Fantasy Book Club Series discussion

This thread is for those who've finished the book to discuss away!

Persephone, Suri, Minna, Raithe, Malcolm.....who is your fave? What twist did you see coming?
Mine was Suri's parentage, when it was first mentioned that Maeve had had a child left to the woods.....

Raithe and Malcolm were my favorites, although I also loved all of the distinct personalities in the village, too. Some of my favorite scenes were when they were all gathered in the hut just talking and doing chores!

Michelle wrote: "Raithe and Malcolm were my favorites, although I also loved all of the distinct personalities in the village, too. Some of my favorite scenes were when they were all gathered in the hut just talkin..."

Oh man, Raithe cracked me up with his totally deadpan responses to Malcolm's worries and complaints. They were definitely my favorites in the book too. I loved it when they decided they were clansmen, that was such a great moment between them. I also loved Suri, she was amazing. I hope we get to see more of her in the next book.

AliciaJ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Raithe and Malcolm were my favorites, although I also loved all of the distinct personalities in the village, too. Some of my favorite scenes were when they were all gathered in th..."

And Moya! She was so plucky, and she also gave me the giggles.

9/10
Michael J. Sullivan is a gifted storyteller—the story just flows along. I know from previous experience, however, that a deceptively simple and straightforward story hides clues and foreshadowing to which I later will wish I had paid more attention. I’ve read The Riyria Revelations (though not the Chronicles) and saw how his writing matured and developed as the story grew, and I suspect the same will be true in this series.

Lothian and Gryndal were pretty flat, predictable characters and Mawyndulë is still undeveloped, though what we’ve seen so far is unimpressive and does not bode well for the future. Trilos is an enigma—maybe a god?

Suri was probably my favorite character (and yes, in my head I pronounced it “Siri”, lol). Raithe and Malcom make a great pair but the very last chapter hints at a broader backstory for the mysterious Malcom.

Arion is certainly skilled and principled, but she has a lot of “real world” learning to do. The isolation of the Miralyith is a handicap in terms of understanding the world beyond Estramnadon.

And Seph—so capable, so practical, quick-thinking and able to act even when terrified! She has surrounded herself with people she can trust and on whom she can rely—a trait of a good leader is to have solid advisors.

I have read the Riyria Revelations & Chronicles, as well as Nolyn, so I really enjoyed the Easter eggs. As a matter of fact, I'm rereading the Chronicles right now.

I wasn't a fan of Persephone for the first half, but she grew on me later on in the book.

Michelle wrote: "I have read the Riyria Revelations & Chronicles, as well as Nolyn, so I really enjoyed the Easter eggs. As a matter of fact, I'm rereading the Chronicles right now.

I wasn't a fan of Persephone fo..."

This is my first foray into these books, even though they've been on my bookshelves for ages, just waiting for me to stop being dumb and pick them up to read. That's one reason why I love this book club series read, it gets me to actually open and read the books I've been collecting for years LOL.

It makes you feel like you accomplished something, doesn't it?!

Michelle wrote: "It makes you feel like you accomplished something, doesn't it?!"

Absolutely! Now if only I could quit adding to the pile for a year or so, so I can get caught up LOL.

I think most of us are right there with you ;)

I went to our library .50 cent sale and spent $24.....how does one even do that?

Maggie wrote: "I went to our library .50 cent sale and spent $24.....how does one even do that?"

Very easily, I should imagine ;). Lucky you!

I read this a couple years ago, and thought it was just okay. I'd be willing to continue with the series, possibly. But I haven't read any of Sullivan's other series. Should I read Riyria before moving on to Age of Swords?

I would, Ryan! Hadrian & Royce are supremely entertaining. I'm on my third reading of that series. It has bit of a different feel than this one.

Ryan wrote: "Should I read Riyria before moving on to Age of Swords?”

I’ve read one of the Riyria series. I don’t think it’s necessary to read either of the Riyria series before the Legends of the First Empire series. But at some point, yes, read Riyria—entertaining and well-written.