Warded/Painted Man (#1) - Brett [April 23, 2022]

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

This is a Buddy Read for The Warded Man by Peter Brett starting April 23, 2022.

[Choko]

Spot!

Thanks, Niki!

[lorii (Loriidae)]

Keeping an eye out enjoyed this and always meant to read book #2 - might join for a reread or wait - will see how I go.

[Caroline]

Loriidae wrote: "Keeping an eye out enjoyed this and always meant to read book #2 - might join for a reread or wait - will see how I go."

Same! Although I plan to re-read. :)

[Monika]

Book awaiting to be read here :)

[Choko]

I thought we started today, and I started reading it, but I will put it down for now, until the start date... I only got about 5% read, and this is a rough world! His disappointment with his father is absolutely understandable, since he is only 11 years old and just found out his dad is a "coward"... I hate this word, because it makes the real and justifiable fears of a person into a failure of their character, and this is not so... Some fears are almost a physical response, and very difficult to overcome in the moment. They can be a detrimental reaction, but could also be a safety mechanism... So I hate how easily folks name others "cowards"...

(view spoiler)[ When they get on the road to take his mom to a healer, and get to the farmer with the three daughters, my heart just broke for the oldest girl and I wanted to kill that father!!! It reminded me of the Wildling dude, where the Black Watch from Game of Thrones stayed with, when they went beyond the Wall... And his daughters... Is every time we have extreme conditions and constant physical danger, the "protector" of the family going to be acting like that??? What a sad and disturbing deduction of the human reaction to those circumstances the authors of Fantasy and Sci-Fi come to ... (hide spoiler)]

[Saar The Book owl]

I'm going to join you, guys. I've read this one already, but I want to finish the series.

[Nirkatze]

Found it, thank you!

[Saar The Book owl]

I've got my copy. So, ready to go :)

[Ahdam]

This is another decent one I still remember meeting mr Brett and making an arse out of myself

Still enjoy guys I’ll hopefully join you for daylight war

[lorii (Loriidae)]

I needed an audiobook while on my daily walks, so I decided on a re-listen. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this book.

[Choko]

I will re-start it tomorrow:)

[Gokul]

Graphic Audio version of demon cycle is absolutely mind blowing! especially Johann Dettweiler as Arlen Bales is perfect

[Choko]

Thank you, Gokul! This is what I am planning on listening to:)

[Gokul]

Happy to hear that

[Nirkatze]

Oh cool, I might have to try that! Fortunately Hoopla has me covered. :)

[Ahdam]

Enjoy guys I might circle around when you get to daylight war

Still can’t believe I met Peter and made an ass out of myself

[Choko]

Adham, you did??? What happened? Does he seem like a cool guy?

[Choko]

Also, just ended the first part with Lisha, Elena and Jared and Steve, Ernie and Bruna. (view spoiler)[ I am not so much angry with Jared for his lying, or the mother, Elena, for cheating, although I find her in particular to be horrible! No, I am extremely angry at the society which has created an environment where women are treated like pariahs for things that man are being praised! I hate that in our history and even in places in the world where this is still true, and I hate it in my fictional worlds... This is a shore thing to get my insides boiling, and I think the main reason authors use it...

I love Bruna so much! She is everything I want of my ladies in those types of communities, and as always, she is named "a witch", but they can barely make it without her .. We humans can surely find ways to be horrible to each other, no matter the time or the place, don't we... Thank goodness for all the good we are also capable of doing:) (hide spoiler)]

[Gokul]

I personally find in most cases the female characters of male authors and male characters of female authors often disappointing. Unfortunately I have to include Peter V Brett in that catagory bcoz the character arc of Leesha Paper is very disappointing and there's nothing exceptional about Renna other than her love for Arlen Bales either. However I really liked Arlen Bales he's an exceptional character.

[Ahdam]

Choko wrote: "Adham, you did??? What happened? Does he seem like a cool guy?"

Yeah he was very nice, I met him when he released his final book and had a nice chat

But my social skills were shit at the time so I felt like I offended him

oops

[Ahdam]

Yeah Brett really goes out his way to make it seem like the survivors have basically become savages and at times its uncomfortable although I think he does go a bit too far at times

[Gokul]

Ahdam wrote: "Yeah Brett really goes out his way to make it seem like the survivors have basically become savages and at times its uncomfortable although I think he does go a bit too far at times"
Exactly

[Choko]

Gokul, ohh, that is sad to hear... I like how Leesha is being set-up as a character so far... I don't think I have met Renna yet... I liked the introduction of Arlen quite a bit, despite thinking he was a bit harsh in his judgement of his father. Not everyone can face danger with bravery at all times... It might take some time for it to grow on a person...

[Choko]

Ahdam, I am sure you didn't offend him! The authors we love are used to people like us, who can be a bit tongue-tied when we meet them:)))

He does seem to have sent back his survivers in the dark times, as far as morality and science and attitudes towards them go... I hope we prove to be better than that, in case of an apocalyptic type of tragedy striking the world, that is...

[Gokul]

Choko wrote: "Gokul, ohh, that is sad to hear... I like how Leesha is being set-up as a character so far... I don't think I have met Renna yet... I liked the introduction of Arlen quite a bit, despite thinking h..."

Overall, it's a good series. He was kid and he just lost his mother I wouldn't judge his actions. And his father get the chance to redeem his mistake in book two.

[Choko]

You are totally right! This is why I try to not make up my mind about characters right away. After all, there has to be a space for growth:)))

[Gokul]

Totally

[Monika]

Aw, I missed reading starting day :( Trip yesterday and new fridge delivery today. Will start tomorrow after school run :)

[Choko]

Monica, awesome!

I am half way through. This has mostly been a setup for the series so far. I like little Roger! It was very sad how he became the ward of the jungler, but I love his earnest personality and his loyalty!

Arlen becoming such a good warder is great, but his dream to be a messenger is hurting everyone around him. Him being a teenager doesn't help with his decision making. Mary is perfect for him, but (view spoiler)[ him going on the road and leaving her, I hope this isn't the end to their relationship for real...

Leesha is going to the city! I wish she stayed with Bruna until the end, but I guess she has to grow too .. I loved how she kept that messenger from raping her, really... Good for her, but I would be looking over my shoulder, because that dude doesn't seem to be very forgiving...

I love the couple who took care of Arlan and I hate that he never gave them the respect and affection they clearly craved for... (hide spoiler)]

I like how the Graphic Audio splits the book in two parts:) Perfect to get your bearings as to where you are in the book. It is a really good production!

[Gokul]

Choko wrote: "Monica, awesome!

I am half way through. This has mostly been a setup for the series so far. I like little Roger! It was very sad how he became the ward of the jungler, but I love his earnest pers..."

That's good progress, Yep Roger is an interesting character. Arlen had to make some tough decisions, his dream and life's mission is to you know exterminate all demons from the world. And He's obsessed about his mission even if it means to forswear his love.

[Choko]

OK, 63% in... (view spoiler)[ This betrayal of Arlan was horrible!!! He is right, when he berated himself, because he himself had let people down, but still, this was not right at all... I am pissed at those people! They are some derivative of a desert tribal folks... I hate already their class system and the way they treat women, but this was just.... Gghhhrrr!

Poor Rojer too... Now he even lost his master, despite him being a piece of s#$t, at least he was not alone... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Gokul, you are right - he is obsessed! I don't blame him, but he is choosing his mission ahead of life... However, in his case, his mission might be his life...

[Gokul]

Choko wrote: "OK, 63% in... This betrayal of Arlan was horrible!!! He is right, when he berated himself, because he himself had let people down, but still, this was not right at all... I am pissed at those peop..."

I can't say much about Jardir, Inevera and desert folks but yea their barbaric system was somewhat unsettling.

[Gokul]

Choko wrote: "Gokul, you are right - he is obsessed! I don't blame him, but he is choosing his mission ahead of life... However, in his case, his mission might be his life..."

Yep that's what makes him a Warded man

[Choko]

Gokul, thank you for the input, I love reading with people, and love when some of them are veterans of whatever we are reading:))))

[Gokul]

Choko wrote: "Gokul, thank you for the input, I love reading with people, and love when some of them are veterans of whatever we are reading:))))"

Anytime

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "Monica, awesome!

I am half way through. This has mostly been a setup for the series so far. I like little Roger! It was very sad how he became the ward of the jungler, but I love his earnest pers..."

Just started the Graphic Audio too! It's very interesting. I read these books about five years ago or so, so I still remember some of the beats, but it's fresh experiencing them in a different format.

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[Renna's father is a piece of work. He should be staked out for corelings. (hide spoiler)]

[Monika]

I'm still in chapter 1. Chat between Rusco and Ragen is very informative and defo Selia making serious impression :) I hope I catch up with yous guys between all other books I read at the moment and work and house work LOL!

[Choko]

It is definitely making an impression! The Graphic Audio experience totally brings it to life. I have no idea how a person can imagine a world like this, constantly being afraid of the sun setting, because those creatures are in control of the night... And at the moment, the vast majority have no way of fighting them... Terrifying really...

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "It is definitely making an impression! The Graphic Audio experience totally brings it to life. I have no idea how a person can imagine a world like this, constantly being afraid of the sun setting,..."

One of the best things about this series totally is the world. Brett really brings that fear to life--and explores the way it changes in response to various catalysts. In a way, I'd almost say that the world gets great character development...

In Chapter 1, when we get some background on the world, it says something about the demons having "come back" 300 years ago, to a world that had forgotten them. Then, in Chapter 4 or so... (view spoiler)[Bruna mentions that they had lost civilizations and science, that whole libraries had been burned (hide spoiler)]. There's been no evidence of skyscraper ruins, or anything like that, but it does raise the question of whether perhaps this world is a future of our own--kind of like Wheel of Time. Just a fun thought.

Up to Chapter 5. (view spoiler)[All of the women introduced so far have really awful situations--and most having to do with sex. I really hate it when a plot has rape and weaponized sex in it, or slut shaming and rumors. It won't make me put down the book, and I recognize that it is one of the many horrors of life and I can't ask all authors to avoid it, but there's definitely a special type of dread it evokes.

Rena and Leesha are both only about 13. And they're both being hemmed in by their gender. Rena is living in the house of a rapist father, and it's probably only a matter of time until he works his way down the ladder. Leesha is putting virginity on a pedestal--but surrounded by people who do not respect vows or individual choice.

My favorite character so far has got to be Bruna. She's a leathery old firecracker. I don't like how she treats Darcy, but I do like a character who takes no nonsense from anyone. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter 5 quote: (view spoiler)[“Because boys get praise for the same things that get girls run out of town,” said Bruna. Sadly, still true in most places. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter 6--yay Rojer! The audio pronounces it Row-jer, which I find a little weird. I totally had it as just an alternate spelling of Roger in my head.

[Choko]

I completely agree with everything you said about the sexual situation of the women in this world... And Bruna! I want to be like her when I grow up:)))

[Gokul]

Choko wrote: "I completely agree with everything you said about the sexual situation of the women in this world... And Bruna! I want to be like her when I grow up:)))"

Haha, Nice she's a great mentor figure, I think she's an inspiration behind the creation of Brina from The Faithful and the Fallen Saga.

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "I completely agree with everything you said about the sexual situation of the women in this world... And Bruna! I want to be like her when I grow up:)))"

Same! She walks crankily and carries a big stick.

Gokul wrote: "Haha, Nice she's a great mentor figure, I think she's an inspiration behind the creation of Brina from The Faithful and the Fallen Saga."

Oh wicked! We're reading Gwynne's series right now too. Book 3 in about a week. For all that that's a tough world too, it's not as bad as Brett's world.

Chapter 7--(view spoiler)[A look at a house from before. Still seems fairly medieval.

Hogroot--this comes up a lot later! Totally forgot it was introduced this early. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 Keenan (view spoiler)[Another person on my craplist. Lots of those for this book. Arlen, Leesha, Rojer--all of them have people worthy of the craplist. Looking forward to comeuppance. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[They told of the kingdoms of the old world, Albinon, Thesa, Great Linm, and Rusk, and spoke of seas, enormous lakes spanning impossible distances, with yet more kingdoms on the far side. Well, if I were going to try to draw lines to our world, Albinon sounds like Albion, which is another name for England, yes? Rusk sounds like Russia. Thesa could be The USA. Not sure of Great Linm. And I could just be chasing moonbeams. (hide spoiler)]

Another quote from Chapter 5, echoed in Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[“Spare me the recitation from the Canon,” Bruna cut her off. “It’s a book written by men, without a thought given towards the plight of women.”--lots of that going round. Arlen later says “It’s a book. Books are written by men. If the Creator wanted to tell us something, why would he use a book, and not write on the sky with fire?”

Themes of destiny, gender roles and oppression. (hide spoiler)]

[Monika]

Reached chapter 8 :) so... Arlen run away and fight with demons, we met Leesha (what a crap place this girl lived in), I like Bruna, she's a character :) and we are meeting little Rojer.

[Nirkatze]

Yay Monika! I finished the first half of Graphic Audio edition, which ends at Chapter 14.

Through Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[So we've had a 7 year jump where Leesha became a proper Herb Gatherer, and Bruna's still kicking. It's 326. The last time we saw Arlen was 5 years ago in 321, and Rojer also 8 years ago in 318.

The picture Brett paints of the men in this world is fairly awful. I was focusing on the plight of Leesha and Rena, even Rojer's mother, but the men in the world are pretty bad. I'd say the racists, bullies, bigots, and general folk lacking empathy are in the majority so far.

Am I alone in wanting Leesha to have just chopped the messenger's appendage off? She could heal him well enough. He doesn't need it to do his job. Might make him better at his job. (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Haha! Maybe not chop it off, but make him not being able to use like that for a longer period... He would be better at his job then:)))

My heart went to her on her trip with Rojer though... That was very rough... I felt sorry for both of them...

By the way, I think if you choose to read or listen the two short stories, this is the time to do it, because they both happen in the seven years we don't see them. I finished both of them and they are the story of the first messenger run for Arlen and a later run to the desert people... They are more like cut scenes, than really standing on their own.

[Caroline]

I'm starting today :)