Fantasy Book Club discussion

Stone of Farewell discussion of our continuing buddy read series by Tad Williams.

Mark your spoilers so all can follow.

I'm in.
I'll start this soon.

Got my library book over the weekend and dove in to the story...up to chapter 5. Nice that Book 2 began with a brief recap of the first book, and then got right down to the action, updating the characters and their precarious situations.

Some interesting developments: (view spoiler)[ Yay, we find out what happened to Leleth, the servant girl at death's door left in the care of Geloe. And nice to have another brush with Geloe as well. Hopefully we haven't heard the last from her character.

Oh, Binabik!!! You silly troll-man! "Hell hath no fury like woman scorned"! Haven't yet read his final fate, but come on...please do not kill him off. Too much knowledge left to impart on Simon for him to drop out of the picture like Morgenes.

Jiriki's gift of the "seeing mirror" to Simon added a nice magical element linking the characters...will have to see how that plays out.

Scenes built around the Norns are dark and creepy as they pick off Josua's followers. I cringe when the author switches to these passages.

And then there's the added humor from the minor character Lenti, the henchman for the Count. Avi Stetto..."I have a knife"!! lol (hide spoiler)]

Yes, SImon is (view spoiler)[beginning to have "Christmas-Tree Syndrome" in this book! (A reference to a DUngeons and Dragons character who is outfitted with so many magic items that he glows.) (hide spoiler)]

WIlliams also does a good job of (view spoiler)[differentiating between the Sithi and the Norns. (hide spoiler)]

This books also begins the trend of (view spoiler)[more focus on the tertiary characers. WHile Chair was more focused, Stone gives you a bit more of the "big picture" of where various cultures stand through the eyes of a handful of it's citizens. (hide spoiler)]

As I'm reading through this for now the 4th time, it's amazing how much of the greater plot and even specific scenes have stuck with me over the years!

Shadowdenizen wrote: "This books also begins the trend of [spoilers removed]..."

Good to know...looking forward to this aspect. It works because the author took the time to fully develop all of the characters. Each has their own interesting perspective; whether or not the reader likes the character.

Finished Part One...up to chapter 11. Overall this book seems more cohesive than the first. The four main storylines, led by Simon, Josua, Miriamele, and Elias, each hold my interest in their own way...I'm enjoying them all. The author wrote some strong female characters (Geloe, Sisqi, Miriamele, Gutrun). The only character I have no use for is (view spoiler)[Vorzheva. She does nothing to add to the story for me, and has become an annoyance. (hide spoiler)].

Just as I was wondering what happened to (view spoiler)[Isgrimnur in his search for Miriamele...he enters the story. (hide spoiler)].

Nice added touch to have Lendi pop up from time to time...always good for a chuckle.

Double edged sword to write complete secondary characters...more to enjoy, and more to feel sad about. (view spoiler)[Haestan :-( (hide spoiler)].

[quote]Double edged sword to write complete secondary characters...more to enjoy, and more to feel sad about. [/quote]

Oh, it gets worse.
In the best possible way.

Funny, I'd completely forgotten about Vorzheva in my previous read-throughs. We'll see if she sticks in my memory after this read-through.

Many books suffer from "Middle Volume" syndrome, but I'm glad this book doesn't fall into that category. As Monica said, in some ways it's actually the strongest of the trilogy.

Remarkably well crafted book.

An action-packed Part Two covers chapters 11 - 17. Starts off with a fifth major storyline, led by Maegwin & Eolair. (I had forgotten about their journey.) Very interesting development (view spoiler)[Maegwin in search of the Sithi's help in city of the Peaceful Ones finds "the shouting stone" and encounters another "race"...the Dwarrows. Looking forward to more of their story. (hide spoiler)]

Following Simon's group (view spoiler)[Skodi was freakishly bizarre. The Bukken are not so scary after meeting up with her. (hide spoiler)]

Binabek's people have some great sayings....worrying about things that cannot be changed: "When your teeth are gone, learn to like mush."

Characters from the first book that I thought would play a greater role are Towser and Sanfugol. So far they are very much in the background. Josua "Lackhand" is turning out to be "lackluster". A much weaker leader than I had expected. Which brings me to the following speculation:(view spoiler)[At some point it will be revealed that Simon is really from noble birth...perhaps even a half brother to Elias and Josua (ala FitzChivalry Farseer...uncanny similarities between the two). Wouldn't be surprised if Simon ascends to the throne and marries Miriabele. Three swords...three "brothers". Elias has Sorrow, Simon has Thorn, and that leaves Josua with his father's sword, Memory. Purely speculation on my part. (hide spoiler)]

The League of the Scroll. The first book listed seven members.(view spoiler)[Four have been killed off: Ookequk, Morgenes,Jarnauga, and Dinivan.A fifth is revealed as Tiamak...two left to uncover. (hide spoiler)]

One irksome detail the author overlooked about (view spoiler)[Miriamele's disguise. Several months have passed since she cut her hair and dyed it black . Hair grows quickly, so if she's not stopping at a beauty parlor or drugstore for hair dye, that disguise is blown with her blonde hair already quite grown in. Maybe should have given her a hat of some sort. (hide spoiler)].

Interesting speculation!
I will nether confirm nor deny your thoughts.

And the (view spoiler)[MIramele thing? I'll allow some leeway on that, given that it's somewhat crucial to the plot. And SImon, while endearingly charming and growing substanstially as a character, is still not the most observant of characters ever created. (hide spoiler)]

Per your spoiler...(view spoiler)[Yes, Simon is becoming more and more interesting; developing and offering glimmers of leadership (coupled with an extraordinary amount of dumb luck), but he "can't see the forest through the trees".

Note to self: Apparently all fantasy novel scars received from demonic beings "burn" (Simon, Harry Potter, FtizChivalry Farseer). (hide spoiler)]

I've said it repeatedly, but I'll say it again; that's what makes him such an engaging character; realistic portrayal of foibles and flaws, coupled with his growth as a character.

I'd also forgotten how much I love Binabik. And I'm loving the (view spoiler)[Maegwin/Eolair bits. Depsite the fact they initially came off as "Riders of Rohan" lite, they gradually grew into some of my favorite characters in the series. (hide spoiler)]

I am a few chapters in...

(view spoiler)[ I'm finding the writing at the beginning a little long winded to be honest. I love being back with Binakin and kantaka, and am fascinated by the way the different threads of the story are coming together. My least favourite story thread is Maegwin and Eolair. so lets hope there isn't much of that. But already, MY GOD, I want to slap Mirriamele for her silly behavior :-) (hide spoiler)]

Scarletine wrote: "I am a few chapters in..."

Re: the last part of your spoiler -- there are moments with that character, aren't there? :-)

I'm already 80% into To the Green Angel Tower: Part 1, so I've already forgotten what things I wanted to comment on in Stone of Farewell.

I agree with Scarletine that the writing is a little long-winded. But oddly, while other slow books usually put me to sleep, this one kept me reading past my usual bedtime.

I love Sisqi. I loved it when I discovered that (view spoiler)[Binabik has a love interest! It was a nice surprise. I wished that she would come with them on their journey to the Stone of Farewell, She would have brought some spark to the group. I was disappointed when she stayed behind. (hide spoiler)]

I was devastated when (view spoiler)[Haestan died! I love that guy. He was a good mentor to Simon. (hide spoiler)]

Femmy wrote: "I love Sisqi. I loved it when I discovered that -..." Yes, Sisqi was a nice touch to the story, and I too was surprised (view spoiler)[that she went her separate way. Would have loved for her to continue on to the Stone as well. And, Haestan...very sad when he died. I liked his character and how Simon took to him. (hide spoiler)]

So I am about 300 pages in. Finding this just as slow going as book 1, but also just as enjoyable. Hopefully I'll finish by the end of the month. I've gotten distracted and haven't been reading much.

Monica wrote: "Got my library book over the weekend and dove in to the story...up to chapter 5. Nice that Book 2 began with a brief recap of the first book, and then got right down to the action, updating the cha..."

LOL Monica, Lenti feels like he's straight from Princess Bride doesn't he?

Shadowdenizen wrote: "I've said it repeatedly, but I'll say it again; that's what makes him such an engaging character; realistic portrayal of foibles and flaws, coupled with his growth as a character.

I'd also forgott..."

I agree 100% - Simon's not just a reluctant hero - he's a terrified boy trying and failing and missing the point. Binabik is his friend as much as his mentor - and I love that too.

I find myself unable to comment much - because I'm so familiar with the story and don't want to give anything away, but I'm enjoying hearing everyone's thoughts!

I also like Simon's longing for a permanent home. I don't like to travel, so whenever I have to do so, although I do enjoy my trips, I always long for my comfortable bed at home. So I can imagine how Simon feels, being suddenly uprooted from the only home he'd ever known, with only a slim possibility of ever getting it back. I also look forward to the time when he possibly eventually understand about Morgenes' words to make a home in his mind with his friends, instead of with a physical place.

[quote]
I find myself unable to comment much - because I'm so familiar with the story and don't want to give anything away, but I'm enjoying hearing everyone's thoughts! [/quote]

That's EXACTLY how I feel! :)

I'm back...been traveling and no internet for a while.

I'm up to chapter 27. I noted a few passages while I continued reading...there were intriguing developments in several storylines. By the way, I do enjoy the short, engaging "updates" weaving back and forth with the various characters. It's almost as if I'm reading several short stories that comingle...will have to see which ones converge at the end.(view spoiler)[Met the Niskie...another interesting character I'd like to have explored deeper; and Aspitis...a bit of a rogue so far; not sure if I like him or not, but a good addition to Miarabele's adventure.

Eolair & Maegwin hear the tale of Memory (Minneyar) forged by the Dwarrows, but I'm unclear how Prester John could have had it "reforged" into Bright Nail...maybe it will be explained later? (hide spoiler)]

Meanwhile, back at the castle...(view spoiler)[Yay, Rachel! Saved Jeremias and attacked Pryrates. Nice to see Rachel back in the mix. (Please escape, please escape!) Sadly, Guthwulf was of little help. I'd hoped for a bigger story with him...another one bites the dust. (hide spoiler)]

Really enjoying the imaginative and colorful world (view spoiler)[of the Sithi. More interesting characters (Aditu, Jiriki's sister, and the face in the mirror...grandmother.) A nice angle to have them "travel via song". Also interesting parallel with the game of Shent and Simon's own situation...if only he could see it. (hide spoiler)]

I do not know what to make of Cadrach! Will have to wait to see how his part plays out.

Lots of additional characters introduced in this second book. Almost too many. I'm hoping that they will be used in the third book, otherwise it becomes overwhelming to have so many characters in passing.

Looks like I'm about 90% through the book, so should finish it up in a few days. I have enjoyed it, and wonder how the author kept the characters and storylines clear in his own mind as he wrote...no small task...it is consistently well developed.

Cherie and Shadowdenizen (and others who have already finished the book)...comment away! Would love to hear your thoughts. Just note which chapter/section your spoiler covers and if others have not gotten that far, then leave the spoiler for later viewing. Your perspective may have changed upon reflection rather than thoughts readers have in the moment of fresh reading.

Cherie wrote: "LOL Monica, Lenti feels like he's straight from Princess Bride doesn't he? ..."
Yes, exactly! :-)

Monica you have hit on one of the things I truly loved about this series - there are many characters and storylines and the way Tad weaves them all together to paint a complete picture is really well done. So often when books swing around in viewpoint and storyline I find it not only jarring but frustrating and cliff hanger-ish - like I'm watching a soap opera [which is why I don't watch tv LOL] but this story doesn't have a bad storyline - it all matters in some way and it ties up BEAUTIFULLY at the end!

Monica wrote: "Note to self: Apparently all fantasy novel scars received from demonic beings "burn" (Simon, Harry Potter, FtizChivalry Farseer)"

Well, to be honest, Simon didn't fight a demonic being, he fought a dragon. It is usual that dragons burn... lol

Monica wrote: "Finished Part One...up to chapter 11. Overall this book seems more cohesive than the first. The four main storylines, led by Simon, Josua, Miriamele, and Elias, each hold my interest in their own w..."

As far as Vorzheva (view spoiler)[ it's like it doesn't really sink in what is going on. She gives Josua a cold shoulder cause she is still mad at him. She still has this thought of her image the way a spoiled child would. (hide spoiler)]

Part 1 seems to be slow, but it adds so much to the world with the different characters it highlights. While it doesn't urge me to hurry up and read while I put the book down to do dishes or something, I do want to pick it back up.
I do love how there is so much depth to the world and all the characters that pop up. Whether they are major or minor or slightly mentioned characters, I can really see an image of them and their personalities.

Vera wrote: "I do love how there is so much depth to the world and all the characters that pop up. Whether they are major or minor or slightly mentioned characters, I can really see an image of them and their personalities...."

Yes, right? Very well done.

Ugh!!! How could the book end...THERE???!!! Well, I'm certainly going on To Green Angel Tower. Can't possibly stop now. (This is a pet peeve of mine when reading a series; especially if I have to wait for the next installment. Williams get a pass because the next book has been out for a while.)

Did not see this coming (view spoiler)[ Isgrimnur seeing Camaris. Real or no? Wait for the next book, I guess. (hide spoiler)]

My favorite typo in the book...misspelling Eolair's name as Eclair...yum! :-)

So, anyone up for a buddy read with the third book? My library has divided it into 2 books (part 1 and part 2). I can get the first part now, or wait for others. What say you?

Monica, I did not expect what Isgrimnur (view spoiler)[found at the end of the book either! (hide spoiler)] It was a jaw-dropping moment.

I'm up n for buddy read for the next books. I'm reading the third volume in two parts, too. Just finished part 1 and on to part 2.

Femmy wrote: "I'm up n for buddy read for the next books. I'm reading the third volume in two parts, too. Just finished p..."

Just set up a buddy read link for Part One of To Green Angel Tower, Part 1 for anyone interested. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Wow.

You guys are slightly ahead of me (which is awesome that people are so invested!)

I'm about 75% through my re-read of Stone.

I'm about the same place as Shadow. Chapter 15.

Shadowdenizen wrote: "Wow. You guys are slightly ahead of me (which is awesome that people are so invested!)"

I had a library book which was due back, and I didn't want to wait in line...again...to finish it; but the story was also very good.

Finished and looking forward to the next. It will be a bit, have it on hold at library and a couple other books I will pick up in the meantime.
The ending cliffhangers in this one.
(view spoiler)[ Miriamele on the ship, how much does he know? Isgrimnur finding Camaris. I think it is real because looking back on a few parts where there was talk about rumor about Camaris when he is said to have died. Many meeting up with Josua or trying to. And what is happening with Maegwin, that section just earlier in the book. (hide spoiler)]

About a third of the way through this book, and really enjoying it. This is my first time reading the series, yet for some reason it has a sort of nostalgic feeling. Maybe just because of the scope and subject matter it reminds me more of the high fantasy I read more in high school than I do now (I tend to lean towards older works and/or dark fantasy). Really it's just captivating and really well written.

Dan wrote: "Really it's just captivating and really well written...." My first time through the series as well. One of the best overall, complete, engaging, series I have read. The attention to detail is remarkable.

^It reminds me of The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien in that regard and in the source of inspiration; traditional folk/ fairy tale and ancient legends and epics (as well as Tolkien himself obviously).