The Curse of the Mistwraith (Wars of Light and Shadow #1)[August 1, 2023]

[Laura]

Iain - I wanted to ask the same thing as Beena.
ARE YOU PHYSICALLY READING?!
OMG!!

It would be really cool to have you here but I get why you can't.

I got used to reading ebooks lately because I can increase the font at a comfortable size and find the mass market paperbacks very hard to get through. The text is too damn small nowadays even withy glasses.😅

That's the reason I also fell behind at this reread.

[Laura]

@Beena, Paula and Nirkatze
I'm also only at chapter 3 so you're not late.
Besides, no one says we need to finish reading before the end of the month. We can wait on each other and always ask Yanique to change the date for the next BR.

And Choko - you'll be leaving us all in the dust girl even if you start reading one day before the end of the BR so... It's totally cool if you start reading later.
I'm curious if you also feel the same way about Lysaer.

[Nirkatze]

Thank you for the welcome! Excited to be here with the second-wind of readers.

OMG Beena, your rag on Iain made me laugh so loud... Sorry Iain...

Also dittoing that Janny's Riftwar books are my favorites of those... I think I actually didn't finish the last book because I didn't want to see it ending, and have always meant to go back... that would be one mega BR wouldn't it, trying to do all the Riftwar books..

Trying to read through all the comments leading up to here, and stumbled across Olivia's Donkey comment... like Felina, I am very much looking forward to seeing the scene that inspired that.

Adding my thoughts and prayers to the group--all the healthy wishes for y'all and your families...

@Chipiboe, re: prologue--it's really nice to take a second look at that opening text after reading a couple chapters--I'd been thinking about it as I read, but I didn't remember the details very clearly, and one downside of an ebook is that it isn't quite as simple to flip to other parts of the book just for a peek. I really like the idea of historical records in opposition. That also makes me wonder a bit--is what we are reading reliable? How accurate are visions of the sages--or how trustworthy the sages reporting them? Makes me think a little of the Witcher.

The use of Athiron's name v. Lord of Light is a very interesting note... and had the feel of religious bias to me... like how saying Voldemort's name takes away the mystery and the power, but you'd never presume to refer to God by his name.

Like Olivia & Emily, I had the opposite reaction from Choko--when I read the prologue, my gut immediately pegged Athiron as a good guy who was the victim of a smear campaign for having shadow powers... and rather liked his tenacity and control.

Just through Chapter II so far and really liking it--I really like how the unrolling of the world is coming along faster than I would have expected, but still with a lot of questions to plumb. Like, the whole prologue thing. It sets it up... and then we immediately see the characters it refers to. And the opening chapter quotes and prophecies hint at more things... and then we get a bit of a grounding in what they refer to right away. But not everything.

A bit curious about the timeline--the prologue says the war lasted for five centuries... (view spoiler)[and the Curse of the Mistwraith has also been around for five centuries--and the Masters of Light and Dark are just young men at this time. So... are these two different sets of 500 years, or the same set, and the Masters are the ones to end the war?

I just want Lysaer & Athiron to become best brother buds... and the father can have his balls chopped up and fed to him with very spicy hot sauce. He really doesn't need them anymore, and would be markedly improved by their absence.

Also curious about the s'F... and s'I... people... at first sight of Athiron, I was thinking "elves!"--but it seems it's just family lines? The "s" is like a nobility thing, like the "al" in Borderlander names in Wheel of Time? (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Also curious about the s'F... and s'I... people... at first sight of Athiron, I was thinking "elves!"--but it seems it's just family lines? The "s" is like a nobility thing, like the "al" in Borderlander names in Wheel of Time?."

I don't know the exact reason for this but I vaguely recall Janny speaking about it once. We do, though, have a Q&A thread, so I will zip over to that(it needs love too!) and ask. Don't be shy for that also, as Janny will happily answer questions if we ask!

[chibipoe]

@Nirkatze "re: prologue--it's really nice to take a second look at that opening text after reading a couple chapters--I'd been thinking about it as I read, but I didn't remember the details very clearly, and one downside of an ebook is that it isn't quite as simple to flip to other parts of the book just for a peek. I really like the idea of historical records in opposition. That also makes me wonder a bit--is what we are reading reliable? How accurate are visions of the sages--or how trustworthy the sages reporting them?"

Re: ebooks. I hear you, Kindle has its bookmark thing but I forget to use that(or trigger it at random without noticing). Nothing like the joy of 'bookmark placed(or thumb), then flip to place you want and look for, before flipping back!

I think what we are reading *is* reliable. The Sages gained an accurate account of the key events that lead to this whole incident across the 500 year span, but they're simply presenting that information, as the last bit suggests. "Here's a record of what happened. You can see these things unfold, but without editorializing. Like it says, "Let each who read determine the good or evil for themselves." Up to us to decide and see within or beyond the limits of our biases and prejudices, beliefs, etc.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Laura wrote: "Iain - I wanted to ask the same thing as Beena.
ARE YOU PHYSICALLY READING?!
OMG!!

It would be really cool to have you here but I get why you can't.

I got used to reading ebooks lately because I ..."

Sounds like you need them reading glasses that magnify 1.5-3x...

[Beena]

Cheers Laura! Ahh, I love my Kindle tho, no shame in reading an ebook! So much easier to hold, and you can actually eat at the same time whilst you read lol.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Nirkatze wrote: "Thank you for the welcome! Excited to be here with the second-wind of readers.

OMG Beena, your rag on Iain made me laugh so loud... Sorry Iain...

Also dittoing that Janny's Riftwar books are my f..."

Riftwar started as a big group Buddy Read in late 2018... we did the initial Riftwar Saga (Magician:Apprentice/Master, etc), and the Empire trilogy as a large group...

Things started fizzling out during the Krondor's Son duology... Me, Choko, and Pallavi were the only ones to make it to the Serpentwar Saga in late 2019... Choko never showed up for Rage of a Demon King and Pallavi never showed up for Shards of a Broken Crown... and my enjoyment was dwindling, so I stopped as well, since it was the end of a Saga/Trilogy...

[chibipoe]

I honestly do want to recommend these. I know there's a lot of people who adore Malazan(both here and elsewhere) and I feel they would equally adore this series, just need to find the right hook to lure them in. :)

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I hope a publisher chooses to do audio for a completed series, sooner than later... it's the biggest roadblock for me and some other people...

There's been a fair amount of older books getting the audio treatment, in recent years, so I hold out hope...

[chibipoe]

The audio book situation is such a mess, I agree. I'm still utterly baffled over their decision about that back when Destiny's Conflict was released. As it stands, driving up purchases and popular interest then getting a really strong preorder period for the final volume seems to be the most likely candidate for getting the remaining books in audio format.

Though, as I said, (and I give these books out like candy, I love this series so much and want more to read it), if you missed it, Iain, my offer of a paperback copy remains open, if that will help in any way. :)

[Tonari no Emily]

Yes I so with there was audio... I went ahead and bought the last book published in audio and will probably buy the new one on preorder in hopes of there being one in the near future! But in the meantime, I do plan on getting some reading done this weekend :)

[chibipoe]

Re: the prefix for names, here is our answer from Janny, linking to the other thread. :)

Q&A With Janny Wurts.

[chibipoe]

I've thrown up another question in the Q&A thread, just a general thing about the planet that I hope will have some non-spoilery tidbits. :) Answer here

So far(for wherever you might be, as we're all over here, I know!), what are everyone's thoughts on the brothers? (throwing a few questions under spoilers now)

Re: The Sorcerer and his apprentice(view spoiler)[Asandir seems in the know, given contact from Sethvir, who was observing in earlier chapters, and now rides out with his apprentice, who clearly has a drinking habit, to collect the brothers should they manage the crossing. What do you think of his motivations? Is what he wants them to do going to be in their best interest? Why does he have a fool for an apprentice? (hide spoiler)]

Re: Feuding factions. (view spoiler)[ There seems to be a bit of animosity between 'drifters' or such and townsfolk. What sort of reasons might there be for that, do you think? (hide spoiler)]

[Joseph]

Ok!! I’ve finished Curse of the Mistwraith! My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I’m mainly discussing the book on Matt’s Fantasy Book Review’s Discord because other posters have been a bit more active over there. Chibipoe asked me to cross post some of my comments over here so that’s what I’ll be doing now. Feel free to talk about anything if it piques your interest!

[Joseph]

Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[It’s not that there’s no free will here in the series, but like I said, it’s very small. Especially with adding in the strands and prophecy. If we knew there were two possible destinations for our choices and one is clearly good circumstances while the other unfavorable, no one is going to choose the latter. We are a pleasure seeking life form. Even the mass killings in our world are done out of a pleasure seeking capacity (though, perhaps misguided in ignorance and/or heightened by emotion). We are roped in by society, environment, circumstances, genes and nature. I mean you could pick the unfavorable outcome on purpose but you’re hurting yourself by choosing against your nature. No one’s going to pick death over life just to preserve a concept of free will and even if they did it would be because the idea of doing so is pleasurable or favorable in some way. (hide spoiler)]

[Joseph]

Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[ All that to say, Arithon is acting out of shortsightedness here. Why did he choose Karthan? He chose Karthan because he found that helping people was favorable and more fulfilling to life dedicated to the art of spellcraft to an unknown or absent purpose. He was given the choice by those around him to begin with, who also have their own pleasure seeking motivations and influences. I don’t think he can call himself his own most bitter enemy in full understanding. (hide spoiler)]

[Joseph]

Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[ Of course, I’m reading my real life views into the book and it’s probably a better reading to try to limit my view to the characters own. But when I try to see things through Arithon’s eyes, ||everything feels very bleak. He’s obviously feeling extremely refrained. There was that line from Lysaer in chapter 13 where Lysaer says something to the effect that they have even less choice than Diegan does. It feels to me that they both see the pressures of fate very clearly. And so far from what I’ve gathered is that the seven believes that human life without the Paravians and older races isn’t worth living. So they too, at least so far, have professed a human centric view in that the old races are an irreplaceable boon for humanity. And it’s pretty clear that the townsfolk have great reason to fear sorcery after this crazy crap that went down in the square 😆 Also, society-wide superstition can be a real pressure when everyone is all saying the same thing, even if there isn’t a reason based formulation for the claims (there might be, but it does very much feel like just a piece of propaganda that strengthens the current hands hold on power).||

(hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

How's everyone doing with this weekend kicking off? :) Any questions or progress updates? :)

[Beena]

Made a start on this yesterday, only through Chapter 1 so far, but liking it already. No thoughts to offer on the characters so far, I'm of the mind to wait and see what happens as I get into it.

[chibipoe]

Beena wrote: "Made a start on this yesterday, only through Chapter 1 so far, but liking it already. No thoughts to offer on the characters so far, I'm of the mind to wait and see what happens as I get into it."

Great to hear! :)

[chibipoe]

Also great to see. Curse is trending #1 on Kindle for Military fantasy, with others in the series in the top 100 or 200. So good to see!

[Nirkatze]

Grats on your finish Joseph! And your start, Beena!

Through Chapter 3 now and into Chapter 4. (view spoiler)[I was really glad to learn that the illogical rage and hatred that Lysaer was showing was actually due to Arithon spurring him to live with magic "and all you gave me to work with was hatred." It seemed uncharacteristic in comparison to the earlier chapters where Lysaer showed curiosity and pity, and was able to recognize that Arithon was spouting vitriol out of a desire to commit suicide by captor, rather than due to actual vileness. I really like how I could feel something was off right away, but wasn't sure what to trust. It felt very nice and subtle.

I like Laura's description of Lysaer being intelligent and charismatic, but "faulty at his core" and there being something "off" about him but not quite being able to put a finger on it... I was almost wondering if he was one of those people who breaks when his self-image is brought low... he can't cope with not being the most important person in the room...

Also thinking a lot on the use of names again--in Chapter 3 there's a lot of switcharoo--Lysaer being "Lysaer" but Arithon is often called "the Master"--and if comes across a bit ominous sounding, like saying "the Devil" instead of "Lucifer." (hide spoiler)]

@Chipiboe--thank you for passing my question on to the Q&A thread! I'll work up my courage to go over there at some point....

Sort of a random curiosity--I noticed that the punctuation in the books is all British standard, which isn't common in American authors (single quotes v. double, end punctuation outside rather than inside quotes.) Wonder what the source of that is...

So, I started writing the above last Thursday, but was too wiped to finish... I've read a few more chapters since then but don't quite have the brain cells to think on it too much more... Still thinking about the naming thing though... through Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[It almost seems like we get more titles like "The Master" when Lysaer is feeling more suspicious... and more descriptions that emphasize their relationship "the brothers" "his brother" etc when Lysaer is feeling more brotherly connection... (hide spoiler)]

One other thing I rather like--I'll often have a sort of "oh, I'm not quite sure what that means" thought--and it's usually followed by a very nice explanation not long afterwards. Rather like that, and the little three-paragraph summaries/foreshadowing that we get at the end of each chapter...

[Beena]

Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[ Getting interesting.

I kind of find it hard to believe that the king of Amroth would let Arithon go, just like that?! He's been on a vendetta against them for however many years and just because of a threat from a mage he can see past it?! Hmmm...

Rather enjoyed the description of Arithon looking into himself to observe the damage done by the drugs and the explanation of how he accessed his power. Plus the little flashback of the choice that he made in taking his place as his father's heir- revealing his selflessness as opposed to the villain he's been cast as so far.

Appreciated the humour of the drunk mage at the end- not what you'd expect in a classic-like story especially when you consider that he made the prophecy lol.

It was clear the brothers were linked to begin with so how the prophecy will come to fruition will be interesting. Though not sure what relevance this other world through the gate/portal has to do with them- why are they the ones that should save it? Why would they care?

I'm finding it a little difficult to follow the separate parts within chapters, I'm just sort of letting it roll over me until things become clearer. (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Grats on your finish Joseph! And your start, Beena!

Through Chapter 3 now and into Chapter 4. I was really glad to learn that the illogical rage and hatred that Lysaer was showing was actually due..."

Regarding that, I believe it is because the printings occur in the UK and are shipped out from there for the english editions. I am not 100% certain though, so I will check with Janny on that also!

The observation about Lysaer is an interesting one! I had noticed that before, but did not think of it in those terms. Something to muse upon!

@Beena

There's a few reasons. (view spoiler)[Arithon mentions one tidbit that could explain a connection. You are spot on for wondering why though. Perhaps we'll learn more! (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

@Nirkatze,

Q&A With Janny Wurts 2023 Her answer about the spellings.

[Beena]

@Chibipoe, I assume you're answering my question at the end in your response; it was actually more rhetorical and just my musings tbh, I'm sure it'll become clearer as the story unfolds, so I won't be opening your spoiler right now, (but if it doesn't, I'll come back to it).

[Beena]

Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[ Oh snap! I was wondering what the epigraphs and stuff was going on about when they mentioned 500 years of war, like how, cos they're both mortal?! Now we know...

That snippet about both their royal lines originating from worlds beyond the gate was cool, there must be so much more to unravel there...

Couldn't believe Lysaer when he injured Arithon while helpless. What an asshole move, thought he had been raised to be better then that. Had the thought that they were slowly going to bond over their trials- looks like they've already started to move towards it by the end of the chapter. One thing that looks like a strong possibility is Arithon training Lyasaer in sorcery...

Also, I had a brief read of peeps beginning spoilers here and to the person who noted that Arithon is referred to as Master whilst Lysaer isn't, perhaps that's purely to do with the fact that he HAS mastered his magic, whilst Lysaer hasn't.

Great ending to the chapter, enjoyed how it picked up with the attack of the dark blobs! :p But particularly loved the little insight we got with the enhcantress.

I also wonder how Lysaer came to be shoved through the gate too, if we'll find the reason for that later... I know his grandfather mage cursed him but I understood that as any physical harm done to Arithon would be bestowed on him in equal measures, rather than it applying to everything. (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Beena wrote: "@Chibipoe, I assume you're answering my question at the end in your response; it was actually more rhetorical and just my musings tbh, I'm sure it'll become clearer as the story unfolds, so I won't..."

Oh, it's just the bit you were musing about the other world. Nothing major, just that there's a reference to what sort of connection in something someone says. :)

Re: Lysaer and how (view spoiler)[he got shoved through, there were some men hired by the Archmage of Rauven to snag Lysaer. He has a few mentions of them while drugged right before being thrown through. (hide spoiler)]

It is a great chapter though and I loved the scenes as they started interacting and were more mellowed vs their antagonistic interactions so far. :)

[Beena]

@Chibipoe, ah right!

Oh that info about Lysaer went completely over my head, ok, that makes sense then.

[Beena]

Up to chapter 5

(view spoiler)[ I find it a bit strange that we've not had much of Arithon and Lysaer's thoughts and feelings- they seem to have taken the exile from their world in stride and we haven't had much of them missing it or feeling out of place, or shaken by the new one. (Apart from maybe that one bit where Arithon had a look of longing on his face and Lysaer feeling aggrieved that he hasn't got any servants/ not treated as nobility anymore.

Def intrigued about the centaurs and unicorns etc, been a while since I've read something with them!

Been a bit bored with these travelling chapters, at least it livened up a bit with the attack of the Khadrim.

I did also like the part where Arithon played the lyranthe; I don't know why he can't continue his passion for music in this new world? Who's stopping him from taking it up as a hobby? I suppose the memory of it and what he sacrificed it for is too emotional for him, but still. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Nirkatze re up to Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[
Agreed about Lysaer's hatred, I thought that was really off too, as he managed to assess things with a level head in earlier chapters.

I can't say I'm getting any cues about something being off with Lysaer, (the comment about his auntie did seem to come out of nowhere and was a bit nasty but I didn't revile him for it) I'm still reserving judgement until we see more...

I actually didn't read anything malicious into Arithon being referred to as "the Master" tbh. (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Beena wrote: "Up to chapter 5

I find it a bit strange that we've not had much of Arithon and Lysaer's thoughts and feelings- they seem to have taken the exile from their world in stride and we haven't had much..."

Arithon plays his cards fairly close to his vest, but if you go back to the scenes in the cottage, with Asandir checking them over after they came through the Gate and then when they awoke, you'll get a good idea of his concerns wrt music.

About the traveling:(view spoiler)[There's lots of little tidbits there, giving us the reader a somewhat deeper insight into this new world. These parts are where(at least per reviews) some seem to stall out, but they are very important, both for this book and beyond, in laying the foundations. (hide spoiler)]

Think of these sections as Janny doing just that, laying a firm foundation. It might not seem the most glamourous activity, but as the building shapes itself and the design becomes clear, it's obvious how vital these were. :)

I'll dig up the actual passage and post it here in a little bit. :)

For the next few chapters, who can spot the Tolkien homage? :)

[chibipoe]

Chapter 4 - Exile

(view spoiler)[Arithon was a main multiply gifted, a mage trained spirit tailored by grief to abjure all desire for ruling power. Scarred by his severe s'Ffalenn conscience and haunted past healing by his mother's s'Ahelas foresight, Arithon would never again risk the anguish of having to choose between the binding restraints of arcane knowledge and the responsibilities of true sovereignty. Asandir caught his breath in raw and terrible sympathy. Kingship was the one role Athera's need could not spare this prince. (hide spoiler)]

A bit later:
(view spoiler)[Asandir dissolved rapport and wearily settled on his heels. Years and wisdom lay heavy on his heart as he studied the dark head in the firelight. Arithon's freedom must inevitably be sacrificed for the sake of the balance of an age. (hide spoiler)]

We get one of our glimpses here that the Fellowship's priorities are long-ranging and perhaps, not necessarily in line with what the Princes would want.

And then later, after Arithon awakes.

(view spoiler)['Partly.' Arithon strove to keep his voice level. Though he knew all pretence was wasted on Asandir, Dakar observed also, rapt as a merchant among thieves. The Master spread his hands on the table to still their shaking. Prophecies rare centred upon individuals with small destinies. Arithon gripped that gripped, voice it outright as a weapon to unbalance his opposition. 'Are Lysaer and I promised to restore the prosperity Davien destroyed?' (hide spoiler)]

So, there you go! :) @Beena

Essentially, Arithon gleaned enough, being trained to a master's level as a mage, from the mentions of prophecy, to realize that whatever Asandir intends for them would deny him the chance to pursue music. Not just as a hobby, but truly devote his life to that and arcane studies, etc.

[chibipoe]

How's everyone doing? :) We're just a few days til the end of the month!

[Joseph]

I finishing up Notes From The Underground by Dostoyevsky today and I’ll be starting on Ships tomorrow!

[chibipoe]

Awesome! We have a BR for that scheduled for September 1st, so hopefully will see you there as well! :D

[Joseph]

Sure thing!

[Nirkatze]

Beena wrote: "@Chibipoe, ah right!

Oh that info about Lysaer went completely over my head, ok, that makes sense then."

Totally went over mine too, Beena! Thanks for the clarification, Chipiboe.

Also really like your observation on titles, Beena--(view spoiler)["Master" due to Arithon having mastered his magic, and that could make Lysaer the "Lord" of light due to having been raised to nobility too. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Through Chapter 13 now. Hoping to be done before next month, but no guarantees... even if I do get done before the first, I have five other BRs lined up to finish so I'll be late starting again.

Enjoying the slowly creeping sense of dread... (view spoiler)[First from the unfair antagonism Dakar seems determined to hold against Arithon, and how he encourages Lysaer to the same... Lysaer's disregard of how the bare circumstances of the Clansfolk drives their raids, and his seeming determination to hold pretty looks and noble manners to equal actual nobility of spirit... add to that how Dakar's new prophecy grows in momentum even as Lysaer seems to improve in personality...

The battle with the Mistwraith was wrapped up faster than I anticipated. But the sense that it is not truly over yet is pretty strong. Lysaer's headache. The Prophecy. Did the Mistwraith just scar him, or plant a seed that will blossom from the hatred Arithon enflamed to keep him alive in chapter 3, or is there an actual single escaped and Mistwraith infecting him...?

Then there's all the horrid politics, and now we meet the Masterbard, and have to wonder how Arithon will be torn--either way, his conscience will the flayed, to abandon his post as his heart clearly desires but sacrifice the Paravions to extinction, or stay and live in misery, and also become an oathbreaker... (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 13 now. Hoping to be done before next month, but no guarantees... even if I do get done before the first, I have five other BRs lined up to finish so I'll be late starting again.

E..."
Oh man, you are on your way now. :D Just about to the point where you'll be like: Ok, I gotta keep going and roll through to the end. The ending is a wild ride. :D

[Nirkatze]

chibipoe wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 13 now. Hoping to be done before next month, but no guarantees... even if I do get done before the first, I have five other BRs lined up to finish so I'll be late s..."

LOL If only it wasn't a Sunday!

[Nirkatze]

I definitely have a lot of questions so far, but I feel like the book either does a good job of answering them fairly quickly or of suppressing my wonders and distracting me with more shinies. Maybe because those questions will have bigger implications later. Can't think of too many specifics right now... maybe just one or two... (view spoiler)[what made Dakar such a big drunk? The other long-lived sorcerors don't seem to have his problem... is it just being driven by his prophecies, or is there a bigger problem? The clans-child also has the sight... but his seemed a closer image. Is Dakar special in that his prophecies and visions are cast much further afield? And how are his prophecies different from the future-casting that the five-of-seven did together?

Also... Dakar's determined dislike of Arithon seems more serious than a lost bet and bad first impression would account for. Does he have something against s'F....s'Fa.... those people or that kingdom?

If both Arithon & Lysaer are of kingly lines, why can't they just swap kingdoms? Seems like Arithon got along better with Lysaer's folk and vice versa. I mean, I know it's not that simple. But none of this is simple. I feel like that future-looking session was awfully narrow in its possible questions. (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "I definitely have a lot of questions so far, but I feel like the book either does a good job of answering them fairly quickly or of suppressing my wonders and distracting me with more shinies. Mayb..."


I have some answers but I will throw these over at Janny as she'll have more detail. :)

Dakar: (view spoiler)[This one is a couple of things. His gift for prophecy has been a source of discontent in his life for a long time(he was apprenticed very early in life due to it and has never properly managed it. He misconstrued Asandir's reasons for the mind block as distrust of Arithon and when Asandir didn't correct him(there are reasons for that), assumed him to be of unsavory character. His dislike was magnified by Arithon showing him up several times and later, well, you'll see one of the big things he holds against Arithon before the end of the book. (hide spoiler)]

s'Ffalenn.

I will field the kingdoms question over as I don't know why they couldn't, but I have suspicions. The casting of strands is(view spoiler)[ more complex though, they are looking for specific events/questions, but they were seeing the unwinding of all the possible outcomes and found they were forced to a narrow range of unpleasant choices, something they had never seen before. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

LOL those were mostly rhetorical (anticipating later answers), but I'm still glad to have them answered!

[Nirkatze]

In Chapter 14 now, and another instance of a question asked being immediately answered--(view spoiler)[I had wondered what exactly the Mistwraith had done to Lysaer, and now the Sorcerers all seem to agree one of them escaped and has possessed him. Question? Answer.

I'm wondering now... the "Wars" in the series title... I hope that some of it is to try to save Lysaer, not just take him out... (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Janny's answers for your, Nirkatze!

Lots of stuff go down in that chapter, for sure! You're in the endgame now(for this book anyway. *grin*)

[Paula]

I am really loving it, though I am reading it quite slowly since the prose is beautiful but sometimes I am puzzled by some sentences and need to read them twice

So here are some of my thoughts regarding the first 8 chapters

(view spoiler)[Prologue
I agree that the way Arithon was named it humanised him and Lysaer being referred by title only made him seem like a god or some perfect person. So from the start I liked Arithon more

Chapter 1
I can understand why Arithon sounded like a villain because he wanted to die to avoid torture but Lysaer, I agree with many of you, sounded like a pampered prince who did not know struggles. And that comment of his Aunt was surprising in its rudeness. He could have easily done something else to make the soldier comfortable. The worst was then knowing the consequences he used the drug on Arithon.

Chapter 2
This chapter made me like Arithon so much more. How much he was fighting to stay sane. And it also made me hate the King and see how Lysaer could have the same characteristics as him, so I am wary if him and his future


Chapter 6
I am glad Arithon got rid or the ward and he did so by looking for trouble

Chapter 7
Arithon liked to get captured! I am also curious about Elaira and her group of witches. It was also nice that Lysaer now thinks well of Arithon and even wanted to save him. It's also interesting that the barbarians in this world are the ones with a more culture accent


Chapter 8
It's interesting to see the clash in culture from Lysaer and the Kingdom he will rule. If he doesn't adapt its going to be trouble

And on the other hand, I really feel for Arithon. He feels trapped because he doesn't want kingship, but he feels that if he doesn't try to help the people maybe no one will. Which is completely different to Lysaer wanting to be the king because otherwise he doesn't feel complete. He doesn't do it for the people and that's also one of the reasons why Arithon will be a better king and why I love him more (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Hi, Paula! Glad to see you here. :) Lysaer and Arithon have differing views on the best way to assist people from the role of King, though those ideas may not necessarily mesh with what Kings do here. There's still a lot of info they don't have yet!

[chibipoe]

I'm not sure why this was archived early, since August is still going, but we're still here, so please feel free to comment if you're still going through the book!!