Pick-a-Shelf discussion

Proposed reading schedule:

Feb 1 - 7 : Up to ch 19 (approx 300 p)
Feb 8 - 14: ch 20 - 42 (approx 300 p)
Feb 15 - 21: ch 43 - 65 (approx 300 p)
Feb 22 - 28: ch 66 - end (approx 100+ p)

The above is approximate based on my digital copy

Thank you Tien for setting up the schedule!
I'll be reading a digital copy as well.

Hi Tien, I decided to start this book today. I've read the prologue and am intrigued. It's a promising start.

ooh, I had to 'fill in' 3 days before Feb 1 so I did start reading a book or two ha ha ha... I'm in the middle of it so I may be late starting this one but not to worry, I'll catch up. Good to hear that it's a promising start though!

I LOVE THIS BOOK! Seriously, I'm joining in, even though I've read it probably 5 times.

Kathryn CA wrote: "I LOVE THIS BOOK! Seriously, I'm joining in, even though I've read it probably 5 times."

oh wow, very high praise if you've reread it that many times! And please do join us, you could point out subtle bits that we may miss being first readers ;)

I started, Lusie, and you're right, intriguing prologue!

I've only read a couple of pages of ch 1 :) My brain's in overdrive with the race descriptions... what was it... 'black marbled with red'?

I'm hoping however that it won't be like GoT where we follow hundreds of POVs lol I can handle 2 or 3 but please... no more than 5!

Tien wrote: "I started, Lusie, and you're right, intriguing prologue!

I've only read a couple of pages of ch 1 :) My brain's in overdrive with the race descriptions... what was it... 'black marbled with red'?
..."

ummmm.... you might want to prepare yourself.

And you have to push through the first part of the book. It gets better and less confusing.

Wow, you must really love the book if you have read it 5 times already Kathryn.

I know what you mean, Tien. I had a bit difficulties with all the different characters, but now that I've read a few chapters I'm getting a bit more into the book. Though there are many jumps in time in which they skip several months or so.

I do like it, but am taking it slowly. I'm now in chapter 3.

Chapter 2
(view spoiler)[I like the windspren but think it's hard to imagine what it really is. Is it some kind of spirit? (hide spoiler)]

I'm enjoying it immensely! Only just finished chapter 7 and happily so far only found 2 POVs ha ha ha... and I'm loving both Kaladin & Shallan especially Shallan!

(view spoiler)[there's the creative and fear ones too... could be spirit, I supposed... though maybe better described as 'energy'? (hide spoiler)]

Enjoy it while you still can, Tien! I finished part 1 and then we get several other pov's from new characters in the interlude. In part 2 it starts with yet again other pov's. I'm not far into part 2 yet, because after all the new characters I needed a break. I hope we get less pov's soon!

Tien I both like Kaladin and Shallan! For me Kaladin is my favorite.

In regard to your spoiler, I like that description.

Okay, I am going to put you all at ease (probably not, but at least you won't have to wonder). There are always going to be lots of POVs. Sometimes you'll be with one for a longer period of time, but it jumps around. Keep in mind, this is epic fantasy with a ton of characters. But after a while, you remember who they are and there story archs stick with you and you start to remember them better.

I love this book and this series. And it just keeps getting better. Characters develop more.

My preference for these books is audio. Kate Reading and Michael Kramer do an excellent job. Each character has their own voice and it really helps. Plus you can tune out a little bit better in the less exciting parts.

I know a lot is confusing right now and I don't want to spoil anything. So I am going to go read (or listen) up to where we are at for this week before saying anything more.

Oh, and Shallan is awesome. I don't tend to like most female leads because I think they are ridiculously pushy and therefore come across as more ignorant than anything. But Shallan is a good balance of strong female, but also knows that she can't do everything herself. You'll meet several more amazing strong females as the series goes along. Men too.

Kathryn CA wrote: "Okay, I am going to put you all at ease (probably not, but at least you won't have to wonder). There are always going to be lots of POVs. Sometimes you'll be with one for a longer period of time, b..."

That's definitely good to know, Kathryn. I don't mind if at least there are chunks of just a couple of POV's rather than a switch every chapter between 10 POVs *grimaces*

I am reading very slowly... only reading it at night at home :)

That's good to know, Kathryn.

The same for me Tien. I only read in the evenings, so things are going slow.

I'm behind our schedule. I'm now at chapter 12. Where are you in the book, Tien?

Lusie wrote: "I'm behind our schedule. I'm now at chapter 12. Where are you in the book, Tien?"

I've just finished chapter 19 so you're not that far behind, Lusie :)

Am going to break it with a short book then get back in. I have a reason but you're probably not there yet so um, suffice to say I found a pov a tad boring... loving Kaladin's though!

Tien wrote: "Lusie wrote: "I'm behind our schedule. I'm now at chapter 12. Where are you in the book, Tien?"

I've just finished chapter 19 so you're not that far behind, Lusie :)

Am going to break it with a s..."

This is where the audio helps. A lot will be pretty boring as there is a lot of set up going on. Even though this is like my fifth re-read, its the first time I've re-read it since Book 3 came out and I have to say that there is a lot I didn't notice before that is now standing out to me.

Ooh do share, Kathryn!

that's cool you now notice new things, Kathryn

Oh, me. I must have gotten excited when I saw this buddy read posted. I was checking my library account yesterday and saw that I had a book on hold that was in transit. What was it? This one! I guess I will make up my mind whether to play catch up with y'all when it gets here or just read it on my own. (Sometimes I just do not know what I am thinking when it comes to challenges!)

That's great you are going to read the book too, Bea!

I was a bit lost with all the different characters. I had a break from the book for a few days, and couldn't recall who this person was. I found a website where they have a summary of each chapter, which includes links to characters. Which was very helpful for me. Here is the site: http://stormlightarchive.wikia.com/wi...

Lusie wrote: "That's great you are going to read the book too, Bea!

I was a bit lost with all the different characters. I had a break from the book for a few days, and couldn't recall who this person was. I fo..."

I would just be careful because that site contains spoilers.

I know, I don't go farther then the start of the chapter so I can see from who's point of view it is. That is the only thing I've read. Thanks for the warning though!

Lusie wrote: "I know, I don't go farther then the start of the chapter so I can see from who's point of view it is. That is the only thing I've read. Thanks for the warning though!"

I use that site as a reference all the time. So no worries.

Tien you were right, there were some boring POV's.

I'm now at chapter 21.

Chapter 19 (view spoiler)[ I thought the vision was very interesting. I think the voice of who Dalinar thinks is the almighty might be the one who was left behind in the prelude. When only 1 sword was left and 1 person was stuck in the place where they went to between Desolations. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[that is so sad about the girl (hide spoiler)]

Sunday I spend a lot of time reading, so now I'm back on schedule. I'm now really into the story and it was hard to stop reading.

Chapter 34 (view spoiler)[I think that is a rather cruel way to punish someone. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 36 (view spoiler)[Before Shallan got angry, I thought she wouldn't steal it. I hope she won't regret stealing it! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 37 (view spoiler)[For some reason I never believed Lirin had stolen the spheres. He doesn't seem to be the kind of person who steals. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 38 (view spoiler)[ So interesting that Kaladin used the spheres to heal himself, even though he is not aware of it. I already suspected he used the spheres before to make himself stronger. I wonder when he will come aware of his power. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 40 (view spoiler)[It's sad to see that Kaladin lost hope again. Though I'm certain he will find a way to get hope again (hide spoiler)]

I'm ahead of schedule now. Like I said, I'm now really into this book :)

Chapter 50 (view spoiler)[It was weird how Kabsal tried to make Shallan eat the jam. I was wondering what was the meaning behind that, but now we now. I can't believe I never suspected what Kabsal was up to.
I'm surprised they send Shallan home without further punishment.
I'd have expected they would send her to prison. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 51 (view spoiler)[So that is why Khallan keeps saying becomming a shard bearer for dark eyes is something the lighteyes would not accept. Now I have a better understanding of why he hates and dislikes light eyes. (hide spoiler)]

Lusie - I'm so glad you're enjoying it and I enjoyed reading your thoughts about chapters. I need to catch up to where we are currently.

wow yea, I also need to catch up ha ha ha... I'm somewhere in mid 20s I think :)

I'm going fast now. I'm in chapter 58.

Lusie wrote: "I'm going fast now. I'm in chapter 58."

Once you get past the set up, it picks up pace pretty quick and gets more exciting.

Kathryn CA wrote: "Lusie wrote: "I'm going fast now. I'm in chapter 58."

Once you get past the set up, it picks up pace pretty quick and gets more exciting."

I second that. I've finished the book :) I give it 4 stars. There were so many unexpected plot turns and the book leaves me with so many questions... I'm looking forward to the second book!

OMG wow, you did well, Lusie! I was just trying to keep up with the schedule lol but um, I'll try to power through then.

I actually went to the library and picked up the paperback copy yesterday because I wanted to see the illustrations... amazing sketches :)

Tonight, I got to the end of Part 2. I'm struggling with Dalinar's POV but loving Kaladin's. Where's Shallan but...?!

oh, also, hubby got appendicitis & had surgery on Saturday so I've been spending a lot of time back & forth to hospital and opted for easier & faster reads (this usually means crime thrillers for me) but he's finally home today (they kept him 2 extra days because appendix were more inflamed than they expected so they wanted to make sure antibiotics doing the job before they release him).

Suffice to say, I'm a little tired... esp. since mum left for her cruise yesterday too *pouts*

I'm so going to catch up this weekend! ;p

Because I have so much into the book, I found extra hours to read. That is why I was able to finish it already.

Take your time Tien. There is no hurry!

I love the sketches too.

At first I thought Dalinar's POV was boring too, until we read the first vision he had. After that I started to enjoy his chapters as well.

For me easy and fast books are Romantic books. They are good when you are tired. Though the Kate Daniels series works for me as well. Funny how everyone has got a different genre they prefer when stressed, tired or very busy.

I hope your husband recovers quickly, Tien. How is he doing now? I'm glad to hear he is home now!

Your mum is lucky to go on a cruise!! I hope she has got a great time.

Lusie wrote: "Chapter 36 [spoilers removed]

That was a satisfying chapter!

Chapter 37 [spoilers removed]

Agreed! That was a surprising turnaround!

Chapter 38

I didn't have any such suspicion! How exciting!

Lusie wrote: "At first I thought Dalinar's POV was boring too, until we read the first vision he had. After that I started to enjoy his chapters as well."

Is that the one where he saved a little girl ('his' daughter)? I loved that chapter... one of the most exciting ones but still struggled with his pov. Maybe because he's just so 'off'? Not sure how to describe it.

Chapter 44... Awww :,(

I expected something like that though... It's basically implied throughout the whole book so far, isn't it?

This is where I've read up to so I'm on schedule lol ;p

This was pretty cool:

The Way of Kings, Escape the Shattered Plains (VR trailer)

See the Chamsfiend at the end... I think that's a Chamsfiend, what do you think?

Tien wrote: "Lusie wrote: "At first I thought Dalinar's POV was boring too, until we read the first vision he had. After that I started to enjoy his chapters as well."

Is that the one where he saved a little g..."

Yes that is the one. After that his POV's were much better to read for me.

I expected something like that in chapter 44 too.

That's great you are back on schedule!!

The trailer is cool. Yes I think that was a Chamsfiend.

Ch. 45... oooh, Shallan's got something interesting happening... *grins* I was starting to get bored with her pov ha ha ha

Ch. 46 - well finally! I've been wondering when those at Shattered Plains will finally intersect!

Doubt seriously that I will catch up...but my copy came today.

It has 1001 pages, so I will be reading about 250 pages at a time. Not trying to get caught up. Just setting goals I might be able to meet and finish about the end of Feb.

Yay, Bea! Don't worry I've not made much progress yesterday and I've got my f2f bookclub today for which I'm rushing to read for now 😅

That's great Bea! Take your time, this is the kind of book you should not hurry until you are swept away by the story ;)

Good luck with that Tien! Is the book you are reading for your bookclub any good?

The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wilde

Didn't quite make it (2 stories left unread) cuz I was also rushing to go to the shops & made dessert for the group plus lunch for hubby since he's at home and being absolutely pampered *eye roll*

I'm finishing those 2 stories now :)

Lusie wrote: "Chapter 50..."

Yikes! That was surprising and yes, surely they have something else planned... unless they think her (view spoiler)[almost dying (hide spoiler)] punishment enough?

Lusie wrote: "Chapter 51..."

I suspected that this is what happened actually; (view spoiler)[that Kaladin defeated a Shardbearer and somehow didn't get to keep it. What I didn't expect was how his men were slaughtered (hide spoiler)]

And btw;

1. I found the description of food to be rather revolting or maybe what I imagined from these description are just wrong because they really do not sound tasty except maybe for Rock's cooking lol

2. Did I miss where they explained about safehand/freehand? Why they have this safe/free hands? I don't get the importance of this having only 1 hand to do things with!?

I agree, the food sounds rather aweful.

The only thing about the safehand is that it is proper, but I didn't think we got an explanation.

I finished!! That last battle, WoW! :O

Are you thinking of picking up the next book for WoB too, Lusie? let me know if you want to read together again ;p