The Sword and Laser discussion
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Assassin's Apprentice
2012 Reads
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AA: Just a question. Not giving up already
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Jonathan
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rated it 5 stars
Aug 01, 2012 12:13AM
The book is great so far but some of the names just seem like one word character descriptions that might be meant to clue us in on a character flaw. Some examples being Regal, Chivalry and even the dog Nosy (which that last one might admitted be an ebook spelling error, as that can happen). I'm not that far in, so I'm not sure if it's limited to just those big examples, but still Is anyone else kind of distracted by some of the names? Again, not giving up because so far the book, especially the pacing, is great. Just kind of being distracted by some of the character names.
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Jonathan wrote: "The book is great so far but some of the names just seem like one word character descriptions that might be meant to clue us in on a character flaw. Some examples being Regal, Chivalry and even the..."Oh the names.... you'll find some of them being an irony once you finish the books
The names are intentional. I remember there being a specific section, early on it seems, that addresses this very subject. If you haven't reached this yet, I am guessing you soon will.
I'm only about 36 pages in right now, so I might not have hit the section you brought up Casey. But regardless, thanks for the heads up.
I kind of like the names thing. It gives me the feeling this book is a take on the old fantasy kingdom of yore. Back when this book was written, I don't think fantasy was as edgy as it is now? So this seems to me to be a subtle twist that already seems to hint at being more than meets the eye. I find it one of the more interesting things about the book.
I just had to ask about the names because this is my first read through of the book. Hell, it's my first book of the author's, so I really wasn't knowing what to expect in general. Then again, this club has been great so far for getting me to read out of my comfort zone for pleasure reading.
From the first pageAnd of the first real King, little more than his name and some extravagant legends remain. Taker his name was, quite simply, and perhaps with that naming began the tradition that daughters and sons of his lineage would be given names that would shape their lives and beings. Folk beliefs claim that such names were sealed to the newborn babes by magic, and that these royal offspring were incapable of betraying the virtues whose names they bore. Passed through fire and plunged through salt water and offered to the winds of the air; thus were names sealed to these chosen children. So we are told. A pretty fancy, and perhaps once there was such a ritual, but history shows us this was not always sufficient to bind a child to the virtue that named it ...
Oh wow. I can't believe I missed that. Ah reading during lulls at work or ehen exhausted. Awesome.
You know this kinda reminds of What neil gaiman and terry pratchett do in good omens, tying the fate of characters with Their names.
victor wrote: "You know this kinda reminds of What neil gaiman and terry pratchett do in good omens, tying the fate of characters with Their names."Like when Wensleydale acts cheesy :-S
Which names are you talking about?
Kate: remember when adam is to name his helldog so his name will shape its form but it turns turns out silly because he names it "dog"?Also, adam's dad decision to name him after the first man.
victor wrote: "Kate: remember when adam is to name his helldog so his name will shape its form but it turns turns out silly because he names it "dog"?Also, adam's dad decision to name him after the first man."
Ah, okay. That makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.
