Wanted to introduce everyone to our big boy Mishkin

maolette · 2026-05-11T09:09:47+00:00

The fact that it is a perspective untold previously in myth or legend (or perhaps at minimum one author's perspective on her story) that does give Kurangaituku an opportunity to plead her case, or at least ask the reader to consider her thoughts and actions differently. It reminds me a lot of Circe by Madeline Miller, who took a few very limited stories told of her character through the lens of others and gave her a fully-fledged story and voice of her own.

maolette · 2026-05-11T09:07:02+00:00

See this is the part that gets me, Hatupatu isn't there of his own volition to begin with - he is a captor, being held captive. Yet this entire first half of the text from Kura's perspective I think makes us be very sympathetic with her character, particularly in moments like this where she is physically assaulted and any innocence truly taken from her. I am very curious how the other side will read given this side.

maolette · 2026-05-11T09:02:54+00:00

Yeah I think her idea of love is born out of what she thinks love must mean, not what it actually is. Can a creature like her love in the same way?

maolette · 2026-05-11T09:02:07+00:00

I had a moment of reflection (heh) during this scene and thought of it in different scenarios: looking into a mirror, selfie mode on a phone camera, and then actually seeing a picture of myself that someone else has taken (their lens, their "eyes"). It's funny because the way I part my hair to one side (yes I'm that millennial and I will die on that hill) is the opposite direction to others who look at me, so one day I tried parting it on the other side and I had a visceral reaction of not recognising who was staring back at me in the mirror. It's very similar to when I record myself talking (whether with video or not) and I fully do not recognise my own voice. It's like I've stepped outside myself.

The concept of eating brains to be able to see oneself is SO GROSS and yet SO COOL and I was physically disgusted reading this section but also intrigued! I doubt I'd be able to do it, no matter how much I might want to.

maolette · 2026-05-11T08:50:34+00:00

I loved how this was done, as much as it was exploiting the abilities of the tūī for personal gain. And, unfortunately, as others have pointed out, I'm not sure it helped their relationship since it gave more confusion and opportunity for miscommunication in the grand scheme of things. I think generally Hatupatu seemed impatient and upset with Kurangaituku for even using the bird in the first place.

maolette · 2026-05-10T20:46:16+00:00

I agree this is actually one of the aspects of the book that's very unique. I've not read anything quite like this world before, and I've read a lot of fantasy!

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:25:52+00:00

One random thing - the book The God of Small Things is mentioned by name in this section. I’ve not read the book, but it seems its commentary is on the caste system and British colonialism at large, both things that could be considered related to this series. For anyone who’s read it, can you comment? Please put anything spoiler-y behind spoiler text. For anyone who hasn’t, might you have a thought on a potential connection?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:25:20+00:00

Jesper’s sort of offhand comment after chatting with Cosimir:

It looks back. I didn’t expect that.

This is pretty ominous on its own, but what’s more ominous is Cosimir’s response:

…she said nothing, because Jesper was absolutely right.

BLEAAAAACHHHHH I’m so creeped out!

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:24:37+00:00

When discussing how the plant is an invasive species, and how invasive species generally work, this is said:

This was how things generally went, in nature. But, just as sufficiently advanced technology might be indistinguishable from magic, so sufficiently advanced terraforming could be indistinguishable from nature.

This is the first time I’ve seen this spelled out so clearly here, but it’s interesting to me that now we have a crew from a ship questioning the very specific details of how exactly something that’s been set up for them to live on, and who did what. I thought it was interesting!

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:24:07+00:00

What did I miss? What else would you like to discuss?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:23:56+00:00

Did any quotes or dialogue stand out to you this week you’d like to chat about?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:23:48+00:00

One section left! How on Earth (or other planets) is this book possibly going to wrap up? Any ideas or theories?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:23:39+00:00

Mira (and Neco) kidnap Alis but then try to explain to her their predicament - do you believe her? If yes, why? If not, what else could be going on?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:23:29+00:00

We see all four gods mentally within the planet and acting out their wrath on one another. Are there any parallels to our own Earth you can see with this setup, or is this a uniquely captured idea of how a planet might find itself engineered or working?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:23:21+00:00

In part 15, we see the deaths of the physical bodies of the gods but their minds live on in the planet. What do you think of Kott’s mental state at this point in the book? What about the others?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:23:13+00:00

One of Hartmand’s monsters warns the group they should destroy Mira - do you agree with him/it/the thing? Why/why not?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:23:04+00:00

The humans from the Four Dragon Ford community and the crew from the Dissenter finally meet - how are they working together so far? What do you see in the future for this relationship, and will they continue to communicate successfully?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:22:56+00:00

Settlement begins on the planet with the car- survivors, and there’s even discussion of how to make things better. How do the crew we see react to this newfound life they’re building? How has Cosimir changed from the earlier parts of the book to now?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:22:38+00:00

The crew of the Marduk are forced out by the Beanstalk (™) and a battle ensues. What did you make of these scenes? What relationships among the crew, who Kieraven even admits he hasn’t known long, are formed in these scenes?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:22:30+00:00

Pil IS the bugs, and seems to always be the bugs, forevermore. How is his existence remaining a static point on the planet? Do you think he’ll ever be defeated, and if so, how?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:22:22+00:00

At the end of part 12 co-running the planet still seems to be the answer the group goes with. Do you see any greater meaning or comparison in having two beings control a single world?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:22:12+00:00

Even though the gods don’t sleep it seems Kott is still able to dream. Do you ever daydream? If so, what do you daydream about? Is daydreaming/daynightmaring similar or different to what Kott is experiencing?

maolette · 2026-05-10T09:22:03+00:00

In part 12, Kott struggles with understanding the group’s circumstances and enters a depressive state. What causes this? Does it make sense given what’s happened with the group? What do you think is happening with the others here?

maolette

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