Fantasy Book Club discussion

Those of you who have read the entire series, post your discussion here.

I am currently on the second book. I can't help myself and I always need to finish a series when I start it, but I am really looking forward to this one after the first book. Does it stay good??

Jennifer wrote: "I am currently on the second book. I can't help myself and I always need to finish a series when I start it, but I am really looking forward to this one after the first book. Does it stay good??"

In my opinion, I would say yes. I've read the first three books and, so far, the third one is my favourite. Tavi really seems to come into his own in that one and he downright amazed me in places. Mr. Butcher's depictions of epic battles are also outstanding.

I really like the series. The last book was a little bit of a letdown for me, but it could be that I read it too fast and missed some. But the series stays on my bookshelf by the bed, which isn't too large, so only the best ones go there!

It was OK, but I was very disappointed that main characters seemed to be immortal.

Masterfully done series, waiting for more Alera from Jim like it seems he said at some point he would try to do. The mark of a great author is when plot threads left dangling since book one or two are picked up in the last few books and, looking back, one sees that they were perfectly placed. Definitely will read again.

As a sidebar: the universe of Carna Butcher has crafted is second only to Tolkien's in potential. Love the depth.

What I particularly liked about the series was the proactive protagonist. Tavi doesn't sit around waiting for things to happen, for others to give him things or for solutions to drop into his lap. He's always trying to move forward.

I came off a book with a passive protagonist before reading Furies, so Tavi was a genuine pleasure to follow.

He said if the series was going to be in a visual bases, it will most likely be an Anime series.

I have fallen in love with this series and can't explain why. I gave the first book 3 stars, found it entertaining, but nothing really to rave about. I thought i'd ease my way into the rest of the series over the next 6 months. So when the book ended, i picked up a different genre read but my mind wouldn't let go of Tavi and a week later i picked up book 2. And in just 3 weeks, i'm now up to book 5. I even skipped a day of work just to read book 4. It's not a deep or complicated story line, but it's so visual for me...i become completely engrossed in what is going on and what is going to happen next and i am truly transported to another place. I'm really enjoying the trip and although i know the end is coming, i'm not ready for it to be over.
UPDATE:
Finished the last book and it was my least favorite, so much so taht i actually disliked it. Maybe i had gorged myself on the 1st 5 too fast, but i felt it did very little to advance the story line and was nothing but one long drawn out battle.

However my opinion about the first 5 haven't changed. Really enjoyed them!

Laura wrote: "I have fallen in love with this series and can't explain why. I gave the first book 3 stars, found it entertaining, but nothing really to rave about. I thought i'd ease my way into the rest of th..."

My feeling for this series was similar. I enjoyed most of it until the last book, with the Princeps volume being the best out of them. I couldn't wait for the battles to end in the last book and something actually happen that advanced the story or gave a feeling that something good would come out of all the death. It left me rather put out by it when it was all over.

Loved this series.. It starts a bit slow, and i kept waiting and waiting for Tavi to get some "powers", and when i finally realized that wasnt going to happen(anytime soon) i was already hooked by the story so i didnt get too dissapointed.. Besides, Tavi does really well despite being "crippled", he's very proactive and resourceful..

The series gets better and better by each book, but i agree that the last one perhaps wasnt all it could have been..

I'm not sure i want butcher to write more in this series.. First i want the dresden files done, the quicker the better, and then there's that epic Butchers been talking about writing..

Too bad we cant clone Butcher, then i'm not sure i would read anything else ;)
Maybe i could get my own Butcher, and order him to write whatever i wanted.. That would be Great!

I just started the fourth book, and the series has really grown on me. How can anyone not like Tavi?
I am not really a fan of military jargon (I get bored) but I am not being bothered by this one. I will complete the series (as if I had a choice in the matter).

Jennifer wrote: "I just started the fourth book, and the series has really grown on me. How can anyone not like Tavi?
I am not really a fan of military jargon (I get bored) but I am not being bothered by this one...."

I agree, Tavi is great, but what I really like about butcher's books are the battles. The detailed descriptions of armies and strategies is what kept me going.

One thing I really loved about the series is the development of Tavi. Unlike someone like Richard from the SOT, whenever Tavi got into a jam, he didn't just develop a new power to get him out of it. He always had to think his way out.

And Araris is awesome!

I just finished the the fifth book, and I must say that this series is one of my favorites. Not my number one, but easily in my top five. I love studying history, so reading a series that was so obviously influenced by Roman culture and history is great.