The Faithful & The Fallen Read-A-Long discussion

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Chapters 27-37
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Sep 13, 2018 03:22PM
Feel free to post your thoughts on the next round of chapters here.
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FrankieReads wrote: "Feel free to post your thoughts on the next round of chapters here."
YES! Why is he so sure he's the bright star? What evidence is there of that? I think his lust for power and his drive to become the head of an empire are causing him to take leaps in logic.
YES! Why is he so sure he's the bright star? What evidence is there of that? I think his lust for power and his drive to become the head of an empire are causing him to take leaps in logic.
What does everyone think of Veradis' father's reaction to Nathair? I think he is making a CLASSIC mistake. When parents create an air of disapproval of their children, for something the child cannot control, it creates a rift that makes it SO easy for an outsider to come in an earn the child's loyalty.
Veradis' brother cannot understand why he is so quick to give his allegiance to Nathair and defend him to the displeasure of their father. But to me, it's crystal clear. Veradis is hungry for validation, approval, and to feel included. He has found that which has always eluded him in Nathair's war band.
Veradis' brother cannot understand why he is so quick to give his allegiance to Nathair and defend him to the displeasure of their father. But to me, it's crystal clear. Veradis is hungry for validation, approval, and to feel included. He has found that which has always eluded him in Nathair's war band.
I think his leaps in logic and his lust for power are the perfect way to make him a possible tool of Asroth too. What better way to convince someone to be a tool for evil than make them believe they're chosen for the side of good? :o
(view spoiler)
(view spoiler)
Ok, so I'm firmly in the grip of this story and am actually on Chp 42, but I remembered that I need to post my chapter thoughts! What I most enjoy about this block of chapters is the way you can feel the tension building. Characters are beginning to align themselves along faction lines and you can just feel that some of these conflicts are going to come to a head soon.
I'm still loving the character development around Corban. Seeing him grow as a fighter, starting to see elements of his personality emerge more clearly, and watching his relationship with Storm grow is a really fun aspect of the story. I love the fact that he's getting training from so many excellent mentors and his curiosity connects me to his character.
I also think there is a lot of good development of Nathair's character. We're starting to see some of his personality traits emerge as well. He seems very crafty to me and very much willing to go outside the norms and rules to achieve his goals. In that way, he is very much a Slytherin. We're not truly clear on which direction he'll go in though. His ambition and drive seem a bit desperate to me. He's so hungry to prove himself that he might ending up making the wrong moves.
What did everyone thing about the battle scene with giants and the draigs? This was our first introduction to the shield wall and they made it out by the skin of their teeth!
I'm still loving the character development around Corban. Seeing him grow as a fighter, starting to see elements of his personality emerge more clearly, and watching his relationship with Storm grow is a really fun aspect of the story. I love the fact that he's getting training from so many excellent mentors and his curiosity connects me to his character.
I also think there is a lot of good development of Nathair's character. We're starting to see some of his personality traits emerge as well. He seems very crafty to me and very much willing to go outside the norms and rules to achieve his goals. In that way, he is very much a Slytherin. We're not truly clear on which direction he'll go in though. His ambition and drive seem a bit desperate to me. He's so hungry to prove himself that he might ending up making the wrong moves.
What did everyone thing about the battle scene with giants and the draigs? This was our first introduction to the shield wall and they made it out by the skin of their teeth!

The story is definitely picking up and I can’t wait to find out where we’re going with it.
Frankie, I think you’re right about Veradis’ father’s reaction being a classic mistake. And that Veradis is seeking validation and a chance to prove himself. But I also think that’s really why he was selected to be Nathair’s first sword. On Twitter I questioned whether or not Nathair was knowingly being misled. But what if he knows exactly what he’s doing and using those around him? Biblically, the bright star is not the good guy and Nathair is cunning enough to use the vagueness to his advantage.
PersonAlly, I’m not sure that Nathair is the one to watch though.
Has anyone else noticed that most of the chapters are from either Veradis or Corban’s perspective? I think that Nathair may be a ploy to move Veradis into position (by Gwynne)
I am so proud of Corban! He’s learning and growing. He’s bumbling around but getting stronger and smarter. Storm has been good for him. And protective, though I predict that may be a source of trouble for Corban since he has a growing number of enemies.

Because of work, I took a long break between Ch 34 and Ch 37, but this book is getting a lot easier to fall back into. I can't wait to see what's in store for Corban and Cywen. I'm also really curious about Halion and his brother now because I am not quite sure if it was ever mentioned what their purpose is beside working in Brenin's band.
(Also, I just love Storm. I can't wait for her to help Corban take on the world.)

Something is also naggling at me about Lykos and Alcyon but I can’t exactly place it.
I can see Corban and Storm being a fierce and powerful team, I’d like to see Cywen in there but again my gut is telling me something different. I believe she will be fierce and powerful too but her journey will separate her from her brother for a bit.
Starr wrote: "I have so many thoughts for what’s happening. And I think that there’s misdirection going on from the author. I’m just not sure where it’s leading.
The story is definitely picking up and I can’t w..."
YES - JOHN GWYNNE ENJOYS CREATING ANXIETY AND ANGUISH IN HIS READERS - lol...I actually tweeted him about this when I was reading Wrath for the first time. There are so many times when I'm gritting my teeth (especially as you become more connected to the characters) and saying what is actually happening here?!
I agree that Veradis' need to please sort made him an easy target for Nathair. I think they found a kinship in that they were both looking to make their fathers proud and prove themselves to the world at large. We will see the consequences of this later on down the line!!!
The story is definitely picking up and I can’t w..."
YES - JOHN GWYNNE ENJOYS CREATING ANXIETY AND ANGUISH IN HIS READERS - lol...I actually tweeted him about this when I was reading Wrath for the first time. There are so many times when I'm gritting my teeth (especially as you become more connected to the characters) and saying what is actually happening here?!
I agree that Veradis' need to please sort made him an easy target for Nathair. I think they found a kinship in that they were both looking to make their fathers proud and prove themselves to the world at large. We will see the consequences of this later on down the line!!!
Laura wrote: "Just finished Ch 37 and all I can say is that Nathair must be basking in the glory of the chapter ending with the army chanting his name. I'm a little nervous for Veradis because he just has this t..."
Right?! It makes me sad when Veradis has little concious twinges and doesn't examine them more closely. He doesn't trust himself to be in the driver's seat where decisions are made. I think, at this point in his life, he finds it easier to follow. He needs and badly desires to have something to believe in. He wants to believe in a King and he wants to have something noble to fight for....
.
OK sidebar here - I'm currently re-watching The Punisher season 1 on Netflix and this concept (following leaders blindly) reminds me so MUCH of the challenges many of our vets face here in the US. So many go in wanting something solid and righteous to believe in, but it doesn't always work out in their best interest.
Right?! It makes me sad when Veradis has little concious twinges and doesn't examine them more closely. He doesn't trust himself to be in the driver's seat where decisions are made. I think, at this point in his life, he finds it easier to follow. He needs and badly desires to have something to believe in. He wants to believe in a King and he wants to have something noble to fight for....
.
OK sidebar here - I'm currently re-watching The Punisher season 1 on Netflix and this concept (following leaders blindly) reminds me so MUCH of the challenges many of our vets face here in the US. So many go in wanting something solid and righteous to believe in, but it doesn't always work out in their best interest.

Nathair is making me extremely nervous. I'm not sure that he is completely sane. The fact that he wants glory and admiration while maneuvering behind his father's back with Veradis blindly going along makes me wonder if there is a falling out coming between them. I sure hope Nathair doesn't get a draig egg. A mad prince riding a draig doesn't sound like a great idea.
I absolutely love Corban & Cywen and their struggle to find their places. I also love whenever Brina & Craf show up on the page. They are the most entertaining pair.
Monica **can't read fast enough** wrote: "This is my first contribution to the conversation, but I've enjoyed reading the other postings!
Nathair is making me extremely nervous. I'm not sure that he is completely sane. The fact that he wa..."
"A mad prince riding a draig doesn't sound like a great idea. "
TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN! Lol
Nathair is making me extremely nervous. I'm not sure that he is completely sane. The fact that he wa..."
"A mad prince riding a draig doesn't sound like a great idea. "
TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN! Lol