Monthly Group Reads: NOVEMBER 2013 (Group Read 2) Sworn Sword by James Aitcheson

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

happy wrote: "Terri,

Good interview as always - now I've got to get my hands on a copy :)"

Thanks and GOOD LUCK! :)

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

You know....it is the first here in my part of the world. So the group read has unofficially started. :)

[Dawn]

And I've finally picked up a copy from the library. So I should be starting it this weekend.

[Michal]

@Jane: Good thinking! Need to let it season a bit before re-reading, though. Luckily there is a sequel ;)

@Terri: Same here, although I still think the timing wouldn't work. Reading the second book now, and have to say that JA is really growing as a writer, at least from what I've read so far.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I can help you out there....there must be a Saints page out there somewhere.
Quickest way to answer your question I think.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint....

[Jane]

Ouen (Audöenus, Aldwin, Owen, Dado) Aug 24
610-684. He founded the monastery of Rebais in France, was consecrated Bishop of Rouen in 641, attending the Council of Châlons in 644 and reposing at what is now a suburb of Paris, named St Ouen after him.

This is from a different website but yours, Terri, has an icon of him.

[Jane]

mixal wrote: "@Jane: Good thinking! Need to let it season a bit before re-reading, though. Luckily there is a sequel ;)

@Terri: Same here, although I still think the timing wouldn't work. Reading the second boo..."

Yes, you have to let it 'season'. I've read that Ruso series which I love [both of you know the one I mean :) ]many times. Also there are at least two other books which I read once, then read again after awhile and wrote reviews after the second time around.

[Tyler]

Oh man! I better get started on this bad boy.

[Jane]

Jane wrote: "mixal wrote: "@Jane: Good thinking! Need to let it season a bit before re-reading, though. Luckily there is a sequel ;)

@Terri: Same here, although I still think the timing wouldn't work. Reading ..."

I'm thinking sometime after I finish this one, not right away though, I might reread The Golden Hive --Wales after the Norman invasion and maybe post a review...

[Michal]

@Jane: I think I am going to take some time to re-read some of the books I liked recently, too. Especially Fire in the East series. The recent discussion we had reminded me of how much fun I had re-reading books. Although, after reading this book I might want to read something about Robin Hood. It has been sneaking up on me from Azincourt, too. So much fun, and I haven't even started on Hero of Rome! :)

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I am starting book two today.

The Splintered Kingdom

[Mark]

Started over half way through already.

[Paula]

Well, I am on chapter 6 already.The start of the book launched somewhat quickly into the action and i was hoping for it to slow down so I could get to know Tancred so i was pleased when he started to tell us about his humble beginnings back in Brittany. I actually quite like this 'norman' (ok i know he isn't but they're all the same to me, these Frenchmen LOL *winks. I never thought I would say that haha! Love his writing and i am starting to really be drawn in

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Paula wrote: "Well, I am on chapter 6 already.The start of the book launched somewhat quickly into the action and i was hoping for it to slow down so I could get to know Tancred so i was pleased when he started ..."

I found this pleasing too. The book launched into the action and I thought it was going to be an action hist fic. Get passed that though and it becomes much more.
I shan't say too much about what it becomes. :) Best you all find out for yourselves.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Paula wrote: " I actually quite like this 'norman' (ok i know he isn't but they're all the same to me, these Frenchmen LOL *winks. I never thought I would say that haha! ..."

I probably shouldn't say this. i don't want to get into an argument with a hardcore Anglo-Saxon fan. ;)

I don't think people should have a dislike of Norman military due to the choices of William. That would be like disliking all German's due to the choices of Hitler. Or disliking all Iraqi's due to the choices of Saddam. Or disliking all British due to the choices of the King's and Queen's responsible for slavery or brutal invasions of countries like India, China...or Australia.

Okay. I hope that isn't too topical. :) I have just noticed your anti Norman sentiment before, Paula and I thought I would mention the above, since this book relates to the topic of Norman invasion.
I understand why William and his nobles would bother you of course. I am in no way a supporter of their methods either. I find the period of history fascinating, but I am no fan of William's tactics of suppression.

[Paula]

Terri wrote: "Paula wrote: " I actually quite like this 'norman' (ok i know he isn't but they're all the same to me, these Frenchmen LOL *winks. I never thought I would say that haha! ..."

I probably shouldn't..."

I don't make any bones about whose side I would be on thats for sure, but its all pretty tongue-in-cheek; of course I am anti William, when you read the historical accounts its hard not to be affected by what happened to the English during that time. Even Marc Morris who wrote the Norman Conquest and was quite unbias toward either side couldnt present William's deeds in a justifiable way - even for those brutal times, it horrified contemporaries. But I am totally with you about disliking all Germans because of Hitler or disliking all Frenchmen because of the Norman's activity in England during the conquest. I am a re-enactor and I get along fine with the Norman re-enactors, I've even been one!and yes,I too find that the history is fascinating.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Is there a lot of arguments between the Norman and Saxon re-enactors when they all get some mead or ale in their bellies? :)

[Jane]

I'm nearly halfway. It reads fast and the action is nearly non-stop, it seems--if not one thing, it's another. Seems chapters end in cliffhangers. It would have made a great serial. :) Tancred is such a well-developed characters, it seems like he's pulled the life out of everyone else. Lady Beatrice annoys me.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Lady Beatrice. erg. Don't even go there. *annoyed*

[Paula]

Terri wrote: "Is there a lot of arguments between the Norman and Saxon re-enactors when they all get some mead or ale in their bellies? :)"

Not at all! We are all good mates and its about the history not whose side we support. everyone has their own take on things but re-enactors are able to discuss things in a light hearted way without offending each other (most of the time) and as we are an Anglo-Saxon/Norman/Viking group we love every aspect of the history,

[Jane]

Terri wrote: "Lady Beatrice. erg. Don't even go there. *annoyed*"

Goodness, I hope Lady Bea doesn't become the love interest!! In that case, Tancred, in spite of being a likeable soul and a good fighter, would be a real jerk in the romance department. (view spoiler)[ Too bad Lady Bea doesn't fall off the ship... (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

Jane wrote: "Terri wrote: "Lady Beatrice. erg. Don't even go there. *annoyed*"

Goodness, I hope Lady Bea doesn't become the love interest!! In that case, Tancred, in spite of being a likeable soul and a good ..."

What ship? Oh no don't tell me!!

[Jane]

I apologize, Paula.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

oops...don't forget spoilers people. :)

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I am loving book two, The Splintered Kingdom. James' story telling really is coming along nicely. You could tell he had some skill in Sworn Sword, but it was a debut and had its rough points. In the Splintered Kingdom he has really polished his writing talent. It doesn't feel like a debut like the first one.

[Jane]

I've enjoyed this book so far to a certain extent but don't think I'll continue. Characters are all becoming unpleasant, except Tancred.

[Kathleen]

maybe I will start with book 2.. I got the sample and read the first 3 and it seems like lots of fighting and not too much back story..I guess that is why it is called Sworn Sword..

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Jane wrote: "I've enjoyed this book so far to a certain extent but don't think I'll continue. Characters are all becoming unpleasant, except Tancred."

Oh that's a pity.
The main female character
(view spoiler)[
I have to admit. I found the female character extremely unpleasant. It isn't that the writing is bad, it is just that particular character really grated on me.
(hide spoiler)]

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Kathleen wrote: "maybe I will start with book 2.. I got the sample and read the first 3 and it seems like lots of fighting and not too much back story..I guess that is why it is called Sworn Sword.."

I remember the action finishing at a point and it becomes more of a journey tale. My memory is a bit vague though. I read it over a year ago.

Book two is really appealing to me. I don't know if it will become action, but right now it is a nice balanced medieval tale. 30 pages in and it is atmospheric.
And Kathleen, you don't have to have read the first one to understand this second one.
I am sure there will be some tie ins to Sworn Sword to come that may mean more for people who have read the first, but at this stage it can stand alone.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I have added a video to the group's videos on Britain post Conquest.

https://www.goodreads.com/videos/5412...

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I am still right into book two if this series, The Splintered Kingdom

The characters have been talking about Eadric the Wild and I thought I would add a link so that others may acquaint themselves with him. Even if you are only on book one, you may find this of interest. Or maybe it will tempt you to go onto book two, whether you liked book one or not. ;)

Eadric the Wild
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eadric_t...

[Michal]

Terri wrote: "I have added a video to the group's videos on Britain post Conquest.

https://www.goodreads.com/videos/5412..."

Thanks for the video! too bad I couldn't find the next part...

[Michal]

I think the characters got much better in the second book, so I wouldn't give up just yet. Well, the female character stays unpleasant, tho. But that's probably no surprise...

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

mixal wrote: Thanks for the video! too bad I couldn't find the next part...


..."

To get the next part you need to click on the small You Tube icon in the bottom left hand corner of the video, where it says 'watch on you tube'.
Then click on the name of the person who uploaded the videos and you go to his page.
Which is here. It has all the videos. https://www.youtube.com/user/timeline...

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I wonder if James Aitcheson has had feedback about that female character since the book was released. This female character seems disliked by a portion of readers.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

This is my review of Sworn Sword, which I wrote in March 2012. As you can see, back in early 2012 when I read it, that female character truly bugged me. :)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Michal]

Terri wrote: "To get the next part you need to click on the small You Tube icon..."

Thanks for the suggestion Terri! I've done it the first time and it looks like it's the full episode (even though it for some reason looks cut off somehow). The playlist leads directly to next episode about the role of church.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

This one? Church and Crown. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEUih...
Seems the Norman part finished in B01. I was under the impression that the next part would be a continuation of the Norman part too.

[Michal]

Yup, that one. It is a bit weird - no credits, and host was talking about the beginning of the journey or something :). It looks like an overall well done project, tho.

[Jane]

Terri wrote: "Jane wrote: "I've enjoyed this book so far to a certain extent but don't think I'll continue. Characters are all becoming unpleasant, except Tancred."

Oh that's a pity.
The main female character..."

Same here. Later on nearly everyone grated on me.

[Jane]

Terri wrote: "Jane wrote: "I've enjoyed this book so far to a certain extent but don't think I'll continue. Characters are all becoming unpleasant, except Tancred."

Oh that's a pity.
The main female character..."

And Tancred strikes me as a bit naive in certain respects, although likeable.

[Dawn]

I read this book yesterday. The whole thing, as I am too sick to do anything else and I have to save up my energy for work. :)

I didn't like it. I found it too wordy and descriptive. As has been noted already, only Tancred is fleshed out as a character. Everyone else is just a name with no personality.
The history was interesting but not enough to make the story engaging.

[Jane]

Terri wrote: "I wonder if James Aitcheson has had feedback about that female character since the book was released. This female character seems disliked by a portion of readers."

You know, it might be kinda nice(view spoiler)[ if Tancred's girlfriend wasn't killed after all, and she could come in as a pleasant female character. (hide spoiler)] That's probably far-fetched, though. :)

[Dawn]

Spoiler please Jane!! :)

[Dawn]

I didn't get the feeling our female character was unpleasant. Did I miss something or did she just make so little impression on me??

[Jane]

Dawn wrote: "Spoiler please Jane!! :)"

Done!
I won't be normal for a couple of days with the changeover from Daylight Savings Time. :)

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Dawn wrote: "I didn't get the feeling our female character was unpleasant. Did I miss something or did she just make so little impression on me??"

Maybe you like whiny, sullky, sullen chicks. :D

[Jane]

Dawn wrote: "I didn't get the feeling our female character was unpleasant. Did I miss something or did she just make so little impression on me??"

To me she seemed too moody and lost her temper if things didn't go her way.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Jane wrote: "

You know, it might be kinda nice(view spoiler) That's probably far-fetched, though. :) ..."

That is a super duper spoiler. Yikes. :]

NOBODY READ JANE'S SPOILER unless you have finished the book.

[Alicja]

I love the action and battles scenes, love them! But I agree with others, the female character, ugh!