When the Heavens Fall [Dec 10, 2017]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Proposed Dec 10th.

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

I'll join for this one.

[Chris]

I'm in.

But don't you mean 2017?

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

I said I'd join this one, right?

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Chris wrote: "I'm in.

But don't you mean 2017?"

Yep, my bad. The other two books are in 18 so I screwed the pooch on this one.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Margret wrote: "I said I'd join this one, right?"

You did but I wasn't sure which one of your doppels replied.

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

Ok cool! It must have been Motivation

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

Although I don't think Motivation is one of my strongest doppels

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Sarcasm is my strongest doppel, impulsive is second. When they gang up on rationality bad things happen and then everybody is pissed and rejection does the walk of shame with his tail between his legs.

[Veronica]

I'll join in on this one.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I thought this was a Sebastian St Cyr title from my notification feed...

[Veronica]

Haha, it certainly sounds like one.

[Solseit]

I am in for this one!

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

Isn’t it funny what we consider a cozy holiday read as compared to normal people?

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

Margret wrote: "Isn’t it funny what we consider a cozy holiday read as compared to normal people?"

I get this reactions most when I choose what to bring to the beach in the summer.
Always... "Wow, I usually like "light reading" for the beach" when all they've done is glanced at the cover and the size (and the rare time they read the description).

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

I'm glad this one has taken on more participants. I'm really looking forward to it.

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

I've double booked myself and I own the other book so I might be out for this one. I thought I had this book on my kindle, but alas, I do not.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

3 days out. I may start tomorrow night or Saturday.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through chapter one, these are long chapters, and there's definitely a Malazan tone in the theme, characters and setting.

[Samir]

I'm through chapter two and I was meaning to write the same thing. I like it already.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Samir wrote: "I'm through chapter two and I was meaning to write the same thing. I like it already."

Yep, so far so good.

[Samir]

Does Mottle reminds you of Kruppe?

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Samir wrote: "Does Mottle reminds you of Kruppe?"

I've only had a minor dose of him so far but perhaps a less verbose version. Turner is a huge SE fan so I think there will be a lot of parallels. Shroud/Hood, Antler God/Togg and Fanderay the Beast gods.........

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Finishing chapter two I see you point about Mottle even more. He is definitely this series Kruppe although definitely more moderate in the length of the tongue twisting monologues.

So far I haven't minded the Malazan parallels. There's enough distinction in the story and I really like his writing style.

[Samir]

I don't mind the parallels either. The writing style is really good and less dense than Erikson's.

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

Oh shit I’d better catch up!

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Samir wrote: "I don't mind the parallels either. The writing style is really good and less dense than Erikson's."

And much smoother than early Esslemont.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Margret wrote: "Oh shit I’d better catch up!"

I'm still swamped between work and all the holiday stuff with the kids so I expect this to take me ten days including today.

[Samir]

Margret wrote: "Oh shit I’d better catch up!"

I plan to read about 50 pages a day and aiming to be done by the end of the next week. I need to continue with Oathbringer and also, a lot of (good) stuff is going on in real life so I have less time to read than usual.

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

My daughter puked in my mouth last night when I was sleeping. So I deserve a break today 😐

[Samir]

Oh crap! You deserve a break and a strong drink.

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

That is a great idea. You know what, I’m gonna get drunk before we take them to the kids Santa pics...

Just kidding

[Solseit]

I read your comments and I wanted to get into it right away! I am starting today!

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Margret wrote: "My daughter puked in my mouth last night when I was sleeping. So I deserve a break today 😐"

I would have puked back. I'm not being mean or sarcastic. Dog crap, curdled milk and vomit I just can't deal with. Cut your thumb off with a chainsaw, this happened, and I can help you with no gag reflex. Step in dog crap, put bad milk anywhere in my vacinity or vomit and you are so on your own.

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Oh Margret. Winner for worst day lol. Eeeeww.

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

It was a close one lol it was probably the rudest awakening I’ve had to date

[Veronica]

Margret wrote: "My daughter puked in my mouth last night when I was sleeping. So I deserve a break today 😐"

Ah, the joys of parenthood.

[Veronica]

I went ahead and started this one tonight (the 9th). I read the first two chapters and I'm liking it so far even if I'm still feeling my way around this world. I keep flipping back and forth to the map in order to place all the characters.

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

I started it last night, and I can definitely see the Malazan inspiration, but not in an annoying way or anything. Still different enough

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Veronica wrote: "I went ahead and started this one tonight (the 9th). I read the first two chapters and I'm liking it so far even if I'm still feeling my way around this world. I keep flipping back and forth to the..."

So have read Malazan and the complexity of that world I totally get checking the maps because I did it with that series. At a certain point all of the places and names just clicked for me. I think that will happen here as well. In the end though can you tell me where the Shattered Plains are in relation to Alethkar? Does it matter? I think having a rough approximation is all that matters.

[Veronica]

Sure, the Shattered Plains are east of Alethkar. :-)

I just feel more grounded in the series if I have an idea of where everyone is in relation to each other. That way when character X travels to country A then I know that he/she has moved closer to character Y and thus a crossing of paths is more likely sooner rather than later.

I'm through chapter five, about 150 pages in, and I'm feeling more settled with everything. I have the map mostly in my head now so the flipping back and forth isn't necessary anymore. I like the quick changes from one character to another within the same chapter. It helps it feel as thought the story is moving along at a nice pace.

I guess the Will is sort of like the Force? lol

I'm curious to know what Parolla's deal is.

[Solseit]

I am through chapter 2 and I am enjoying this book so much!
I feel the Malazan inspiration as well and I love it.

I also thought it reminded me a bit of the Draconis Memoria of Anthony Ryan - not sure why though. The characters are very different, the world is very different, the magic system is completely different. I wonder if it is the writing style. It’s a mystery I will not be able to solve today!

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Sold^^

[Solseit]

I am through the first part (chapter 6) and I find myself completely drawn in.

What I really like is the magic system, based on “elements” (earth, water, death). I believe the Guardians have a different kind of magic available to them (and to some extent more powerful since Luker’s ability to fight is uncanny).
I love the influence by the gods and how it inteacts with humans (view spoiler)[ although it is a bit cliche-y the choice of Spider for a goddess name (hide spoiler)].

I actually like all the characters so far - which is unusual for me. I cannot wait to see where this goes

[Nimrod]

I really liked his short story from Evil is a matter of perspective. One of the best short stories I've ever read, and I guess the trilogy is great as well. Marc seems to be great at everything - writing, plotting, characterization, pacing, and creating an interesting world. It's really odd it has a low average rating.

I look forward to hear your thoughts (and read your reviews). I'm hoping I'll get around it in 2018. Enjoy :)

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

I'm just through chapter 5 as I've had zero time lately.

I still love the writing and I'm interested to see where all these story arcs are going and where they will converge. The author definitely uses a lot of themes and magic which are common in a lot of fantasy. Last Airbender, Codex Alera, WoT and the aforementioned Malazan.

[Margret, Caladan Brood Face]

I’m on chapter five too! I’m finding it enjoyable as well, different theme and pacing from what I’ve read the last bit so it’s nice

Nothing to say thus far, I’ll sit back and see where it goes

[Nimrod]

Scott wrote: "The author definitely uses a lot of themes and magic which are common in a lot of fantasy. Last Airbender, Codex Alera, WoT and the aforementioned Malazan."

I remember a water mage, I don't remember her name, but she was super cool. The magic was somewhat similar to Codex Alera and The Last Airbender in a few ways, yes.

[Veronica]

I'm through the end of chapter 7 and I'm still really liking it. My only concern is that those who either have magical abilities or else who have access to it seem super powerful.

I'm not sure what the Spider's motivation is (view spoiler)[for "helping" Mayot access the Book of Souls. It doesn't sound like a nice book. (hide spoiler)]

More clues about Parolla...(view spoiler)[something about her parents...and she heals fast and appears to be long-lived, if not immortal herself. And, of course, whatever her beef with Shroud is. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

I'm throwing my carefully laid reading plans out of the window and starting this sometime today. I haven't started a series on impulse (or at all, for that matter) in months. Niki is living dangerously…