King's Shield [Jul 20, 2018]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

July 20th, 2018

[Miche]

In!

[Mayim]

In. :)

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Im going to start this tomorrow. I'm entering another busy work cycle so you will all finish before me again.

[Miche]

I will start it when I finish Age of War. :)

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through chapter 6

(view spoiler)[A lot of recapping which I normally hate but in the context of the story it was necessary and enjoyable while also painful for Inda. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through chapter 9.........this is getting really interesting.

(view spoiler)[Poor Tdor. This little love triangle could go a lot of different ways. Inda honorable and honest, who's heart will he break? All of these different Jarls I still have a hard time connecting all of the factions. I wish there was a genealogy chart linking everybody. (hide spoiler)]

[Sha]

In~

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

This is as close as I could come to a genealogy chart.

http://www.sherwoodsmith.net/sartoria...

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through chapter 11 so much going on and coming together. This is by far my favorite book of the series, this far into the book. (view spoiler)[Everything is going too perfectly at this point after two books where almost nothing went right. I'm waiting for the author to rip the rug out again.

Inda reliving the grief for his brother was so heartbreaking. All the little nuances between Sponge and Inda so calculated and giving context to who they were and are now. Loving it.

Dying for and dreading his reunion with Tdor.... (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Now I am really excited to start this one! It will be probably tomorrow or the day after.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through chapter 13

(view spoiler)[Loved the chat between Evred and Signi. Especially the colors of his aura as seen by her and what they meant. Signi's conversation with the girls and Tdor learning they were lovers went easier than I had thought.

Funny that Evred wanted Tau and pictured Inda with a Joret type.......is our king a bit shallow for all of his good qualities? I'm not throwing stones I'm definitely guilty of that at times as well. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Miche wrote: "Now I am really excited to start this one! It will be probably tomorrow or the day after."

Sweet. I'm trying to make some progress early. Starting Wednesday it is probably going to be rough for me to process on non audiobooks such as this one. So I'm sure you'll catch right up.

[Olivia]

I'm not going to start before the 20th, mostly because I have to get the book from the store and for that I have to travel into the city.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through 14, another terrific chapter.

(view spoiler)[You could feel the sexual tension between Tdor and Inda and gotta feel for him missing the womanly queues but know he had! LOL.

That ton of bricks at the end of the chapter when it all hits him. Ouch. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Olivia wrote: "I'm not going to start before the 20th, mostly because I have to get the book from the store and for that I have to travel into the city."

You'll still catch me.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through 17

(view spoiler)[Do you get the sense both the king and queen are going to fall for Tau? Hadand is a given but I thought perhaps the king might have both been irked that he thought Tau and Inda could be an item both because of his friendship with Inda but also because he found Tau attractive. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through 18, answering some of 17's questions....

(view spoiler)[So Evred does love Inda not Tau. Either way it makes for some interesting situations but I was sort of rooting for both King and Queen to be after the same man. That would have been quite a different love triangle. Although now you have Jeje and the Queen after Tau, Signi, the King and Tdor all after Inda and different interests going back the other direction. Well played. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through 19

(view spoiler)[Now I’ve got it, she thought. Tau, who can have anyone he wants, likes to be needed. So he becomes what they need. I want him but I don’t need him like the others do, so with me he can just be Tau.

Great quote about Tau and his character.

Interesting at the end of the chapter Hadand mentioning that they went to the academy first. I get why that's a big deal because everything happened that for Inda and Evred but it felt like there was another message there. Not sure what it was though.

I'm kind of sad to see them leave the castle. It puts a number of storylines on hold. (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

I will be starting tomorrow in the morning as I just finished the Heir of Novron. Scott, what are your general impressions? Does it keep the quality?

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Mayim wrote: "I will be starting tomorrow in the morning as I just finished the Heir of Novron. Scott, what are your general impressions? Does it keep the quality?"

I've enjoyed this more than either of the first two. The only negative I would say is Fox's chapters have been mediocre. However the chapters with the main group exceptional.

[Mayim]

Scott wrote: "Through chapter 6

[spoilers removed]"

I though it was smarty done, without info dumps and in a natural way. I like the heady mixture of joy and sadness.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Mayim wrote: "Scott wrote: "Through chapter 6

[spoilers removed]"

I though it was smarty done, without info dumps and in a natural way. I like the heady mixture of joy and sadness."

Agreed. It really picks up from here.

[Mayim]

Scott wrote: "Through chapter 13

Loved the chat between Evred and Signi. Especially the colors of his aura as seen by her and what they meant. Signi's conversation with the girls and Tdor learning they were lov..."

Because everything goes so smooth, as you noticed Scott (view spoiler)[I am very concerned that actually the greatest flaw is within and that Sponge's heart will start the rot. He will destroy himself, Inda and everything in between because, obviously, he is unable to govern his passions (and as of now, Inda is not aware of them) (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Mayim wrote: "Because everything goes so smooth, as you noticed Scott..."

(view spoiler)[
That's an interesting theory. He's definitely more prone to anger now than as a boy. Much more self assured as well. Being out from behind his brother and uncle.

I still feel there's going to come a moment when Evred and Fox are going to have to choose to work together or throw it all away. Inda will get stuck in the middle. He may not love Fox like he does Evred but Fox did rescue him from a nightmare.
(hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

Scott wrote: "Through 18, answering some of 17's questions....

[spoilers removed]"

Regarding long-term theories (also regarding various relationships) mine are the following:

(view spoiler)[ 1. Sponge will die. There are several reasons for this. 1. Hadand must be happy. 2. He will be destroyed by his passion for Inda. 3. He needs to make space for Fox.
2. I'd like Tdor to be happy and I think it means Inda. I am super careful here becasue Smith has done it before (I mean created couples that were crazy about each other and then had them moving on, e.g. Joret and Cama) but Tdor is so steadfast. Her bond with Inda was consistently painted in previous books and now only reached the climax. It must be so difficult for her.
3. Signi will die. She must. Either that or she'll be back in Venn rebuilding the magic after the final reckoning with the vile wizard.
4. It's obvious that there is a mystery to Tau and that he is more than he seems. I'd pair him with Jeje but I don't think it's likely.
5. Fox needs a queen but I have no idea who that might be. Hadand would be obvious but again, I am cautious because Smith doesn't do obvious. (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

Scott wrote: "Through 19 ..."

This line was great Scott. But what was interesting for me was the realisation that Inda (view spoiler)[did the war dance with Fox first. Imagine how furious Evred would be if he knew that! (hide spoiler)] I think I caught up with you, but this reads really fast. And as I start chapter 20 I am really anxious that (view spoiler)[Fox will royally screw something. I have this foreboding feeling that there is going to be a disaster. (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[oh bless Fox for understanding how important education is! (hide spoiler)]
It seems I am needlessly paranoid.

[Mayim]

Chapter 28 (view spoiler)[Tdor is such a Penelope-like figure, it breaks my heart. And then Inda reminds me of Ender and his games. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Chapter 24 (view spoiler)[Should we know who Mardric's sister is who is sleeping with something important? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25 (view spoiler)[I'm starting to think you're right more and more about Evrad and he is going to cause the issues. I also agree with your previous comment about Tau being more than he seems.

As for your earlier predictions I was thinking along the same lines with all of them and to be honest I hope we're wrong on at least half of them or I'll be majorly disappointed. (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

Interesting question regarding chapter 24. I have no idea. You?

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Mayim wrote: "Interesting question regarding chapter 24. I have no idea. You?"

I don't think we know yet. I considered and dismissed several characters as impossible. I think this was a primer.

[Miche]

You both are flying with this one! I will start it tonight. :)

[Mayim]

I have finished part 1 (Miche, it reads really fast!).

My overall impressions in pros and cons:

(view spoiler)[
+ well, the things really start taking shape now, with the Venn threat looming ever closer;

- I have expected a major action/battle/siege/caste defense by the end of part one; She usually finishes on a high note and here the only plot twist was Inda swearing the oath which was not much of a surprise, was it?
- in general, the army on the march was becoming tedious;
- I do not like Signi's and Tau's part precisely because they have no part. I have no idea what keeps Signi with Inda except for her feelings because I do not see her fulfilling her mission. She doesn't fit with the army. She does not fit with the plot either! Tau is in a similar position. I do not see any sense in him pretending to be the Runner. Why didn't he go with Jeje? This I guess is my biggest problem so far. What I liked in the Fox was that even though the book was centred on Inda, everything had its place like in a good game of chess (or a good war game). Inda didn't overshadow. His companions were equally important. Here this balance is lost. I want more Jeje, Tau, I want more Fox!

Stipulations: The important person being bedded by the spy is Flash and the spy is the poet. There was something terribly wrong with the castle defence and I am very worried for them (these women were downright heroic!) (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Miche wrote: "You both are flying with this one! I will start it tonight. :)"

I've slowed down a bit as I had told everybody I would have to. You'll all catch me.

[Mayim]

Book 2 chapter 5 ending is just terrifying.

[Mayim]

I hate Evred more with each passing chapter.

[Miche]

Mayim wrote: "Scott wrote: "Through chapter 6

[spoilers removed]"

I though it was smarty done, without info dumps and in a natural way. I like the heady mixture of joy and sadness."

Same. So many feelings!

[Miche]

I loved the line opener:

"After nine years of exile, Inda was going home. "

I am not going to lie, I got emotional when I read it.

[Miche]

Scott wrote: "Through chapter 11 so much going on and coming together. This is by far my favorite book of the series, this far into the book. Everything is going too perfectly at this point after two books where..."

So far this is my favorite book too. Great plot development so far.

(view spoiler)[Evred and his jealousy. This will cause big issues.

I am looking forward to Tdor and Inda meeting. I am a bit worried too. (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Mayim wrote: "Scott wrote: "Through chapter 13

Loved the chat between Evred and Signi. Especially the colors of his aura as seen by her and what they meant. Signi's conversation with the girls and Tdor learning..."

Great theory, Mayim. I have the feeling that is exactly what will happen. I am not sure if I trust (view spoiler)[ Evred (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Scott wrote: "Through chapter 13

(view spoiler)[ I agree that the chat between Evred and Signi was very interesting. I hope we learn more about the magic soon. (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Scott wrote: "Through 14"

Great chapter!

[Miche]

Mayim wrote: "Scott wrote: "Through 18, answering some of 17's questions....

[spoilers removed]"

Regarding long-term theories (also regarding various relationships) mine are the following"

I think we are at the same page. (view spoiler)[ I still think Hadand and Fox will end up together. (hide spoiler)]

[Miche]

Chapter 18:

(view spoiler)[ maybe Tau is related to Joret? (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

Miche wrote: "Chapter 18:

[spoilers removed]"

That would be very interesting!

[Olivia]

Spoilers up to Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[Well, it’s lovely to be home among friends. Inda sounds happy. And I loved their banter. And yay for Jeje and Tau’s scene. And lol at them riding horses. Also: what’s going to go wrong, I am so worried?! Also: I feel so sorry for Tdor! (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

27

(view spoiler)[Loved the poignant conversation between Tdor and Inda's mother. When you're young you think there's nothing like romantic love but Tdor has it right. A lot of that is passion and lust. When you love a child that is simply unbreakable.

I do question all of these people being able to compartmentalize their significant others with lovers or at the brothels. I know it was more accepted in a lot of cultures but still. (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

Scott wrote: "27

Loved the poignant conversation between Tdor and Inda's mother. When you're young you think there's nothing like romantic love but Tdor has it right. A lot of that is passion and lust. When you..."

I know! I had similar thoughts, later on (you'll know when), thinking that should something like that happen to me and Mr de Vries I would go on a murderous rampage. Lol.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Olivia wrote: "Spoilers up to Chapter 4 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[We all had that same reaction. Nothing went right for two books and now everything is too harmonic. You can just sense the author waiting to crush your sense of peacefulness. (hide spoiler)]