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Is it necessary to read the book of the ancestor trilogy before reading this?
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The Girl and the Stars,
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Kpmop
I've just finished Girl and the Stars and there's a callback to a character from the first two trilogies (& also in Holy Sister). Of course it could all be a massive coincidence (but I don't think so)!
I don't think you need to have read the other books but it adds background and a little mystery.
If you like GatS then it's worth reading the book of the ancestor trilogy while you wait for book 2.
I don't think you need to have read the other books but it adds background and a little mystery.
If you like GatS then it's worth reading the book of the ancestor trilogy while you wait for book 2.
Nirkatze
I read this book before reading the Book of the Ancestor trilogy, and I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more had I read Red Sister etc first. All of the nods and Aha! moments that make reading connected series so enjoyable went over my head and the story felt like it dragged. Reading the Book of the Ancestor series afterwards, everything from The Girl and the Stars made so much more sense in retrospect. Now, reading The Girl and the Mountain, I'm getting all those great moments and enjoying the second book much more than I did the first. In short, I'd say The Book of the Ancestor books are a much better introduction to the world, and The Book of the Ice goes deeper into the why of the world.
Kveeras
It isn't strictly necessary, but the magic system is not properly realized in this book. if you're only going to read one of his books, pick "Red Sister".
The world building and magic system are far better realized in the ancestor trilogy.
The world building and magic system are far better realized in the ancestor trilogy.
Dan
This book is perfectly understandable and enjoyable without knowing anything about the Book of the Ancestor. It's a much fuller and more nostalgic experience, however, having read Mark's other trilogies first. Whichever order you choose, I highly recommend you read Book of the Ancestor, The Broken Empire and The Red Queen's War.
Isla
Nope! I've never read any of Mark Lawrence's books before and I'm understanding this book just fine. As far as I'm aware the story is stand alone. I've read the synopsis of the first Ancestor book and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with this one (?). Hope that helps!
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