Theft of Swords - Manju, PSmith, Utkarsh

[Ahtims]

This is the thread devoted to our discussion of the above book. Fantasy lovers [non-lovers and neutrals too,] do drop in and feel free to join us.

[Ahtims]

BLURB

THEY KILLED THE KING. THEY PINNED IT ON TWO MEN. THEY CHOSE POORLY.

There's no ancient evil to defeat or orphan destined for greatness, just unlikely heroes and classic adventure. Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, are two enterprising rogues who end up running for their lives when they're framed for the murder of the king. Trapped in a conspiracy that goes beyond the overthrow of a tiny kingdom, their only hope is unraveling an ancient mystery before it's too late.

[Utkarsh]

Hello people, :)

Anyone started it yet? I will at night.

[Ahtims]

I too am planning to start tonight. After completing the Invention of Wings.

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

I read first chapter.:) will resume in evening after finishing Invention of Wings.:D

[Anirudh]

I am going to rip this thread apart :P:P

[Anirudh]

I am allowed to reveal trilogy spoilers right? ;)

[Ahtims]

If you do, we won't spare your future reads. I am good at vengeance (^.^)

[Ahtims]

At 3%, I have skipped through the list of characters, the various kingdoms etc. at the beginning. I have a great difficulty in remembering names, and have decided to refer the bookmarked list only when I am confused about the characters. The maps too were unreadable in my Kindle.
The introductory chapter is breathcatching and alluring.

[Gordon]

I've been planning to read this series for a long, long time!
I'd love to join in for this :)

[Utkarsh]

Gordon wrote: "I've been planning to read this series for a long, long time!
I'd love to join in for this :)"

You are welcome. :)


I finished the first chapter, both characters looks fun. will finish one more chapter today.

I skipped the list of characters and kingdom too.

[Ahtims]

Gordon, pleases do so. :)

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

Gordon wrote: "I've been planning to read this series for a long, long time!
I'd love to join in for this :)"

@Gordon: More the merrier!!:D

@Smitha & Utkarsh: Finished first chapter Stolen Letters and half-way through second Chapter Meetings.

Hadrian and Royce seemed interesting characters. Hadrian being the funny one and Royce is serious and sarcastic at times. Loved their meeting with bandits and how they gave some useful tips for ambush and to rob someone.

Archi and Victor's conversation was fun. Archi's ambitious plans to rise to power and Victor's concern and awareness of Archi's plans presented a very good scene. but it was the end of the scene that was very good. would love to know how (view spoiler)[the letters were stolen (hide spoiler)].

Alenda was introduced in chapter 2 - Meetings and I don't know what to make of her yet.

[Ahtims]

I am at the part where Alenda meet Hadrian and Royce to get the stolen goods.
Who's the thin girl with the bandits? Will she make an appearance later? Am a bit interested to know.

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

PSmith wrote: "I am at the part where Alenda meet Hadrian and Royce to get the stolen goods.
Who's the thin girl with the bandits? Will she make an appearance later? Am a bit interested to know."

don't remember her name. I don't think she is coming back in story, she was just a filler.

[Utkarsh]

Finished chapter two.
Royce seems like the rational one in duo.
he has more experience being a thief. Both chapters serves as introduction, it seems real fun starts at chapter three.

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

I like both of them for now.

[Utkarsh]

they both are interesting.

Have you reached the part where they talk about elves?

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

not yet.:(

[Ahtims]

Me neither. At page 36

[Anirudh]

So glad all of you are liking it. Will be interesting in discussion

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

Finished chapter two Meetings.

(view spoiler)[
Came to meet all the members of Riyria. How they stole the letters was not impressive at least to me. How Royce was able to pick the lock of safe so easily? Also they left out the part about how they made servants of Archi's to believe that he was Victor and got away with the carriage.

Also I think Hadrian accepted DeWitt's offer easily. I know he has his reasons but still he believed DeWitt and I feel that something bad is going to happen now.

@Utkarsh: Only two or three lines about Elves.:( (hide spoiler)]

[Utkarsh]

@Manju

(view spoiler)[yeah, but Royce reaction on the topic was note worthy, don't you think.

I think the story is not about how they steal stuff, not much emphasis on that subject.

And after locke, I suspect, only few things can impress you, in matters related to trickery and stealing. :p (hide spoiler)]

[Ahtims]

@ Manju & Utkarsh
I too was skeptical about the thefts. I have reached the part describing true blood elves and mixed breed elves. Will resume now.
Story is interesting, but as Utkarsh said, after Locke, everything seems meh. Even Locke, I was skeptical as I never believe in supermen and their powers. Our hindi movies have made me allergic towards omnipotent heroes. I prefer leading characters who are ordinary and with flaws.

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

@Utkarsh: You are right Locke is a class apart.;)

I think Royce know more about Elves and didn't want to share that knowledge.

@Smitha: Will start chapter three now.:) I think u both are ahead of me now.

Locke I very ordinary but he is an excellent planner.

[Anirudh]

Did you guys meet the dwarf?

[Ahtims]

Not yet

[Ahtims]

Just another game he played in a world where heroes were legends and honour was a myth. (pp46. 8%)

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

which chapter you are reading Smitha?

I finished 3rd (Conspiracies) last night and it was so good. (view spoiler)[things turned around so quickly, one moment Riyria were to be dead and next they were escaping with Prince Alric with them. (hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

good morning Smitha:)

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

Anirudh wrote: "Did you guys meet the dwarf?"

yes but only once when he shouted "Murderes!"

[Utkarsh]

Done with third chapter. Well, not liking it that much. Story is okay, writing is not as good as I expected it to be.


Dwarf was there for a second only. But I wonder, what would tyrion have said if he was there in place of Dwarf.

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

writing is not good but story is making up for that.:D

[Utkarsh]

Yeah. :D where are you now?

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

will start chapter four in evening.:)

[Ahtims]

I just started Conspiracies. Will resume in the afternoon

[Gordon]

I finished Meetings.
(view spoiler)[
I'm of the same opinion as Manju here, till now. The letter's theft felt really fascinating on the outside but once into the details it felt kinda easily done!
(hide spoiler)]
I am, though, liking the characters (Main and supporting).
(view spoiler)[
That moment between Royce and Gwen caught my eye. I do want to know a little more out their relationship as this book progresses.
(hide spoiler)]
I should be able to finish at least a couple of more chapters today. :)

[Utkarsh]

Reading chapter four, some back story. Story looks more promising now.

[Ahtims]

Don't remember which chapter. I am at the part where Myron is talking about wizards

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

I will start chapter 5 today and also update my thoughts about 3 & 4 in a sometime. :)

[Utkarsh]

PSmith wrote: "Don't remember which chapter. I am at the part where Myron is talking about wizards"

That's chapter four...right where I was.

[Utkarsh]

@Manju I will wait for your thoughts. :)

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

Chapter 3 - Conspiracies

(view spoiler)[everything happened so fast in this chapter. One moment Riyria were trying to steal the sword, next they're in prison and I still wondering what would be next and they're out of the prison with the prince. At first I thought Arista was sending away Alric to have the kingdom for herself but then I was wrong. I think Percy is behind all this then may be I am wrong. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 - Windermere

(view spoiler)[I like Myron. Alric was arrogant first but he is nice now but what else he could do. Hadrian and Royce are his only hope to survive this journey. loved the story about the Gods, Elves and Dwarves. Also the story about ancient prison and Esrahaddon was very good. now am intrigued about this Wizard. (hide spoiler)]

[Ahtims]

Chapter 3
But we had an inkling in the foreword. My book started with the chapel scene wherein the dwarf cries out murderers..something like an appetizer.... then went on to chapter 1


Chapter 4 - Yes, me too

I reached the outskirts of the prison.

[Gordon]

Chapter 3: Conspiracies
(view spoiler)[
Things are happening way too easily here for my tastes. How easily they get caught, how easily they are freed! I would have liked a little more complexity to the sequence of events in this chapter.
I don't know whom to trust, still. I have major doubts about Percy but I really don't trust Arista at the moment.
Why are Hadrian and Royce trusting her! Arrhhhhh!
Hope they have something planned and don't get played like last time :(
(hide spoiler)]

[Em Lost In Books, EmLo is my Name, PIFM is my Game]

I didn't read this yesterday. will resume it today once I finish The Last Child.

[Gordon]

Chapter 4: Windermere

(view spoiler)[
Definitely my most favourite chapter so far. A very interesting character in Myron is introduced. I find him very ingenuous but still like him. I particularly admire his talents; think that he is a great addition to the group. Highlight of the chapter was that background on the Gods and their creations.

I am very intrigued to know who Esrahaddon is now!

My earlier doubts about Arista have mitigated for now; maybe she was telling the truth afterall(if everything checks out that is)! And she is a Witch! Whoah! Okay! Need to know more details about that.

The next chapter is called Esrahaddon so surely we are meeting this legendary character; I really want to be blown away be him, let's see!
(hide spoiler)]

[Ahtims]

@ Gordon, totally agree on all points. But a lingering doubt prevails in me...
I am into a few pages of Chapter 5, Esraheddon and this is more exciting
(view spoiler)[
I am reminded of ALibaba's cave though the working is dissimilar. They have just reached inside and Myron is trying to light his lamp. Am eager to explore further. So bye....
(hide spoiler)]

[Utkarsh]

You guys are all ahead of me. I hope to resume reading it today.

[Anirudh]

What do you all think about the characters? All of them not just those two