Cycle of the Scour #1-3 (October 2023)

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "From the blurbs/reviews, [spoilers removed]"

I would not be mad about this based on where I am in the series right now lol

[Choko]

The Spear of Stars ... In Ch. 5... Sorrowen is just weird, I don't think he is dumb, just really bad under pressure... And yes, I have begun rooting for Raxa too:)

I am not sure why I once again totally hate a priest - the dude who has S and R. As a spiritual person, I really dislike fanatics, or people who use their religion as a bludgeoning tool against all the rest of the people... Most of the time they turn out to be just power hungry assholes!

The philosophy of the Odo Sein is the best!!!

[Choko]

Spear Up to Ch. 15... (view spoiler)[ Dante was way too cocky to hijack the Blighted from the Lich! Every time the Lich takes over his mind, it makes me so helplessly angry!!!

I am actually really hoping all three guys - Gladdic, Blays and Dante, make it alive and well to the end of the series! I am rooting for all three of them equally at this point. Gladdic right now reminds me a bit of Eeyore :)))

I like Corson, and I actually want the Dragon Bein to make it too... I hate how much the locals are stopping the process of trying to raise defenses! I was hoping the food and the reasoning would persuade them, but then that priest, Adaine, showed up and had to ruin it...

The visit in the afterlife made me sad for how the Dragon Bain's people are being treated there... I hope they can figure out a better afterlife for themselves... (hide spoiler)]

[Ann-Marie]

Choko wrote: " Spear Up to Ch. 15... "

(view spoiler)[I didn't think we'd find someone more a zealot than Gladdic but Adaine has him beat for sure! (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Yes he does!!! He pisses me off so much!!!

The Spear of Stars Ch. 16... (view spoiler)[ WTF!!! The Lich is so scary! He is not only scary strong with his magic, but his words are poisonous!!! How is he that good??? I was getting totally depressed by how great he is at manipulating the crowd! This seems so hopeless, but there are at least 3 more books, so I am sure at least Dante stays alive... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Finished ... (view spoiler)[ I can't accept that Gladdic is dead!!! I want to believe in Iain and hope he shows up again! However, that might mean that Adaine could come back too, and I hate that dude!

The Dragon Bane died too:((( And I am not sure if the Mists are still falling apart or if by stopping the Lich from the Realm of the Nine Kings side is going to protect it... I can't believe Taim wants the realm of the Mists gone! What an asshole! I wonder if all the G-ds are like him... I don't trust any of those political groups in this Realm at all!

The Mallons and Nak and the Narastovic delegation are still holding on, although barely... (hide spoiler)]

I am actually really liking these! Loved this volume and am jumping straight into the next! I am so behind on everything else, but my interest is captured and I need to know what happens! Did you guys say when he is publishing the next book? I would hate for us to get to the last published one before he publishes the latest...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

No clue... the author isn't very vocal with writing progress/plans... the newest one came out last December... the one before that came out May 2021... so probably not before Summer 2024?

He's been alternating with Cycle of the Scour, tho, and the 3rd one of those came out February 2022... so basically, I have no idea...

The Scour books have been half as long as Galand books...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Re:enjoyment: I find myself WANTING to enjoy the books more than ACTUALLY enjoying the books, sadly... I dunno what it is, other than what Ann-Marie has said about lack of progress in specific books and character growth/etc...

[Choko]

I get that. There isn't much character growth at all, but I honestly don't expect any... I think it's one of those series that is all about the story, and he does tend to be very slow at getting wherever he is going with it, but masks it well with a ton of adventures. I myself am not really sure why I am enjoying it as much. It might be because I am way too invested in it already, and I do enjoy the banter.

I am up to Ch. 10 in What Lies Beyond ... (view spoiler)[ They already met with one of the G-ds, apparently the Loki equivalent, and Blays dualed with him for his part of the Spear of Stars, but now they are on the hunt of another of the g-ds' favorite axe, which had been stolen and consequently broken by some of the barbarian tribes, who refuse the G-ds rule, and I don't blame them... The plan is to get the axe back to the G-d that owned it originally, as a favor in order to convince him to get another part of the spear. A "ranger" lady has been guiding them, and once again, I am not at all sure that anyone from this Realm could be trusted... Blays just stole the broken part of the axe, which has been converted into a shovel, and they are being pursued... One shenanigan after another:) (hide spoiler)]

[Ann-Marie]

This is what I found when we decided to alter the number of books each month:

So I went to his FB and this was in the post he wrote in December when The 13th God was released:

This is the second-to-last book in the series. I am working on the last one as we speak, meaning it should be out sometime in the second half of 2023. That will be an exciting but very strange day for me, as I've been writing these characters for a good fifteen years now. I'm not sure I'm ready to let them go yet!

So one more in the Cycle of Galand....

I did check and there has been no action on his web site or FB since so who knows when it will be out?

[Ann-Marie]

Choko wrote: "Finished ... I can't accept that Gladdic is dead!!! I want to believe in Iain and hope he shows up again! However, that might mean that Adaine could come back too, and I hate that dude!

The Dra..."

I enjoyed Spear more than most of the books so far as well. As far as Wound is going, I am partway through Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[Dante & Blays have 2 pieces of the spear but are now on a side quest to get nether to bring Gladdic back to life. They encountered a man that was like you guys suck, you have caused so many wars and your fancy way of speaking about them and excusing your actions is bull, I mean he is right lol That crazy lady Saramand from the first book is back as an illusion to test Dante, that was so awesome to see her back.... Their companion Neve fell in a hole and is MIA, fairly sure she will appear again though, or at least I will be surprised if she doesn't. I don't know, this one so far has been a step down for me after the last one, maybe it is because each time they go to a new god's section or group against the gods it is basically the same process, they have issues with the various groups, none of them are helpful for the most part. There are 40 chapters in this, if they only have 2 pieces they best start getting multiple pieces in one adventure or trial, whatever you want to call it if they are going to have time to go back and defeat the Lich in this book.

Also if Nak dies I will be super annoyed! Also no Raxa at all so far! UGH! (hide spoiler)]

[Ann-Marie]

Through chapter 26 of Beyond (view spoiler)[and I am annoyed. Dante, Blays & Gladdic (who they have resurrected but he is back to the original, asshole Gladdic and not the one at the end when he died) managed to collect 8 of the 9 pieces of the spear and Ka, one of Taim's agents, just stole them. I am 64% of the way in the book and now they are planning on robbing Taim WHICH IS WHAT I WAS EXPECTING THEM TO DO IN THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK! So 427 pages to get back to where I thought page 1 would be. I am so annoyed lol

Random thoughts though:
- love that the People of the Pocket aided Nak and basically saved him against the Lich
- Dante got to see Cally again!!!! <3
- I liked some of the gods they have met, Urt, Gashen & even Carvahal
- No mention of Raxa
- No mention of Neve, they did pass where the hole was that she fell into but it was closed up and no sign of her, hoping she is back with Carvahal

It seems that when I really enjoy one of the books the next one is a stinker and right now I am feeling 2 stars for this one. Such a waste of time! (hide spoiler)]

[Ann-Marie]

Chapter 27 (view spoiler)[they just wasted an entire chapter planning! I am not sure if I think this was dumb because I am annoyed or if it was really dumb....

I am finishing this tonight because I want it to be over! (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

What Lies Beyond

Up to Ch 16... (view spoiler)[ I thought that dude that challenged them, just about, to kill him, was very random... And as you said, the dude was right and they did end up killing him... I wonder if the fear that the people of this realm have of dying has to do with those hellish visions that were not visions Dante saw for a bit...

It was fun to see Saramand for a bit. Actually, I have been enjoying the different creatures, trippy experiences and trials the guys have been going through. Neve is missing, but I am sure she isn't dead...

And yes, Nak is not allowed to die! I have been wondering where Raxa is too... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

What Lies Beyond

Up to Ch. 27... (view spoiler)[ I was absolutely pissed!!!!! when Ka, Taim's angel, stole the f@#$ing spear!!!!! I wanted to throw things! I wasn't expecting them to rob Taim's Tower, but I thought they would do some type of battle or duel or something... But Taim and Ka are absolutely horrible!!! And yes, we are back to square one!

The people of the Pocket showed up for Nak! Yay!

I love Cally! We need him to do more cameos.

I got a kick out of Carvahal and the G-d for whom they had to restore the realm. That one was an interesting trial, different from what we had seen so far.

This is funny, because you are getting totally frustrated, while I am actually really enjoying it... I am still pissed and hate the setback, but I still find it very interesting:))) (hide spoiler)]

[Ann-Marie]

Finished (view spoiler)[So they killed the Lich, it was a good battle so I did enjoy that, but I think the time they spent in the gods realm was way too long and as I mentioned Ka stealing the pieces of the spear annoyed me very much lol And of course that bitch is likely flying in to harass them in the cliffhanger.....

Random thoughts:
- Raxa finally makes an appearance and then says she is leaving? I mean at least she didn't die I guess but man that sucks!
- Sorrowen dying and it happening off page was stupid and also sucks!
- Sad Olivander died, I liked him
- I was happy to see Naran alive and kicking, I hope he stays around. Same for Winden, I like her a lot.
- I did love that Carvahal pointed out how important Blays is. I will not be mad if he is in the next 2 books providing he is on their side. And I loved the reveal that he, at least part of the time, was Neve. I kind of think it was him the whole time?

Overall this disappointed me, I felt it was unnecessarily long (my common complaint about every single book so far!) and I was annoyed how long they were in the gods realm and then that the spear was stolen at the last minute and further delayed them getting back to actually fight the Lich. It was like the third act break-up over some stupid misunderstanding in most romance novels, just let me get to the pay-off and stop wasting my time! (hide spoiler)]

[Ann-Marie]

Choko wrote: "What Lies Beyond

This is funny, because you are getting totally frustrated, while I am actually really enjoying it... "

OMG I was so annoyed, I seriously considered putting the book aside and starting a different one! Like seriously?!?!?!?!?! I am glad you are enjoying it though, at least one of us did lol

[Choko]

I finished it as well... (view spoiler)[ I loved the last battle too. And up until the very end I wasn't sure they would actually kill the Lich, or if the author was going to torture us even longer with trying to bring him down in the next books... I wish they had killed Ka too though! I think I despise her with feeling!

Loved the Raxa appearance, but I am disappointed that that was it for her... I was sad that the dude, Sorrowen died, but I also want to know what the heck happened with the kids she was taking care of? Are they dead, gone, or is she taking them with her? I hate loose threads like that, and the fact she hasn't mentioned them in the last two books, after making such a big deal about having to care for them in her first two books, baffles me.

Carvahal being also Neve was a cool touch. Agree about Naran and Winden too. Nak as well:))) (hide spoiler)]

As I already mentioned, I really enjoyed it, despite the stuff that annoyed me, like the setback and the loose threads and deaths off page... If those were not there I might have gone for a very high rating, but that only made it a 4 star read for me... But I totally get why you feel that way, Ann-Marie!:)

[Ann-Marie]

Choko wrote: "I finished it as well..."

lol yes we took disappointment much differently!

(view spoiler)[I was thinking for a bit that Neve was Arwan in disguise helping his loyal follower but most of the gods sucked lol It makes sense Ka didn't die, I think Dante & company will be battling Taim so that means Ka as well the remaining books. (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

I am so glad you are not giving up on the series despite your disappointment though!!:))))

Yeah, where the hell has Arwan been through all of this??? Very suspicious!

[Ann-Marie]

I haven’t hate read any so I am in for the long haul plus I know if I stop I will never re-read to finish 😂

[Nirkatze]

Gah! I am totally going to just binge my way through these this week. I will. I will!

[Ann-Marie]

Nirkatze wrote: "Gah! I am totally going to just binge my way through these this week. I will. I will!"

You have my thoughts & prayers if you binge these this week lol

[Nirkatze]

Awww... lol?

Well, I zoomed through Arawn #2 Silver Thief today. It actually is a pretty good series for work-week... I don't really care that much about the story, and I don't feel like I have to pay attention too much... and when I do, there's usually some nice banter waiting for me. I've FINALLY gotten used to the bloody narrator, and it doesn't all sound like white noise to me any more!

Looking forward to going back and reading y'all's comments... but probably this weekend.

Doing a different BR then will be back for #3! Going to weave 1 on 1 off.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Nirkatze wrote: "Awww... lol?

Well, I zoomed through Arawn #2 Silver Thief today. It actually is a pretty good series for work-week... I don't really care that much about the story, and I don't feel like I have to..."

Arawn #2... my sweet summer child :D

We look back on the Cycle of Arawn with fond memories, as we trudge through the never ending foiled hijinks of Dante & Blays (et, al), in the Cycle of Galand...

I'm a week behind, basically, as I didn't read Galand #6 at work this week, since I wanted something more fun, after 2 weeks of spending my work time and home time trudging through 4-5...

The Galand Cycle seems to have a lot of toil books, before the payoff book that deals with the threat once and for all, by causing a new problem...

[Ann-Marie]

Nirkatze wrote: "I don't really care that much about the story, and I don't feel like I have to pay attention too much."

I agree with this. I swear the only reason I am still at it and trying to stay on schedule is if I take a break or fall behind I will never finish lol

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "Awww... lol?

Well, I zoomed through Arawn #2 Silver Thief today. It actually is a pretty good series for work-week... I don't really care that much about the story, and I don't fe..."

I understand you wanting something fun to read and this one going to the bottom of that list but I am interested in your thoughts on the last book this month to see if you are on the Ann-Marie or Choko side of things!

[Nirkatze]

LOL! If I do good with my schedule (every-other-book an Arawn book) I might be able to catch up by the Weekend... then I'll have time to find out!

About an hour away from starting Arawn #3 then I'm doing Beware of Chicken #2... Arawn #4 then Stormcaster, Arawn #5 then In-Death, Arawn #6 then new month books... will definite have to see if I fall on Team Choko or Team Ann-Marie... or Team Nirkatze.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Right up until I started Galand 6 a few minutes ago, I was trying to talk myself into reading something else from my Buddy Read pile…

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Right up until I started Galand 6 a few minutes ago, I was trying to talk myself into reading something else from my Buddy Read pile…"

I was going to suggest we take a break before reading Cally's books then I looked at the page count and OMG did Robertson finally get an editor? 224, 349 & 323 pages? What???? That made me happy!!!

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

20% into What Lies Beyond: (view spoiler)[so Dante is a filthy pervert... who likes to heal injuries...

And the Living World is basically a fantasy version of Simulation Theory... an experiment to make the God World better... (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

cranked speed up to Audible max 3.5x... compared to last couple books, TGR felt a bit slow... and I want it over anyway...

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "cranked speed up to Audible max 3.5x... compared to last couple books, TGR felt a bit slow... and I want it over anyway..."

So much time wasted!

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Nearing 50%... 2nd encounter with Corr, and (view spoiler)[Gladdic's back... (hide spoiler)]

I agree the pacing of this one is weird... crazy to think the White Lich will be dealt with, by the end...

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Nearing 50%... 2nd encounter with Corr, and [spoilers removed]

I agree the pacing of this one is weird... crazy to think the White Lich will be dealt with, by the end..."

It was 64% when I seriously considered putting the book aside lol

[Nirkatze]

I just finished #3, Wound of the World and I honestly can't remember a single thing, lol. But I'm on Beware of Chicken 2 now so days are good.

I'd be ok with taking a break (says the one who is horribly behind) but I'd worry we'd never come off break...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Yea... I don't think there's a need for a break, honestly...

Those of us relatively caught up, have made it through the rough part, especially since we slowed down to 3 per month instead of the original 4...

June/July/August, were all 56-66hrs of audio...

September is only 2 books, so more like 44hrs of audio... and October is Scour, which are shorter books, so even tho there are 3, it's also only going to be 33hrs of audio...

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Yea... I don't think there's a need for a break, honestly...

Those of us relatively caught up, have made it through the rough part, especially since we slowed down to 3 per month instead of the or..."

I was pleasantly surprised that the Scour books were not stupid long! Next month may be painful but to me the true test will be revisiting when the next book is released whenever that may be, especially if there is an unnecessary cliffhanger at the end of The 13th God.

[Ann-Marie]

Nirkatze wrote: "I just finished #3, Wound of the World and I honestly can't remember a single thing, lol. But I'm on Beware of Chicken 2 now so days are good."

Welcome to Lichland

[Nirkatze]

LOL Joy.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Counting the hours until it’s over… always a good sign ;)

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Counting the hours until it’s over… always a good sign ;)"

I lol'd

Did you pass 64%?

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Yea… when they end up back at square one?… classic plot trope… Darkest before The Dawn…

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Yea… when they end up back at square one?… classic plot trope… Darkest before The Dawn…"

YES! I still want to facepalm when I think about that!

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Fuckin' Edward... couldn't let us have just one happy ending...

And the Eidan Rane fight kinda felt anti-climactic...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Corr felt like the bigger threat... like Nemesis showing up, in Resident Evil 3 all the time and wrecking your shit / carefully laid plans...

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Fuckin' Edward... couldn't let us have just one happy ending...

And the Eidan Rane fight kinda felt anti-climactic..."

It really was especially compared to how long the battle was in the last book and the off page deaths were stupid too. And poor Nak (view spoiler)[they kept telling him to hold the Lich off so many times while they were in the gods realm. Also I was annoyed that there was no way they could get dumped out of the realm closer to Nak! And do you think Raxa is gone too? This book really annoyed me lol (hide spoiler)]

Do you mean Ka? She is the evil sidekick of Taim.

[Ann-Marie]

I started The Twelve Plagues tonight, it is just as happy & upbeat as the title suggests lol

[Ann-Marie]

Plagues has been slow going for me, I didn't work today so I only listened for an hour or so. Through Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[Dante, Blays & Gladdic are once again on an epic quest to save the world. It was Ka at the end of the last book and basically everyone is going to die soon as a result of various plagues, deadly creatures, starving, etc. There is a different big bad besides Taim though, Nolost, which is dumb, as are many of the decisions they are making. Dante was swallowed by a sea creature and survived at one point ffs. (hide spoiler)]

[Ann-Marie]

Through chapter 19 (view spoiler)[they just sacrificed an entire world of people, isn't that what they are trying to avoid happening to their people? Like they are approaching being just as bad as Taim & Nolost. This is just more of the same, recycled plot lines (Dante & gang goes somewhere, interact with an unbeatable foe, defeats said unbeatable foe, get info/item they need and move on to the next unbeatable foe. This is a bit boring boring honestly and is approaching slog territory. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]