August 2013 The Black Prism--Roll call and Intial Thoughts

[carol. , Senor Crabbypants]

The Black Prism won for August read. Take it away, Paladin!

[Cori]

OK just got it from Amazon in Kindle format. Luckily it was on sale. I have to finish reading July's book first though! ;) I don't like the cover as it seems to be a real person, however, he is really nice looking!!

[Christopher]

I am looking forward to reading this again.
Also for anyone considering reading this in audio, I strongly suggest you avoid the terrible version from Audible and instead check out the one Graphic Audio put out. It's a bit pricier but it's worth it.

[Suzanne]

I really enjoyed this book when I read it and I'm looking forward to peoples' comments!

[Tara]

I have already read this book and loved it.. enjoy all..

[John]

I'm about a third of the way in, and feeling somewhat ambivalent. Overall, it seems like a solid book, but it just hasn't grabbed my interest fully yet. It's a big book, and part of a series, so this may just be the epic fantasy learning curve.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I read this right after it came out....and then had to wait for the next. Now I'm waiting again.

Let's use this thread for initial impressions and I'll open a second one for those who've finished it.

[Kimberly]

When I first read this book, I was delightfully surprised by Kip. He is overweight, socially ackward, intelligent and smart-assed. So many of our undiscovered heros are morally well attuned and physically ready to take on the challenges ahead. Kip is a bit of a mess and I love him because aren't we all a bit of a mess?

[Mike (the Paladin)]

The character stays strong. I like the way he's handled also.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I read this right after it came out....and then had to wait for the next. Now I'm waiting again.

Let's use this thread for initial impressions and I'll open a second one for those who've finished it."

Uggh. Books 4 & 5?? *face palm*

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I know...I was living in the fool's hope it could be a trilogy.

[Andreas]

Just started it and 15% in.

The magic system feels like a Brandon Sanderson invention. Rest of world doesn't suck me in currently, but maybe this is described better and more interesting later on.

Interaction between the characters is interesting - an abandoned love, a brother's fight and a mother-hated kid fighting its way through enemy lines. Don't see any clear black or white characters, yet.
Can't talk about pacing, yet.

[Reuben]

I'm impressed by the magic system -- it does feel like Sanderson but I don't really grasp its full consistency -- in sure that'll come as I read more. Also... avoiding spoilers hopefully, but I just read Gavin's trip downstairs and totally did not see that coming. well played.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I said earlier that I'd read both books. Sanderson does have a color based magic system in one of his books ( Warbreaker). I suppose in the end it will be a matter of taste, but I like this one much more. Some will undoubtedly go the other way.

[Andreas]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I said earlier that I'd read both books. Sanderson does have a color based magic system in one of his books ( Warbreaker). I suppose in the end it will be a matter of taste, but I like this one muc..."
I probably missed that you already referenced Sanderson earlier ;)
I didn't read Warbreaker (yet). But it might be nice to have a comparison between the two systems - how the authors introduce the systems, relate it to the world and resolve conflicts.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

We have a couple of threads where this book is under discussion...it may have been there.

But, Warbreaker is a good read, as noted it's just a matter of taste.

[Patti]

I read about 1/3 of it, but I had to take a break and now can't get back into it. I was really impressed with the magic system, but I don't know what it was, but I just couldn't get into this book :/ maybe the length

[carol. , Senor Crabbypants]

Patti, I feel you on the length issue. I don't hate it when I'm reading, but it just feels a little like a predictable slog, and I can already see there's no resolution in site.

[Andreas]

Yes, it is long. It was fully packed with action. But it was too much action for the content of the book. On the other side: If parts of the not so important action parts would have been deleted, then the story would be too simple.

[Patti]

I actually took a few days to step back from this book. I started another book, but the curiosity got the better of me. I just have to see what happens :p now I can't put it down.