Wars of Light & Shadow--Curse of the Mistwraith, Ch I, II, III - first impressions, No Spoilers

[Charles]

And, oh yes, Dawn, I expect the even newer generations, born into the new energy, will be even far more amazing.

[Dawn]

Charles wrote: "And, oh yes, Dawn, I expect the even newer generations, born into the new energy, will be even far more amazing."

I don't know, I kind of think nothing can beat my generation.... but we'll see ;-)

[Charles]

Well, golly, I think we all feel that way. I was an original, first-generation 60's hippie -- "we started all this" is a tempting self-headpat. But truly it's all in Spirit's plan -- we all have our (crucial and important) parts to play. What a groovy time this is!

[Shel, Moderator]

Finally had time to start this, and boy, I'm loving it already. I was a teeny bit afraid that I'd be disappointed after all of the buildup - had really high expectations and was worried that it wouldn't live up to the hype, just because that's happened to me too many times before! And what would I say to Janny? ;) Luckily that is not the case..phew!

Anyway, I have always loved books where there is not a clear distinction between the "good guys" and the "bad guys", so this is right up my alley. I read the prologue through 3 times before going on - great introduction and really set the stage for what was to come. I appreciate how the story is framed as what really happened, in contrast to what the "current" legends say.

I'm about halfway through the second triad and debating whether I'm going to try and pace myself to stay with the group and read other books in the space between, or succumb to the temptation to read ahead...

[Charles]

Shel wrote: "Finally had time to start this, and boy, I'm loving it already. I was a teeny bit afraid that I'd be disappointed after all of the buildup - had really high expectations and was worried that it wo..."

Really pleased to hear it. I am one of those who hyped Paravia. big time. I have been a huge fan for years. Your seeing what all that is about is a nice validation of my own tastes in great fantasy. I believe that you'll find, as you read on, that your appreciation will steadily rise. Good reading to you.

[Mawgojzeta]

Shel wrote: "...I'm about halfway through the second triad and debating whether I'm going to try and pace myself to stay with the group and read other books in the space between, or succumb to the temptation to read ahead......"

I went through the same thing and finally decided to go with my nature; I am a one book at a time person. This book will be finished (possibly by tomorrow night) before I pick up another book.

[Janny]

Shel wrote: "Finally had time to start this, and boy, I'm loving it already. I was a teeny bit afraid that I'd be disappointed after all of the buildup - had really high expectations and was worried that it wo..."

Hi Shel, nice to have you here, and back on topic. I have watched your posts and reading preferences for some time, and I venture to suggest you may enjoy this story very much. I was so hoping you'd plunge in, and now you are here - welcome!

If you wind up running ahead, don't worry, many have. It will shift your perspective on what's moving at the discussion's pace, quite a lot.

Whatever works best for you!

For Mawgojzeta as well as you - there will be relief threads started for the jackrabbits. (and there may be some, when the convergencies occur, the peak point builds in these volumes may pressure a faster finish). The incremental deep discussion hopefully will make it easy to open to the right section.

[Janny]

For those of you discussing Reiki and various other things - that is altogether lovely, but some of the readers here don't share the background, or know what you are referring to; and Beyond Reality's host space is not the appropriate place, being a book discussion.

Gently - may I suggest - you can post all you like on whatever sidebar subject you please - the Paravia chat at http://www.paravia.com/discus has space for this sort of discussion; check out the folders in the chat there and you'll find the appropriate slot.

[Charles]

Sorry bout that...didn't realize this site was quite so rigid. Will restrict my comments to the literature alone. Didn't mean to offend anyone's delicate sensitivities.

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

I don't think we're rigid at all, Charles, and I'm truly sorry if it comes across that way. We just try to keep the book discussions on topic as much as possible. There's an entire folder (the Member lounge) where almost anything off-topic can be discussed, including Reiki.

[Richard]

I've just finished the first chapter set and I must say that this is so not what I usually read. I'm a knuckle headed hard SF fan who apart from LOTR and maybe one or possibly two remarkable exceptions just can't get on with 'Sword and Sorcery' books. It is therefore to Janny's great credit that I not only finished the chapter set, but I am looking forward to continuing onward. I like the ambiguity of the half brothers' characters, unlike the King of Amroth who seemed rather archetypal. I must try reading aloud now that Janny has pointed out the deliberate bardic beat to the words.
Afraid the Prologue irritated my hard SF prejudices, couldn't help thinking "Why bother with recorded history and archaeology and all related disciplines if all that's required to get the 'Truth' is for a few Sages to mull it over for a bit and Whammo the past appears as a pathe news reel vision". Glad I didn't let that stop me reading on, as I am enjoying it. Prejudices still there but locked and drugged in the sail store at the moment.
Off to the spoiler thread now to see what interpretations and perceptions I've missed already.

[Sandra]

I think you'll find, Richard, that this is much more than a sword and sorcery book. Glad you're enjoying it.

[Charles]

Kudos, Richard, on your natural open-mindedness overcoming past prejudices. There is great writing in almost every genre and mode, and you have definitely come across that here. I hope you enjoy the series half as much as I have.

[Charles]

Stefan wrote: "I don't think we're rigid at all, Charles, and I'm truly sorry if it comes across that way. We just try to keep the book discussions on topic as much as possible. There's an entire folder (

My bad, Stefan. Thanks for the heads-up.

[Geoff]

Hi all. I'm on a re-read and trying really hard to limit my impressions to the text in front. I love the nautical knowledge that goes into the description, and I love the detail and broadness of vocabulary. Thanks again Janny
Geoff (aka chirogeoff)

[Janny]

Charles wrote: "Sorry bout that...didn't realize this site was quite so rigid. Will restrict my comments to the literature alone. Didn't mean to offend anyone's delicate sensitivities."

I hope to see such a wonderful discussion in the lounge, here. So much to share, and so many rich concepts and paradigms. Fantasy and SF are a melting pot for ideas, and the best conversations arise from openness.

[Janny]

Richard wrote: "I've just finished the first chapter set and I must say that this is so not what I usually read. I'm a knuckle headed hard SF fan who apart from LOTR and maybe one or possibly two remarkable except..."

Richard - how wonderful to have you!
This is NOT Sword and Sorcery...grin.

I am pleased and surprised - and it will be interesting to see where you land with this. Everybody's funnybone gets whacked (and their buttons) somewhere in this series - I will say this: in college, I was very VERY near to specializing in the sciences; hard stuff, astronomy, marine biology. Second, I just got a lovely note from a retired college prof. whose son is PHD, particle physics: that one noted (roughly) 'I see lots of evidence of string theory in these books' - grin. And a lot of other stuff.

I am not going to open this box yet (on the magic system(s) because the story will mark and measure the appropriate moment.

Just hold the idea that what you 'see' as classic fantasy topes are going to unveil and evolve.

This is a character driven story - And so very much more. There are ideas aplenty in the foundation - I'll be fascinated to see where you land, and if the story fascinates, we'd all gain by your style of insights.

It may well open up a whole area that other readers with different orientations may have overlooked.

[Janny]

Geoff wrote: "Hi all. I'm on a re-read and trying really hard to limit my impressions to the text in front. I love the nautical knowledge that goes into the description, and I love the detail and broadness of v..."

Geoff, thank you! I have a great love of sailing; and no small bit of experience. Feel free to ask in depth as you like. And there is more nautical to come in the series.

[Shel, Moderator]

Janny wrote: "in college, I was very VERY near to specializing in the sciences; hard stuff, astronomy, marine biology. Second, I just got a lovely note from a retired college prof. whose son is PHD, particle physics: that one noted (roughly) 'I see lots of evidence of string theory in these books' - grin."

Neato! My bachelor's degree is in Marine Biology & Earth Science so I'll be on the lookout for the geeky stuff :)

[Kerry]

Ah, I had something I wanted to add to the comment about nautical expertise. I know Janny has lots of equine expertise as well, but there was something else I was impressed with the knowledge and now I can't remember what it was.

My nice husband is going to bring home some post-it flags for me. Hopefully that will help with remembering.

But I do think Janny expertly layers a lot of knowledge into the story and the writing style without dropping in on us.

I remember reading Les Miserables may years ago and there were whole chapters where you could see Hugo had done his research and now just couldn't leave it out, even thought it simply didn't need to be there for the story. I know others authors do this too, but that's the only example I can think of right now.

Okay, off on the school run. If my son is late, it'll be because I was too busy reading (and replying to) Beyond Reality.

[Janny]

Shel wrote: "Janny wrote: "in college, I was very VERY near to specializing in the sciences; hard stuff, astronomy, marine biology. Second, I just got a lovely note from a retired college prof. whose son is PHD..."

This won't be a book for your marine biology (there is a reason for this - remind me when you're further down the line). Look for the physics. The physics and the mystical will have an interface. More on that as you get down the line. :)

[Janny]

Kerry wrote: "Ah, I had something I wanted to add to the comment about nautical expertise. I know Janny has lots of equine expertise as well, but there was something else I was impressed with the knowledge and n..."

One of the finest things about reading is the Experience. How much more vivid to make you feel as if you are truly there! and how much better if the author truly knows.

I've always felt the touchstone of imagination helps people encounter what they resonate to: if you read a very vivid scene in a book, when you have no means to try or even know if a realm of experience exists - something can be sparked and kindle.

When dreams and preferences we don't know are encountered because an idea was presented - then sometimes we find our way toward the magic.

To illustrate the highs and lows, and take you there - that is what a book does. A story is the gift of experience passed on to somebody else for them to make their own, in turn. Research alone can go only so far; the hands on edge can make such a difference.

I have read many books with nautical scenes (extolled) for their authors' nautical depth - you can ALWAYS tell when it's book learned, or done from life. I am not knocking the library-learned effort - some of those reads have incredible merit; but I've always preferred to blend that with authenticity.

[Charles]

Janny wrote: "Kerry wrote: "Ah, I had something I wanted to add to the comment about nautical expertise. I know Janny has lots of equine expertise as well, but there was something else I was impressed with the k..."

I am immediately reminded of Melville. Of course, it's well known that his personally serving on a real whaling ship was the impetus for Moby Dick, and that his whaling and sailing lore is authentic and from experience. In fact it is often cited by critics as a huge enhancement of the novel, even though most of this lore is presented deadpan, in chapters completely separate from the main action. Good as it is in Moby Dick, I like the way you work it deeply into the story, like in Ships of Merior and the horses in Hell's Chasm. It enlivens the story more because it is part of the storyline.

[Amelia]

I think another thing that books can do, is to encourage the reader to get out and have some of the experiences that are described in the book. It gets the readers interested in things they may not have known about or thought they would like.

[Janny]

Amelia wrote: "I think another thing that books can do, is to encourage the reader to get out and have some of the experiences that are described in the book. It gets the readers interested in things they may no..."

That has certainly happened, Amelia. Books are wonderful means to expand horizons and view past limitations. Being able to read is truly a window into other worlds and the gamut of experience.

An idea is such a powerful thing.

[Amelia]

Janny wrote: "An idea is such a powerful thing"

This reminds me of the movie Inception. It has nothing to do with this book, but it definitely demonstrates the power of an idea.

[Janny]

Amelia wrote: "Janny wrote: "An idea is such a powerful thing"

This reminds me of the movie Inception. It has nothing to do with this book, but it definitely demonstrates the power of an idea."

Whew, lord, we just saw Inception last night. THAT is one uncomfortable movie, in all respects. It had profound messages on so many levels, none of them much fun...not your average oversimplified film, indeed.

The power of an idea - how many books examine this, and how few do so IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. The focus on the power of ideas to do damage - OR - the power of ideas to heal - there are flip sides to both concepts - brings to mind the movie, the Interpreter.

Light and Shadows was titled to reflect the dual nature of ideas cutting both ways. Moments where the same idea can produce a right action OR a great wrong.

[Amelia]

Janny wrote: "Amelia wrote: "Janny wrote: "An idea is such a powerful thing"

This reminds me of the movie Inception. It has nothing to do with this book, but it definitely demonstrates the power of an idea."

..."

That movie kind of blows your mind. What a crazy ride.

It does relate to CotM in terms of the curse. In some ways that was the idea that was planted that changed the course of the future.

[Janny]

Amelia wrote: "Janny wrote: "Amelia wrote: "Janny wrote: "An idea is such a powerful thing"

This reminds me of the movie Inception. It has nothing to do with this book, but it definitely demonstrates the powe..."

That parallel had not occurred to me - though I can see, at this stage, why that might seem to correlate.

[Alissa]

Oh, thank you for the podcasts Janny! Only from ch. 6 postcast I hear most of my pronunciations are off, and since it matters (the Lysaer pronunciation-meaning matter gets meaningful, in my opinion, in chapter XIV, but I think it's just a little portion of the measure of the man), it's good I can compare with the podcasts, before any mispronounced name is chiseled in my mind, so I can choose the pronunciation I like better :)
Considering the first three chapters, I struggled a little with the backdrop. It became particularly interesting when I caught some tidbits that I knew, the Westgate prophecy and a certain surname was actually familiar because of the short story, Child of Prophecy. I think it helped a lot to build momentum, even if I was a bit disoriented by the opening in Dascen Elur. I got completely hooked to the story during the struggles in the world of the Red Desert. The prologue is also very very interesting.
I think I've approached this book in the best way possible :)
As for the glossary, reading the kindle version, I didn't even notice it at first, and after reading this thread, I kept giving it a wide berth, I hate even the smallest spoiler! I checked it sparingly, and read it whole at the end of the book. I actually loved reading it and considered it a part of the book itself.

[Charles]

Alissa, thank Spirit for a skillful, intelligent reader. You will ultimately get the max out of WoL&S.

[Alissa]

Hi Charles! Thank you :) Yes I'm very much enjoying the current book, and I have some questions popping out in my mind, I'm still early in the journey and I'm looking forward to know what you and the other readers think!!!!

[Charles]

Well, I've read the entire series (thus far) twice and some of the books 3 times, and any number of questions keep on arising. Janny is VERY good at suspense and mystery, along with her obvious gifts for story, world, and characters. You will find many, many clues and hints throughout the series, and a broader and deeper understanding will come to you. My only advice is not to get too attached to any particular outcome, because WoL&S is packed with surprises, unexpected victories, and tragic losses. Just enjoy the unfolding drama that she has prepared for us. Great stuff, actually.

[Alissa]

Thank you Charles, she's absolutely good at building the suspense indeed! I've posted my impressions about Mistwraith in the other thread where spoilers are permitted, if you happen to drop by let me know what you think, but remember I'm still on book 2 :):)