Ryne’s
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(group member since Aug 21, 2018)
No
It's important to note that this series is a continuation of an enormous galaxy where each world's inhabitants have different methods of using the three realms (physical, cognitive, spiritual) to create magic. It generally follows the rules of thermodynamics, and with the variance between worlds the depth is breathtaking.To get everyone up-to-date on major celestial happenings, an all-powerful deity-like being called Adonalsium was shattered into 16 shards, each providing a unique aspect of magic depending on which world they are interacting with.
With the Stormlight Archive, it's incredibly important to pay attention to the epigraphs, or introductory sentences/phrases/poems that precede each chapter. With some assistance from the wiki (https://coppermind.net/wik) as needed, they spell out a whole mess of behind-the-scenes action or historical references.
Prologue:
We get Jasnah's point of view during the peace celebration in which the king was murdered, which started these Crusades of the Alethi vs the Parshendi. Our assassin in white makes an appearance, and we also are introduced to Nale and Ash, who will be more involved as the series goes on.
Chapter 1:
We're back with Shallan and Jasnah at sea, and I know how dull a lot of the studying part can be, but it's of utmost importance to begin to understand the depth and connection of the cognitive realm in Roshar. We've never dived this deep into the theory of magic before regarding this realm, so it's really unraveling some of the mystery and enigma in the Cosmere (the universe in which this takes place). We get more rumblings of "Knights Radiant" and additional foreshadowing of Shallan's magical powers.
Here's a thread for discussion of the book once you're finished with it. Love, hate it? Confused about something? Discuss away!
HOLY PLOT TWIST LOL. Started laughing uncontrollably at work whilst sitting on the john. So good.
Collaborative reading is one of my favorite hobbies. Even in high school and college, I found English and Literature classes to be the most enjoyable, even though I excelled at mathematics. I thrived on the debate and discussion of author implications and reader inferences. It was a simple, enjoyable way to ensure I got the most out of a book.
I'm starting our first thread in this book club so we have a place to mention our favorite passages, ask any questions, otherwise comment on sections of the book together.
Remember, we're reading individually, but we can still collaborate on understanding.
That said, let me go first. First of all, welcome to the Vonnegut writing style if this is your first book authored by the man. He's not painting an elaborate picture with voluminous words, and is almost sometimes choppy with his sentences. There's still something endearing about it.
His mentions of not loving his job really stood out to me. I know he often viewed writing as "work" but reading his disdain for his profession here makes me feel better about my job. I don't love what I do all day, every day, but it's ultimately a means to an end. It enables me to survive and spend my life "farting around" as Kurt so aptly phrases it.
Anyway, I would love to have discussions, but please don't feel obligated. Let's have fun in here and also just love everyone a little bit more :)
--Ryne
