blood bends everyone in the room and escapes.  We then return to the flashback where Yakone escapes but Aang, using the Avatar State, is able to overcome Yakone’s blood bending control and after a chase through the streets stops Yakone and finally puts an end to him, by taking away his bending.

Korra realizes Aang was trying to warn her about Tarrlock, who she knows to be Yakone’s son.  That’s when Tarrlock returns and he is not all that happy with these turn of events.  He plans to leave, to start a new life somewhere else and wants to take Korra along as a hostage.  As he goes to make preparations, who should he run into but Amon and his backup singers!

Tarrlock tries blood bending on them but Amon is not affected by it!  Then he goes on to remove Tarrlock’s bending!  Amon orders his chi blocker backup singers to electrocute the metal box Korra is in to subdue her but she’s too clever for them and manages to avoid being electrocuted and once they open the box, she escapes.  Korra is eventually found by Naga who had tracked her down and carries her safely back to Republic City where New Team Avatar find her, bruised and exhausted.

Oh boy, another exciting episode that answered some questions, such as what those flashbacks Korra was experiencing were all about and whether Lin would find her officers.  It also brought up another question: how was Amon able to break free from Tarrlock’s blood bending?  And whether Amon and Tarrlock are related in any way or know each other on a personal level when they were young?  It may not really matter if they are related but perhaps they had been working together but Tarrlock saw his chance to make a break from Amon to further his own ambitions.

In the flashback, when Aang took away Yakone’s bending there was no light display like the one when he took Ozai’s bending away.  After seeing that, it could be said that Amon can truly take away bending since there was no light display when he has done it.  BUT, there is a difference in the placement of their hands.  Aang and Amon both place a thumb on their victim’s (not sure if this is really the right word when Aang does it, but I can’t think of anything else right now) forehead, but Amon places his other hand on the back of their head while Aang places his hand on their chest.  So I think the theory still stands that Amon is using a very good chi block.  Which I think is supported by this:

Sokka telling the story how he defeated Combustion Man (or Sparky Sparky Boom Man, whatever you prefer) by hitting him in the forehead with the boomerang (that always comes back!).  I was rereading a recap last week of a past A:TLA episode regarding the episode of Combustion Man that made me really believe that Amon is just blocking someone’s bending with a unique chi block, the way Combustion Man’s chi was blocked by the boomerang and in an earlier episode, a pebble.  Then we have Sokka here being very specific about the way he defeated Combustion Man.

Over on Republic City Dispatch, someone (don’t remember who) has the theory that Aang has done something to the Avatar State, which could explain why Korra hasn’t achieved it yet.  But I don’t believe this because why would Aang leave Korra defenseless?  Look how it helped him when he was young and in the flashback.  So why hasn’t she achieved the Avatar State yet?  Before Aang fully tapped into and controlled the Avatar State, it was always triggered because he was either angry, his life or the life of others he cared about were in danger.  He was also twelve and a very scared little boy with a huge burden on his shoulders.  Korra is seventeen and quite a formidable young woman who knows herself, is completely confident of her abilities and has been training to be an Avatar in an ideal situation, where Aang returned to a world at war for a hundred years and had a year to learn three other elements and had to defeat Fire Lord Ozai.  There have been moments when it would be useful for Korra to use the Avatar State but when I think about it, she seems to have more control over her emotions in times of stress and is able to get out of situations on her own or where she’s incredibly lucky, like her first encounter with Amon.  So, I think it’s there for her, but it’s just not the time for her to use it and she’s been doing fine on her own without it.  So far.

Some other thoughts, a friend and I were IMing and trying to come up with who Amon could be related to from the original series that would tie them together but also create an epic revelation about him.  We haven’t really come up with anyone yet and we’re leaning towards The Promise graphic novel series that might provide the answer, especially with its removing the Fire Nation colonies from the Earth Kingdom storyline.  And my friend has read Part 2 so she probably sees something more to it than I am right now.

Mako was a little annoying.  Dude, look, we get it, you care for Korra too but you were acting really weird about it in front of Asami, alienating her.  And if Asami turns against Korra and the rest of them because she’s jealous, I will not be happy.  Let’s not go there.

When proofreading the summary I wrote for the episode, I noticed how nicely Yakone’s attack and escape was followed up with Tarrlock’s; just a chip off the old block, isn’t he?

Memorable Moments:

Meelo crawling over a sleeping Tenzin to answer the phone

Lin suiting up

Does she work out?

Lin pulling up Bolin’s fly with metal bending

The moment when Korra bursts through the flames to make her escape

So, only one more episode left, then it’s the one hour finale on June 23rd!

http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/legend-of-korra-finale-extended-saturday-june-23rd-N14915-07.html (fortunately I’ve already trimmed my fingernails so there are none to chew)

The Legend of Korra Episode 8: When Extremes Meet

Alright, I’m going to see if I can do this.  I’ve already caught up with sharing my thoughts on The Legend of Korra, Episodes 1 through 7, found here and here.  I’m thinking that each week I’ll include a write up after each episode airs from now on.  I was going to wait until the end of the season but this last episode just had so much going on that I just couldn’t wait and had to comment on it.  If I can handle this I will comment on each episode every Tuesday (as long as the wifi continues to rock, as it has been lately, because I don’t have cable so I watch each new episode online and Nick uploads the new ones on Mondays).  These will be filled with spoilers because I want to talk about it and I can’t do so without revealing everything.  So, what happened in When Extremes Meet...?


A whole lot of awesome, that’s what!

We begin with Asami, Bolin and Mako moving to Air Temple Island. Lin Beifong has stepped down as Chief of Police, Republic City’s new police chief, Saikhan is introduced and he has no backbone and will be reporting directly to Tarrlock, of course.  Tarrlock rattles Korra’s confidence, telling her she’s only a half baked Avatar, which leads to a conversation with Tenzin who urges Korra to meditate on the visions she’s experienced thinking Aang’s spirit is reaching out to her.  Asami, Mako and Bolin help too letting her know they got her back and together they form the New Team Avatar and capture some escaped convicts and chi blockers.  Tarrlock is not happy with Korra going rogue but makes up for it when he introduces a controversial law enforcing a curfew on all non-benders.  When the law is approved by all the council members, except Tenzin, Team Avatar happen upon an “Equalist Rally” of “armed” non-benders and Korra is reminded she is the Avatar to everyone, not just benders.

When Korra tries to intervene, the situation worsens when Tarrlock refuses to listen to reason and has the so-called Equalists rounded up and Asami, Bolin and Mako are arrested.

When the combined efforts of Tenzin and Korra don’t work to get her friends out of jail, Korra goes to face Tarrlock alone.  We get an intense fight between Korra and Tarrlock where we find out Tarrlock is a blood bender and it’s not even a full moon!


Talk about extremes meeting!  Tarrlock is fighting dirty and completely abusing his power not only as a bender but as a council member.  He’s a great villain!  I love how he twists and manipulates things with his words.  It’s exactly the thing Amon is fighting against with the Equalists.  This is not going to turn out well.  And this new law against non-benders is edging very close to Nazi Germany and segregation territory.  This is scary and is very deep stuff for a Nickelodeon show!


Apparently I missed that little detail that blood bending is only possible on a full moon.  So how can Tarrlock do so when it’s not?  And who taught him?  So many questions!  Even in Korra’s flashback the man on trial, Yakone, looks to be using blood bending, even on Aang!  What is going on here?!  


And are the flashbacks a way for Korra to connect with her past lives?  Why hasn’t Korra reached the Avatar State?  Does it have something to do with the blood bending happening in the flashback?  And where is Tarrlock taking her?!


This episode really propels the story forward.  It’s intense and going into a very dark place.  But it’s just creating even more questions!  I love it!


Theory:


Tarrlock could be the son of Yakone.  But what do they want?  A world of only benders?  See more questions!

Memorable Moments:


Meelo flirting with Asami

Ikki asking Asami if she knew that Korra likes Mako and Korra’s reaction

Fart bending.  Gross.

The high speed chase through Republic City and Asami's excellent driving skills on full display and her quick thinking utilizing the benders abilities

Korra’s fight with Tarrlock was intense and they sure beat the hell out of each other

Things are are just going to get even more interesting.  Check out this clip from Episode 9: http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/legend-of-korra-109-find-the-avatar-clip.html  Tarrlock just doesn’t quit!  This gives me goosebumps!  What is he up to?!

Neverwhere Group Read The Conclusion

This is the conclusion to the Neverwhere Group Read which picks up from Chapter 13 and continues on to the end.  (You can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.)  There are no questions, just my thoughts on these final chapters and what I think of the characters.  It will still contain spoilers, so proceed with caution if you have not read or finished reading the book.  Also, this is a pretty weak wrap up from me but here it is...

When Chapter 13 begins, Richard has passed the final test of the Black Friars and the key is now in their possession.  All that's left is to give it to the angel Islington.  Along the journey there are betrayals, revelations and a final showdown when Door learns the truth and the angel Islington isn't as nice as he seemed.


I was surprised that it was Islington who had Door’s family killed, leaving her to get the key and open the door that would release him.  His motives make sense but I didn't see it coming.  I haven't decided if that was a good thing or not.  Door must have seen it coming considering she was clever enough to have a copy of the key made as a backup plan if they were betrayed.  But I wish I could care more about her, her journey and finding her sister who is supposedly still alive.  I really have no other feelings for Door.  I didn't find her interesting at all, though I suppose her odd layers of clothes was supposed to make her so.

I am glad the marquis de Carabas survived and he’s up to his usual tricks, now that apparently Door owes him a favor.  I was hoping there was some kind of London Below magic that would bring him back and it did.

I was disappointed with the twist that Hunter was bribed by Croup and Vandemar.  And disappointed again when she faced the beast and was taken down so quickly.  I wasn’t disappointed in Hunter, the character’s choice, just the way it was set up in the story.  I mean, what did she do?  She delivered Door to Islington, which is what they were doing anyways, right?  Islington asked for the key, they were bringing it to him.  I also didn’t like that it was Richard who then killed the beast.  Hunter has been killing strange, mythical creatures all along.  She has the training and the drive and this guy who was crying on a plank kills it?

I don’t know.  It’s been down, up and back down for me with this book.  I honestly haven’t thought much about it after I finished it.  I wish I could have enjoyed it more but there just wasn’t enough there for me to care much for the characters I should have cared for.  And the final scene when Islington’s motives were revealed just felt so dull.  But this comes after finishing Railsea which, to me, had a great conclusion with some great action near the end that had me tense with excitement.  I didn’t get that with Neverwhere.  But this won’t stop me reading more Neil Gaiman.


I've had these up and down experiences when reading the short stories in Fragile Things.   And the way I feel about Neverwhere is the same I way I felt after finishing American Gods.  A friend described that some of Neil Gaiman’s work is like an itch you can’t quite scratch.  I can’t quite put my finger on what it is that makes me not enjoy some of these stories like others can.  But I did enjoy Anansi Boys and look forward to reading Coraline, The Graveyard Book and Stardust in the future.

I also did enjoy reading the thoughts of others who participated in the group read.  For their insight on Neverwhere, check them out here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Conclusion 

Neverwhere Group Read Part 2

It’s time for Part 2 of the Neverwhere group read.  This part covers chapters 6 through 12 (I forgot to mention that part 1 covered the prologue through chapter 5).  So what has happened since then?  Spoilers below …

Richard, having nowhere to go, is accompanying Door, her guard Hunter, through the underworld of London.  Door finds the angel, Islington, who instructs her to get a key from the Black Friars.  While those three are on the quest for the key, the Marquis is on a quest of his own; a quest for information that leads him into trouble.

So, let’s get started with the group read questions!

1.  Chapter 6 begins with Richard chanting the mantra, "I want to go home".  How do you feel about Richard and his reactions at this point to the unexpected adventure he finds himself on?
It is expected from someone who led such a quiet, stable life.  He still has a lot of growing up to do but I suppose he’s getting there and he’s not as whiny as he was after completing the last test of the Black Friars.  But I just haven’t been able to quite connect with him just yet.

2.  The Marquis de Carabas was even more mysterious and cagey during the first part of this week's reading.  What were your reactions to him/thoughts about him as you followed his activities?
I didn’t trust him at all, especially when I found him meeting up with Croup and Vandemar.  I was thinking, “Don’t you dare turn against Door!”  Then it turns out he was there to get information from them for Door!  I like him a lot now.

3.  How did you feel about the Ordeal of the Key?
I think it was fairly obvious Richard would get through the last test.  I read through it not taking much of it in.  Like I said, I haven’t really connected with him yet so I just wanted to get through his part of the test as quickly as possible.

And this whole thing felt so much like The Matrix and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, test/revelations occurring on a train platform.  The bad thing is that those events happened after this book was published!  But those are movies and each have had a bigger impact with me so I know them so well that when I get to this part in the book I’m a snob and sigh and roll my eyes thinking to myself that I’ve been there done that all before.  I know, I know, I really shouldn’t be like that.

4.  This section of the book is filled with moments.  Small, sometimes quite significant, moments that pass within a few pages but stick with you.  What are one or two of these that you haven't discussed yet that stood out to you, or that you particularly enjoyed.
I liked the moment when Old Bailey realized the Marquis was in trouble.  I hope they get to him in time!

5.  Any other things/ideas that you want to talk about from this section of the book?
Ok, I am kind of curious about the key and what it’s for and what the Black Friars are going to do now without the key because they seemed pretty distraught, in a subdued, friar-ish way, about losing it.   I also found Serpentine interesting and I’d like to hear more about the Seven Sisters.

Well, so far I’m on Team Hunter and Marquis de Carabas.  They got some moments where we got to know them better and that was nice.  Door is just there.  I hope she finds out what happened to her family but she has no personality to me.  Richard is the same for me.  He’s just there and I’m waiting to see that spark from him that shows he’s a stronger person.  I guess him getting through the Ordeal of the Key was it, but it didn’t feel like enough for me.  I also found I liked Croup and Vandemar more in these chapters.  I laughed when Croup got upset that they were not allowed to do what they’re good at and ran through a list of their greatest hits.  I like how they completely ignored their agreement with the Marquis.  I hope he’ll be alright in the end but I kind of love that they just don’t care.

Overall, I had a much more enjoyable time with these chapters then the first five, so onward to the end!  And I want to thank everyone who commented on part 1.  It wasn't all that cheerful and I really appreciated the encouragement and insight.

The Legend Of Korra Episodes 2-7

Yeah, what that says.


The Legend Of Korra just gets better with each episode.  More and more fun and revelations propelling the plot forward at a great pace, revealing just enough for those OMG moments but still leaving you guessing.   It’s also been doing a great job with character and story development with loving tributes to The Last Airbender and great action.  I find myself edging closer and closer to the screen with each episode and grabbing Venessa’s arm with excitement!  Now for a quick recap of episodes 2-7 and my thoughts.  Lots and lots of thoughts of course!

SPOILERY BELOW!

Ep. 2 A Leaf in the Wind
Korra begins her airbending training, and learns a little Pro-bending along the way.


We get to see airbending training at last!  Except Korra’s not all that good at it.  But that’s okay because she joins a Pro-bending team.  And she’s not all that good at it either.  Kidding!  She just needed to learn the rules and she learned them the hard way.  But Tenzin realizes this is probably what she needs to help with her airbending training.

Be the leaf, Korra!

This is when Korra meets brothers Mako and Bolin.  Bolin immediately has the hots for Korra, but Korra has eyes for Mako.  I’m sure you can guess where this will lead...


Ep. 3 The Revelation
Bolin is taken by Equalists and Mako turns to Korra for help to find him and together they discover just what Amon is capable of.

It's Zuko!

Gangsters in Republic City were introduced in Episode 1 when they were tormenting a shop owner and Korra stepped in to teach them a lesson.  But I didn’t notice any of their names until this episode.  There was Shady Shin and Lightning Bolt Zolt!  And let’s not forget the gang names: Triple Threats!  Red Monsoons!  Agni Kai!  And a Turf war brewing!  I love it!  But it didn’t last long because...


Dun dun dunnnnnn... we learn part of Amon’s plan and it’s not just incapacitating benders with chi blocking.  He can take their bending away!  So far as we know, only the Avatar can do so.  How is this possible?!

But if I got to ride around on a motorcycle like that, I'd be a chi blocker too

Ep. 4 The Voice in the Night
Korra joins a task force to stop the Equalist movement which leads to a frightening encounter with leader, Amon.


Tarrlok is part of the Republic City Council and tricks Korra to join the task force.  He is so sleazy.  I like it.  And who is this Yakone?  What did he do 42 years ago?  I must know!


We find that Bolin is the nicer of the two brothers and thanks Korra for saving him with a nice gesture of a cupcake and a flower.  And he’s not afraid to admit how scared he was.  Then we find out Mako is a gold digger.  Did you notice how self centered he was in this episode?  At dinner with Asami, he didn’t even ask anything about her.  It was all just him him him.  He didn’t even try to deflect it.  Then when he found who Asami’s father is... don’t even get me started.


And poor Korra!  That would be a frightening encounter with Amon all alone.  The flashbacks!  What are these about?!


Ep. 5 The Spirit of Competition
A lesson in why dating a teammate is never a good idea.


Teammates kiss and reveal their true feelings!  And Mako shows his true colors.  I’m really not liking him much.  And it was clear when Korra was hanging out with Bolin it was just as friends.  Bolin was trying to rush things a bit and got swept up in his emotions.  But I have to say, while over the top, him crying after seeing Korra and Mako kiss was both funny and sad.  Poor guy.  And you are right, Korra, it was not your fault.  If Mako did have feelings for you, he should have acted on them, instead of brushing you off.  What was Korra supposed to do, Mako?  Go home and mope for you?  I don't think so.  She went to hang out with Bolin.  So what?  They are friends.


Mako: I told you dating a teammate was a bad idea.
Bolin: You’re a bad idea!


Too true, Bolin.


It’s funny.  Mako blames Korra, yet Bolin blames Mako for the kiss.  I wonder... has Mako’s Mysterious Loner Dude (Credit for this belongs to FYA) persona attracted a lady or two away from Bolin? 


Ep. 6 And The Winner Is...
It’s the Pro-bending finals and it’s explosive!


Oh my goodness, so good!  The tournament was great and I was literally on the edge of my seat.  This game needs to be real!  It’s almost as exciting as the Quidditch games we got in the Harry Potter movies.  Then, THEN, the Equalists attacked and gah, it was awesome and I kept waiting for Korra to go into the Avatar State but it didn’t happen and I was bummed but her fighting alongside Lin Beifong was AMAZING!  This show just gets better!  And more flashbacks!  (And lots of exclamation points!)  I NEED to know what these flashbacks are about!  Toph seemed very upset about something in them and Aang was about to lay down the law.  I NEED TO KNOW!!!!!


And how is Amon able to take away bending?!  I’m getting impatient here!!!!!


Ep. 7 The Aftermath
Korra suspects Hiroshi Sato of Equalist sympathies.


Another exciting episode.  I still believe Mako is very self centered, thinking Korra is jealous of him and Asami and that would be the only reason she would suspect Asami’s father for Equalist leanings.  Ha, right back at you Mako!  Korra was RIGHT!  Women are always right, of course.  When will men learn this?  I swear, Mako is so frustrating, but him and Bolin working together so they weren't stuck at the kids table was cute.  Mostly because of Bolin and how genuinely nice that guy is.


I really like that Korra and Asami are getting to know each other... over car racing!: http://republiccitydispatch.com/post/23413464627/though-an-equalist-glove-she-did-don-asami-is-not (I love that M.I.A. song)


Now I’m about to drop some very complex math equations on you (not really):


Lin +Tenzin + Korra  + fighting together = AWESOME


And now Lin is going rogue! OH. MY. GOD.  I may resort to nail chewing.

Favorite moments/thoughts:

Love the old timey news reel recaps in the beginning.


And I always wait to watch the end credits because the music is so beautiful and soothing.


And shots like this!:

Air Temple Island

I mentioned how I’m looking forward to Korra entering the Avatar State but I forgot to mention her communicating with her past lives.  This will be a great opportunity for us to see Aang!


Interesting situation with the flashbacks Korra had.  How were they triggered?  Something like that never happened to Aang.  He was usually in the Avatar State or in the Spirit World when it did but he relived events and they didn't look like the quick flashes of memory Korra was seeing.  Is it some new secret of the Avatars that we haven’t seen or explored yet?  What what what?!  I’m dying to know!


Bolin was pretty grateful to Korra for saving him from Amon, which was really sweet.  But where was Mako?  Did he even say thank you to Korra after she helped him find Bolin?


I rewatched some episodes over again and I have to say I’m not all impressed with Mako or Bolin’s bending.  It seems weak, especially comparing Mako and Zuko, who at the time of A:TLA and LoK, are close in age, but Zuko always seemed more powerful.  Maybe because Zuko was so angry all the time?  But compare Bolin and Haru (I wouldn’t dare try to compare him to other earth benders like Toph or Bumi, that wouldn’t be fair), Haru’s bending looked more powerful as well.  I mean, the street fights between Mako and Korra against the chi blockers are fun and exciting, but I think most of the excitement comes from the motorcycles riding through the streets, not any earth or fire bending going on.   I mean, go back and look at the Agni Kai of Zuko and Zhao, then of Zuko and Azula; those were great!  But it could be that Mako and Bolin have to hold back during the pro-bending matches, and again Mako and Korra are holding back because, even if a chi blocker can fight back, they are not benders.


Also, during the re-watch, I realized that the two times Amon is shown taking a benders power away it’s not very dramatic.  He places his thumb between their eyes and that’s it, their power is gone.  When Aang took Fire Lord Ozai’s power, there was a fantastic light display.  This could have been because Aang was in the Avatar State, but I’m suspecting that Amon has found a way to permanently block the power through chi blocking, or rather Amon can block their chakra.  Tahno has gone to many healers who have told him it’s permanent.  But look at him.  He’s got dark circles under his eyes and he just seems to have no energy.  Of course he's depressed but I think it's because his power is blocked, it’s stagnating and eating him up from the inside.  A healer may not be able to help because maybe the people of Republic City have forgotten their spiritual side.  And maybe they haven’t realized it’s not going to take the type of healing they are used to but someone like Guru Pathik who led Aang to unblock his seven chakras.  Or maybe spirit water and a healer like Katara might help.  She was able to revive Aang after he was hit by Azula’s lightning bolt while in the Avatar State and he was technically dead.


http://republiccitydispatch.com/post/23296154935/about-korras-flashbacks-a-theory-i-had-was-that <- THIS.  I find this theory interesting.  What if Aang did do something to bury the Avatar State?  I am very fascinated by this.


Well that’s it so far.  It looks like there will be no new episode Saturday so in the meantime I think I’m going to listen to Bad Girls on an endless loop.


More fun discussions can be found here: http://korranation.tumblr.com/ or this one: http://republiccitydispatch.com/Episodes


And for some really good in depth recaps go here: http://amayirotakago.wordpress.com/

Did I mention how much I love this show?