7/10 The Ships of Merior- Roll call: Planning to read, reading or have read ? for July Discussion

[[deleted user]]

The Ships of Merior by Janny Wurts was the winning novel in our General Fantasy Poll. This is the second novel in the series 'The Wars of Light & Shadow'.

The official group reading will be during June and Janny shall be leading the discussion of her book during July.

So post here if you plan to read this novel, are reading it or have already read it. Comments are welcome, no spoilers please.

[Stefan]

Read it and loved it.

[Jim]

I'm half way through it now. I loved the way it started. I'm liking it more than the first.

[Chris]

I definitely plan to read it.

[Libby]

Absolutely will read it

[Jeffrey]

Read it 15 years ago. No plans to read it again

[Jon]

Read it a few months ago: Ships of Merior (my review)

[Jeff]

I read the book when it was first published and have read a couple times since. I will read it again in preparation for the upcoming discussion. I'm anticipating the read as each time I re-read one of the Wars of Light and Shadow books I get deeper insights into the world, the characters and the events. Nothing on these pages is window-dressing. :)

[Grimward]

Jeff's comments might as well be mine (and I see that you've been to her web site, too!). Looking forward to it!

[Sandra]

Thank goodness it's not 'til July because I have to read book one first! But am planning to read...

[Leighann]

I'm planning on reading it at the moment, but I have to read book one first.

[Charles]

Jeff wrote: "I read the book when it was first published and have read a couple times since. I will read it again in preparation for the upcoming discussion. I'm anticipating the read as each time I re-read one..."

I must totally ditto Jeff. I have decided to start again at Mistwraith and sail through the first two novels before the discussion begins. These books are so rich in storyline, characters, and themes that this always proves a treat for me. By the way, I had already read up through Stormed Fortress twice before I ever joined Goodreads or met Janny Wurts there.

[Clansman]

Have read it three times, and am in the midst of my fourth re-read. Jeff really did hit the nail on the head. With each reading, more stuff comes out of these books. Very few authors achieve this level (Tolkien, GRR Martin, Tad Williams, GG Kay and Steven Erikson come to mind) of depth.

[Maggie]

I've read it a few times, waiting to re-read the series in preparation for the coming publication of Initiate's Trial! Amazing book!

[Janny]

Sandra and Leighann, and anyone else who wishes to try book I - here's a text link to a teaser for the story:

http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/web...

There is also an audio teaser for mp3 download.

The group discussion for last year (July) is still posted down page in this book club - if you have any questions or wish to revive the threads, there, be my guest.

For anyone else considering this series: the story is layered with a complexity that would resonate for more mature readers - although I have had young ones who liked it - it is not a coming of age quest fantasy. Do not look for a Dark Lord, or elves, or a linear plot line that will let you snooze or second guess. My books are typically structured for an intricately set build up - there will be a climactic burst at the half point, where the angle will shift, the pace will pick up, to a second climactic explosion that you won't see coming.

I do not end any series book with cliffhangers - there is always a pause point and a comfortable place to let the story settle before moving on to the next volume.

There are enough people here who've read book I, they'd likely answer your questions too.

This story was designed for powerful impact, not to please everybody.

[Sandra]

Janny wrote: "Sandra and Leighann, and anyone else who wishes to try book I - here's a text link to a teaser for the story:

http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/web...

T..."

Thanks, and it sounds wonderful. Can't wait. But hafta finish Briar King first, which I am finding surprisingly enjoyable.

[L.J.]

Busy with the first book of the Series:Curse of the Mistwraith Wars of Light and Shadow. Hoping to finish it in time so I can start this one by next week.

[Sandra]

Lance wrote: "Busy with the first book of the Series:Curse of the Mistwraith Wars of Light and Shadow. Hoping to finish it in time so I can start this one by next week."

You are in for a treat!

[Charles]

Lance, I strongly ditto Sandra, Wars of Light & Shadow is da' bomb.

[Julie]

I just got my hardcover copy of the book, decided that I would take this opportunity and put the whole series in hardcover (the last couple of books I got in hardcover but my original copies of the first 3 books was in paperback). So excited! Just getting into The Curse of the Mistwraith so I should have on schedule to finish both by the end of the reading period!

[Sandra]

Julie wrote: "I just got my hardcover copy of the book, decided that I would take this opportunity and put the whole series in hardcover (the last couple of books I got in hardcover but my original copies of the..."

Yay! It will be nice to have a lively discussion.

[Tanith]

I got this book a few years back, but the dog chewed off the front cover. Maybe its time to replace it.
This is a 'have read' for me.

[Chris]

I started yesterday and I'm approaching the 100 page mark.

[Qylie]

Planning on reading it :-)

[Sandra]

I saw this thread again and had to laugh. I started reading Curse - book 1 - since I had never read it, and couldn't put it down! And then I started right into this one, finished it, read Warhost of Vastmark and was totally blown away.

This is by far the best series I've ever read (so far) and I can't get over it. I'm now beginning #7 - Traitor's Knot. I finished Peril's Gate late last night.

Janny's writing is beautiful, she creates beautifully living characters who are deep and psychologically profound; her plotting is amazing and the books are filled with action to make the heart stop and inner turmoil to wrench one's heart.

If you're not planning on reading, then do! Give it a try.

[Clansman]

Sandra, just wait 'til you read Stormed Fortress! And Initiate's Trial will be out later this year, but you can get excerpts on Janny's website, www.paravia.com. Terrible teasers, though. Make you scream for more.

[Sandra]

Clansman wrote: "Sandra, just wait 'til you read Stormed Fortress! And Initiate's Trial will be out later this year, but you can get excerpts on Janny's website, www.paravia.com. Ter..."

I can't stand it! I am halfway through Stormed Fortress and am overcome! The story is so intense I have to come up for air now and then. I haunt Janny's website, the map in particular, as I need to see where they are as the story unfolds. Athera is a whole character unto itself, is it not?

[Laurel]

I'm just waiting for the books to arrive in the mail.

[Jeff]

A bit late to the discussion. I felt like I had to read CotM first. I just started the book, but I should be able to get to it this weekend. Thanks for taking on this discussion Janny. I don't know when I would have started the series otherwise. I don't generally pick up a series part way through, and 95% of what I read now is in e-book form. I enjoyed CotM, and I am looking forward to really being able to sit down with Ships of Merior.

[Janny]

Jeff wrote: "A bit late to the discussion. I felt like I had to read CotM first. I just started the book, but I should be able to get to it this weekend. Thanks for taking on this discussion Janny. I don't..."

Jeff - and anyone else jumping in - you are definitely not late, these are hefty books and many are reading, or just starting. If you just finished Mistwraith, feel free to reopen the older discussion (down the page here). Welcome in!

[Tracy]

I'm still doing my re-read, but i should be finished tonight/tomorrow.