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

[Paula]

yes, I'll comment since I am loving it

chapter 9
(view spoiler)[ so now we have one more prophecy which was the one who prompted the sorcerers to appoint Arithon as king. Such a shame for him (but better for us since it will be more interesting) I think Arithon will somehow sense the jewels warden but not right away since he will have a gaes. Maybe he will need something to make him an opening

It was also nice to see Lysaer seeing how he is the one who need to change to act according the new world he is in and how he wants to make peace with the barbarians and the towns. Which is a contrast with the prophecy Dakar told. I wonder if confronting the mistwraith is what will change him or something else, Arithon or something in his travellings.

I was a bit confused by the circle that made them trap the serpents. Did the sorcerers shape the magic and then run it through Dakar as their link to the sorcerer on the other side? (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Paula, that was indeed what was done, (view spoiler)[he was serving as the conduit to channel the energies through to Methisle Fortress and those stationed there, who used it to eradicate the snakes. (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

Thanks chibipoe! It's nice to know I got it right

[chibipoe]

Glad you're enjoying! :) Still so much good stuff to come too!

[Nirkatze]

chibipoe wrote: "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*)"

Thank you Chibipoe!

Through Chapter 15--(view spoiler)[And again, I feel like most times I have an idle question, the answer is a chapter away... question? Answer. Successfully got the Mistwraith out... but the s'Illessid gift is corrupted. They're talking about "always the next generation."

I guess they don't know that Lysaer & Arithon drank from that 500 year oasis, huh? How are the sorcerers maintaining their long-life?

And if they're talking about the next generation--does that mean that the gift would still breed true--that the corruption wouldn't be passed on as well? Teratogenic, rather than than genetic, damage?

Shame they can't just send Lysaer back through the portal, let him marry that lady from the South, and collect his children... not that I endorse kidnapping...

The revelation that the Mistwraiths were human is disturbing. Trying to remember what they were saying caused the curse... didn't it have something to do with that rogue sorcerer dude? What did the curse-layer do to those poor people?

Okay, so the Fellowship's goals are the return of the Paravians... and the restoration of their Order, right? The Black Rose prophecy speaks of circumstances that would get that renegade to come back to the fold? I'm with Dakar--why bother? Unless they need the full seven to bring the Paravians back? Which goal is primary?

On that note... wasn't there a mention of Dakar as the "long lived prophet"? He's been around since before the Mistwraiths, right? Wrong? Wurts-sensei said that Dakar has been apprenticed since he was 10 years old. That's a bloody long apprenticeship. What does it take to be elevated to master? Do any of the other sorcerers have apprentices?

Lysaer's wraith-driven animosity is extremely troubling. I want to see his inner logic sense arguing with it more. Like, calling Arithon leaving payment for a stolen horse behind as "cunning" rather than the right thing to do... (hide spoiler)]

@Paula--totally with you on the prose. It's beautiful and I often have to reread sentences for the nuance... no speed reading this baby! Too easy to miss things.

re: Archiving--I believe that happens to threads automatically when it's been two weeks or so, even if people haven't started yet or are still reading...

[chibipoe]

@nirkatze - lovely thoughts!

(view spoiler)[ The Sorcerers have, among their arts, ways to maintain longevity. Dakar is trained in those as well as Verrain(the apprentice at the fortress in the swamp way back with the snakes)

As I understand it, the Wraith's refusal to let go as well as the damage it inflicted in twisting Lysaer did a ton of damage to the s'Illessid royal gift of Justice. But only to the gift as it pertains to Lysaer, so yeah, any children he has would be born without the gift being skewed.

There's two sets of people. The Royal lines went through to Dascen Elur via the Red Desert world. There was a civilization on the Red Desert that existed in the ruins Lysaer and Arithon passed through. Something involving Davien apparently lead to those who lived there being wiped out(probably the Curse of Mearth). Arithon alludes to it with 'the fall of a sorcerer' but aside from that, that's all that is mentioned in Curse.

The other group are a bit more complicated and involves beyond South Gate, where the Mistwraith came through. Ships will have more details on that, though, so mum's the word! Davien doesn't have any connection to the the Mistwraith's origins though. :)

There are Five active Sorcerers at the moment(though one is impaired due to conflict with the Mistwraith), one in exile and the other missing. They would definitely like all seven to be reconciled and the return of the Paravians is paramount, wherever they may be.

Dakar's been trained a lot, but for a variety of reasons, never attained his mastery. (Conversely, Arithon, being a bit of a prodigy, has attained his.) There's a mention after the Mistwraith attacked Lysaer and Arithon in Ithamon where Dakar remarked that, as he viewed them in magesight, Asandir and Arithon were similar, but for scale. (countless years clearly have an impact)

The only other apprentice is Verrain, who I don't recall who he was specifically apprenticed *to*, but I believe he's passed his mastery. (hide spoiler)]

[Tonari no Emily]

Got a bit further last night almost through Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ I have a feeling the whole memory wipe thing Asandir did to Arithon is not going to turn out well or at somethings gonna come to a head there..

Dakar is pretty funny, and its interesting the drifters are actually descended from the nobility it seems? (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Tonari no Emily wrote: "Got a bit further last night almost through Chapter 4 I have a feeling the whole memory wipe thing Asandir did to Arithon is not going to turn out well or at somethings gonna come to a head there...."

(view spoiler)[Yeah, Arithon is not likely to be happy about that, is an understatement.

As far as the Drifters, yeah, they are, deposed from the uprising, so nobility, as it were. What they did prior is a bit more complicated than just 'they ruled over townsfolk', but details for that will unfold as we go! (hide spoiler)]

The next parts often end up being where some struggle, as they give us some glimpses of the world and people, that we are learning just as the brothers do. It's all important though, and there's lots of little tidbits to enjoy and savor, so I recommend sticking with it! Archived or not, I'll be here to help out or answer any questions(or field to Janny if I don't know the answer or she can provide a more thorough one!). :D

[Choko]

I am in Ch. 4 as well. Going to use the long weekend to finish this up.

I absolutely love the way she writes! I know it's up to personal taste, but I can get lost in her words forever! I really, really wish there was an audio, so I don't have to stop and go so often:( The nuance of the characters is already so rich, so many lights, and darks and grays, absolute pleasure to get lost into!

Up to Ch. 4 (view spoiler)[ I wanted to kill the King myself, but I was very happy when the conjuring of A+L's mother stopped him and informed him of the connectedness of her sons' faiths...

The constant internal tug-of-war that is going on in both brothers, the mistrust and often hatred, the difference already obvious in character shaped by their upbringing, is so compelling! Depending on the moment, you can love or hate either one of them.

And now they will have 500 years ahead of them to deal with each other, unless they get killed... (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Choko wrote: "I am in Ch. 4 as well. Going to use the long weekend to finish this up.

I absolutely love the way she writes! I know it's up to personal taste, but I can get lost in her words forever! I really, ..."

Preorders for the final book come up this month, so if we can get enough of those in, we can hopefully get the publisher to finally do that so the series isn't just 'the final two volumes(assuming Song will also receive audiobook)' orphaned and alone. Here's hoping!

[Choko]

I hope so too!!! I will definitely preorder. Would you let us know when that happens?

[chibipoe]

Of course! I will say this though, that while we won't get an official announcement until later this month, apparently, quite a few places are already showing that you can preorder now. Can't put links in, but my local bookstore had an order up, as well as several major sellers, like B&N and a few shops in the UK. So your local bookstore should be able to look it up with this number: 9780008653903.

The cover reveal hasn't happened yet, so my best guess is someone uploading the data in preparation for the preorder later this month and someone didn't cross all their I's and dot their T's to make sure it didn't release into the world prematurely. (My speculation alone, as I truly don't know) Janny's looking into that and will have the official announcement once the art is up.

(Another note, the US date is supposed to be May, not July, so that's another thing that is being looked into and should hopefully be straightened out.)

[Nirkatze]

Finally finished book 1!! What a brutal ending--but also hopeful one. I'm still (view spoiler)[not very inclined to give Lysaer the benefit of the doubt... his character seems much weaker, morally speaking, than Arithon's, even without the Mistwraith's meddling... I cannot abide anyone who endorses the slaughter of children and innocents, and him stepping in to stop the wanton rape and torture by then just blasting all the noncombatants to pieces didn't earn him any points.

There was a flicker in him though, which gives some hope... not for redemption for him, but for him maybe breaking out of the curse... at some point.

I'm actually feeling a bit... weighed down. By the knowledge that this series is a long one of meaty books... and I really don't want to have to read chapters and chapters of Lysaer being awful. So I'm really hoping that those flickers become more frequent... or that he just knocks up his lady-crush and dies quickly...

Arithon getting his apprenticeship was the one light in the darkness (heh, even though the metaphor should be switched...) I really want to get away from the bloodshed for a while, and now I'm looking forward to a different story in the next one... though I'm surprised that the boy who he exchanged oaths with (name forgetting now) didn't insist on going with him... (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Finally finished book 1!! What a brutal ending--but also hopeful one. I'm still not very inclined to give Lysaer the benefit of the doubt... his character seems much weaker, morally speaking, than ..."

Lysaer's pretty rough here. The Curse took him by storm and he had little to no defense against it for the avenue it attacked him under and yeah, Tal Quorin is brutal and horrifying, as it should be. There's no grand hero in the end and war is just a lot of people dead in terrible ways.

The biggest issue is the divide in how they see things. Arithon is more viewing things on a personal, individual level and Lysaer was raised to look at things more from a Macro scale, would be a good way to put it. As outlined with the kids being abused in Etarra. Arithon's instinct is to offer the children comfort directly and lighten their lives, etc. Lysaer though would go: Well, that's all well and good, but it doesn't change the conditions that put the kids there. So approaching from differing views. Top down vs looking at it on the ground, individually.

We will see more of Lysaer and things he does, but Curse is probably the worst of the things he does in terms of sheer horrifying.

Ships though, is next! And now, NOW that you've cleared Curse, we can start to see the world open up. :) Ships is very different from Curse. :D

[Tonari no Emily]

I'm still plucking along at this. About half way through now. I'm very determined to finish this, but I'm not super into it at this point.. Some parts I'm finding easier than others... But I know for epics, first in a series can be hit or miss for some people, and there's a lot of world building and all that, so I'm not too deterred, and I'm pretty sure there's enough in here for me to really get into it once I've got more things down if that makes sense.
Part of the problem is there's no audio :( But I know the publisher is being a bit of a shit about that issue so I know that won't be solved any time soon...
I've already bought the second book though so I'll be there eventually!

[chibipoe]

Tonari no Emily wrote: "I'm still plucking along at this. About half way through now. I'm very determined to finish this, but I'm not super into it at this point.. Some parts I'm finding easier than others... But I know f..."

Approximately half-way is where some struggle, but I can promise that a bit further and things accelerate and suddenly, you'll be: I cannot put this down!

That being said, I am happy to help any way I can! I can answer questions, etc. I'll be good about not spoiling anything, but if anything so far has been confusing, I'm 100% to assist. :)

[Nirkatze]

I really like your macro v. micro analysis of the brothers' different views, Chibipoe...

I feel you Emily... I would also have loved an audio...

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "I really like your macro v. micro analysis of the brothers' different views, Chibipoe...

I feel you Emily... I would also have loved an audio..."

It's a good way to sum it up, I think. Lysaer wants to change things on a widespread level and is more accepting of 'this may not help everyone, but the overall impact is positive' vs Arithon being more focused on an individual, personal level.

The audio situation is just... I don't have any words, I really don't. It's just completely baffling to me that the publisher would just leave money on the table. Let's have audio books of the 10th book, and (presumedly) the final book as well, but none of the others. Like... ok? No one but hardcore fans are likely to pick up audio books of a series when all that is available are the *last two* books. It's so baffling.

[Tonari no Emily]

It really is!! This is like the only pretty well known fantasy Epic i know that doesnt have audio... I know it doesnt have the hugest following, but there are sooooo many contemporary stuff out there that have audio so theres just really no excuse the publisher wouldnt have one..

[chibipoe]

Yup. Confusing and bizarre. :/

[chibipoe]

Hope anyone who is still chugging along is still with us! :D Also, tomorrow, big news. :D Prepare yourselves!

[Paula]

yeah, I am still reading along. Interesting, can't wait for tomorrows news!

[Nirkatze]

Huh-oh! Big news!!! it is tomorrow in less than 3 hours for me, already tomorrow on East Coast!

[Paula]

technically my last message was also in tomorrow haha

[chibipoe]

This has made a debut online in some spaces, most notably(that I have seen so far) on Philip Chase's twitter(author of the Edan trilogy). Nevertheless, as it is today, the 22nd, I present to you, the cover of Song of the Mysteries, the final volume of The Wars of Light and Shadow:



Preorders are live now(well, have been for a bit, but are 'official' today.) I've just gotten up a bit ago so I haven't checked everywhere yet, but Barnes and Noble, I know, has the book listed with the cover visible. As does Amazon Australia and Amazon UK.

[Tonari no Emily]

Ooohhh! Exciting!

[Paula]

I love the cover! The colours are pretty great too

[chibipoe]

It appears to deviate from the other covers in the series a bit, where the colours were faded out toward the top, etc, but I like it. This is the final book, it should stand out and those colours really pop, imo. :)

[Choko]

I am here. Just finished Ch. 13... I see all the choices (view spoiler)[ the Wizards made, despite understanding the horrible consequences, even without knowing the exact details... I feel for Arithon, for he doesn't want to have anything to do with ruling and just wants to be a Bard, but I feel even worse for Lysear. Yes, he is spoiled and a brat, but as you guys already said, The Curse hit him and he had absolutely no protection against it. On top of that, they have nothing to do with the magic and its inclinations, because their bloodlines were bred with certain traits in mind - Arithon with deep and overwhelming empathy and compassion, and Lysear driven by the need for justice, leaving him vulnerable to misleading information and inability to see in shades of gray... It really bothered me that he was almost disgusted by his clan and the way they live, but covets their riches...

Just felt kind of cruel when the Wizards decided to pretty much sacrifice L for the greater good here and prepare for the next generation... Which also made me sad, when A stated he vows not to have children, so the Wizards couldn't get their hands on them and be crushed by their line's expectations... Joseph, I totally agree, they see life as very bleak...

The witches... Man, apart from Elaira , are just such a horrible group! I am sure that the ranking file are fine, but those on top and those striving and ambitious enough to want to get to the top, are absolutely horrible! I can't stand them! (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

chibipoe wrote: "It appears to deviate from the other covers in the series a bit, where the colours were faded out toward the top, etc, but I like it. This is the final book, it should stand out and those colours r..."

I was also thinking about the colors comparison... so nice and vibrant! Was this cover also painted by Wurts-sensei?

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "I am here. Just finished Ch. 13... I see all the choices the Wizards made, despite understanding the horrible consequences, even without knowing the exact details... I feel for Arithon, for he doe..."

Definitely agree about those impressions... (view spoiler)[Lysaer rather lost my good will with his impression of the clans, and hasn't been able to get it back since... it makes me think of how Asandir scolded Arithon about how he was going to show Lysaer the cruelty of the headhunters first, and now Arithon messed it up... which just feels very manipulative... but then, that's what the Brotherood seems to do.

I'm also wondering though, if my impression of Lysaer v. Arithon, taking sides, can't be put parallel to Lysaer's impression of clan v. town? My preference for Arithon was started with the prologue, dislike of Lysaer furnished by that first rude remark about his aunt and spurred by his illogical hatred in the desert (which wasn't his fault), and finalized with this rejection of clan life. Maybe if I give Lysaer another chance he'll give the clanspeople more thought too... nah. (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "chibipoe wrote: "It appears to deviate from the other covers in the series a bit, where the colours were faded out toward the top, etc, but I like it. This is the final book, it should stand out an..."

It was! She hasn't uploaded it yet, but her website should see updates showing pieces of it/the process sometime soon.

[Nirkatze]

Hey folks! Wondering how many people are still working their way through book 1 here and are planning on continuing the series. I just finished book 2, but I was the only one over there commenting, and since book 3 is set to start tomorrow, I was wondering what the interest is, and if anyone wants to see about adjusting the dates for the rest of the series.

I definitely want to read the whole thing, but with no audio version, eye-reads take a long time, and these are chunky boyos. I for one would not mind putting a month and a half/6 weeks between each read...

[Paula]

Hello Nirkatze, I am still reading it and I intend to read the whole thing. I am loving it but they are chunky as you said and the prose is not the easiest so it's taking me a while

I am in favour of having a month and a half for each book

[Nirkatze]

Good to know! Thanks for replying, Paula.

[chibipoe]

So, for Ships, let's say extend to the 15th and start Warhost reading then?

[Nirkatze]

It might be a good idea to start Warhost on Nov 1st--especially if Paula (and any other readers?) is still on #1--that would only give 15 days to read #2... I do think #2 goes faster though!

Maybe:
Nov 1 #3 Warhost of Vastmark
Dec 15 #4 Fugitive Prince
Feb 1 #5 Grand Conspiracy
March 15 #6 Peril's Gate
May 1 #7 Traitor's Knot
June 15 #8 Stormed Fortress
Aug 1 #9 Initiate's Trial
Sept 15 #10 Destiny's Conflict

How would this schedule work?
We could also just adjust the next couple books, and see if people pick up speed before rescheduling the later ones.

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "It might be a good idea to start Warhost on Nov 1st--especially if Paula (and any other readers?) is still on #1--that would only give 15 days to read #2... I do think #2 goes faster though!

Maybe..."

Sounds good! And I do think it'll pick up for people the further in you get, tbh. You acclimate to her style and the pacing and before long, you're zooming right along!

[Paula]

Thanks guys, I think I can read both books this month, especially since I have less than half to read from book one. Good to know that book two reads faster

[Nirkatze]

Yay! I'll go ahead and request schedule changes for #3 & 4 on the spreadsheet, and maybe that others are sort of put in limbo until we get there and see how we're doing.

[Laura]

Nirkatze wrote: "Hey folks! Wondering how many people are still working their way through book 1 here and are planning on continuing the series. I just finished book 2, but I was the only one over there commenting,..."

The notifications aren't working for me.

I actually had no idea anyone was reading book 2 because I didn't get any ping from that thread despite having commented on it. The threads being archived seems to be really messing with that.
I can't even find the thread for book 2 now.

I'm sorry I went MIA on you all but work has been a lot and I didn't get the time to log in. I'll do better though from now on. Fingers crossed.

[Nirkatze]

And changes requested!

[Nirkatze]

Oh whoops, Paula, did you mean you thought you could read both book #2 & #3 this month? I was reading that as finishing book #1 and #2, so I went ahead with the Nov 1st date for #3. I can still edit my request post if y'all like!

[Nirkatze]

Laura wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "Hey folks! Wondering how many people are still working their way through book 1 here and are planning on continuing the series. I just finished book 2, but I was the only one over ..."

Here's the thread for book 2!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

And I have all the threads linked in my tracker, if this'd be useful, Laura... feel free to bookmark...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I totally get work being crazy. No pressure to post! We'll be here.

[Laura]

Nirkatze wrote: "Laura wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "Hey folks! Wondering how many people are still working their way through book 1 here and are planning on continuing the series. I just finished book 2, but I was the ..."

I'll bookmark them all on the phone. Thanks lovely. :p

[Nirkatze]

Happy to be of service!

[chibipoe]

I love the enthusiasm! :D And Hi, Laura! :)

[Paula]

Nirkatze, no, it's fine, I meant finish book 1 this month and start and finish book 2 also this month so that on November we can start on book 3

[Tonari no Emily]

Yeah I'm still interested, but I'm going suuuuper slow. But if I can't make it work with the new schedule, y'all shouldn't wait on my account!

[Laura]

I'll be doing book 2 this month also and going a bit slow at it so you'll have company Paula and Emily.

Would chapter highlights be of help lovelies? If yes, let me know please.

@Nirkatze - I'm just wrapping up Spirit Lens today then jumping straight into book 2. Again going a tad slower to be able to fit Murderbot and this series here with no pressure.
See you on those threads too. 😘