The Challenge Factory discussion

Challenge Duration: January 29, 2025 through February 16, 2026

This challenge will run during the Chinese dates of the Year of the Snake. Books must be started by February 16, 2026 to count.
There are seven prompts, each with five possible tasks. None of the tasks will be spell outs. Books should be at least 140 pages. Choose your level of participation:


Levels:
Snake Scale - a defensive body part that protects the snake. I'll try 1-2 tasks per level (please specify which).
Snake Forked Tongue - allows snakes to detect the "scent" of their prey, as well as navigate and find mates. Sign me up for 3-4 tasks per level (please specify which).
Snake Fangs - some snakes' weapon: most venomous snakes have grooved or hollow fangs for delivering venom. I'll go for all 5 tasks per level.

2025 The Year of the Snake
Duration - January 29, 2025 through February 16, 2026

Remember: Reading starts on January 29!



Long ago in China the Jade Emperor decided there should be a way of measuring time. On his birthday he told the animals that there was to be a swimming race. The first twelve animals across the fast flowing river would be the winners and they would each have a year of the zodiac named after them. After the first five animals (rat, ox,tiger, rabbit and dragon) finished the race the Emperor heard was the sound of the horse’s hooves. He thought the horse would be the next animal to arrive but a sneaky snake wriggled out from around one of the horse’s hooves. The horse was so surprised that he jumped backwards giving the snake a chance to take the sixth place in the race.

Set 1 Tasks:
1. Read a book where the MC celebrates a birthday.
2. Read a book with a sneaky character.
3. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word SNAKE.
4. Read a book where a character participates in a race or other kind of competition.
5. Read a book that is the 6th in a series.

2. Read a book with a sneaky character.


Rating: 5 Stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A serial killer mystery with flawed and broken mcs. And the killer definitely fits the word, 'sneaky'. Fantastically, intense read. Highly recommended.

4. Read a book where a character participates in a race or other kind of competition


Rating: 3 Stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A cooking show that is also a semi-competition between two chefs using different styles of cooking. This was okay. Too much monologue and the ending felt like a cliff-hanger that was a HFN.

I'm ready for my next set of prompts, Erica. Thanks!

Sorry I missed this! Had a rough day the other day, not firing on all cylinders...



The Snake is the sixth animal in the zodiac, and is synonymous with wisdom, elegance, and intuition. People born in Snake years (e.g., 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025) are often perceived as intelligent, resourceful, and graceful. They thrive on analyzing situations and making calculated moves, embodying a quiet but potent strength. Some famous people born in Snake years are Mahatma Gandhi, Pablo Picasso, Mao Zedong, John F. Kennedy, Anne Frank, Bob Dylan, Xi Jinping, J.K. Rowling and Taylor Swift.

Set 2 Tasks:
1. Read a book published in a Snake year.
2. Read a book with a MC who is intelligent and resourceful.
3. Read a book with a very strong character, either in body or mind.
4. Read a book whose title begins with a letter in the word WISDOM.
5. Read a book whose author's first and last initials match one of the famous Snakes listed above (in either order, so MG or GM for Mahatma Gandhi).

1. Read a book published in a Snake year.

- Published this May 2025
Rating: 2 Stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I don't recommend this book, too many things don't work.

3. Read a book with a very strong character, either in body or mind.


Rating: 5 Stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prince Leo is an omega, but has the personality and ambition of an Alpha. He wants to help lead the fight to protect the people who are suffering under his father's tyranny. This is the third book in this series and they're all a lot of fun. I recommend them.

Hi Erica. I'm ready for the next prompt, thanks!

Strange - I seem to always miss your updates. I generally check for them every day. I did have a bad day IRL in mid-April though.
I apologize. I will work harder to get your prompts out on time.



Snakes are deep thinkers who tend to approach life with a calm and measured demeanor. They possess a natural charm and magnetism, making them both intriguing and attractive to others. With a keen sense of intuition, Snake individuals are adept at understanding people and situations, often seeing beneath the surface to uncover hidden truths.

Snakes are also known for their resourcefulness and ability to navigate complex situations. They prefer to observe and analyze before making decisions, which allows them to move through life with a sense of purpose and direction. However, this introspective nature can sometimes make them appear secretive or distant to others, as they often keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves.

Set 3 Tasks:
1. Read a book with a magnetic character.
2. Read a book whose title or series name begins with a letter in the word CHARM.
3. Read a book with a MC who analyzes a situation carefully before acting.
4. Read a book where a character keeps a secret.
5. Read a book that has the surface of a lake or other body of water on it.

4. Read a book where a character keeps a secret. - Both characters are gay.


Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I'm behind writing reviews, but I'll get it done soon.

2. Read a book whose title or series name begins with a letter in the word CHARM. The letter 'H'.


Rating: 3 Stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I enjoyed the story, but the writing style was odd. The speech patterns switched from contemporary to archaic. And both characters often sounded the same. Wendell's behavior during the climax ran counter to how he behaved during the rest of the story.

I'm ready for the next set of prompts, Erica :)

The Element of Wood in 2025

Each Chinese Zodiac year is influenced by one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. 2025 is governed by Wood, which softens the Snake’s typically reserved nature, infusing it with creativity, compassion, and a thirst for growth.

What Wood Brings to the Snake:

Flexibility and Adaptability: Wood adds an element of growth and expansion, encouraging adaptability in challenges.

Creative Problem-Solving: This year is ideal for innovation, whether in personal projects, professional goals, or relationships.

Focus on Harmony: Wood Snake years emphasize fostering better relationships and improving communication skills.

Strategic Growth: Success will favor those who plan meticulously and act wisely.

Deepening Connections: Introspection and emotional intelligence will help navigate relationships, promoting empathy and understanding.

Set 4 Tasks:
1. Read a book where a character does something with wood.
2. Read a book from an expansive series (more than 15 books).
3. Read a book where the MC improves their communication skills.
4. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word METICULOUS.
5. Read a book with a deeply empathetic and understanding character.

1. Read a book where a character does something with wood. - Holland is a handyman. He makes custom dollhouses, and makes a Christmas float for the parade.


Rating: 3 Stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...