Warhost of Vastmark (Wars of Light and Shadow Series #3)[November 1, 2023]

[Yanique, Thread Master]

This is a Buddy Read for Warhost of Vastmark by Janny Wurts starting on November 1, 2023. amended


Happy Reading!

[chibipoe]

Hello! Can't wait for any and everyone who reads to reach this one! As the technical latter half/third of Ships of Merior(publishing size constraints), this one hits the ground running and doesn't stop. Also, this features some(a strength of Janny's, for sure) masterful character work that stuns the mind at how well it is done. In around twenty pages, one character goes from barely an archetype, to a fully fleshed out character. How effectively this is done is amazing, to say nothing of one other's character arc(Dakar) that turned him from bumbling fool I tolerate, to one of my favorite characters.

[Laura]

Thank you Yanique. :)

@chibipoe - Dakar became one of my favourite characters during this volume too.

[Olivia]

This was my favourite of the first 5 the first time I've read them.

[Nirkatze]

I requested a date change for this from Oct 1 to Nov 1st. Looking forward to diving in next month!

[Laura]

Nirkatze wrote: "I requested a date change for this from Oct 1 to Nov 1st. Looking forward to diving in next month!"

Got the ping now and will follow. Thank you for requesting the change!! :)

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "I requested a date change for this from Oct 1 to Nov 1st. Looking forward to diving in next month!"

For me, still a bit early, but just finished up work for the month so popping in a bit early. That first chapter starts us off with a bang from where Ships ended, no? A nice glimpse into the Fellowship and the widening scope of the issue that looms ominously over all.

November 1, Warhost buddy read, let's goooooo~!

[Nirkatze]

I just started! Chapter 1, just the first part "Second Convocation"--I remember as I read I had questions, but then I took a nap and poof... going to give it a minute and see if it comes back to me... oh! (view spoiler)[What's keeping them from doing the same thing to the Mistwraiths they have captured as they did to the ones who chased Khardamon?

Also, I get K&L mixed up. Actually, I'm still working on building mental images of each of the Fellowship, besides Asandir. There's Sethir, the one who pretty much stays at home and reads books. The guy with the raven who is scarred, I think from the original Mistwraith invasion? Then, K&L who seem to have a rivalry... One of them is the skinny one and one the rotund one, yes? That only gives us five... then the one who is lost and the one who betrayed them makes seven, yes?

Really interesting about the Mistwraith being constructs. Wasn't expecting that.

Oh! Another question--the Mistwraith that was infecting Lysaer was killed, right? And now... Lysaer & Arithon's "curse" is like... scar tissue? And the reason they aren't doing anything to heal them is less that it can't be healed, and more that if they do heal them, it'll push them off the path of the Black Rose Prophecy, which has all 7 of the Fellowship reunited? Do I have that understanding correct?

Also, kinda want to punch that ally of Lysaer who killed the ships folk with proof that Airthon isn't evil in the face. (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "I just started! Chapter 1, just the first part "Second Convocation"--I remember as I read I had questions, but then I took a nap and poof... going to give it a minute and see if it comes back to me..."


Oh, questions! I love those! Here we go!

Re: The Wraiths trapped inside the flask in Rockfell. They *could*, in theory, try what they did here, with Sethvir splitting his spirit into pieces, but there are a LOT more wraiths inside the flask(assuming that the volume of the mist = number of wraiths, it covered the whole planet, so even figuring that volume doesn't matter(wraiths being incorporeal), let's assume hundreds of thousands of wraiths in there as a baseline.) Additionally, the wraiths inside the flask at Rockfell are still mistbound, so actually Sethvir's tactic with the ones here wouldn't work since still a collective mind. It only worked here because the ones that followed Kharadmon did so across the void of space, which sublimated the mist-shroud and freed the individual spirits as free wraiths. Though, (view spoiler)[ they do speculate in the discussion afterwards on a possible method, if they could find a way to extract them one at a time, that a Masterbard's talents might allow them to strain them/separate them. (hide spoiler)]

Re: The Seven, we have:
Sethvir: Looks like someone's older grandfather, appears a bit dottering/absent minded, but don't be fooled! Holds the Earth-Link from the Paravians(given to him when they departed/hid from the Mistwraith). Sort of operates as coordination from Althain Tower, since he has awareness of the whole planet and things going on in his mind. Likes baths.
Asandir: Their field ops guy for when you need a physical person(primary), tall, imposing, does not suffer fools but somehow has the patience of a saint for having Dakar as an apprentice. Has a black horse that is really cool. Crowns Kings.
Traithe: Also field ops, secondary due to being injured in the Mistwraith's invasion, has a bird(Raven).
Kharadmon: One of two who are discorporate, does field ops with Luhaine for anything that doesn't need a physical body, prankster, likes needling Luhaine, but they work together a lot so likely habits of old friends. When showing an image of a physical form, has a wicked moustache.
Luhaine. Also discorporate, probably a bit of an absent-minded researcher, is my impression, would much prefer to be studying, etc, Looks a bit rotund and cheerful-faced when manifesting an image. #1 hobby is griping about Kharadmon(or anyone, really).
Ciladis: Lost, further information unclear. ;)
Davien: Betrayer, built a cavern and other stuff. Current whereabouts or activities: ???

The Mistwraith: (view spoiler)[ Started as and just... whatever the people on Marak that were exiled got up to is frankly horrifying. The actual souls/spirits of people trapped and driven mad due to being warped out of touch with reality properly, that went on and consumed every other living being, gorging on their spirits and trapping them in turn. >.< A whole world's worth of people reft of their bodies and driven mad. (hide spoiler)]

The Wraith that possessed Lysaer: (view spoiler)[That one was either redeemed to pass on, or taken and trapped with the others. I think the former rather than the latter though. In Lysaer's case, we know its presence warped and twisted a bunch of his inborn characteristics and drove him to seek Arithon's death. With Arithon, it, through Lysaer, cast a curse/geas on him that he was able to partially fight off but from study(and there will be some more info about the Curse in Warhost, don't worry!), they know it's tangled up in their very life/being, so trying to remove it would kill either brother. With all Seven, they seemed confident they could resolve the matter, but with 2 missing, whatever options that would entail are beyond them. They *could* have avoided Arithon being cursed by letting Etarra bide for a time and seek from his kids to restore Monarchy(they speculate on this in Curse during/after the scene where they cast to look at probable futures, but the alternative would see the loss of the Paravians, so they were forced to carry through. They knew *something* would happen, but were caught off-balance because they had no way to track the Mistwraith, only the effects of its actions. (and one possessing Lysaer meant they wouldn't see what he would do in Etarra, though they saw actions *after* he would be freed of the possessing wraith, but no clue *why* he had done such.) (hide spoiler)]

Diegan didn't want his friend stressed out by accusations that he's not of sound mind! He was concerned about Lysaer, that's all!

[chibipoe]

Yanique wrote: "This is a Buddy Read for Warhost of Vastmark by Janny Wurts starting on November 1, 2023. amended


Happy Reading!"

Hi, Yanique, could you move this to Current reads now, please? :D

[chibipoe]

Ugh, stupid fat-fingering keys erased my typing. Trying again. So! Second part of chapter one opens with a right temper from Arithon, but I want to highlight the atmosphere and detail in a section, with how well it paints the scene:

Arithon manned the helm like a creature possessed, urgent to reach the south latitudes. He slept wrapped in oilskins beside his lashed tiller. Dakar grew inured to the thump of his step on the cabin top as he tied in fresh reefs, or shook them out at every slight shift in the breeze. The clouds loomed lower each day, until the whitecaps seemed to graze their black, swollen bellies. Rain fell in wind-whirled, spitting drizzle, barbed at times with flecks of ice. The season had turned with cruel vengeance. Hammering squalls joined forces and bred gales; in her run down the eastshore, Talliarthe weathered several that howled through two days and nights.

The incessant cold water stung Arithon’s hands angry red. His hair tangled to white ends from dried deposits of blown salt.

Dakar lived like a snail, crawling over the bucking deck from his berth to the sloop’s tiny galley. He brewed peppermint tea to help ease his nausea and nibbled hardtack and salt pork and cheese. When the weather blew roughest, he stayed in a prone sprawl and groaned like a man with the ague.

Talliarthe carved into tropical waters two weeks shy of the winter solstice.

Arithon by then was a scarecrow figure, sea-beaten and haunted hollow around the eyes. Too much wetting had infected his cut wrist. The gash scabbed and peeled, saltwater sores caused by the chafe of linen dressings swelled sullen purple underneath. Shirtless, driven, pressured sleepless by some tie to conscience that involved his recent oath to Asandir, the Shadow Master leaned on the weather shroud, a silhouette against thin, morning sunlight, his hand at his brow to cut the glare.

Such a good sequence that paints the scene in your mind!

[Nirkatze]

Thank you for the explanations and details, Chibipoe! Quite the scene you cut out there...

Through end of Chapter 2 now, Interlinks--(view spoiler)[I really enjoyed the sequence with Tharrick, seeing him won over by Arithon's actions.

I find it interesting how Arithon & Lysaer kind of spell out that adage of "actions speak louder than words"--Arithon's actions speak loudly, while Lysaer is mostly words... and his words tend to speak the opposite of his actions, in my opinion. I still want to punch him in the face, for calling that battleground a massacre and completely ignoring that noncombatant women and children were massacred and molested first. If any army deserved to be massacred it was that one. Grrrr. Still makes me angry. I REALLY hope that some day he comes to the realization of just how awful the people he's allied with are.

And I guess, in that stead, I'm looking forward to Dakar eventually coming to that realization... since @Chibipoe mentioned that Dakar's growth in this book is one of your favorites, I'm holding out hope! It seems like there's a lot of polka-style two steps forward one back going on though--like Dakar jumping to conclusions about the Blood Oath. (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Thank you for the explanations and details, Chibipoe! Quite the scene you cut out there...

Through end of Chapter 2 now, Interlinks--I really enjoyed the sequence with Tharrick, seeing him won ove..."

Tharrick's sequence is fantastic! It's why I consider the author's character work to be some of the best out there. In the course of 20-30ish pages, we see a character go from the barest outline of 'loyal guard disgraced and seeking revenge' to a fully realized and fleshed out character.

It also outlines an important detail, with how Arithon reacts to him and a significant difference between the two half-brothers. Lysaer acquires followers, Arithon fosters allies. He pointedly and specifically rejects Tharrick placing him on a pedestal and blindly following him.

(view spoiler)[Dakar's growth is very well done and it's realistic and well-depicted. It's not *easy*, and has missteps on his part, as you'll see. But it's fantastic to read as it unfolds across Warhost. :D (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Really nice parallel there, of Lysaer's "followers" v. Arithon's "allies"...

Through Chapter III now, Crossroads--(view spoiler)[Nice to see that first step in Dakar's growth. But that whole conspiracy theory bit at the end--oh, what if it was all calculated, to bring Dakar over to his side? Self-centered hogwash.

Why would Arithon care?
How could Arithon possibly have manipulated events to bring them upon two children this way? And does Dakar really think his compassion would let him put children in harm's way simply to win a crack in Dakar's walls?
Gah. Just... gah. I have so many more logic-questions here that I wish I could fling at Dakar. And so what? So what if Arithon might have hoped that his sacrifice of self could bring greater understanding from Dakar. Is that such a bad thing? When faced with a dying child, there's nothing else one such as Arithon could have done, but everything that he could do. There was no other path to take. If that has other beneficial side effects, who cares? It's hardly a crime to hope that other people could come to understand you and give up their spite. But even then--Arithon gives up much more in that exchange: his privacy, the only flimsy shielding against his own bloodline gift/curse. *sigh* Well, first steps. First steps.

Lysaer--the confrontation at Ath's Brotherhood was a welcome surprise. So close, yet again! But the darkness won out. I was honestly expecting him to raze the Brotherhood to the ground in search of his quarry. Still could happen. His burning of his cathaiden was no less insane. Still, it was nice to see his hypocrisy flung at him and for him to realize it for a moment, even if it couldn't stick.

A bit disappointed in Arithon sleeping with the random shepherd woman. But he has made no promises to... gah, forget her name. Elaira? Korith... forget that word too. The sorceress. You know who I mean. And he believes his love can never be fulfilled with her, and he was honest with the shepherd woman, so I guess why not share comfort? But on the other hand... it seems his compassion again leaves him vulnerable... if someone came to him for that kind of comfort, would he be able to deny them? Even if he himself was not interested? (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Really nice parallel there, of Lysaer's "followers" v. Arithon's "allies"...

Through Chapter III now, Crossroads--Nice to see that first step in Dakar's growth. But that whole conspiracy theory bi..."

Re: Dakar. Well, (view spoiler)[ It is kind of self-centered, but it's honestly the self-centering of someone facing hard, unpleasant truths about themselves and their beliefs and trying to self-justify them/not wanting to let them go. It's very real as a quality. :D (hide spoiler)]

Lysaer: (view spoiler)[ Yes, that was hopeful for him, but correct, he's wedded to a specific idea of How Things Are and so iron-clad is his grip on that that he refuses anything that runs counter, especially given that to accept himself as wrong is to assign blame for the deaths on his own actions and that, he cannot countenance. More to come with him though! (hide spoiler)]

Arithon: (view spoiler)[ The division of Elaira being oathsworn to the Koriani Order means they can't consummate their relationship(and indeed, only came close because of specific license from Morriel during Ships of Merior), but they share a tight empathic bond, and do fully respect one another, so Elaira *knows* and accepts it, because she wouldn't deny him some small measure of comfort. :) As to the others... his inborn gift is to understand and empathize, yes, but he wouldn't just share that level of intimacy with just anyone. He'd find other ways to address it. You are right that his gift of compassion can leave him vulnerable though! (hide spoiler)]

Glad you're enjoying it! :D Warhost is so much fun.

[Nirkatze]

I always appreciate your insights, Chibipoe! Thank you!

re: Dakar--(view spoiler)[I still see him as a teenager (for all he's over 500) unwilling to become an adult and face up to his responsibilities... but like teenagers, he has space to grow... (hide spoiler)]

re: Lysaer--through Chapter IV--(view spoiler)[Every time he thinks back on Ath's brotherhood and has little sharp pokes of doubt I imagine myself poking him with something sharp. Yes. Poke poke poke. (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter IV Ring Ripples--(view spoiler)[I appreciate seeing Arithon's planning--that whole "It only seems fair that Lysaer pay his part to keep me alive after hunting me" does seem quite just.

Contrast to Lysaer's seeking scapegoats for his lady's actions among her guardsmen. That was not just at all. And his immediate reaction, to ask "when will the bastards be born then?" reminds me of that completely off-colour remark about a woman (his aunt?) he had earlier in book one--that set a lot of BR folk against him--that he jumps to such an assumption, blames his wife for betraying him, then turns 180 and says he loves her? He's really messed up, and I don't think it's all the Mistwraith. He doesn't seem to have much respect for women--probably because of his mother's betrayal--but did he never look to his beastly father for fault?

The Koriani attempting to assault the Tower was amusing. And the little revelation that the illusion was done to save them from being killed by the actual wards of the tower was interesting. Seriously! If you know you have no chance of landing a surprise attack, then knock first! (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Spot on with Dakar!

Re: Lysaer. (view spoiler)[ Less a distrust of women and more another sign of Arithon is the evil and of course he forced himself on Talith. Remember, he's already recast around to any that might have known that Arithon is the product of rape, with his mother being abducted, so that just plays into the narrative he's building. Less the Mistwraith and more convenient scapegoat and tying back to earlier trauma. Probably is easier to toss off to shove into the back of his head his mom was abducted and raped than face that she left, not just her husband, but her *son* behind to father another child, as if that were more important to her than Lysaer was(and never(so far as we know) returned for Lysaer. (hide spoiler)]

Koriani: (view spoiler)[ "Are you devoid of courtesy? What else would you do but knock?"(paraphrased as my copy is out of convenient reach right this second). That entire scene is so great. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

LOL Your memory is pretty good Chibipoe--I think that might be verbatim, re: Koriani.

Really good point about Lysaer--I didn't think about his (view spoiler)[abandonment from that angle. And I like how you describe it as "building a narrative"--he really does ignore any facts that don't suit him and write his own story, doesn't he? Reminds me of some politicians nowadays... (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 5 now! I feel like (view spoiler)[we're getting some more baby steps out of Dakar--and with his prophecy that could end with Arithon's demise, I'm hoping that will be a turning point for him. Stepping in at the last minute to do the right thing? Maybe? Fingers crossed.

Man, those Koriani... definitely seems like the problem between short-term & long-term planning... the Koriani only see the problems in front of them now, and don't seem to take into consideration the long-term effects of their actions... that, and they're already biased against Arithon because of their wayward waif...

Then there's Lysaer's wife's escape... I'm really hoping that Arithon was expecting this and that it's all part of his plan, and isn't going to end up making things worse, but I guess we'll see... would definitely love to see her face if her "allies" deposit her in Lysaer's hands and collect the ransom in return... and she realizes she could have made the trip in comfort rather than in a rowboat rouging it... maybe the rough journey is another lesson for her that Arithon planned? (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Chugging right along! :D There's some wild stuff ahead!

I'll just say this regarding Talith: (view spoiler)[They have an exchange later that remains one of my favorite moments. Arithon doesn't shy from harsh truths. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Ooh, looking forward to that! Taking a little break during the workweek, but will be back on the weekend.

[chibipoe]

Can't wait to see your thoughts when you pick it back up! :D

[Nirkatze]

Through Chapter 6! I think I got that scene you were mentioning above--but I definitely wouldn't mind if I got another one like it--(view spoiler)[Seeing both Dakar and Talith start to see things more clearly--how Arithon's worth is shown in actions in comparison to Lysaer's empty words, and what @Chibipoe mentioned, of how Lysaer collects followers and Arithon allies who he sees as equals... Enjoying that push and pull right now.

The moment when Dakar realized that Lysaer offering him drink could be as much to get him drunk and ply him for information (which he would have originally called a very Arithon-move) rather than an offer of friendship was awesome.

Lysaer's rejection of Talith was both satisfying and frustrating--I would really like someone to point out to him that he's hell-bent bringing a host after a man who has been accidentally responsible for maybe 10 deaths... and that his followers have killed a lot more in cold blood. Not to mention the hundreds he killed with his own magic--including the first several he puts at Arithon's feet. Maybe he should turn the host against himself. It did highlight pretty well just how deep the Mistwraith's grip is, that he can't even apply waiting logic to it. I thought Talith had a good point--go home, actually solidify rule and get bloody legit, dammit, and see if Arithon merits chasing, you're jumping to conclusions with like, zero evidence. Just the narrative you want to tell yourself...

The end subchapter of 3 paragraphs--I love how Sethir was like, "Why did it take you so long to ask? I've been waiting..."--the middle one though, of the council setting an act in motion to make Lysaer king--they don't have the legitimacy to do that, right? Kings MUST be anointed by the Seven, since they are the caretakers of the land? Then again, legitimacy doesn't matter to them since they didn't have the right to overthrow them in the first place either. So what makes a king legitimate? Or what extra oomph does the Fellowship's acknowledgment add? (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 6! I think I got that scene you were mentioning above--but I definitely wouldn't mind if I got another one like it--Seeing both Dakar and Talith start to see things more clearly--ho..."


Oh these are wonderful thoughts!

(view spoiler)["Don't mistake me for your husband, madam. I've never loved a weakness that can be nurtured into dependency."

Dakar's evolution proceeds apace, indeed. :D

Did you miss the wanton act of cruelty though? That Diegan/Lysaer did as nothing more than a way to hurt Arithon. Alas, Poor Dhirken. ;_;

Lysaer and Talith. There's several layers there. His steadfast clinging to his narrative of How Things Are is one. Another is that he does, indeed, love Talith, but she is also a weakness, that he cannot abide because she might turn him from his course, OR(as he sees this situation) be used against him as a weapon. More to come on that front.

As for evidence, there isn't zero evidence, but they're applying their own slant to events. Even though Lysaer's initial attack that Arithon responded to is what set chaos in Etarra at the coronation, but it was at the word of Fair Haired Honest Prince, surely he couldn't be wrong? Such a charismatic, forthright presence? Can't be! Anyway, these barbarians who live in the woods prey on upright citizens, better to deal with them, so the right sorts are allowed free rein to go where they will.

Sethvir is great fun. :)

They do not, but an important question is.. why does the Fellowship have to anoint a High King at all? What does the role of King really entail? There are hints in the coronation scene in Curse, as well as the oath-swearing that Arithon took before Steiven with the clans, but the full scope is still hidden. Suffice to say, the role of 'King' that the townsfolk are drafting to appoint Lysaer to and what the old High Kings do, are very different. The usual ideas of what a King is that you find in fantasy, are not here! :D (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

re: Chapter 6--(view spoiler)[Ah, yes, I did catch that... poor captain, indeed... I just read the chapter last night, and didn't remember everything... Lysaer has purposeful blood on his hands now, twice over (counting his cathaedin), while Arithon has mostly accidental... Diegan is definitely at the top of my shit list. He doesn't have a curse to give excuse to his behavior.

I love the way you summarize things, Chibipoe--you really cut to the heart of everything, and do a great job of describing as they would see it. "Can't be!" LOL

And I've definitely been getting that sense of Kingship... that the sort of... local ruler responsibilities of a King are the least important aspects of an anointed King's responsibilities... I mean, and that goes back to the very beginning too--else why would the Fellowship have turned magic to bind these specific talents into each line, and that argument I had earlier--why not just let Lysaer rule in Etarra where he's welcome, and let Arithon live with the clans, who recognize him? Magic. There's magic stuff be goin' on here... (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "re: Chapter 6--Ah, yes, I did catch that... poor captain, indeed... I just read the chapter last night, and didn't remember everything... Lysaer has purposeful blood on his hands now, twice over (c..."


Always enjoying discussion! Hopefully some others will come in with us too. :D

And some responses:

Diegan: (view spoiler)[ He doesn't, but he also throws himself wholeheartedly under Lysaer's power. His acts, as we saw at the end of Ships and so on, subsume himself to Lysaer's cause. He could have chosen to stand and challenge Lysaer's beliefs, but found it simpler to cling to his prejudices and the ready-made vehicle that Lysaer provides to carry out his prejudices and vendettas. He, like Talith, does love Lysaer(in a different fashion, obviously), but is unable to look past inherited blinders of prejudice with such a convenient means of pursuing them(and, additionally, sublimating himself to Lysaer's goals). Whereas Talith, she loved the man and her care for him took precedence over her care for his cause and that cause became a detriment to her happiness and she sought to dissuade him, a feat Diegan hasn't achieved. (hide spoiler)]

Kingship(warning, a bit of an infodump here): (view spoiler)[ Some of this will come out in Fugitive Prince and beyond, but, essentially, the Compact as it exists is: Townsfolk, within their town domains are free to do and govern themselves as they see fight and no one will impose any rule or restriction on their behavior. However! Certain technologies are proscribed and there are areas where they cannot tread or expand. (for a variety of reasons. The Gallant novella shows a good picture of why, so I do recommend reading it!). Most of these areas tended to be coastal regions and if you look at the map, you'll see there's not a great deal of cities built inland. (a bunch of reasons for this, significant and valid ones)

Outside of the towns, in the Free Wilds, the clansfolk kept the areas, and alerted the townsfolk in case of certain issues. The High Kings served as intermediaries on behalf of the townsfolk, liaising with the Paravians on their behalf, or addressing them if the townsfolk broke any aspect of the Compact and judgment was required. The Seven served as arbiters after that and the Paravians as the final word.

A lot of the issues between Town and Clansfolk stretch back into early Third Age and it's been an ongoing issue. Lysaer's found it useful as a means to pursue his vendetta against Arithon, but these are deep-seated hatreds and factions with a vast history and their agenda and his may not necessarily dovetail(more on this after Warhost of Vastmark. You are not wrong about the local ruler responsibilities. (They aren't really a thing, as I mentioned. (It's also a divide of priorities. Let's face it. One thing humankind, as a collective, is bad about is being told no.) (Remember that. it's important. :D)

But the key is priorities. What are the Seven's? What of the Townsfolk? The Koriani? The Clans? How do these intersect? :D (hide spoiler)]

Can't wait to discuss more!

The Curse:(view spoiler)[Wild, huh? (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Finished Chapter 7 today! This is not improving my impression of Diegan. (view spoiler)[But Dakar has certainly come through a sea-change! I like the slow steps in each chapter, and now full 180--though I think my favorite of his revelations was in the last chapter (or two?) when he realized that Lysaer didn't belong on the pedestal he'd built for him...

Diegan--I see what you're saying, Chibipoe! Just makes me hate him more... though I feel like it's not just his loyalty to Lysaer, but he kind of... looks down on him too? Like "Oh, Lysaer can't handle this information." And then makes decisions for him.

Kingship was kinda what I was thinking then, thanks for that info!

I'm kind of hoping... since the chapter end-caps didn't talk about the assassin slitting throats and we haven't seen it on screen, that maybe Lysaer will discover it before Diegan's orders are carried out... or that someone will escape... All that sacrifice for nothing would be unconscionable. (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Oh, there are layers and layers to that scene and its impact stretches far beyond this book.

[chibipoe]

Re: Diegan. (view spoiler)[ Less looking down on him and more 'Cannot let him get stressed/must do the Hard Stuff so he is unblemished, remains the Shining Paragon, etc.' (hide spoiler)]

[chibipoe]

Ugh, auto corrupt, and on phone so can't find edit. Will fix spelling later.

[Nirkatze]

LOL No worries--it makes you human like the rest of us!

Curious to see how those ripples work--I mean, it already (view spoiler)[feeds into the whole Master of Shadow = Evil Mastermind narrative.

Maybe I should have said "arrogant" instead of "looking down"? Like, he's placing his own judgment above that of his commanding officer's--or at the very least, making an assumption about what Lysaer should be doing or what his reaction will be. (hide spoiler)]

And then finished Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[Ah, Diegan. How could you even make me hate you by dying? You bastard. You couldn't get a single thing right. At least he's not around anymore to make bad decisions for Lysaer. Lysaer gets to do that all by himself now.

I've enjoyed seeing the strategies Arithon has in place for the Warhost... but now that they're close enough for the Curse to taste, how much will it take for Lysaer to stand down?

I feel like I need a drinking game for each time someone on Lysaer's side blames the Master of Shadow for something they led themselves into. Seriously. You don't go to war against someone and then blame them when all your people die because they were essentially defending themselves.

Though it does make me see the necessity of Kharadmon's blood oath idea--for Arithon to keep himself alive. I can see him turning himself over to Lysaer if it would be the best way to end the bloodshed...

Morriel is also pissing me off--she's definitely being selfish by aspiring to take out Arithon... have these people never heard of TALKING to each other? Why not show Lirenda what would happen if she pursued her attachment? (Also totally thought she hated Arithon, not attracted to him--but now I see she was jealous of ... Elaira? Was that her name...?) Her future seeing seems pretty limited... And why don't folks have more respect for the Brotherhood? Has the world like, forgotten that they are stewards of the land? I guess the Brotherhood isn't exactly going out of its way to say "hey, this is important. This is why you need to stop being assholes" either...

At least Dakar already foresaw this. And Arithon's not dying anytime soon--there's a ton more books to go.

And so Arithon's collecting the s'Brydion boys. I wonder what his plans for them are... (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Chapter 9 (view spoiler)[Thank goodness for characters like Duke s'Bryndion--who voice my own frustration at Lysaer & co's stubbornheadedness.

"How dare you presume my close family is worth less than the neck of one shadow-bending fugitive!"
While I don't agree with his family specifically being more important but yeah--there are much worse people in the world (coughinyourownarmycough) and you're not tearing the world apart after them!

"You speak of the rockslide that mauled Dier Kenton Vale? [...] Everyone knows this countryside is unstable. Your prince's warhost died of plain tactics. Any cornered fugitive would've chosen faulty ground to save his skin when a mass armed migth fit to flatten a whole kingdom came in to seek his death."
Yes please and duh! Stop crying murder every time your own host of murderers and rapists gets trumped by better tactics!

Thank you for insulting Lysaer for me, since I'm not there to do it myself.

Oh, it makes sense that it would be Bransian who fired the arrow! I feel the need to thank you again, for giving Dakar the chance to show himself the kind of person he could be.

And then again--after Lysaer looks to start a religious cult of light (ugh), Bransian comes in and actually SEES REASON. So satisfying, after I've been chomping at the bit in frustration at how the curse blinds Lysaer to all logic. Just so. Frickin'. Satisfying, to see Bransian lay it all out logically, how they've all been bamboozled and fed a one-sided narrative--how yes, ETARRA MARCHED FIRST and Arithon's acts were ALL IN DEFENSE.

It's also refreshing to see someone actually following the laws of the land, listening to their catheiden, and accepting the clan's ruling (regarding their grievance and the trial). Lysaer just kind of waltzed in and was like "existing laws? We don't need existing laws. We just need me!" I hate arrogant people.

Bransian's current clear-sightedness would make me worry in a darker book... I'd fear Lysaer's example of fratricide... but that doesn't seem to be the way the wind blows in these.

Glad to see that Arithon's love interest is coming back soon... she's been very absent lately... and a sweet glimpse of the girl-twin sailing under Arithon's guidance at the end. Awww. (hide spoiler)]

Finished! That was a fun romp. Wurts-sensei is very good at getting me all frustrated and riled up and then giving me more or less what I wanted by the end.

[Nirkatze]

Just flipping through the glossary, and idly wondering what reasons Davien the Betrayer had for well, betraying. Did he see further ahead than any? Was it like Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame, with Doctor Strange seeing only ONE path to victory?

Idle thoughts, no answers necessary--unless you know and can just say "oh, that does get explained" lol.

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "LOL No worries--it makes you human like the rest of us!

Curious to see how those ripples work--I mean, it already feeds into the whole Master of Shadow = Evil Mastermind narrative.

Maybe I should..."

Diegan & Lysaer: (view spoiler)[You are not wrong about Lysaer getting to make all the bad decisions himself now. Strap in, because Fugitive Prince is next and things are about to step up. There's a wild ride ahead like you can't believe!

Being forced to stand down, well, you've seen through to the end, so you know! But sadly, that isn't a good thing, in the long term. to quote from a review of mine, concerning the way Warhost of Vastmark ends: "In victory, despair, in defeat, pride." You've seen the beginnings of it here. He can't deal that he was defeated here, completely and totally, and what he sets in motion will have repercussions for quite some time! (hide spoiler)]

Ath's Brotherhood: (view spoiler)[ Not exactly stewards of the land and they don't proselytize outside their hostels, keeping to themselves and answering those who come seeking information(and other duties). (hide spoiler)]

What's to come: (view spoiler)[ Loads to see! Elaira will be quite prominent going forward. Vastmark was a victory for Arithon, but at what cost to him personally? Stand warned and have tissues ready as the fallout from this will place everyone in bad places and some may not come out the same/have warm friendships to bolster them. (hide spoiler)]

Davien: Wait and see. It's wild. :D

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Just flipping through the glossary, and idly wondering what reasons Davien the Betrayer had for well, betraying. Did he see further ahead than any? Was it like Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame, with ..."

Just curious, going to kick off the next book early or wait for December? :)

And anyone else out there, is anyone reading? :D Share your thoughts!

[Nirkatze]

Thank you for your end thoughts, Chibipoe! Looking forward to seeing more Elaira--and your note on Lysaer... "He can't deal that he was defeated here..."--definitely felt that... things gonna get gnarly.

I'm waiting until December--I think Oct & Nov were pretty overloaded with BRs, and maybe if we're lucky folks'll join in again by December? I'm also trying to read my way through all the GR choice awards right now, so fairly busy with other readings. Looking forward to it though!

[chibipoe]

Nirkatze wrote: "Thank you for your end thoughts, Chibipoe! Looking forward to seeing more Elaira--and your note on Lysaer... "He can't deal that he was defeated here..."--definitely felt that... things gonna get g..."

Alright! I will be here between now and then and probably throw some thoughts up in the Fugitive Prince thread as a primer in advance of December 1st. :)

[Nirkatze]

I'll be there around Dec 15th! ^_^ See you in a month!

[chibipoe]

For an UPDATE! Curse of the Mistwraith will be released in April in Audiobook format! Worldwide! Link is up on audible. :D

[Nirkatze]

OMG! That's exciting!!