Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Canham, Marsha - Through a Dark Mist (Robin Hood #1) Buddy Read 29 August 2011
Currently only $2.99 for Nook & Kindle.Sans and I are going to try to do two "buddy reads" at the same time. Feel free to pop in to say hi, or answer one or all of the questions posted, or volunteer to post the day's questions. It is all suppose to be fun.
This one is called the Long and Short of it! We are going to read one chapter a day and post questions every other day, instead of every day. We are going to limit our questions to one to three a day per chapter. (The chapters are long, and sometimes our questions get out of hand.)
EXPECT SPOILERS!
Date Chapters PPDQs*
08/29/11 Prologue & Chapter 1 Lisa Kay
08/31/11 Chapters 2 - 3 Sans
09/02/11 Chapters 4 - 5 CaroB.
09/04/11 Chapters 6 - 7 Lisa Kay
09/06/11 Chapters 8 - 9 CaroB.
09/08/11 Chapters 10 - 11 Shell's Bells
09/10/11 Chapters 12 - 13 Sans
09/12/11 Chapters 14 - 15 Lisa Kay
09/14/11 Chapters 16 - 17 Lisa Kay
09/16/11 Chapters 18 - 19 Sans
09/18/11 Chapters 20 - 21 CaroB.
09/20/11 Chapters 22 - 23 Shell's Bells
09/22/11 Chapters 24 - 25 Lisa Kay
09/24/11 Chapters 26 - 27 Sans
09/26/11 Chapters 28 - 29
09/28/11 Epilogue
PPDQs* = Person Posting Discussion Questions
Words we’ll admit we looked up:
almoner: in former times, somebody who distributed alms to the needy, especially on behalf of a church, monastery, or wealthy family
ambuscade: to lie in ambush (derived from Old Fr. ""a hiding in the bush")
arable: capable of producing crops; suitable for farming; suited to the plow and for tillage: arable land; arable soil
bascinet: a variant spelling of basinet: 1. a globular or pointed helmet of the 14th century, often provided with a visor or aventail: evolved from the cervellière. Compare great basinet. ; 2. a supplementary cap that is worn underneath a helm, as an arming cap.
bawd: 1. a woman who maintains a brothel; madam. 2. a prostitute.
bothy: a hut or small cottage.
breeks: a Scots term for breeches
caparisoned: 1. a decorative covering for a horse or for the tack or harness of a horse; trappings. 2. rich and sumptuous clothing or equipment.
caracole: a half turn executed by a horse and rider.
charnel: a repository for dead bodies.
chasuble: a sleeveless out vestment worn by the celebrant at Mass
chirurgeon: an archaic word for surgeon
couvre-feu: 1.The ringing of an evening bell, originally a signal to the inhabitants to cover fires, extinguish lights, and retire to rest, -- instituted by William the Conqueror; also, the bell itself. He begins at curfew, and walks till the first cock. --Shak. The village curfew, as it tolled profound. --Campbell. 2.A utensil for covering the fire. [Obs.] For pans, pots, curfews, counters and the like. --Bacon.
Couvre-feu utensil shield for putting out fireplace fires.
falchion: a broad, short sword having a convex edge curving sharply to the point. (Medieval weapon.)
gypon: (a knight's) short vest.
meurtrières: murderers
paynim: 1. a pagan or heathen.; 2. a Muslim.; 3. pagandom; heathendom.
perfidiousness: deliberately faithless; treacherous; deceitful: a perfidious lover
poniard: a small, slender dagger.
sallet: a light medieval helmet, usually with a vision slit or a movable visor.
samite: a heavy silk fabric, sometimes interwoven with gold, worn in the Middle Ages
scrofulous: having a diseased run-down appearance
seneschal: an officer having full charge of domestic arrangements, ceremonies, the administration of justice, etc., in the household of a medieval prince or dignitary; steward.
thew: 1. usually thews; muscle or sinew; 2. Physical strength
thewed: 1. Furnished with thews or muscles as a well-thewed limb; 2. Accustomed; mannered.
trulls: a prostitute; strumpet.
Questions for Prologue – Chapter 1
1. Bad enough to be trapped in a small, cold, smelly, moldy, damp, dark cell, but to hear the waves crashing on the rocks outside… Uh, no thanks. While I am a good swimmer, being confined is too much threat of drowning for me. Which one of these descriptive adjectives got to you the most?
2. Ms. Canham’s writing is very expressive. It is not really “purple prose” but is still quite wordy. Do you like this style? Does she help you get a more authentic feel of the medieval era? What about her action scenes? Do they work for you, or do you lose interest and want to skim to get to some dialogue?
3. All that prologue only to find out the beginning is the end. We have to wait for the conclusion of this book to find out what happened to poor Servanne, Lucien, Alaric, Eduard and the others. Does this type of story stratagem appeal to you, are you neutral, or do you dislike it with a passion?
4. The longbow was a masterful weapon that required skill and strength; it was on the cutting edge in its day. Did you realize this as you read chapter 1 or could you care less?
5. Ah. Just when we thought we knew who the hero was we find out (view spoiler). Is the book holding your attention so far? Are you comfortable with the pace we are going to go?
Questions for Chapters 2-3
6. Checked the publishing date and this is well within the "old skool" heyday. The Black Wolf has no compunction about threatening to rape Servanne to secure her cooperation (not that I believe he'd actually do it!) and that's not something a "hero" does in books written in recent years. What do you think of the tone so far? How different is it from what you usually read?
7. For a hot second, I thought she'd actually found sanctuary. You?
8. We meet the infamous Nicolaa and the "pretty" Lucian seen at court. Impressions?
9. How accurate do you think the settings and "major" historical figures?
Questions for Chapters 4 & 5
10. Servanne has shown herself to be young, rash and sheltered, but she is also becoming more curious about her captors. Do you think there are moments where she is TSTL? Do you think her pride will be dangerous? Why do you think The Black Wolf is reluctant to deal with her as harshly as his men expect?
11. What do you make of Sparrow? Is he a teenager or a dwarf or something else?
12. It's interesting to see the attraction growing on both sides, but why do think a naked Servanne gave the Black Wolf flashbacks to a young Nicolaa and her treachery? Were you surprised that Nicolaa and the golden Lucien had been lovers for that long?
13. At the end of chapter 5, do you think the Black Wolf really intends to rape Servanne?
Questions for Chapters 6 – 7
14. Remembering Misfit’s review, she says Ms. Canham’s tongue is firmly in her cheek. After reading the dialogue so far, do you agree?
15. Did you think for a minute it might be Servanne’s finger?
16. A subjugator! Yikes! D’Aeth sounds like a nasty bit of goods. Bet he is not the Big Fuc#er, though. Who do you think is? Pretty Court Lucian or someone higher up the political evolutionary scale? Or maybe PC Lucian is just the B.F. for THIS book, not the series. Thoughts?
17. Whoa! PC Lucian definitely recognized that dragon ring – and he’s afraid. Think he is a relative of the Black Wolf’s, an ex-best-friend, or just someone he fought alongside?
Questions for Chapters 8 & 9
18a. Biddy is a great comedic relief! What did you make of her statement about expecting wanton behavior from "plain women, common women, trulls and whores" as if discretion, control and beauty are interchangeable? Are you enjoying the humor, or is it too tongue-in-cheek? Do you think it makes a good contrast to the darker aspects of this book?
19a. Have you ever fainted? Is it possible to faint for over an hour? If Servanne had been a virgin, it may have been more understandable for her to have doubts as to whether she'd been violated, but given she's a widow, do you think her doubts are unrealistic? Wouldn't she know what *smirk* "evidence" to look for?
20a. Were you surprised by how observant Servanne is proving to be? Not only is she questioning the holes in his story, but also to have come to the conclusions she has of the Black Wolf, proves that she's definitely not TSTL! Why, then, does she not think before she reacts??? BTW, well done on the guess Lisa Kay!! You picked the realtionship between the two Luciens:-)
21a. I am blown away with how easily Sparrow advises rape. Comments?
22a. Who do you think is the traitor leaving camp?
Questions for Chapters 10 & 11
18b. WTF? Nicolaa has a son and the real Lucien is the father? I knew she was a cold hearted snake, but this is a new low! Do you think Eduard was conceived in love or has Nicolaa always been a b*tch? What do you think Etienne has planned for him?
19b. Uh-oh! Etienne and Nicolaa seem to be fraying a bit. Etienne admits he first only wanted her because she was with Lucien, but he did save her from the arrow. Does he really care for her after all these years? Nicolaa is super selfish, but do you think she was about to admit her undying love before she thought better of it? Will they fall on the swords together or do you think they'd sell each other out to save their own hides?
20b. I was right! Gil is the sneak! But what a minute! Gil is really Gillian, he is really a she! Did you see that coming? I get the feeling that besides the scar to the face there is more of a reason for Gil wanting to kill Nicolaa. Thoughts?
21b. And sort of an afterthought, all this travel the two parties are doing/have done, what do you think it was like to be a servant back then? Can you imagine hauling around large tents, food and a trestle table for crying out loud?
Questions for Chapters 12 & 13
22b. I'm impressed with Friar Alaric's skills with a sword. Did you expect him to be good enough to beat the Wolf?
23. And they got their grind on. What did you think of the smut and how it was written? Too purple prose, too long or short, good, bad, indifferent?
24. Do you think the Wolf has reason to be worried about Servanne in regards to the Dragon?
25. Looks like they've got company coming. Think everyone will get away?
Questions for Chapters 14-15
26. The Wolf without his weapons? Not good. And do you blame Servanne for feeling hurt at his callous statement that, with luck, she would depart his company? And later, when he was so cruel in front of Etienne, did you know what he was doing?
27. What surprised you more? That Nicolaa donned armor? She slept with Sir Aubrey de Vere? Or that Eduard called Etienne “father”?
28. “They rode through the dark mist, and, as if there was not enough grief to contend with, the skies cracked open on a jagged fork of blue-white lightning and after a few moments of thunderous sound without fury, the deluge soaked its way through the overhead branches and began pelting the earth with icy lancets of rain.”
Well, there’s the passage with the title of the book. Ms. Canham did this is the other book I read of hers. Quite Hitchcockian of her, no? How do you interpret its meaning?
29. Royal intrigue! And, the plot thickens; is it holding your interest? Will Lady Servanne divulge the “trustworthiness” of La Seyne Sur Mer?
Questions for Chapters 16 & 17
30. So, we learn a bit more about Gillian. It was Gillian Etienne and Nicolaa spoke of when they talked of the person with the “N” scar. Now, how vain is that? And just because they rival her in beauty? Are you hoping for her just desserts? Comments.
31. Do you think Sir Roger de Chesnai is 100% on Etienne’s side? Do you think, if he should learn of his treachery, he might be of help to Lady Servanne?
32. Several reveals in the storeroom at the end of Chapter 16. Do you think ultimately Etienne will eliminate Nicolaa, despite suspecting her of telling someone else of their crimes? Do you think Nicolaa will behave herself around Lady Servanne? Will it be her tongue or her talons that slip first? Will Lady Servanne be able to hold her own against her?
33. Do you think the crudity of the environment and inhabitants of Bloodmoor Keep was an accurate depiction medieval times and social mores? Which was the grossest thing for you about Chapter 17?
34. Poor Lady Servanne. She has completely fallen for the Wolf and she’s in the Dragon’s den. Comments.
Questions for 18-19
35. Etienne is a total horn dog. Are you extra suspicious that he's so confident Servanne will marry him despite her intentions to go home?
36. I did not expect Alaric to show up, posing as a bishop no less! Did you figure out what he was doing when he mentioned the challenge La Seyne set out regarding the pennants and the tourney?
37. Eeeeeeewwwwww. The whole Prince John and the feast made my appetite for dinner flee. Do you think La Seyne will play a bigger role in events to come?
Questions for Chapters 20 and 21
38. As she’s heading through the village to the outer bailey, Servanne notices that “These people smiled and laughed, and were not afraid to meet one another in the eye.” Do you think the villagers have any idea about what The Dragon is really like? Why is the atmosphere so happy in the village and so distrustful in the keep?
39. Lucien Wardieu, Randwulf La Seyne sur Mer and The Black Wolf were all the same person??? Anyone see that coming? Is all of this becoming too confusing or keeping you nicely intrigued?
40. The proud Servanne has been quite open about her feelings, even before she realized who he was. Is this slightly out-of-character? What did you think about the exchange of promises and the ensuing sex scene? Why do you think Lucien has been fighting his feelings so much, even now?
41. AAARRGGHHH! Just when you think Lucien might have a chance, Nicolaa goes and tells Etienne about La Seyne sur Mer. At this point, what do you think might happen in the joust?
42. That knife thing just turned me off. That goes beyond kinky to gag-fest. Comments? Do you think it’s wise of Nicolaa to give Etienne over her?
Questions for Chapters 22 & 23 43. So now Etienne knows it's Lucien he will be fighting/jousting, do you think just knowing who your opponent is would be enough to tips the scales in your favor, or just even the playing field?
44. Poor Eduard! Kid just can't catch a break! Will he be loyal to Etienne? Do you buy the 'wenching it up with the maid' excuse? Was he perhaps, elsewhere? Plotting? Ideas?
45. Did you catch the sneakers into the tourney? (view spoiler) How many do you think managed to sneak in? Will it be enough?
46. Eduard told Sir Roger de Chesnai of the situation! Do you think that was wise? Will de Chesnai get word to Lucien in time? Or was he the one who ratted out Eduard and Servanne, causing them to be caught red-handed (chamber door open, the idiots) scheming to leave?
47. Now what!!! Da-da dum! Will the Lady Servanne and the young squire be spared? Is the knight de Chesnai on the side of good, or evil? Who is going to save them? Does Nicolaa, in fact have balls of steel? (This feels like a soap opera almost) Tune in next chapter to find out! Speculations?
Questions for Chapters 24 & 25
#48 – Eek! I was thinking Nicolaa was slightly sicker than the Dragon, but it looks to me as if they are evenly matched. He is one sadistic SOB; guess he’s the Big Fuc#er, right? Servanne is battered and bruised and Eduard is in worse shape. Think they both will make it?
#49 – What is happening to Biddy? Is the Old Blister having a heart attack or stroke? What was all that about being dazzled by Servanne’s treasure box? Will she make it in time to tell the Wolf, or will Sparrow find her? All her info he already seems to know, right; or is there something else? Or, maybe about Eduard, but I’m not sure she got that he is the Wolf’s son.
#50 – Stupid question, but do you trust the Dragon to keep his word and not order an arrow in the Wolf’s back, plus give back Servanne should he win?
#51 – Were you surprised both Prince John and the Dragon let the little princess go, or did it make sense that neither wanted a war on their hands?
#52 – Is the Wolf’s mind sufficiently on the challenge at hand to win the day? With regards to Guy de Gisbourne, will he “mark him well anyway if there is trouble” as Sparrow warns?
Questions for Chapter 26 – 27
53. Are you f*ucking kidding me? Tell me Lucien did NOT just get a massive case of the stupids. Why didn't he just kill Etienne when he had the damn opportunity?!
54. Lucien now knows he's a daddy. Obviously there isn't time for a tender Hallmark moment, but how do you think they'll get on after the baddies get dead?
55. That prison break was an epic c*ck up. Were you surprised how poorly it went? How about the level of violence and body count of good guys? Is this really even a romance at this point?
Questions for Chapters 28, 29 and Epilogue
56. What did you think of the scene where Gil and Alaric were snogging in front of everyone??
57. Was there ever any doubt that Etienne would discover the way out through the wall? What about Nicolaa piping up with the perfect plan of attack? Really I hadn’t read a villainess this evil in ages! I’m trying to think of one that might compare to her for bloodthirst and general conniving b*thcniness.
58. Gil and Eduard have been sent down to get a boat, Sparrow has gone to get more men, De Chesnai has gone to get a wagon. It’s only Alaric and Lucien to free Servanne and we find ourselves back where we started. Was this scene richer for you now, or just the calm before the storm of the later skirmish?
59. Did you think anymore of the main character might not make it in the skirmish by the bay? Who?
60. What a fight! Ding dong, the F*ckers are dead! Yeeha! There were so many in the end who saved the day: if not for Biddy’s information, if not for Sparrow bringing the extra men when he did, if not for Alaric with the bow and Gil being the awesome-sauce secondary character that she is… Who has been your favorite secondary character?
60. Were you surprised with the plan to leave Bloodmoor and go back to France? What about Biddy’s survival?
61. Have all the loose ends been tied up to your satisfaction in this book? What would you like to have known more about before the end?
Sure, we are going slow though. Do you want to sign up for 9/2, chapters 4 & 5? Are you able to get the book? I think it is free on Nook right now.
Okay, ladies, questions posted. No pressure to post your answers. Sometime in the next two days.I thought I'd do something different and add a glossary of words we have looked up. They could be words for which you didn't know the definition, or even words you just wanted to double check. Let me know if you want me to add any.
Lisa, I have the book, and slow is great for me at the moment! Sign me up for 2nd Sep :-)
Fantastico! I'm reading chapter one right now. Hoping to get through it afore I pass out. *_*
I read this book many moons ago, and Loved it! I'll be interested to see what everyone thinks of this trilogy, It still remains one of my Top 10 best reads and I'm planning to revisit it in a challenge I have planned in the near furture. I hope you don't mind if I lurk around to see all your comments :)
Lurk away, ~♥ Kat ♥~! Glad you popped in. :)
Thanks, I definately have a soft spot for Marsha Canham's RobinHood Trilogy, it's definately a series of books that take you through many highs and lows, I hope you all enjoy them like I did :)
Sans' answers for Prologue – Chapter 11. Bad enough to be trapped in a small, cold, smelly, moldy, damp, dark cell, but to hear the waves crashing on the rocks outside… Uh, no thanks. While I am a good swimmer, being confined is too much threat of drowning for me. Which one of these descriptive adjectives got to you the most?
I love the ocean, but I stopped swimming after I almost drowned at a pool as a child (totally my fault & there's a reason adults tell you not to run at a pool). I think Moldy and damp got to me the worst. I hate the smell of mold.
2. Ms. Canham’s writing is very expressive. It is not really “purple prose” but is still quite wordy. Do you like this style? Does she help you get a more authentic feel of the medieval era? What about her action scenes? Do they work for you, or do you lose interest and want to skim to get to some dialogue?
I do like the style. It feels more authentic than most "modern" medieval books (does that even make sense??). The action scene in the prologue reminded me of something but I was never able to pinpoint it. The forest ambush was screaming The Adventures of Robin Hood, just with more blood. The dialogue is actually bogging me down a bit. I did like the Wolf's antagonism at the end of the first chapter though!
3. All that prologue only to find out the beginning is the end. We have to wait for the conclusion of this book to find out what happened to poor Servanne, Lucien, Alaric, Eduard and the others. Does this type of story stratagem appeal to you, are you neutral, or do you dislike it with a passion?
Actually, it does. The book I'm writing has the same type of prologue. ^o^
4. The longbow was a masterful weapon that required skill and strength; it was on the cutting edge in its day. Did you realize this as you read chapter 1 or could you care less?
I did, but I was obsessed with History Channel and Discovery History when we still had telly. ^_^;
5. Ah. Just when we thought we knew who the hero was we find out (view spoiler). Is the book holding your attention so far? Are you comfortable with the pace we are going to go?
Yes and YES! I'm so focused on our Western read that I don't think I could handle more than one chapter per day. ^o^
Great questions, Lisa!
@Sans#1 - I hate mold too! Just had my roof repaired and there was black mold up there. The cost to get rid of that stuff is exorbitant - over $10,000 to repair the roof and I just know it is still going to leak come winter. **sigh**
#2 - Makes sense to me!
#3 - You are writing a book! So am I. :) I sumitted mine, but they turned it down.
#4 - Me too! Still watch them. Use TiVo to program "Modern Marvels".
#5 - MM, MM!
Thanks!
Questions for Prologue – Chapter 1 1. Bad enough to be trapped in a small, cold, smelly, moldy, damp, dark cell, but to hear the waves crashing on the rocks outside… Uh, no thanks. While I am a good swimmer, being confined is too much threat of drowning for me. Which one of these descriptive adjectives got to you the most?
I wouldn’t like the mold. Ick. See my 10,000 reasons in my response to Sans' answers.
2. Ms. Canham’s writing is very expressive. It is not really “purple prose” but is still quite wordy. Do you like this style? Does she help you get a more authentic feel of the medieval era? What about her action scenes? Do they work for you, or do you lose interest and want to skim to get to some dialogue?
I love the way she writes. We had a few people drop out of the last buddy read we did. But it was my first book by her and I loved it. She does the action scenes so well.
3. All that prologue only to find out the beginning is the end. We have to wait for the conclusion of this book to find out what happened to poor Servanne, Lucien, Alaric, Eduard and the others. Does this type of story stratagem appeal to you, are you neutral, or do you dislike it with a passion?
I’m neutral. I think I’m patient enough that it works for me.
4. The longbow was a masterful weapon that required skill and strength; it was on the cutting edge in its day. Did you realize this as you read chapter 1 or could you care less?
Yes. I watched the History Channel on the legend of Robin Hood and it was fascinating. It really is a beautiful weapon.
5. Ah. Just when we thought we knew who the hero was we find out . Is the book holding your attention so far? Are you comfortable with the pace we are going to go?
So far so good! I’m comfortable with the pace. Kind of nice to know I’m getting this one done and not stressing over it and all the other faster reads I need to get to. Loved the Lucien twist, LOL!
@Lisa,#1 - *winces*
#2 - It's a very different writing style than what I've gotten used to! It's more of a novel than a romance book. Speaking of, any chance I could convince you to read Robert the Bruce: Steps to the Empty Throne with me at some point? ^o^
#3 - Keep trying, babe! Some of the best books I've ever read had several rejections behind it before someone smart picked it up. Have you considered self-publishing? What kind of book is it?
#4 - I like to watch History & Discovery channel documentaries on Netflix. ^o^ A few years ago there was this one show with a (really cute) British host about ancient weapons. I tried to google it, but I can't find anything about it. :(
#5 - Yaaaay!
Questions for chapters 2-36. Checked the publishing date and this is well within the "old skool" heyday. The Black Wolf has no compunction about threatening to rape Servanne to secure her cooperation (not that I believe he'd actually do it!) and that's not something a "hero" does in books written in recent years. What do you think of the tone so far? How different is it from what you usually read?
7. For a hot second, I thought she'd actually found sanctuary. You?
8. We meet the infamous Nicolaa and the "pretty" Lucian seen at court. Impressions?
9. How accurate do you think the settings and "major" historical figures are?
Words I had to look up:
Scrofulous: having a diseased run-down appearance (I get the run down bit, but...I thought Servanne was just remarking a few pages ago about how well-kept the outlaws looked?)
Breeks: a Scots term for breeches
@Sans - response to Post #17#2 - Never heard of it b/f, but I love that era, and that character is fascinating, so sure. I'd have to get a copy. The only one available at the library is a hardcopy downtown S.J.
#3 - I have thought of self-publishing. It is a historical western romance, mail-order bride that doesn’t end up with the guy who sent for her. :) What is yours about?
#4 - Sounds very familiar. He showed how people in history really fought and put it to the test with other people demonstrating/reenacting?
#5 - :)
#2 - I've got the omnibus at home (it's a freaking doorstop!) but I'll root around my library. I think they've got a paperback copy. If they do, I'll send you mine and read the library one. ^o^#3 - I wanna read your book!! Mine is a Scottish historical set around the Jacobite Rising. Girl is a member of the Scots nobility and is in love with her father's steward/adoptive son. He's about 10 years older than her and believes she's too good for him so he goes to fight the British. She thinks he's dead so she marries someone else and everything goes to hell from there. One of my BFFs is writing it with me.
#4 - YES! That's exactly what the show was like! He'd get weapons masters on and they'd get into period armor and show how the weapons were used and the proper way to fight. It wasn't Deadliest Warrior, but I can't figure out what it was.
@Sugar Bean#2 - Great! Now to schedule it! Should we do it like this one? Nice and slow?
#3 - Okay. But, knowing me, I'll have to look it over again b/f I send it to you. And then I'd have to fix something... and then it could be months down the road, LOL! Is yours ready to read?
#4 - Okay. Now that is going to bug me until I remember the name.
I need a cute nickname for you. *ponders*#2 - I definitely think we should take the Bruce book slow. Yeah, one chappy/day sounds good! Want to make that our slow one after we finish this?
#3 - LOL! I know how that is! No, ours is just transitioning between the outline to the first draft stage. We've got a couple chapters written.
#4 - Right?? I was searching for an hour last night. Wait. Was it on Spike TV? I was looking at Discovery and History.
It might have orginally been on Spike TV, but I'm pretty sure it was on Discover or History when I watched it... which was within the last 6-8 months. Maybe they got it form Spike.
Found it! It was on History International, the show was called Conquest (the host's name is Peter Woodward). My daddy is awesome. I rang him this morning and he found it in two minutes. XDhttp://youtu.be/CxZ8iFtSvss
Ah! You are so lucky to have such a neat daddy! Mine was awesome too. I just checked TiVo (I love programming something on my ex's **hee hee**), and it is NOT playing right now. Drat! That would have been a fun surprise for him. But, yup, that is the show and host I was thinking of.
Sans, I've read up through chapter 2; will read chapter 3 and then post my answers. It maybe after midnight. Or tomorrow! :)
CaroB's answers for Prologue – Chapter 1 Great questions!
1. Bad enough to be trapped in a small, cold, smelly, moldy, damp, dark cell, but to hear the waves crashing on the rocks outside… Uh, no thanks. While I am a good swimmer, being confined is too much threat of drowning for me. Which one of these descriptive adjectives got to you the most? For me it was "damp" with all the UGH factor that entails. Ugh, I tell you, UGH!
2. Ms. Canham’s writing is very expressive. It is not really “purple prose” but is still quite wordy. Do you like this style? Does she help you get a more authentic feel of the medieval era? What about her action scenes? Do they work for you, or do you lose interest and want to skim to get to some dialogue? I do like her writing style, however I feel at times Canham overdoes it. I have found myself nodding off in some spots when I'm reading late at night, which is never a good thing. Having said that, it does have a VERY authentic feel, she chooses her words well. She just chooses a lot of them :-) Absolutely loving the dialogue though! Makes me think of the old Errol Flynn version of Robin Hood and the richness of the language there. I'll also admit ehre that I'm enjoying the Wolf's smart-a*** sense of humour!
3. All that prologue only to find out the beginning is the end. We have to wait for the conclusion of this book to find out what happened to poor Servanne, Lucien, Alaric, Eduard and the others. Does this type of story stratagem appeal to you, are you neutral, or do you dislike it with a passion? I groaned when I got to the end of the prologue and let out a very loud "Are you KIDDING me?" But then of course, I kept reading because surely that can't be how it really ends.... can it?
4. The longbow was a masterful weapon that required skill and strength; it was on the cutting edge in its day. Did you realize this as you read chapter 1 or could you care less? I didn't realise that, and while it doesn't make a difference to my enjoyment of the story, I do love finding out odd bits of historical trivia when I read!
5. Ah. Just when we thought we knew who the hero was we find out (view spoiler). Is the book holding your attention so far? Are you comfortable with the pace we are going to go? I think that point was where I stopped nodding off in parts. I think it took me 4 days to read the first three chapters, then an hour to get from there to the end of chapter 5 :-) Very comfortable with this pace!
@ Sans, re: post #14#2- makes sense to me too, and completely agree on the forest scene.
#3- Wow, I admire that. Good luck with it!
@ Lisa, re: post #16#3 - I must be the impatient one of this group :-D
#5- Ditto!
CaroB's answers for chapters 2-36. Checked the publishing date and this is well within the "old skool" heyday. The Black Wolf has no compunction about threatening to rape Servanne to secure her cooperation (not that I believe he'd actually do it!) and that's not something a "hero" does in books written in recent years. What do you think of the tone so far? How different is it from what you usually read? I haven't read a book like this in years, but I devoured them back in high-school, so it has a comfortbale sense of the familiar. I'm really glad though that the rough hero has become passe. Not a huge fan of the violent=masculine protagonists of old. I agree, Sans, I don't think he'd do it either!
7. For a hot second, I thought she'd actually found sanctuary. You? Yes! Had to re-read those few pages.
8. We meet the infamous Nicolaa and the "pretty" Lucian seen at court. Impressions? I'm very very scared of Nicolaa, and still trying to figure out what the go is with the golden Lucien.
9. How accurate do you think the settings and "major" historical figures are? So far it has a very authentic feel in all descriptions of setting, clothing and language/dialogue.
CaroB's questions for Chapters 4 & 5Is it ok if I post these already?
10. Servanne has shown herself to be young, rash and sheltered, but she is also becoming more curious about her captors. Do you think there are moments where she is TSTL? Do you think her pride will be dangerous? Why do you think The Black Wolf is reluctant to deal with her as harshly as his men expect?
11. What do you make of Sparrow? Is he a teenager or a dwarf or something else?
12. It's interesting to see the attraction growing on both sides, but why do think a naked Servanne gave the Black Wolf flashbacks to a young Nicolaa and her treachery? Were you surprised that Nicolaa and the golden Lucien had been lovers for that long?
13. At the end of chapter 5, do you think the Black Wolf really intends to rape Servanne?
CaroB wrote: "Is it ok if I post these already?"Of course! I'll get my answers up later tonight or tomorrow though. ^o^
I love reading all your comments and hearing your take on the things that are taking place in the book, are you all planning to continue with the trilogy once this book is done?
CaroB wrote: "@ Lisa, re: post # 15#3- Keep trying!!! Thought of this when I saw your response."
60! **sound of thud as Lisa Kay falls to floor**
Great article, BTW, CaroB - made me cry. ;_: But also laugh :D and gave me hope. :)
@CaroB#2 - One of my ex's favorite movie star is Errol Flynn so, between him and my older brother, I've seen his version of Robin Hood many times! Yes, MC does a nice tongue-in-cheek dialogue here.
#3 - So we are all different on this one: Yae!, neutral, AYKM?! Interesting.
#4 - Actually, as with most weapons, it changed the course of who won, who lost. It is still an impressive weapon up close. Heart trivia too! :)
#5 - I fell asleep last night in bed too! That is why I'm behind in my reading. I'd best stick to my Nook for PC copy.
Sorry for any typos and spelling errors - I'm on "little polka dot" (as I've taken to calling it) again today. :)
I've never seen it and I already think fondly of that laptop, Lisa :-) I've got a full day ahead today, so will be catching up on reading and answers tonight. Have a great day / evening!
Sans' answers for chapters 4-510. Servanne has shown herself to be young, rash and sheltered, but she is also becoming more curious about her captors. Do you think there are moments where she is TSTL? Do you think her pride will be dangerous? Why do you think The Black Wolf is reluctant to deal with her as harshly as his men expect?
Yeah, she's had several TSTL moments since chapter one. Judging by the prologue I'm going to have to say yes, she's going to get everyone in trouble with her pride. I wonder about The Black Wolf. I think it's a combination of shock at her audacity and reluctant enjoyment. I'm guessing not very many people tangle with him.
11. What do you make of Sparrow? Is he a teenager or a dwarf or something else?
Well, there was that line about Wolf saving him from a nightmare of a freak show, so I'm guessing a dwarf.
12. It's interesting to see the attraction growing on both sides, but why do think a naked Servanne gave the Black Wolf flashbacks to a young Nicolaa and her treachery? Were you surprised that Nicolaa and the golden Lucien had been lovers for that long?
I think he got the flashbacks because he's trying to remind himself that Servanne isn't there for his amusement, but she's there to make whoever the blond dude is pay for stealing his fiancee and his name. I wasn't surprised. She's got her claws in deep and it sounds like blond dude is the object of her fanatical obsession.
13. At the end of chapter 5, do you think the Black Wolf really intends to rape Servanne?
I think he's trying to talk himself into it, but I think he's not going to be able to.
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Sans Questions for Chapters 2-3 6. Checked the publishing date and this is well within the "old skool" heyday. The Black Wolf has no compunction about threatening to rape Servanne to secure her cooperation (not that I believe he'd actually do it!) and that's not something a "hero" does in books written in recent years. What do you think of the tone so far? How different is it from what you usually read?
I love the writing. I was pretty unhappy about The Black Wolf squeezing the air out of her ribcage until she all but passed out. A little too rough for me and brought my eyebrows down so low they still haven’t risen. This probably wouldn’t have bothered me “back in the day”, but now, post O.J., it is a little too brutal.
7. For a hot second, I thought she'd actually found sanctuary. You?
Yes, when I thought it was an abbey. As soon as the friar appeared, I thought of "Friar Tuck!" - and knew the lay of the land.
8. We meet the infamous Nicolaa and the "pretty" Lucian seen at court. Impressions?
I want to call her "Nicolaa the Nymph-o," but I just have to add “maniac” to her title. Could her other one be Big Fuc#er-ette? Pretty Court Lucian is disgusting; too enthralled with a known maniac – and having rough sex with her while she plots the death of Servanne? Nah. Doesn’t appeal to me.
9. How accurate do you think the settings and "major" historical figures?
Love the settings and that Eleanor of Aquitaine is still alive. Cool. I know MC did a lot of research (years) for this series, so I am enjoying that.
I got NO hits on Yahoo! (other than man-made) for "Silent Pool" or "Mum Pool" for Lincolnshire. **pouts**
All that is left of Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire
Lisa Kay’s Answers to CaroB’s Questions for Chapters 4 & 5 10. Servanne has shown herself to be young, rash and sheltered, but she is also becoming more curious about her captors. Do you think there are moments where she is TSTL? Do you think her pride will be dangerous? Why do you think The Black Wolf is reluctant to deal with her as harshly as his men expect?
Maybe, if TSTL stands for “stubborn” instead of stupid. Or maybe “stubbornly stupid”. TSSTL. Ha! Love it. Yes, her pride is going to add to any poor decision making she does. He is attracted to her, so this holds him back somewhat. That, and her youth. Hopefully, it is also b/c deep down he knows she shouldn’t hold her accountable for the transgressions of her (possible?) relatives. However, that would fit for the era. You do something heinous? It is a blot on your family’s honor, and therefore, you.
11. What do you make of Sparrow? Is he a teenager or a dwarf or something else?
OMG, CaroB. I am so glad you asked this question as it is one of mine. I don’t think he is a dwarf (though I’ve had moments when I’ve thought so); she doesn’t describe any disproportion in body to head, etc. He is “elf-like”. Hmmm… such a mystery.
12. It's interesting to see the attraction growing on both sides, but why do think a naked Servanne gave the Black Wolf flashbacks to a young Nicolaa and her treachery? Were you surprised that Nicolaa and the golden Lucien had been lovers for that long?
Yeah. I didn’t like that part, where he is holding her and flashing back to Nicolaa the Nymphomaniac. Yeah, a bit. Still trying to figure out how he and Pretty Court Lucian could be related and if it was PC Lucian who was shagging the nympho.
13. At the end of chapter 5, do you think the Black Wolf really intends to rape Servanne?
I think we might see a little “near rape” here as the publication barely is out of the Bodice Ripper dates and MC has said clearly, that while her writing has changed, she wrote what the publishers wanted back then. This has me a bit worried. **sigh**
I added to Words we’ll admit we looked up!
@Sans#10 - Yeah. The prologue gives the "pride" bit away doesn't it?
#11 - Yes, that is the part that made me switch to my thinking he was a dwarf, but then it switched back again. So, I don't know!
#12 - "...it sounds like blond dude is the object of her fanatical obsession..." Well said!
#13 - Ah, a slight difference of opinion. This could make things interesting.
@CaroB - Sorry, didn't mean to answer you out of order!#6 - "I'm really glad though that the rough hero has become passe." Ditto!
#8 - Yes she is a little Nympho-Maniacal! But is she the Big Fuc#er-ette?
#9 - MM (Single, LOL!)
So Lisa Kay invited me, and I'm a little ahead of your current reading schedule, but will try to stay on track. Here's my answers for the questions.1. Bad enough to be trapped in a small, cold, smelly, moldy, damp, dark cell, but to hear the waves crashing on the rocks outside… Uh, no thanks. While I am a good swimmer, being confined is too much threat of drowning for me. Which one of these descriptive adjectives got to you the most? It was the dark for me, not being able to see anything, but hearing all this other stuff, no thanks. I'd freak after 5 minutes.
2. Ms. Canham’s writing is very expressive. It is not really “purple prose” but is still quite wordy. Do you like this style? Does she help you get a more authentic feel of the medieval era? What about her action scenes? Do they work for you, or do you lose interest and want to skim to get to some dialogue? I'm really torn on this answer because I do think she has a great sense of style, I really feel like I'm in the book, but it gets to be too much for me after awhile, it's why I'm having trouble staying with the book.
3. All that prologue only to find out the beginning is the end. We have to wait for the conclusion of this book to find out what happened to poor Servanne, Lucien, Alaric, Eduard and the others. Does this type of story stratagem appeal to you, are you neutral, or do you dislike it with a passion? I liked it, it gave me something to look forward to. I think it has to be done right, and in the right type of book. You can do this in romance because we know the hero and heroine will be together at the end, this wouldn't fly in a mystery so well, I don't think.
4. The longbow was a masterful weapon that required skill and strength; it was on the cutting edge in its day. Did you realize this as you read chapter 1 or could you care less? Mostly could care less.
5. Ah. Just when we thought we knew who the hero was we find out (view spoiler). Is the book holding your attention so far? Are you comfortable with the pace we are going to go? As I said earlier, I've had trouble staying interested from the beginning, too wordy.
6. Checked the publishing date and this is well within the "old skool" heyday. The Black Wolf has no compunction about threatening to rape Servanne to secure her cooperation (not that I believe he'd actually do it!) and that's not something a "hero" does in books written in recent years. What do you think of the tone so far? How different is it from what you usually read? It's very different from what I usually read, but it doesn't bother me as I know this is how it was done back in the real heyday. I wish more authors were a little less worried about being so politically correct, because it often doesn't really fit.
7. For a hot second, I thought she'd actually found sanctuary. You? Yes! So far between this and the prologue, it was the most interesting part of the book for me.
8. We meet the infamous Nicolaa and the "pretty" Lucian seen at court. Impressions? Of course hate Nicolaa and wonder what the hell is he doing with her!?!
9. How accurate do you think the settings and "major" historical figures? Probably pretty accurate.
10. Servanne has shown herself to be young, rash and sheltered, but she is also becoming more curious about her captors. Do you think there are moments where she is TSTL? Do you think her pride will be dangerous? Why do you think The Black Wolf is reluctant to deal with her as harshly as his men expect? Maybe not TSTL, but definitely annoying. After she 'found' sanctuary and found out it really wasn't, she went downhill from there for me, still waiting on her to redeem herself. And yes, The Black Wolf is being too reluctant, I don't like.
11. What do you make of Sparrow? Is he a teenager or a dwarf or something else? I like him, so far. I'm thinking he's early 20's, one of those fairy like creatures, he's described as nimble and quick, that's how I view him.
12. It's interesting to see the attraction growing on both sides, but why do think a naked Servanne gave the Black Wolf flashbacks to a young Nicolaa and her treachery? Were you surprised that Nicolaa and the golden Lucien had been lovers for that long? Maybe because she has pale skin too? She must bathe in milk as well. And no, arrogant, ambitious and evil people usually love hanging out with other arrogant, ambitious and evil people. It's where the saying 'two peas in a pod' started, I'm sure.
13. At the end of chapter 5, do you think the Black Wolf really intends to rape Servanne? No, he's been too nice to her. After her first attempt to flee and he didn't backhand her or issue a harsher punishment, I knew he was a big softie.
Shelly, I am so glad you decided to join us! This is so neat. @ Shelly
#1 – I like it dark. But, I wouldn’t be so keen if there were rats and insects in there – which there probably were.
#2 – I do think her style got better when she didn’t have to write for the publishers.
#3 – I agree. It prologue trick has to be done right.
#4. – LOL! Okay! :)
#6 - This was a pretty brutal era. I hate when you see some historical romances so cleaned up that it is totally unrealistic.
#7 – Interesting.
#10 – Let’s hope!
#11 – Yes, he is almost too nimble to be a dwarf.
#12 - ”And no, arrogant, ambitious and evil people usually love hanging out with other arrogant, ambitious and evil people.” - LMAO! Very true!
#13 – Ah! We’ll see.
Shelly, do you want to do questions for Chapters 6 - 7 tomorrow? Or sign up for another time. No pressure intended. :)
Having to answer these questions ever few days may make it easier for me to stick with it. I hope, because I sincerely hate leaving books unfinished. I can count on one hand how many I've left unfinished.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
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This topic is open for discussion of Through a Dark Mist by Marsha Canham
GR Description:
Book One of the author's Robin Hood trilogy, Award-winning, Best Historical of the Year from Romantic Times: “A legend is brilliantly brought to life on the pages...it unfolds with all the adventure, rollicking good humor, wildly exciting escapades, cliff-hangers, and, most of all, smoldering sensuality any reader could desire."