Alphabet of Thorn -- First Impressions

[Nick, Founder (In Absentia)]

So, what are your first impressions?

[[deleted user]]

I find it very soothing, easy reading. Taken objectively, it seems a stereotypical fantasy novel, but it has its own feel and style.

[Jon]

I'm drawn to both Nepenthe and Kane. And the cover art is fascinating. I'm going to have to get out my magnifying glass soon as it's one of those paintings that have many hidden images and meanings.

[Robin]

The cover is beautiful - My eyes are old so I can't see all of the detail but there are indeed some things in there if you look.

[Zen]

This book BEGS to be read out loud by a competent storyteller :)

[[deleted user]]

Jon,
If you hadn't pointed it out, I would never have noticed the cover's quality. I took one look and thought something along the lines of, "girl with magic staff and flowing hair, check." and looked no further.

[Kathy]

I will have to check the cover out again before I bring it back to the library.

This is a very easy read, and like any good story, I had trouble putting it down. I guess that's why I'm done with the book already. I promise to watch out for accidental spoilers. :)

I love stories with strong women, also. I think that the parallel story with that of the new queen is a very smart move, showing that truly, nothing is what they seem.

[Amy]

The cover is pretty amazing - it reflects many different elements from the story.

I also liked the parallel storylines - Nepenthe and Bourne and the Book, the story of Kane and Axis, and the story of the young queen.

[Robin]

So this book is beautifully written. Lines like...

She folded her arms, rested them on her upraised knees, and dropped her chin upon them, watching the embers, lying open like broken hearts, pulsing and dying at once.

Are very striking, but...it really is not "grabbing" me. I'm not drawn in and wanting to know more so while I enjoy the lyrical nature of the words I can't say that story is doing much for me at this point.

-- Robin (13 days until Avempartha)

[Jen]

I read the first chapter yesterday and find this very promising. It's my first McKillip and I have a good feeling about it. Big snowstorm coming today and I'm looking forward to getting cozy on the couch with some tea and this book.

[Ian]

Jen wrote: "I read the first chapter yesterday and find this very promising. It's my first McKillip and I have a good feeling about it. Big snowstorm coming today and I'm looking forward to getting cozy on the..."

McKillip is an amazing writer. I've been following her since her first publications, and "Alphabet" is one of my favorites. One word of advice: don't get discouraged if you find it confusing after the first couple of chapters -- things do become clear.

[Meredith]

Finally starting this. Some lovely imagery so far and an intriguing start to the story.

[Jen]

Awesome, enjoy!

[Bonnie]

Have not read a Patricia McKillip book before; I see she has multiple World Fantasy and Locus nominations/wins:

http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/eaw.cgi?...

Read the first chapter. Creeped out between Oriel and Laidley. What is the deal with the fish references? What about security in this neighborhood?!

[Bonnie]

One-third through.

The tone / voice / feeling definitely reminds me of The Last Unicorn.
I wish I could picture what the palace by the sea and the caves look like.

If the kingdom is wealthy and secure enough to have a famous library, multiple scholars and a magic school, why are they so worried about war and revolts? Wouldn't that have stabilized a long time ago?

People keep #MeToo-ing Nepenthe.

[Bonnie]

“I will need a map,” he murmured, “to show to my generals."

I ALSO NEED A MAP

They showed her maps of the world according to Gilyriad

I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO BE SHOWN A MAP OF THIS WORLD

[DivaDiane]

LOL Bonnie

[Meredith]

Bonnie wrote: " “I will need a map,” he murmured, “to show to my generals."
I ALSO NEED A MAP

They showed her maps of the world according to Gilyriad
I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO BE SHOWN A MAP OF THIS WORLD"

You'd think when the characters themselves ask for a map, the author would figure it out. I'm only ~10% in and I've already been wishing for one too.

[Bonnie]

Meredith the Guessing Queen wrote: "You'd think when the characters themselves ask for a map, the author would figure it out. I'm only ~10% in and I've already been wishing for one too."

He laid the coin in her hand, closed her fingers over it... She smiled. "I will spend it on a map of the world."

Seriously!
I tried several queries on Google but could not find one.

[Jen]

I love a good fantasy map but didn’t feel any need for one with this read. It was all about the atmosphere.

[Kaia]

Recently started this one, and I am a few chapters in. This is my first book by McKillip. I agree with the map comments in the discussion above - if only because I love a good fantasy novel map, especially if the world is vast. :-)

So far, the story is interesting, and I like that there is more than one point of view. McKillip's writing style is very different from what I have been reading lately, but I think I'm getting the rhythm of it now.