Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Nix, Garth - Sabriel (Abhorsen #1) - Start Date January 22, 2014 [January 2014 Young Adult BOM]
28. The scene with the scavengers and children was pretty awful. Do you think Mogget was right to stop Sabriel from interfering?It was awful, but I agree that it was best to focus on solving the larger problem, which would then allow the problems which flow from it to be resolved.
29. They go into the reservoir even though it is probably a trap. Do you agree that they had no choice but to try and find Abhorsen?
Hmmm no choices seemed present, but we're dealing with flawed main characters, whic I love in that they have incomplete knowledge, incomplete communication for various reasons, and incomplete training in Sabriel's experience, so they do the most they can with what they do have, and that seems to be quite a lot! I think searching for her father is best as he can help kill the main beasty which would free her up to hone her skills and get rid of the lesser problems that are plaguing the old kingdom...or at least help
30. Ah the truth about Touchstone and Mogget! were you surprised?
No, not at all. I was considering asking if anyone else thought Touchstone was the 4th prince, I'd thought so ever since MOgget said there were things for him in the ship, and the resting place of royals was where he was found. I did not think he was a simple foot soldier even if it was a protector of the queen, there was something more there.
Mogget was already known to be a free magic creature, so this big of info that he changes shape made sense and clarified what I was already suspecting, that he takes a shape he thinks will best manipulate others
31. Abhorsen is back, but only for "a hundred hundred heartbeats". Will it be enough to save them?
probably enough to get them out of their current predicament but not enough to kill the main bad guy, because let's face it ther's a lot more book ahead of us
32.Her father is taking the sword and seventh bell into battle and death with him. Will Sabriel be able to be successful without them?
Yes, I don't think she needs them or he'd leave them with her. I think she will find other solutions. Besides, Touchstone has 2 swords, and she never uses the final bell anyway, i think she said it was one she was not safe using
33. Does it mean Mogget is now stuck in death too? Will he be able to return?
I seriously doubt mogget will just disapear into death, he's just too crucial of a character andhas been with previous Abhorsens or however you spell that. I suspect something about being a free magic creature will allow him to live. BUT will he return to Sabriel as a helper or as a foe? And why is he fighting at the side of her father without his collar...why did he not turn on him as he did her? I have more questions than answers with mogget, which suggests he will return to the story
January 24Chapters viii-xi
11. What do you think about Mogget? I wonder how he gets from place to place? Would you trust him?
I guess I would trust him. I mean who else do you trust. I wish Sabriel's father was around because then Sabriel could ask him and figure out what he knows and how best to interact with him.
12. Thoughts on the house and the servants (sendings) that have been created through the generations?
The house is amazing. I wish I could walk through it.
13. Will she find her father's body? Do you think she should bring him back if she does?
I hope she finds his body since there are so many bad things that can happen after a person dies. But I feel like too much time has passed. Something has probably taken his body.
14. Belisaere was the Capital, there hasn't been a King or Queen in 200 years and no Regent for 20, and the Kingdom "sinks day by day into a darkness..."
I wonder why Abhorsen kept the truth about the Old Kingdom from Sabriel?
I have a lot of questions about why Abhorsen did not teach Sabriel more. She seems so ill prepared for everything she is dealing with.
15. What did you think about the flood? Did she have to do it for the "overall good" in the fight against the dead or was it a selfish act to save herself?
I think she had to do it. She would have been killed without it and those Dead creatures were intent on her for a reason.
16. Thoughts on the scenes in the Paperwing? Would you have loosened Mogget's collar?
I love the Paperwing. I want one! Yes, because otherwise it was certain death. Loose Mogget's collar and maybe you live to fight another day.
Sean-michael wrote: " I was already suspecting, that he takes a shape he thinks will best manipulate others"I did not think that but it does make sense. I have a bit of questions about him as well.
January 28Chapters xx-xxiii
28. The scene with the scavengers and children was pretty awful. Do you think Mogget was right to stop Sabriel from interfering?
Time does seem to be of the essence. Maybe she can go back and save them after they defeat Kerrigor?
29. They go into the reservoir even though it is probably a trap. Do you agree that they had no choice but to try and find Abhorsen?
Well, her Dad did say he was hoping she would come. There was probably nothing else she could have done.
30. Ah the truth about Touchstone and Mogget! were you surprised?
Wow, a secret Prince. I'm glad the royal line isn't dead. It seems important for the stability of the realm.
31. Abhorsen is back, but only for "a hundred hundred heartbeats". Will it be enough to save them?
I hope so. But how sad for Sabriel. I really felt for her.
32.Her father is taking the sword and seventh bell into battle and death with him. Will Sabriel be able to be successful without them?
I hope so! She seems pretty resourceful.
33. Does it mean Mogget is now stuck in death too? Will he be able to return?
He's supposed to be crazy powerful right? I think he'll be back.
Mod
28. good point
30. hmmm yes I wonder
31. haha true!
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@Valerie
22. indeed
23. :)
25. yes, Mogget is such an interesting character
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@Sean-michael
29. Totally agree with you. Eventhough it was a trap, she didn't really have much of a choice as she needed more information from her father to continue on
30. Oh clever you. I'm hopeless when it comes to that kind of stuff. I never guess a mystery!!
31. Indeed ;)
33. good points. I hope he returns, he is fascinating
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@Sheila
11. true. not a lot of options there
12. same :)
14. absolutely. It seems strange. I guess he thought he had more time
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@Jessica
28. perhaps!
30. I agree. I really liked this twist
31. Indeed. Must be awful to be reunited with someone like that only for such a small amount of time
33. You're probably right!
Mod
Chapters xxiv-xxvi
34. Thoughts on the meeting with the Clayr and how they enabled Sabriel to "see"?
35. Colonel Horyse returns to the story. What a nice reunion that was! Hopefully he can be a big help seeing that he was around for the last time the dead were rising.
36. How sweet was Touchstone at the end of this section?!
37. Predictions on the end of the book? Can they defeat Kerrigor?
January 29Chapters xxiv-xxvi
34. Thoughts on the meeting with the Clayr and how they enabled Sabriel to "see"?
The Clayr seem really interesting. It's too bad we didn't get to see more of them. I think they play a bigger part in the next two books though.
35. Colonel Horyse returns to the story. What a nice reunion that was! Hopefully he can be a big help seeing that he was around for the last time the dead were rising.
It was very nice to have him show up again. I like how Nix makes some things that in other books would show up once and never be mentioned again play bigger parts later in the story.
36. How sweet was Touchstone at the end of this section?!
I know! A part of me wishes there was more romance, but I think it works best this way. It feels realistic. They're focused on saving the world, but they still have feelings for each other.
37. Predictions on the end of the book? Can they defeat Kerrigor?
I'd hope so.
34. I . liked theclayrwe met. and how great thwart shed found more family. interesting thwart they are all blood relations...Does that include royalty? 35.
36.
37. I think so tho maybe not completely but in some way that leaves a second book appearance possible? I hope she can defeat him enough to giver herself time to grow into her duties
January 29Chapters xxiv-xxvi
34. Thoughts on the meeting with the Clayr and how they enabled Sabriel to "see"?
I felt like they went though the section with them very quickly for how many times they mentioned them earlier in the book. I wonder if they'll play a bigger role in later books.
35. Colonel Horyse returns to the story. What a nice reunion that was! Hopefully he can be a big help seeing that he was around for the last time the dead were rising.
I hope he doesn't die. I like him.
36. How sweet was Touchstone at the end of this section?!
I thought the declarations were pretty cute. It doesn't seem like they've had any time to get to know each other though since they've just been running from one place to another almost dying all the time.
37. Predictions on the end of the book? Can they defeat Kerrigor?
I think they'll either destroy part of him and banish him back somewhere. Or maybe destroy him and discover he was being run by some bigger bad guy.
Answers to questions from January 25 Chapters xii-xv
17. Mogget's true form is pretty scary! Were you surprised at how aggressive he was? In his "cat" form he had asked her to trust him and remember the ring. Does that mean he is "good" (and wants to be) when bound?
Well, we knew he had to be something fierce for him to be shackled with that collar and a note used to warn people from taking it off. I'm curious who or what Mogget truly is.
18. Touchstone has been wood for 200 years! I wonder how he and Mogget know of eachother and what Touchstone did? Is there something about this that compelled Sabriel to bring him back?
Interesting that the last Queen was from that time. Could Touchstone be a long lost prince or did he just play a role in the demise of the kingdom?
19. I like Touchstone as a new companion for her journey and the humour their relationship brings to the story. Thoughts on him so far?
He's very likable, but I wonder what he did.
20. When pushing on the door to the Watchwood:
"I can see time," whispered Mogget, so softly that his words were lost
Is there even more to this free magic / cat than we know so far?
That would be my guess.
21. Newstowe's charter stone must be broken. Does that mean another Charter Mage has been sacrificed? Is there anyone left alive in the village?
I would think some would have survived. They may have moved though.
Karen said, "In chapter vi she refers to her as her guide that is "the glowing spirit" or "luminous person" about Sabriel's mother.Yes, but that sounds like what she is now in death. Who was she in life?
January 25 Chapters xii-xv
17. Mogget's true form is pretty scary! Were you surprised at how aggressive he was? In his "cat" form he had asked her to trust him and remember the ring. Does that mean he is "good" (and wants to be) when bound?
I do not understand Mogget. He was totally terrifying. I have no idea what his true form is. I feel like the caged form can't be what he really wants since it is a cage. But whatever, I strongly prefer Mogget over that scary free magic thing.
18. Touchstone has been wood for 200 years! I wonder how he and Mogget know of eachother and what Touchstone did? Is there something about this that compelled Sabriel to bring him back?
I am so curious about what Touchstone did. It would be so unreal to wake up 200 years from now. I mean all the changes that society might go through.
19. I like Touchstone as a new companion for her journey and the humour their relationship brings to the story. Thoughts on him so far?
I hope Touchstone starts being more honest soon. I think he could help Sabriel a lot if he trusted himself to do so.
20. When pushing on the door to the Watchwood:
"I can see time," whispered Mogget, so softly that his words were lost
Is there even more to this free magic / cat than we know so far?
I am sure there is a lot more to Mogget than we know right now. We will probably never know all there is to Mogget.
21. Newstowe's charter stone must be broken. Does that mean another Charter Mage has been sacrificed? Is there anyone left alive in the village?
I am sure that it means another mage was sacrificed. I would guess everyone has left. It sounds like the town is completely unsafe.
January 29 — Chapters xxiv-xxvi34. Thoughts on the meeting with the Clayr and how they enabled Sabriel to "see"?
I wish we'd have seen more of them. Those two girls were funny to read about.
35. Colonel Horyse returns to the story. What a nice reunion that was! Hopefully he can be a big help seeing that he was around for the last time the dead were rising.
And hopefully his "sight" won't have shown him what I think it has.
36. How sweet was Touchstone at the end of this section?!
That was an interesting moment. He didn't gush over it, and managed to convey his feelings straight and in a simple way. I like that.
37. Predictions on the end of the book? Can they defeat Kerrigor?
Uh, yes, here's to hope they can. XD
Chapters xx-xxiii28. The scene with the scavengers and children was pretty awful. Do you think Mogget was right to stop Sabriel from interfering?
It was awful and very sad, but I think he was right to keep her from interfering. For now. I think Touchstone was right, the Abhorsen's fight is with the dead. If she had been hurt, or even exhausted, she would have to delay her journey and even the smallest delay may let Kerrigor win.
29. They go into the reservoir even though it is probably a trap. Do you agree that they had no choice but to try and find Abhorsen?
I'm not sure what choice they could have made. At least knowing it is a trap might make them more cautious.
30. Ah the truth about Touchstone and Mogget! were you surprised?
Yep. I've read the book before, but I had forgotten that detail.
31. Abhorsen is back, but only for "a hundred hundred heartbeats". Will it be enough to save them?
I think it will have to be. At least now Sabriel has information that she never had before. Her father will be able to fill in a lot of gaps.
32.Her father is taking the sword and seventh bell into battle and death with him. Will Sabriel be able to be successful without them?
I think it will challenge her, but yes, she should be able to succeed. She has learned a lot during her journey and she has resources she never had before. And I don't think her father would have taken them if he thought she couldn't. There has to always be an Abhorsen, right?
33. Does it mean Mogget is now stuck in death too? Will he be able to return?
I think Mogget can do a lot of things that normal creatures can't. He will probably be able to get out of death on his own.
i beat the final questions to the page? ...looks like my answers to some of yesterday's questions never made it tho, that's what i get for trying to participate via phone yesterday. Let's try those again:Colonel Horyse returns to the story. What a nice reunion that was! Hopefully he can be a big help seeing that he was around for the last time the dead were rising.
Yes, I enjoy when characters follow through a story and don't just get dropped other than the main characters.
36. How sweet was Touchstone at the end of this section?!
Yes, I enjoyed that it wasn't overly mushy and that they were willling to acknowledge complex feelings but focus on the world changing moment and not be totally caught up in selfishness. I'm not totally disapointed. I do think I need to read or write something that has no love story next time. After all, not every story has a love story, and not only love stories are worth readying/writing about. BUT the way this one is, is interesting. I'll probably read the next book at some point.
Mod
Mod
Chapters xxvii-end
38. Did you like the idea to use the students of Wyverley College? It seemed to really demonstrate how Sabriel is becoming the Abhorsen rather than just a student. Do you agree?
39. Mogget returns (I was very happy about that!) and returns the sword and bell. Did this surprise you?
40. Thoughts on the final battle? It was pretty clever of Sabriel to think of the ring!
41. Were you surprised when Sabriel died? I was very glad for the Epilogue!
42. Final thoughts on the book? Will you continue with the series? How would you rate it?
January 30Chapters xxvii-end
38. Did you like the idea to use the students of Wyverley College? It seemed to really demonstrate how Sabriel is becoming the Abhorsen rather than just a student. Do you agree?
I think it shows that she has a very practical mind. She knew what it was going to cost them but knew what the alternative was. I imagine that as the Abhorsen you have to make a lot of choices between two evils.
39. Mogget returns (I was very happy about that!) and returns the sword and bell. Did this surprise you?
I figured she'd have to get them back somehow. I wonder if he'll show up again. I'm never quite sure if he's a good or bad guy. It's almost like a bad guy trying really hard to be a good guy. Or maybe a good guy at heart who thinks he's actually evil.
40. Thoughts on the final battle? It was pretty clever of Sabriel to think of the ring!
It didn't feel like she thought of it as much as it happened to start reacting and she noticed it. I feel like a lot of her success was luck which is probably accurate since she didn't have much knowledge going into it.
41. Were you surprised when Sabriel died? I was very glad for the Epilogue!
The word died in this book doesn't seem to be a very finite state. She's been in and out of death so much before. I wonder what her state is when she's running around in death as opposed to the "died" state.
42. Final thoughts on the book? Will you continue with the series? How would you rate it?
I like it. I'll probably read the others. I gave it a 4 though really only this last section bumped it up from a 3. I think they did a good job wrapping things up at the end.
January 30Chapters xxvii-end
38. Did you like the idea to use the students of Wyverley College? It seemed to really demonstrate how Sabriel is becoming the Abhorsen rather than just a student. Do you agree?
This was really sad, because it led to a lot of students dying. I feel like Sabriel was able to command authority and knew what to do. She really seemed to earn her title.
39. Mogget returns (I was very happy about that!) and returns the sword and bell. Did this surprise you?
I thought he'd come back. I forgot about the sword and the bell to be honest.
40. Thoughts on the final battle? It was pretty clever of Sabriel to think of the ring!
Yes, and I wonder what the Kerrigor cat is like.
41. Were you surprised when Sabriel died? I was very glad for the Epilogue!
It kind of came full circle. I wish we had more of an epilogue.
42. Final thoughts on the book? Will you continue with the series? How would you rate it?
I really love this book. I came close to giving it 5 stars, but I sort of with we had more interaction between Sabriel and Touchstone.
38. Did you like the idea to use the students of Wyverley College? It seemed to really demonstrate how Sabriel is becoming the Abhorsen rather than just a student. Do you agree?yes, I felt it was necessary and showed her growth and starting to accept the mantel of Abhorsen
39. Mogget returns (I was very happy about that!) and returns the sword and bell. Did this surprise you?
YAY!!!I figured he would, glad he did....and when he went into Kerrigor I suspected there would be 2 cats at the end. I hate predicting the end of books :P almost as bad as movies. So...lost a star for me that I could so easily predict what was going to happen in this one.
40. Thoughts on the final battle? It was pretty clever of Sabriel to think of the ring!
Again, saw it coming....not a lot there that surprised me, so not as catchy a battle scene as I'd hoped, but still well portrayed and I could visualize it really well which I enjoy in a book. So yes I liked the final battle scene even tho I'd suspected the ring would bring us a captured cat and when mogget got "eaten" I suspected he'd be coming back too.....so not a huge shocker for me there but still really cool
41. Were you surprised when Sabriel died? I was very glad for the Epilogue!
a little bit actually, but glad she got sent back
42. Final thoughts on the book? Will you continue with the series? How would you rate it?
yes I think I will read the next book this coming week since I'm almost finished with Takes of Beedle the Bard which was the book I'd planned to read next week but I"ll be finished with it early. So...even tho I only give this book 3.5 stars, I enjoyed it enough to read the next one and probably the next one. I do prefer reading entire series. I may pause between them tho, because I read it on my nook and my eyes get tired reading a backlit screen all the time....so I may read another of my paperbacks first. I'm not sure if I'd totally recommend this series to friends.....i'll have to finsih reading it first. I think it is good for YA and readers who enjoy YA books. I have always enjoyed a good YA book and I love a good fantasy, especially with a map! :D loved the map
January 30 — Chapters xxvii-end38. Did you like the idea to use the students of Wyverley College? It seemed to really demonstrate how Sabriel is becoming the Abhorsen rather than just a student. Do you agree?
I liekd it, but found it sad. After all, basically, she asked children to fight ("children" in terms of Charter magic ability; those girls had never practised out of the classroom, lest of all when it came to such powerful and corrupted magic). I thought it was an appropriate way of showing that they were desperate, that the soldiers weren't enough, and that in dire circumstances, sometimes you don't have the choice anymore, and must do with what /who you have.
39. Mogget returns (I was very happy about that!) and returns the sword and bell. Did this surprise you?
Not really, I didn't think he could die so easily, and as a creature of Free Magic, maybe Astarael's effect just wasn't the same on him as it was on Abhorsen. I don't how how the latter managed to force him to carry this task (bringing back the tools), though. Was it part of some kind of contract? Or was it a contract they made on the spot?
40. Thoughts on the final battle? It was pretty clever of Sabriel to think of the ring!
Well, it was the only thing she had left at this point anyway, without her Abhorsen sword, and with three bells missing. But yes, I liked that she thought about it, and didn't just remain there thinking "OMG it's over." ^^
41. Were you surprised when Sabriel died? I was very glad for the Epilogue!
Yes and no. Her wound was heavy, but some people have survived worst, so she could've survived, too. However, I think that moment in Death was important, in that it closed the circle, re: how she came into the world.
42. Final thoughts on the book? Will you continue with the series? How would you rate it?
I guess I will re-read the other books, yes—I mean, come on, the Disreputable Bitch! How could I forget the Disreputable Bitch?!
I rated this one a 4. Not the perfect book, but one that kept me entertained (a second time, actually), with interesting ideas about death and necromancy, and also without what's currently the usual hodgepodge in many YA novels. There was a budding romance, but the heroes didn't spend half the book ogling each other and gushing lovey goo while the world was at stake, they really focused on their mission. I just wish a few things had been more developed, maybe some more interaction between the characters? Not exactly time spent discussing during their travels, but maybe in Belisaere (we didn't really "see" the town, in fact)?
Mod
40. Ah good point
42. teehee
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@Mirliz
I feel similarly. And looks like the second book is more about the Clayr
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@Kelly
39. That is why I like him so much. I hope he returns to future books
41. true!
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@Jessica
41. I agree, but I'm glad for what we had or it would've been an unsatisfying ending! ;)
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@Sean-michael
39. Don't forget it is YA :)
42. I can get the series on audio from the library which is why I will continue. I'm interested in how the Clayr is developed in the next book
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@Yzabel
38. true
39. I'm not sure either
42. lol. yes, all valid points
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@Charlie
36. haha. This is YA remember ;)
41. from what I can see the rest of the series is the same world, but not following Sabriel per-se so I think that makes the epilogue even more fitting
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Thanks everyone for joining the read! Our next book starting Feb 2 is slightly different.....
Chapters xvi-xix22. Sabriel decides not to go into Death to find out more about the sacrificed healer. Do you think that was a wise decision?
Yes, I think they were very vulnerable in the city. Clearly horrible things had happened there and there were still so many Dead there.
23. Did you like how Touchstone introduced himself as the sworn swordsman for Abhorsen?
I did not mind it. If that is how things are done there then sure.
24. I loved how Sabriel got Aline to talk about her lessons on the Great Charter. So clever!
It was good. She needed to learn about it and she dealt with the little girl well.
25. What did you think of Touchstone's story? I think they are on the right path looking for Rogir and how frustrating we didn't get to hear from Mogget his past!
I thought the story was interesting. It all seems overwhelming and as though Sabriel can not fix it or even help.
26. It looks like we get a YA love story after all. Would you like to see Sabriel and Touchstone together?
At this point any love story seems trivial. We will see how it all unfolds. But right now I think there are more important matters than if Sabriel and Touchstone kiss.
27. Do you think they will find Abhorsen's body? Can Sabriel bring him back?
I doubt they will find the body and I think it is unlikely that Sabriel can bring him back. Plus he would never want it. I hope Sabriel can learn something from her father though. Talk to him garner some information. That would be really helpful right about now.
Chapters xx-xxiii28. The scene with the scavengers and children was pretty awful. Do you think Mogget was right to stop Sabriel from interfering?
Yeah, I think Mogget was right. Don't win the battle and end up losing the war.
29. They go into the reservoir even though it is probably a trap. Do you agree that they had no choice but to try and find Abhorsen?
I don't know what would have been a better plan. It seemed really stupid, but it seems to have worked. Or at least I am hoping that it will work and that Abhorsen's death will not be in vain.
30. Ah the truth about Touchstone and Mogget! were you surprised?
I was and wasn't. I kept thinking that if they were really going to restore the kingdom they would need a person of royal blood and it was just too convenient for them to find Touchstone like that. I was surprised about Mogget, but I am glad we know what he is now.
31. Abhorsen is back, but only for "a hundred hundred heartbeats". Will it be enough to save them?
It seems like it. I hope.
32.Her father is taking the sword and seventh bell into battle and death with him. Will Sabriel be able to be successful without them?
I think he will send them both back somehow. He is awfully resourceful. Plus, this is a magical world and you make up the rules as you go.
33. Does it mean Mogget is now stuck in death too? Will he be able to return?
My guess is that Mogget will not die. I am not sure if he can die. He has been alive for an awfully long time.
I FINISHED THE BOOKAND ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT I'M GLAD THAT TOUCHSTONE AND SABRIEL ARE TOGETHERRRRR!
although this means that Mogget is gone forever huh. Now there's two cats, although i don't know if it's actually Mogget.
I will definitely finish the other books too, maybe something this month :)
Mod
If is 14 years after Sabriel finishes and based around a Clayr teenager - Lirael.
I really like how if us the same world but a different character set and time period
Oh, and Tim Curry is narrating again :)
Ok. 1. I think the writing style is OK. I am not super impressed, and fantasy is not my favorite genre, so I am withholding judgement right now.
2. Not really. It is fantasy, so.....
3. I think he did it because he loved the mother and his child.
4. Time will tell!
5. Maybe
6. Does the walker chose the path or the path the walker. I did like this line. I know for myself that God guides my path and He is always with me.
Wow, Karrie, you're flying through! I'll start this tomorrow so that I can join in.
Talia wrote: "Wow, Karrie, you're flying through! I'll start this tomorrow so that I can join in."It's due back at the library tomorrow and I can't renew!
Karrie wrote: "Third set of questions:11. I would not trust him unless he was bound. I like him though. He is an interesting character. He might make the book good.
12. I love the house! It would be so aw..."
(view spoiler)
I'm glad you liked the book, Karrie. It's one of my favorites and I never get tired of rereading it.
Amanda wrote: "Karrie wrote: "Third set of questions:11. I would not trust him unless he was bound. I like him though. He is an interesting character. He might make the book good.
12. I love the house! It..."
Fantasy is not usually my genre, but this was very good! At some point I hope to read the rest.
Karrie wrote: "Fantasy is not usually my genre, but this was very good! At some point I hope to read the rest."The series just gets better and better, IMO. I especially love the characters in book 2.
Hoping to start this tonight, if I can tear myself away from Croak!
Chapters: Prologue-iii1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?
Yes, I'm finding myself much more interested in the story this time around -- probably because I've realized that this is a book where I can't have the tv on in the background if I want to concentrate on the story. Loved the prologue, it was simultaneously creepy and really interesting, and then diving straight into chapter one was great.
2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?
I agree, although it brings to mind the ever-annoying concept of the zombie apocalypse. But I actually haven't happened across necromancy in fiction before now, so I'm excited for this! Besides, with all the magic going on, I feel like this will be far removed from the idea of zombies.
3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unusually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?
I think being his daughter is a huge part of it; you can't discount how much parents care for their children. And I like to think there's something more to it too, since we wouldn't have much of a story if she just wound up being some ordinary kid.
4. The messenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?
I think he might be lost in that death-realm we saw in the Prologue -- do they actually refer to it as Death? But I don't think he's really truly dead yet. I feel like he sent the messenger, and if he has the capability to do that, he's not totally gone.
5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?
Sounds like it. And like Sabriel said, he has/had plenty of enemies (which I feel is understandable, for someone of his trade). Time will tell.
6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?
Sounds like a LOTR-version of the whole "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr Potter" deal. Destiny definitely seems to be involved here, but again, only time will tell. I like it so far!
I'm trying to finish
first, and then I'll start on this book.
first, and then I'll start on this book.
Talia wrote: "I'm trying to finish first, and then I'll start on this book."Okay! Take your time :) I loved Feast for Crows.
Ashley wrote: "Talia wrote: "I'm trying to finish first, and then I'll start on this book."Okay! Take your time :) I loved Feast for Crows."
I'm working my way through this one now. I can tell it's older from the writing. It's a lot denser than YA fantasy is nowadays. I like it, though, it reminds me of the fantasy I read growing up (lots of Anne McCaffery and Mercedes Lackey).
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
A Feast for Crows (other topics)A Feast for Crows (other topics)
A Feast for Crows (other topics)
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers (other topics)
Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories (other topics)
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Good point.