RETIRED: The Bridge of D'Arnath Series by Carol Berg - buddy read (#4 Daughter of Ancients), June 2023)

[Laura]

Chapter 30 (Guardians of the Keep)

THIS!!!!
(view spoiler)[ I was...just beginning to improve so that maybe they would think I was worth something.

How heartbreaking is THIS!! That a child feels so unworthy and useless and wicked!! The Lords can have a field trip playing with his mind!!
I honestly don't know if the boy will ever want to even listen to let alone consider the truth about his parents and their love for him. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

At chapter 35

I can safely say this book is full of surprises.

Carol - I just LOVE the way I get so involved in the characters' lives and see events unfold just from their perspective.
I've had quite a couple of 'Oh shit!' moments until now.

I love it that the boy is not quite (view spoiler)[ fully under the influence of the Lords and can get some alone time in his head. And yet, I fear that indoctrination will be very hard to resist.

I don't think Karon is dead either and I am curious to whom that voice Seri and the others seem to hear in their heads.

Exeget - I didn't see that coming. Just as I didn't see the fact that the prince had been corrupted by the Lords.

This book is keeping me on my toes!!

I love the new addition to the characters - V'Saro and am eagerly waiting to see what his role will be. (hide spoiler)]


And I do believe I found myself another all-time favourite quote too!!

'When one is in uttermost despair, no pain or indignity can make it worse.'

Carol - you put your characters though one hell of a wringer and I love you for it!!
This book is chef's kiss!!

[Laura]

I also have another question - were the bridge and the worlds of Zhev'Na inspired from something in real life? Or are they just a product of your imagination?

[Choko]

Book 2, end of Ch. 2... (view spoiler)[ Straight up, as Laura said, the sister in law is atrocious! I wonder if she is redeemable...

I loved the old servant lady - these types of characters are what makes books for me!

The story of The Guardians is both beautiful and terrible. I can't imagine the torture this was for those warriors...

Seri is just a great character to read! I am now completely engaged and want to see what will happen with the kid... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Ch. 3... (view spoiler)[ This was a great way to have her stay in the castle with her most probably own child... I wonder if the sister in law herself realizes this might not be her child... I also wonder if the child is acting this freaked out by sorcery because he might be experiencing some flashes of sorcery himself and is afraid of it... And maybe this is the reason he doesn't want a doctor to examine him...

I love how Seri is drawing him out millimeter by millimeter... She is a more patient woman than I... (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Choko wrote: "Ch. 3..."

I wondered the same thing about the sister-in-law.

[Choko]

Book 2, Up to Ch. 9... (view spoiler)[ The baby died:( And someone killed poor nanny Maddie! I really, really hope it wasn't Gerick, if she told him who his real mother was and he got that upset.... Although, I don't think a child of 10 in his position would have thought about trying to mask it as a suicide... Maaaannnnn, I hope Darzid didn't kill her and take Gerick with him... I don't think a child would be able to combat his evil influence...:(((

And now I am in Ch 9, and a dying Dassine just told Karon that he needs to find "the child", because "they" have him!!!! Darn it! (hide spoiler)]

This sucks! In a good way....:)

[Choko]

I couldn't get to internet today, I was out in the Boonies, but I am finally home and can comment on finishing the book today... Wow!!! It was one of those books, where though most of it I felt very similar to how I feel while reading some of my favorite books by Robbin Hobb - engaged, angry, helplessly hopeless, and still satisfied despite all those feelings... Since this is my first time reading this series, I was frantically trying to get to the end, so I can find out what happens... The journey there was painful, but very, very addictive and I have to say, I am anxious to see how we progress, because obviously Carol likes to torture her characters and us, the readers, but she can weave a tall tale:)))

(view spoiler)[ It was extremely difficult to read Gerick's parts, because I felt so angry with the emotional abuse and manipulation the adults in his life were putting him through, and how closely he threaded the line of Evil throughout his training... I wanted to be angry with him as well, for giving in and doing what he was told, accepting every little morsel they dangled in front of him and wanting more, but I couldn't, because I remembered that he is only a boy, who has been terrified most of his life by who he is, and feeling not only acceptance, but encouragement, and being offered seemingly the world on a platter, he is gorging in it as every kid would... Thank goodness for Seri and Paolo being there, keeping the reminders of humanity alive within him, or we truly would have had the monster The Lords wanted to create and he thinks himself to be... Karon did whatever he could at the end, but Paolo was the real miracle worker here...

Karon's reincarnating himself for a second time was well done! I loved how we discovered who he was, just as he discovered it himself. Loved all the training scenes and how he dealt with the two souls and their different inclinations in those situations. But that feeling of despair while in this world was palpable and overwhelming. I even found myself crying because of the helplessness it arose in me at times... I Hated the world the Lords had created! I hated everything about it! I want them dead so badly, I can't even express it with words!!! The dull acceptance of the generational "mundane" slaves is a nightmare! This dehumanizing treatment of them and their acceptance of it, were worse to me than the torture and the random killings ... I am a very emotional reader and this was absolutely painful to read...

I liked the end, but as Nirkatze tends to remind me, those second books in the three - four part series, tend to be brutal and give us just enough hope so we come back for the finale... And I am here for all of it!!! (hide spoiler)]

Now I need something light and fluffy, or I will go insane...

When are we reading the next book?:)

[Choko]

Laura, that quote "When one is in uttermost despair, no pain or indignity can make it worse." was great! It popped up at me too...

[Tammie]

Choko wrote: "I couldn't get to internet today, I was out in the Boonies, but I am finally home and can comment on finishing the book today... Wow!!! It was one of those books, where though most of it I felt ver..."

I had all the same feelings about Gerick's parts. (view spoiler)[ It was so hard to read sometimes! I loved that Paulo was the one who could anchor him and help him, such a great character. (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Depending on when Laura finishes the second book, I would be ok with starting the next book in a week or so. I need at least a week to get some other books finished.

[Nirkatze]

Tammie wrote: "Choko wrote: "Ch. 3..."

I wondered the same thing about the sister-in-law."

Ditto... I feel like somehow, somewhere, deep down, she must've known...

[Nirkatze]

@Tammie & Choko--thank everything for Paolo!! I love that boy so much... (view spoiler)[Gerick really needs a friend who isn't afraid of what he is, isn't intimidated by who he is, and is willing to take him down a notch when he's being an ass...

I was thinking on what @Carol had said about Paolo taking the story in surprise directions, and when Paolo was like "I want to help too!" I was wondering if Paolo just blurted that out in Carol's mind, and demanded to go to Zhev'na whether the author had planned it to or not.... (hide spoiler)]

One twist I really loved in book 2 was when (view spoiler)[we find out that the linchpin of the whole infiltration operation, the former Zhid slavemaster, had died in his bath... oh that was such delicious torture! Leaving the three disparate pieces to try to scrape together a plan without knowing each other, or what had gone wrong... (hide spoiler)]

re: Next book... June is getting uncomfortably crowded, but I'll be along when I can. ^^

[Choko]

Nirkatze, yes! That was a very interesting twist! And I loved that (view spoiler)[ those who seemed to be villainous weren't always the bad guys... That tickled me:) (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "Nirkatze, yes! That was a very interesting twist! And I loved that [spoilers removed]"

So true! (view spoiler)[That's something I like that I think is in most of Carol's books I've read... (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Choko wrote: "Ch. 3... T"

This! (view spoiler)[I love how Seri is drawing him out millimeter by millimeter... She is a more patient woman than I...
I thought to myself that I would run off crying, smacking someone, or end up smashing stuff several times over in Seri's place. She is DEFINITELY a way more patient woman than me. And way more understanding too. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Choko wrote: "I couldn't get to internet today, I was out in the Boonies, but I am finally home and can comment on finishing the book today... Wow!!! It was one of those books, where though most of it I felt ver..."

Now I need something light and fluffy, or I will go insane...

When are we reading the next book?:)

I felt exactly the same after this book!! I need some fluffy stuff or I'll go insane!! But I want to start the next in series straightaway too!!

[Laura]

Tammie wrote: "Depending on when Laura finishes the second book, I would be ok with starting the next book in a week or so. I need at least a week to get some other books finished."

I've finished it already but had no wifi to be able to get here and chat. And I'm up for the next book anytime.

[Laura]

Tammie wrote: "I finished the book late last night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to say that I never knew what would happen and that's a huge positive for me. [spoilers removed]
.."

I absolutely loved the way I was seeing the events through the eyes of the characters and didn't really realise the bigger picture and the players until the characters themselves realised it. It totally took me by surprise that (view spoiler)[Exeget was one of the good guys for example. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Just as you all have said, this book was very hard to read at times, especially the chapters in Zev'Nah. Very hard to read but at the same time unputdownable. I felt like crying when (view spoiler)[Seri hugged her son knowing she will be caught but not caring because that moment, that hug, was so worth it. And the parts when Seri lost hope were another kind of knife to the heart. And the manipulation that poor boy had been put through made me so angry!!
I was kept hoping he will retain that little spark of light all the while up to the moment he said he couldn't live without the power the lords allowed him to taste. And because of his behaviour at that ceremony, I became sure he had been fully turned. Finding out that the little spark was still there despite it all in the end was fantastic! And I LOVED the end.

I loved the way Karon reincarnated and his new 'combined' personality, the way he entwines the skills of the healer with those of the swordsman, while being this new best of both Karon.

and I LOVED it that Paulo, with his simple innocence and kind heart was able to reach a prince everyone seemed to want only to control. I loved it that he was the key piece in the events towards the end. So unexpected and yet so damn fitting!

And the very end, when we get to see how Siri and the others are now acting as the Guardians of her son, just like those Guardians of the Keep of old - a wonderful touch!
(hide spoiler)]

This book was absolutely BRILLIANT. From first to last page.

And I just have to say this, Carol! You and your characters stole my heart, hurled it on the floor and stomped on it for good measure, then gently picked it back up and set it together again. With a hell lot of feeling!

Chef's kiss to your storytelling here!!

[Choko]

Completely agree!:)))

[Carol]

Laura wrote: "I also have another question - were the bridge and the worlds of Zhev'Na inspired from something in real life? Or are they just a product of your imagination?"


All my own invention.

[Carol]

Hi all - I am traveling in the Northwest, visiting friends after attending MisCon in MIssoula MT. Haven't had much of any online time. BUT here I am for a few minutes...

I SO love hearing your comments.

[Carol]

Laura wrote: "At chapter 35

I can safely say this book is full of surprises.

Carol - I just LOVE the way I get so involved in the characters' lives and see events unfold just from their perspective.
I've had q..."

I don't really mean to do this...it's just the way the story unfolds.
I am glad you get involved. That's the kind of story I love to read...and thus what I try to create.

[Carol]

Choko wrote: "Ch. 3... This was a great way to have her stay in the castle with her most probably own child... I wonder if the sister in law herself realizes this might not be her child... I also wonder if the ..."

So happy you are back with us. Philomena is one of those characters whom I had to think hard about. Sometimes I "overdo: a character at first -- too nasty, too sweet, too smart, too foolish -- and then, as I work through the book, I try to moderate and add nuances. It took me a few tries before I got Philomena where I wanted her. Your speculations are good ones - but I won't say correct or not!

[Choko]

Haha! Good! We will keep on reading to find out:)

Really have been enjoying the series so far, despite wanting to cry from despair on several occasions...

[Carol]

Just as you all have said, this book was very hard to read at times, especially the chapters in Zev'Nah. Very hard to read but at the same time unputdownable.

I'm sorry if I put you all through the ringer! But I hope the end was worth it. (view spoiler)[Last weekend I was on a convention panel discussion about "Motherhood in fantasy and sf...and I talked about these books, of course. One of my aims in the series was to show how the heart can produce a power that is equal to any magic. Both Seri and my beloved Paulo became my exemplars. (hide spoiler)]

I totally understand needing a breather. I will keep checking in as I can. Johanna, post your comments and questions and people will be here to answer!

[Carol]

Here is a bit of a preview of The Soul Weaver... I will spoiler tag it for those who have not quite finished Guardians.
(view spoiler)[

Four years have passed. Gerick is 16. Paulo 18. They are still with Seri and Tennice. The Prince is in Avonar...leading the Dar'Nethi in the war with the Lords.

I had fun defining more of Dar'Nethi magic in this book, as well as considering the chaotic nature of the Breach.

Here is a clue to the adventure that awaits:
In Guardians, Karon said: The Lords had ripped him apart as we fled Zhev’Na, leaving him exposed and vulnerable while immersed in chaos. I had no idea what lasting effects such contact with the Breach might cause. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Carol wrote: "Just as you all have said, this book was very hard to read at times, especially the chapters in Zev'Nah. Very hard to read but at the same time unputdownable.

I'm sorry if I put you all through the ringer! But I hope the end was worth it.."

It was TOTALLY worth it. And we LOVE it when authors ruthlessly break our hearts! Those are the best books. :p

[Laura]

Carol wrote: "Here is a bit of a preview of The Soul Weaver... I will spoiler tag it for those who have not quite finished Guardians.


.."

Now I am really curious what comes next and eager to start the book.

[Laura]

Tammie wrote: "Depending on when Laura finishes the second book, I would be ok with starting the next book in a week or so. I need at least a week to get some other books finished."

Just let me know when you want to start Tammie. I'll be waiting here for you while Choko and Nirkatze will probably wait for us both to be almost done with the book so they can leave us both in the dust. :D

Just to make it clear that book 3 is next and we don't need to add the book title in each comment I'm gonna try and find a gif to mark the start of book 3.

[Laura]

This marks the start of book 3 in our BR of Bridge of D'Arnath series.



Let's kick it off with The Soul Weaver

[Nirkatze]

LOL that's a great starter! I'm despairing over book 3 starting right in the middle of June start-of-month madness... now I just have to decide which BRs to be late to...

Laura wrote: "It was TOTALLY worth it. And we LOVE it when authors ruthlessly break our hearts! Those are the best books. :p"

SO much dittoing this! Thank you for breaking our hearts, Carol! Umm, in a good way.

[Tammie]

I'm fine with starting book 3 this week.

[Carol]

I am very excited to start The Soul Weaver with you, my friends. I am still traveling for a few days, but will check in as I can.

[Laura]

Tammie wrote: "I'm fine with starting book 3 this week."

Perfect. :)
I'll go ahead and start today then, because I'm taking it slow and you will all probably leave me in the dust soon anyway. :D

[Tammie]

Laura wrote: "Tammie wrote: "I'm fine with starting book 3 this week."

Perfect. :)
I'll go ahead and start today then, because I'm taking it slow and you will all probably leave me in the dust soon anyway. :D"

I'm planning to start on Thursday.

[Tammie]

I had planned on starting Soul Weaver last week, but things got in the way. I'm starting it today! Has anyone else started reading it yet?

[Nirkatze]

Not yet! I keep trying to catch up with all the other June BRs and was waiting for someone else to start. >.<

[Carol]

I am home from travels and ready to talk :-)

[Laura]

I was waiting for you ladies, but I'd like to start it today.

[Choko]

I just started Book #3 The Soul Weaver ... Wow! Up to Ch. 4... (view spoiler)[ The Karon Prologue was sad, but I just can't believe that Gerick is the one responsible for the death of the lady Karon was unable to save... She apparently had found a way to free her countrymen, the Dar'Nethi, from slavery of the Lords, and only a day after Karon shares this news with his wife and son, someone kills her and her work with her...

Immediately he thinks it must be somehow connected with Gerick, and I think it's possible, if the Lords can still read his thoughts and have found out that way, but I don't think it has anything to do with him betraying Karon on purpose...

Now Seri, Gerick, and the new "bodyguard" are on their way to meet with the King. I was hoping he wouldn't find out Seri was still alive, but there it is... (hide spoiler)]

Good start!

[Choko]

The Soul Weaver #3 ... Ch. 5... (view spoiler)[ I am guessing Gerick is afraid to fight not because of fear for his safety, but because he had begun to like killing when he became The Fourth Lord... He is probably afraid of sliding back into the role of a villain... I think Suri should understand... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

The Soul Weaver #3
.. Ch. 6 (view spoiler)[ What is happening in this land? This is chaos! Soldiers rebelling, nobles hanged, a sorcerer burned by a mob, and most interesting of all, cripples disappearing??? Why? What is happening? The easiest answer would be The Lords, but how and why? This is a very grim situation...

Radele is a bit of a wild card. He seems to be acting to protect Seri and the family, but has a different way of understanding what that should entail...

I can't believe the King is meeting them at Martin's house, after what he did to him and his girlfriend... And it's the Queen, Marielle is the one who actually met them!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

The Soul Weaver #3
.. Up to Ch. 9 (view spoiler)[ Ooohhh, nooo... Karon is convinced it is Gerick who killed the Dar'Nethi! I am even more worried now that the Lords are somehow still in Gerick's mind and are committing these murders through him... This is not good at all! And these creatures who call themselves "the bounded", who are they???

And The King has been spelled somehow too now... I guess Carole has decided to really make things worse before getting better... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

The Soul Weaver #3 ... Up to Ch. 14... (view spoiler)[ So The Bound is a land in-between... The Guardian is enjoying being the ruler of the place and although he recognized that Gerick is the prophesized King of this land, he is not going to give up his power.

I am very interested in the Bonded. What makes them so misshapen, why can't they have names, why can't they live as couples???

Paolo had better not be dead!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

The Soul Weaver #3 ... Up to Ch. 16... (view spoiler)[ Well, the taking of The Bounded Throne was very well done:)

Roxanne, the daughter of King Evard of Leira, is such a spoiled brat! I expect some growth to be happening to her character...

I am curious about The Source... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

The Soul Weaver #3 Up to Ch. 20... (view spoiler)[ Gerick is doing well as a king of The Bound and Roxanne is doing great! She is starting to become more human with every step. The Source really, really wants to keep Gerick as the King and involved, and I am glad he started drinking the water... However, at the end of Ch. 19, the confirmation that yep, Gerick was the one who killed all those people helping his father and stabbed Seri, was very sad... I am absolutely sure he did it under the influence of The Lords, but still, pretty horrible and hard to carry... (hide spoiler)]

[Carol]

Choko wrote: "The Soul Weaver #3
I guess Carol has decided to really make things worse before getting better...

Are you hearing an evil laugh somewhere? Though, honestly, I don't do it to twist the reader. I go where the story takes me...and sometimes that is just to sad and terrible places. Because the Lords of Zhev'Na are truly wicked, (view spoiler)[though at one time all of them were as "human" as Darzid, capable of love and concern for the greater good. They just had a terrible idea of what that greater good was. (hide spoiler)] You cannot encounter such wickedness and power and remain untouched by it.

[Carol]

Choko wrote: "The Soul Weaver #3 ... Up to Ch. 16......"

Choko, I love, love your insights and speculations! The Bounded started out as just a whim - an "escape place" - but as I wrote and questioned what was it really...I made the great realization of the answer, and thought about how it would explain those who lived there.