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

[Nirkatze]

Whoo hoo!

[Caroline]

Nirkatze wrote: "I started book two--I don't know if anyone else has yet? Again, I'm loving the Graphic Audio--awesome accents and vocal talent!! I'm especially loving Inevera's rolling r's. The one annoyance is th..."

After I finished Book 1 I wasn't sure, if I was feeling the (anticipated) story line. I enjoyed the first book, but the ending gave a hint to where Book 2 might be heading and I just didn't feel like (view spoiler)[ I would want to read about a destructive war based on religion or personal gain... I would have loved for them to just live and let live while each doing as much destruction to the corelings as possible. (hide spoiler)]

Book 2 Part 1 finished (view spoiler)[ I dreaded this. I can't say that I have enjoyed this part half as much as the other book. I don't like anyone mentioned and am worrying how a senseless war will only gain these demon princes (although we don't know much about them, they seem more intelligent than the ordinary corelings). I really hate Inevera, which is sad, because when she was first introduced, she didn't seem like that at all. But now apparently only power drives her. And I can't begin to understand how Jardir went with all of it... Especially the betrayal of Arlen, though I'm glad Arlen somehow survived this and probably will gain a lot of respect from the Krasians, if they ever learn from those events.
I am opposed to a lot of the Krasian culture of course, BUT I can somehow understand how a society like theirs could result from the circumstances/reality of alagai/corelings attacking and needing every man to be a warrior and a populace to support so many young deaths. The result is nothing I would wish on anyone, but something I could imagine to "work" for their ultimate goal being at war every night. But I really don't want them to force this culture on anyone else. I don't want them to head up North, where the people are just about to figure out how they can fight, too, in their own way. In enhancing equality and using the personal strengths of everyone who is willing. I'm really unhappy with the way it's going and feel like the next book is mocking me already with its title "Daylight War". (hide spoiler)]

[Caroline]

Loriidae wrote: "Desert Spear
Chapter 6 [spoilers removed]

Chapter Eight [spoilers removed]"

I totally felt like that, too - in general Book 2 Part 1 (view spoiler)[ I didn't like knowing some things in advance, so just the retelling of book on from Jardirs point of view didn't offer much insight and I already felt spoiled the outcome. e.g. the Stone Demon: Sure there was a lot of destruction to the maze we didn't know about. But we did know that the maze trap wouldn't kill either Jardir, Arlen nor One Arm... so I just wasn't as interested. (hide spoiler)]

[Caroline]

Nirkatze wrote: "Desert Spear Chapter 14 Probably my most hated chapter in the whole series. ..."

(view spoiler)[ I was continually hoping for Arlen to somehow "check up" on his past, and finding her accidentally, and for him to defend her against her father. Just so that it wouldn't stay just a dark story without any hope for better days. (hide spoiler)]

[Caroline]

Felina wrote: "I think I can make the 15th work."

15th could work for me though I'm not sure - currently I'm at approximately 50% of the second book, but after Wednesday I'll have a lot more time for reading. :)

(Edit: Doesn't mean anyone should wait for me - I was just suprised, that it could work for me, because I was already late for the second book :) )

[Caroline]

On Arlens self alienation ~Book 2 Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[ I really really like Arlen. I like him as the Warded Man, too. And I think it is so refreshing to have someone to root for in these books.
He stays somehow humble and respects others, even trusts them with his secret hide out/hidden treasures - don't minding that he has been gravely betrayed by someone he had seen as a friend (Jardir).
The becoming what you eat - story line seems very interesting. At least he could infiltrate the enemies "Core" at some point. But I am very worried that wards will start to work against him. Or if those demon princes will be able to take control over him. So just a lot of things which could be addressed in the next chapters or books. We'll see. (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

You said it so well - we, the readers, might like grim stories, but we still need someone to root for, some hope... Great observations, Caroline:)))

[Ahdam]

I might actually join for daylight war although reading has taken a back seat with the new job but hopefully I’ll be good to go once we start

Also I have read the first couple pages of day light war and yeah it kinda gets pretty dark also I’m a bit annoyed at how it starts too and I’m hoping this doesn’t become a normal thing for Brett

[Ahdam]

I have to say though this series is such a good setting it reminds me of pitch black with vin diesel if anyone has seen it although minus the sexual abuse and other dodgy stuff

I think this series has a lot of potential and I hope we get some answers concerning a few characters

[Choko]

Ahdam, congrats on the new job! Hope you have time to read with us:)))

[Ahdam]

And to your point Choko Yeah that makes sense when I read it many years ago, I guess I was surprised by all this dodgy dealings but now that I’ve had some experience in dealing with assholes I guess I can understand this better

And yeah it is an unfortunate truth and the fact thatit mostly happens with people who aren’t well off is really depressing, but I guess the point is that it’s a cruel world and while the people may survive the demons they’re not thriving.

[Choko]

Ahdam, exactly... It is very sad...

[Caroline]

Choko wrote: "You said it so well - we, the readers, might like grim stories, but we still need someone to root for, some hope... Great observations, Caroline:)))"

Thanks!

Ahdam wrote: "I might actually join for daylight war although reading has taken a back seat with the new job but hopefully I’ll be good to go once we start

Also I have read the first couple pages of day light ..."

Oh oh :( that doesn't sound very promising :/
I hope to finish the third book very fast and hopefully the daylight war theme is over afterwards. I don't like people of Thesa and Krasia fighting against each other.

[Monika]

17 chapters of 'The Desert Spear' behind me. I love duke Rhinebeck's mother :) old duchess is like Bruna :) she's a true ruler :) I'm curious what she will have in her mind for Wonda...

[Choko]

I love all those strong old women!!! I think they are my favorite characters:)))

[Nirkatze]

Caroline wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "Desert Spear
Chapter 6 [spoilers removed]

Chapter Eight [spoilers removed]"

I totally felt like that, too - in general Book 2 Part 1 [spoilers removed]"

Nice point about knowing things in advance...when it's bad, I dread it, but when it's good, I really look forward to it... and when you sense something bad is coming, the dread is that much worse.

And like Choko echoed--we always need someone to root for!

Caroline wrote: "Choko wrote: "You said it so well - we, the readers, might like grim stories, but we still need someone to root for, some hope... Great observations, Caroline:)))"

Thanks!

Ahdam wrote: "I might ..."

The Daylight War (lol, I just wrote "Wore" and caught myself) definitely gets worse before it gets better. I think it spreads to the fourth book too... lots of stupidity on both sides, but some good comeuppance moments too, if I remember correctly. Still, a lot of frustration yet to come.

There's so much that is painful about these books, yet I still can't put them down. I've gotta give Brett kudos for that. Though I really think doing the Graphic Audio helps--great performances, and the audio keeps going unless you stop it, so I end up breezing through the painful bits almost without realizing it.

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "I love all those strong old women!!! I think they are my favorite characters:)))"

Ditto that, Choko & Monika! I loved that reveal--(view spoiler)[that the men only think they rule everything, but it's actually the Duke Mum pulling the strings. (hide spoiler)] She and Bruna would've definitely gotten along...

[Monika]

23 chapters behind me. So far... Arlen arrived to Miln, saw Ragen, Elissa, Mery, Jaik, was hit by Margrit (he deserved that), gave Rhinebeck's letter to Euchor (I agree with our Painted man in regards of Euchor's idea to marry one of his already married daughter to Rhinebeck - no chance in hell). Meetings with Keerin and Ronnell were rather interesting.

[Monika]

The Desert Spear finished. Renna is something else, totally. She do understand Storm better then anyone else. Need to find 'Daylight war' to keep up with you peeps.

[Nirkatze]

I zoomed through Daylight War and The Messenger's Legacy this weekend. Going to type up my thoughts when I find time!

In general--I'm loving the Graphic Audio editions. Getting Inevera's backstory was interesting, but the Krasians are still crazy. I feel bad for Leesha, am happy for Rojer, and Rena is still crazy too.

Things are looking dire going into the next book...

[Monika]

I hate when kindle choosing words for me when I'm not paying attention... I meant that Renna understands Arlen better then anyone else... Technology :(

[Monika]

Have rest of the series :) Not sure when I'll start reading Daylight War tho..maybe next week.

[Nirkatze]

Monika wrote: "I hate when kindle choosing words for me when I'm not paying attention... I meant that Renna understands Arlen better then anyone else... Technology :("

I totally agree. The first time I read the series, I was totally shipping (view spoiler)[Arlen and Leesha (hide spoiler)] and felt hugely betrayed by the eventual way things ended up. I've been trying to keep an open mind in this reread, and while Rena still drives me up the wall, I do think she's a better match for Arlen--she sees him as Arlen, instead of this mysterious Deliverer-like Warded Man. Keeps him grounded.

[Monika]

Hmmm is it only me or... Looks like Leesha going for 'nice face' or something. I mean from one side she's smart but going with 'enemy'? Plus her and Inevera were easy target for Prince demon/ mind demon...

[Monika]

Finished 'Messenger's legacy'. Good one. Can't wait to read more about Briar.

[Choko]

Glad we are getting back to the series. I will start the Daylight War this weekend:)))

[Monika]

I think I'll start The Daylight War after finishing A Storm Of Swords I'm reading at the moment (have it from library, so need to be fast ;)).

[Nirkatze]

Monika wrote: "Finished 'Messenger's legacy'. Good one. Can't wait to read more about Briar."

This was my first time reading this little short--so I'd already been introduced to Briar as he shows up as a viewpoint in the next book. What did you think, Monika, with this being your first introduction to the character? Did it work at this point in the story for you?

I only noticed one slightly spoilerific thing for the next book in the story--(view spoiler)[it mentions that Laketown has fallen to the Krasians, and shows their further invasion, but we kind of knew it was coming even with the disappearance of Jardir at the end of the last book. (hide spoiler)]

I also really liked seeing (view spoiler)[Arlen's messenger mentor again, and I liked that his wife turned out to be such a cool cucumber under pressure when he took her with him on this journey. (hide spoiler)]

I've been really bad about putting my thoughts down as I'm reading, so I'm looking forward to dredging up my memories and replying to y'all's thoughts!

[Monika]

To be honest Nirkatze I like Briar and seeing Ragen and his wife in this story was a nice addition, specially her, like you said she's a cool cucumber :) Tammy was also interesting girl (another though cookie?).

[Choko]

I am about 80% in The Daylight War... I am a bit perplexed as to why so many people have rated it 3 stars .. True, I haven't gotten to the end yet, but I like this book maybe best of all three so far. It gives a lot of insight into all sides of the conflict, which to me is what makes it more interesting. I guess I am in the minority...

Inevera is a very strong character, and I love how many strong women we have in the series, even if we don't like some of them or don't agree with all of their choices. Leesha is much more comfortable with herself here, even if not everything she does is very smart... Roger's wives are coming into their own as well, and the girls from the Hollow are growing to be stronger and stronger! Rena, well, she is a mess, but Arlen is a mess too, so they are perfect for each other... And I love most of the herb gatherers - they all seem to be some strong ladies.

I am not too fond of Jardir's sons. They all seem spoiled and entitled. Both of their parents had to rise to their stations, clawing their way to the top, but the kids had everything given to them... I hope some of them are worthy of their birthright....

I am listening to the Graphic Audio and the song that Roger sang with his wives was awesome! It sounded a lot like a song from the Balkans and it made me feel some nostalgia..:)

I hate the control (view spoiler)[ the Queen Consort Demon had on that village of people, controlling them to come to him with food and water as side dishes, as them as the main dish... It made me feel so helpless for them... I want those mind demons all destroyed!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

I really like all of your observations Choko. I especially agree with the strong women--there are many, even if many are unlikeable. And I also find it interesting how my feelings toward the characters change as the story goes on, like Inevera and Leesha's mom. And spot on about Rena & Arlen.

I really like Rojer's triad--for all that it was hastily put together, and off to a rocky start, they seem to be on the road to becoming a good healthy unit. And I too really have been enjoying the Graphic Audio, music and all!! So cool that the song sounds like something you are familiar with!

As for Jardir's sons, yeah. (view spoiler)[The eldest is just an arrogant bully. I have a little sympathy for Asome, being gay and born into a culture swimming in toxic masculinity--but that doesn't excuse how he treats his wife and child. He's the definition of having a chip on his shoulder. Things are not going to turn out well with Jardir gone. That said, it's a very interesting look at what happens to a conquering culture when the personality that forged it together dies... (hide spoiler)]

Anyone ready to set a date for book 4? Skull Throne? I'm good any time...

[Choko]

I finished the Daylight War and it was really good!!! Nirkatze, you are so right about how a strong personality can lead a whole group of different factions in a joint cause, but once that person is gone, everything falls apart...

From the last 20% of the book, what made the biggest impression on me was that (view spoiler)[ the battles were very intense, but out of our two Deliverers, Jardir fought much smarter than Arlen! Arlen is impulsive and relies on his strength, while Jardir actually uses the warded cloak, so he could sneak up on his opponent and take advantage of it... I was a bit disappointed in A, because he has the same abilities, but he always goes with his emotions and doesn't plan well at all... Also, their respective wives are very strong, but once again, one thinks things through, while the other throws herself into the melee and hopes for the best...

Nirkatze, you are so right about how Asome is treating his wife is absolutely unacceptable! And the way they took the boy from his mother just really pissed me off! And despite their feelings for each other, they still demand full control over the lives of the women? WTF? I am so glad the lady said FU and became a warrior!!! (hide spoiler)]

I also finished the short story about Briar and really enjoyed it as well:))) I hope we get to see more of him and more about The Messenger and his family - I love those two!!!

I am thinking the next book later next week? What do you guys think?

[Nirkatze]

Really interesting comparison of Arlen & Jardir, and their wives Choko! I can totally see that...

I'd be down for next week. :) I'm excited to continue!!

[Monika]

I'm behind with Arlen's story... Eh... Catch up after holiday.

[Nirkatze]

What holiday is that Monika?

[Monika]

Going to Poland to see my man's Mum. Our son cannot wait to see his Nanna, that will be their first time to meet each other properly :) We hope weather give us a chance for some trips, so we can take our boy to see some castles, palaces and wandering around mountains and forests :)

[Choko]

Monica, that sounds awesome! I hope you guys have a ton of fun! If Poland is anything I can remember from the 2000's, it is a beautiful country with a proud history and very friendly people!!! I love them:))) They will feed you to no end and then criticize you for gaining weight, hahaha! The women are so strong, but tactfulness the way we understand it in the West is not their thing:))) That is true for most Slavic nations though...

[Monika]

Choco, I know what I can expect, I was born there and spent almost 28 years of my life there :) Pandemic stopped us a bit, but is time for Dom to see bit more of country his parents came from. It's still lots in there we want to see and show him :) Our little man has extended family, which live in different parts of Poland :)

[Choko]

So you were born in Poland? That is awesome! I have many close friends who came from there and they make my life more fun and happy for sure! I hope you guys have a great time:)))

[Monika]

Yep, I'm Polish, so... Sorry for my spelling and grammar mistakes LOL! Leaving in kinda middle of the Geordiland (Northumberland/North East England) hardly helping with improving my English grammar LOL! Love peeps here cause I don't need perfect Queen's English to be understood :)

[Nirkatze]

I really love how multicultural and global FBR is--it seems like there's folks from all over all sharing our love of SF/F!

Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned Monika! So exciting that your son gets to see his Nanna!

[Choko]

Monica, your English is fine! Just keep hanging with us, the little things will come in their place in no time:)))

Nirkatze, the multicultural presence is one of my favorite things about this place:)))

[Choko]

I am reading book #4 right now and I am about 80% in... I can't believe (view spoiler)[ the author killed off the Count, Leesha's beloved...! My heart is kind of broken for her now... I didn't expect that at all.

I love the old Baroness, she is one strong and smart woman, but I am terrified that she is too old and might die at any moment, and who would take care of the country then? The three sons that are left to her are no good at all...

I am really liking Rojer's little marriage situation, but I don't know what side will his first two wives take when inevitably time comes for them to choose...

I like that Brier got involved in the main book. I hope he survives.

The three girls who were thought to fight by the tongueless eunuch are pretty awesome as adults. I am kind of hoping that The Hollows will become a society which will take the best from both cultures and reject the bad, but I don't know if it is possible...

I hate Jardir's oldest son and I hope that the gay son takes his place. Somehow he seems more reasonable... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

I finished book #4.... Wow! I was too quick to think that the gay son would be the best choice... (view spoiler)[ The battle in the city, the death of the first son, the death of Rojer(nooooooo!!!!!!!), and then the coup for the Jardir's throne, and our girl fighting to get her son out and warn the Damaja, all of this in the last 20% and it was glorious and horrible at the same time! (hide spoiler)]

Loved every moment of it and am jumping straight into the next book!!!!

[Choko]

Just started book #5 and about 7% in... I hate what those painted "children" that Leesha started her tests with and then had to abandon, have become! Magic drunk and addicted... I feel so angry reading about them and how the girl treated our Briar!

[Choko]

Book #5... 10% in... That eunuch dude is absolutely horrible!!! And am I wrong to think that the Kafeet is getting what he deserves???

[Monika]

You are ahead of us Choko :D I'll have few other reads to finish before I back to Demon Cycle. The daylight war waiting for me few months already... With good luck I'll start it this month...

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "I am reading book #4 right now and I am about 80% in... I can't believe the author killed off the Count, Leesha's beloved...! My heart is kind of broken for her now... I didn't expect that at all...."

I agree with pretty much everything you said Choko! And I'm glad I kept scrolling down and saw that you'd finished book 4 'cuz yeah about Asome... (view spoiler)[I definitely thought he was a better choice than the oldest son at first too, especially when it looked like he was trying to be friends to Ashia, but then it turns out it was all an act to lull her into complacency so that he could kill her and take their son away... gah! None of Jawhatsits kids are turning out good it seems--well none of the men anyway. Amanvah seems to be alright. I have a feeling that his child by Leesha is going to end up being the one to inherit his legacy, in the new series.

My heart broke for Leesha so much--every time she has a chance at romantic happiness it just gets crushed... I have a feeling she's not going to have any more romantic entanglements--but she has her family, her people, and her work, and soon her child around her.

I really like the way Rojer & wives' relationship has developed. And the addition of Kendall was fun--but then AH ROJER! That was the most heartbreaking loss of all, to me. (hide spoiler)]

I'm glad you're up to book 5 Choko! I too like Monika have a few audio I need to cram in in the next two weeks, but I'll definitely be jumping back in for The Core then!! And finally on to the Nightfall Saga!

[Choko]

Yay! I am so glad you guys haven't abandoned the series! These last two books seem to be the best of them! I am still reading book 5 and it is very hard to put down, but unless something happens, I think book 4 was my favorite so far. I can't wait to see what you guys think:)))

[Nirkatze]

Took me a couple weeks but I picked up the Core! I'm about 2 hours in--the funeral rites--(view spoiler)[WAAAAAA ROJER!!!! I totally teared up a few times during the ritual demon-slaying.

I love that "Olive has stones"--that's a line I remembered well. And I love how Gared's fiancee totally squashed Leesha's mom. Been looking forward to something like that for ever.

Just up to the Painted Children part, and I remember them being my... not least favorite exactly... but definitely least comfortable part of the story. (hide spoiler)]