Oathbringer Buddy Read

[Bea]

This is Book #3 of The Stormlight Archive.

It is divided into 5 parts plus a Prologue and an Epilogue.
Prologue pp. 1-27 (26pp)
Part One pp. 27-327 (300pp)
Interludes pp. 327-343 (16pp)
Part Two pp. 343-555 (212pp)
Interludes pp. 555-579 (24pp)
Part Three pp. 579-829 (250pp)
Interludes pp. 829-847 (18pp)
Part Four pp. 847-1055 (208pp)
Interludes pp. 1055-1071 (16pp)
Part Five pp. 1071-1229 (158pp)
Epilogue/Endnote/Ars Arcanum pp. 1229-1242 (13pp)

How would you like to divide this up for weekly reading?

[Bea]

If we did 5 weeks...
Start Feb 1: prologue + Part I = longest read at 326p
Feb. 8: Interludes + Part II = 228p
Feb. 15: Interludes + Part III = 274p
Feb. 22: Interludes + Part IV = 226p
Feb. 29: Interludes + Part V + Epilogue et al. = 187p

Any thoughts...please?

[Bea]

Participants:

Bea
Coralie
Lusie

[Lisette]

Thanks for making the thread, Bea!

The schedule works for me :) Knowing me I will probably get caught up in the story and read ahead of schedule. Happend with the first two books as well. I just can't help myself lol

When shall we start? 1st February?

[Coralie]

That sounds fine by me. I will need to ask the library to get a copy from one of the other branches and get my new hip (I had a replacement hip last week) up to walking that far carrying an enormous book but a week should accomplish both those.

[Bea]

Coralie wrote: "That sounds fine by me. I will need to ask the library to get a copy from one of the other branches and get my new hip (I had a replacement hip last week) up to walking that far carrying an enormou..."

Hope you do as well as I did. I have had both hips replaced - about 10 years ago.

[Bea]

I added starting dates for each week to the reading schedule in post #2 above. Looking forward to this!

[Lisette]

The schedule looks good to me. Thanks Bea!

I hope your recovery goes well, Coralie.

[Coralie]

The schedule looks fine.

So far my recovery is going really well. After only nine days post surgery I am already walking around the house unaided! Yesterday I managed the walk to the library (with crutches) and back but I only had a couple of small books to carry.

[Bea]

Get ready...set...go read! Prologue + Part I. BTW, my copy starts on page 19...so even the book is helping us to get this first part done!

[Lisette]

Bea, funny that the book starts on page 19!

I haven't started yet. I've just finished the book I was still reading so will probably start reading tonight.

[Coralie]

I have read the first few chapters and feel that I could really do with a list of characters to remind me who all these people are.

[Lisette]

maybe this page helps? https://www.tor.com/2017/08/15/storml...

[Coralie]

Thank you Lusie. It did help.

[Bea]

Lusie wrote: "maybe this page helps? https://www.tor.com/2017/08/15/storml..."

Thanks, Lusie. This was helpful. I did find that I began to recall events and nod to myself as I started reading, although I must admit to sharing Coralie's response. I mean it has been almost 2 years since I last read one of these books!

[Lisette]

You are welcome!

I hope to be able to start reading today. I read book 1 and 2 at the same time as you, Bea. So I imagine I'll not recall everything either.

[Bea]

Lusie wrote: "You are welcome!

I hope to be able to start reading today. I read book 1 and 2 at the same time as you, Bea. So I imagine I'll not recall everything either."

Lusie, there are reminders in the text so that, for me, the recall did start.

[Lisette]

that's good!

[Lisette]

I like the book so far!

btw I discovered that Oathbringer is listed 14 times as speculative fiction. So if we can finish it this month we can use it for the february shelf :)

[Bea]

Lusie wrote: "I like the book so far!

btw I discovered that Oathbringer is listed 14 times as speculative fiction. So if we can finish it this month we can use it for the february shelf :)"

Nice!

I also am enjoying this book. Usually such big books take a bit for me to get into them, but not this one.

[Lisette]

I'm glad to hear that, Bea.
It surprised me how easy it was to get back into the series. I'm already at chapter 27 and am surprised how fast I'm reading.

[Bea]

Lusie wrote: "I'm glad to hear that, Bea.
It surprised me how easy it was to get back into the series. I'm already at chapter 27 and am surprised how fast I'm reading."

You are ahead of me...I will be at 24 when I finish today's reading. (I do have a total of 3 books over 800 pages going...two for Buddy Reads!)

[Lisette]

I'll probably finish part 1 tonight. I'm only reading 1 book at a time. Though will probably start another so I won't go too far ahead of schedule.

You are very busy Bea!

[Bea]

Lusie, I had planned it out to read x number of pages a day throughout the 7 days partly due to the fact that, when I started reading, I had 5 other books in progress...and one was an 800+ page book that I had started 12/1/19.

I have now completed 3 of those 5 and am close to completing another (the 800+ one) BUT I have started a buddy read with Marina for this prompt also.

[Lisette]

Sounds like you are making a lot of progress, Bea. I don't plan how many pages I read.

[Lisette]

I have read the Prologue + Part I

(view spoiler)[I had already read the prologue went I tried to read Oathbringer about 2 years ago. I think it is a good start of the book.

I like the different plot lines.

Dalinar can now enter visions at will. It doesn't seem that helpful. I like his idea to share a vision with others through a storm. I'm looking forward to see what he will do and what kind of vision he will share.
I'm very curious about Evi. Why can Dalinar now hear her name and remember parts? What happened between them? I hope we find out more soon!

I like Kaladin and his attitude towards the Parshmen. He likes them and understands how they feel. I'm sure this will give him trouble later on, or maybe it will help him to save the day. The Fused ones sound scary. I hope there is a way to turn them back into more friendly Parshmen.

Shallan seems to dislike herself. I think it is dangerous how she creates other personalities like Veil. She is likely to loose herself that way. I like the parts of the book that are about Shallan. She is an interesting character. I loved the story she told of the girl who looked up.
I'm not sure what to think of the dark Spren she discovered.

The cliffhanger at the end of chapter 32 is very good. I like that Jasnah is back. I can't really remember what happened to Jasnah during the previous book though. Does anyone else recall? (hide spoiler)]

I enjoyed this a lot and can't wait to read more. I'm tempted to read ahead of schedule...especially after the cliffhanger at the end of the last chapter of part 1

[Bea]

(view spoiler)[Jasnah is back? Oh, I can't wait to get there. Shallan thinks that the Ghostbloods killed her, especially Mraize.

I think that Veil gives Shallon courage that she does not have in herself. Shallon has no confidence that she herself has any worth. Perhaps she will find that as she explores her Veil self.

I also like Kaladin's empathy with the parshmen he has discovered. And Dalinar struggle to be a honest (truthful) man. (hide spoiler)]

I have 76 pages to go to finish Part I, Lusie. Coralie, how are you doing?

[Lisette]

Bea you are not supposed to read the spoiler until you've read all the chapters too lol

[Bea]

Lusie wrote: "Bea you are not supposed to read the spoiler until you've read all the chapters too lol"

LOL...only 43 pages to go. Will finish the weekly read tonight.

[Coralie]

I have finished part one. I will give you my thoughts when I have ended my babysitting duties.

[Coralie]

Firstly, two general statements. This book might be physically heavy (I wouldn't want to rest it on my operation site) but the writing isn't at all heavy. I really like the viewpoint icons: much nicer than heading the chapter with the name of the character.
(view spoiler)[Dalinar is my least favourite viewpoint character. I'm not enjoying the flashbacks as much in this book as I did in the first two books. The only thing interesting about him was the way he couldn't remember his wife.
Pattern is my favourite of the spren. I think Shallan is setting herself up for trouble if she continues to refuse to let Adolin see her as Veil.
Kaladin is also heading for trouble with the Parshmen. He just can't resist helping people, can he? I like the fact that we see Parshmen as sympathetic characters rather than as villains. (hide spoiler)]

[Bea]

Since we are all up to the end of part I, can I just say:

(view spoiler)[oh, sure...Jasnah's return is the last line! (hide spoiler)]

[Bea]

(view spoiler)[I think Dalinar is like so many older people. We look back on our lives and find that our behaviour is not as satisfying to us as it once was. We are handicapped by the fact that others remember us as we were...not as we have become...and expect the same.

I like Pattern, also, Coralie. But, I think (other than Syl), he is one of the few spren we get to know. I am now interested in that ancient spren who was captured.

I still think that Shallon is struggling to find out who she is...as a person. My opinion is that she will be awesome as a Radiant when she truly discovers herself.

I wonder if we will get to know Renalin or Navani better.

I agree that Kaladin is having difficulty with his identity and the Parshmen. I am not yet sure that it will be trouble. (hide spoiler)]

[Bea]

I am enjoying this book. I have been so reluctant to start it due to its size (does this man write small books?), but, I agree with Coralie that it is an easy, even fun read...and yet it keeps me guessing and letting out the breath I was holding.

[Bea]

Just a heads up. I will need to travel to Virginia for a funeral and will be leaving tomorrow. I expect to return by the end of the week. I will try to stay up on the reading but will not be able to post until I return.

[Lisette]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Bea. Was it someone close to you? No worries about not being able to post.

[Lisette]

In reaction to the comments about part 1

(view spoiler)[I agree that the writing isn't heavy at all, but I didn't have a problem with the first two books either. After a while I just can't put down the book. Though I haven't read that phase yet with the current book we are reading.

I actually like all the plot lines we have got. Dalinar used to be my least favorite one, but in this book I like the chapters about him.

Coralie, I am actually not sure yet what to think of Pattern. Though the "no mating" was funny.

I think you are right about Shallon, Bea. She just needs time to discover who she is. (hide spoiler)]

I've been busy so haven't been able to start the next part yet. Will probably start tomorrow.

[Bea]

Lusie wrote: "I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Bea. Was it someone close to you? No worries about not being able to post."

It is my sister's husband and, unfortunately, I was not close with either of them. Seems I was always several states away in my choice of homes and not a lot in common with either. I regret that now...but it is what it is.

Thankfully, my brother and sister are closer and he will be able to provide better support for her.

[Bea]

I'm back. I should finish this week's reading today. I will post my thoughts later.

How's everyone else doing?

[Lisette]

Bea, must be difficult at times to live several states apart from your family. It must be a relief for you to know your brother and sister are closer.

I'm at chapter 54. I'll finish this week's reading tomorrow.

[Coralie]

I have finished this week's reading and will post my thoughts when I am properly up and dressed.

[Coralie]

Here are my very scrambled thoughts. (view spoiler)[Shallan and Jasnah have completely lost their old relationship. This was to be expected as so much has happened to Shallan since they were last together. Her identity problem is growing at an alarming rate.
I am still not really enjoying Dalinar's flashbacks. I feel that his "THRILL" is a worse drug than Teft's firemoss. I notice that Dalinar is the only major character who has a same-sex spren.
I enjoyed seeing things from the viewpoint of various members of Bridge Four. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisette]

I was able to finish reading part 2 last night after all.

After reading interludes + part 2
(view spoiler)[
Interludes: I'm wondering why the lighthouse keeper was so excited. Not sure what he is expecting from "when they come".

Part 2:
I agree with Caroline that the relationship between Shallan and Jasnah was bound to change after all that happened. Shallan keeps strugling with herself. I think it has got to become even worse before it gets better. I'm not sure what to think of Shallan sketching Kaladin. She was happy with ehr engagement right? She doesn't need another guy. I don't think something romantic will happen between the two of them, but am not ruling that out just yet.

I am starting to dislike the visions of Dalinar, especially the ones he shows to other people. I still want to learn more about Evie. Maybe she is the one Odium was hinting about when he says that Dalinar has met but has forgotten about.

I liked the chapter about the different members of bridge four. I was glad that Skar is now able to breath stormlight too.
Teft's addiction is worrying. I think he'll be trouble.
Sounds like Moash is now on the other side of the fight.
(hide spoiler)]

[Bea]

Here are my thoughts.

(view spoiler)[I agree that Shallan and Jasnah's relationship is at odds due to the time apart. However, I see it as Jasnah not acknowledging that Shallan had changed before jumping right in again with the relationship as before. I also think that Shallan's own struggle to figure out who she is is part of the problem. She does not interact with Jasnah from strength.

I also find that the Thrill and the interaction with Odium are a problem for Dalinar. I hope he can find his balance in those instances and keep his integrity.

I think the one that Odium was indicating was the female spren who drove away Stormfather in one of the visions.

Yay for Bridge Four. I really like the way they are all so different and yet pull for each other. Rlain, however, has yet to find his place. Will that be a problem when war comes?

So now we have Kadash and Moash finding a sympathy for the parshmen. Both have power. Since there are 7 more books to be written, I am not sure that this is going to work out as well as I would hope. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisette]

Bea, you are probably right about the spren. I forgot about that.
7 more books? Wow!

[Bea]

Lusie wrote: "Bea, you are probably right about the spren. I forgot about that.
7 more books? Wow!"

Yeah, the author plans to write 10 books. The first 5 will be Part I of the series, and the last 5 will be Part II of the series.

[Lisette]

I hope he hurries up with writing! The title of book 4 was recently announced, so I 'll be looking forward to that book

[Lisette]

After reading Interludes + Part III
(view spoiler)[After reading about Kaza in the predlused I was wondering if everyone who uses soulcasting is in dager because of the soulcasting itself. How long would it take before parts of the body turn into smoke because of the soulcasting?

What Dalinar found out about Evie and his past didn't surprise me.

Flying above the highstorm sounds thrilling. I like how Kaladin can fly.

I didn't see the point of why Shallan has to see every kind of spren there is. How would that help her? Must have been the scientist in her that wanted to know.
I think it is sad that Shallan's actions leaded to the death of a child. It's a good thing Wit helped her. Hopefully she will struggle less with herself and her other identities.

They still keep hinting there could be more between Shallan and Kaladin. With all the hints it seems to be more likely to happen.

I felt sorry for Kaladin. He wanted the killing to stop, but couldn't do a thing.

I had a feeling Elhokar's wife was one of the "bad guys". I felt sorry for their son. I wonder who will be king now that Elhokar died...

I didn't really understand what happened with the Oatgate in the last chapter. What are those glass beads? Where are they? (hide spoiler)]

[Bea]

OK... I know I am not supposed to read the spoilers until I finish...but...

(view spoiler)[I thought it was interesting that Kaladin's mask failed when he investigated the Wall Guard and the Elhokar and Adolin's did not seem to...even though all spheres were OK. I also thought it interesting that the Veil persona fled when Wit recognized Shallan.

I think Shallan wanted to draw the distorted spren because she is trying to get a handle on the ancient Spren that is controlling the city. She seems to think it is like the one she fought in the tower and overcame. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisette]

Bea! Don't read it! There are so many spoilers in it!

How far are you with reading?