Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

This is a Buddy Read for The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie starting May 17, 2023.

Thank you Yanique :)

Admin is doing some rearranging (letting go of old organizing systems of arranging things in folders by author), so I'm moving this to the "Upcoming Reads" folder. Thanks!
Niki

I'll be a few days late starting this one, likely over the weekend or early next week.

Running late on everything too! ^_^

This one is a Black Dow book? Like the only person I wanted to see as the Northman who returned in the last book less than Shivers? Super awesome, yay. I have faith in Abercrombie though.

LOL Black Dow? Well, at least we know it will have lots of no-holds-barred completely un-apologetic violence... and a book called "The Heroes" too, starring Black Dow? Now that's an oxymoron waiting to happen... I hope this means there's more Dogman...

Nirkatze wrote: "LOL Black Dow? Well, at least we know it will have lots of no-holds-barred completely un-apologetic violence... and a book called "The Heroes" too, starring Black Dow? Now that's an oxymoron waitin..."

I know! I read the precis yesterday and it starts "They say Black Dow's killed more men than winter, and clawed his way to the throne of the North up a hill of skulls." I was like ugh! But I too have high expectations for the violence in this one lol

I am may be a little more delayed than I anticipated though, I have 2 in person book club books to read then I can start this one so looking like mid-week start for me for this one.

Oh dear! I went ahead and started last night. I'm about 3:30/19:30 in to the audiobook right now, in the chapter called "The Right Thing"

I'm really enjoying how these in-between books are fleshing out some of the side characters from the first trilogy--and how we keep hearing news of so-and-so and such-and-such. Already there's been mention of "that cursed woman in Styria" and events from previous books keep popping up... I was really excited that Bremer dan Gorst seems to be a recurring POV so far... really enjoying seeing what things are like behind his eyes--(view spoiler)[and getting to hear about the aftermath of that whole whorehouse with the king affair, when Gorst was supposed to be guarding him... in fact, the split between what Gorst says and what he thinks reminds me of the Glokta chapters, which were also my favorites... and having the narrator do his high voice... (hide spoiler)]

It's taking me a bit longer to connect with this book than it did the last one, but I have faith in Abercrombie... it's still early in the book yet. I was surprised/interested that "The Heroes" (view spoiler)[seems to first refer to a rock formation, maybe like a standing stones deal? on a hill in the North. Fun multiple-level title... lots of mentions of "heroes" so far... as well as the ever-present grimACE-ing and sucking of teeth. (hide spoiler)]

Oh! And we're also getting ex-Prince Calder! I don't remember much about him... didn't Logan think he was a right bastard? but I was thinking... wasn't he the person who killed that kid in Dogman's crew, right at the beginning? (view spoiler)[And then in his POV chapter just before this one, I think, he mentions how he killed a man, little more than a boy, once, because he thought it would make him look stronger, and took a tongue lashing for it... and since then has been trying to give mercy when he could... so I think he must have been thinking of that kid... (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Oh! And we're also getting ex-Prince Calder! I don't remember much about him... didn't Logan think he was a right bastard? but I was thinking... wasn't he the person who killed that kid in Dogman's crew, right at the beginning? "

Yes, the weakest or fearless kid, he decapitated him, right?

Was Bremer the one who lost the contest in book 1 to Jezal?

Yeah, and I think he kept his body in a cart when they came to parlay, or something like? Waaay back at the beginning...

Yeah, Bremer dan Gorst was the giant with the heavy swords, favorite to win the tournament, but Jezal had a wizard on his side... and when the Jezal beat him, he cried and thanked him... then Jezal took him on as his personal guard when he became king...

Gallenhorn, one of Jezal's old friends, and Croy--one of the two generals who hated each other--also feature prominently... I think the other one (P-something?) died in the big battle in book 3?

Not really finding this book as interesting so far... it's ok, but I kinda want more twisties. Or change of scenery.

9 hours in, chapter "Dawn" LOL--(view spoiler)[Best thing since sliced bread... and a "cheese trap"! LOL I love that a Northman just invented a sandwich... and is getting crap for it. (hide spoiler)]

I'll be starting this later today, the one today is a week earlier than normal because next weekend is a holiday so I have 8 days until I have to read the second book club book this month.

Through New Hands (view spoiler)[I like that the "Heroes" is just some rocks lol

I can tell Calder is going to be annoying. I liked that Black Dow defended Dogman but I am certain he will kill him if they meet in battle. Not much happening yet but they are setting up the battle, is this book just the one battle? Like a fight scene that is hundreds of pages long? I looked at the chapter list and there is Day One, Two, Three & then After the Battle. I am trying to manage my expectations but an Abercrombie fight scene that is 3/4 of the entire book? Yes please!

Also they keep teasing with Bloody-Nine references! Why does he hate us???? (hide spoiler)]

LOL YAY Ann-Marie!!

I'm 14/23 hours in, a little past half way, and yes--the book is ONE BIG BATTLE, or rather I should say, chapters alternating on each side of a war, where it feels like one big battle...

I think we'll finally get to see Logen in the next book.

Anyway, I'm in The King's Last Hero and I'm really liking Fenry... (view spoiler)[I always like female characters who are way more competent than culture will allow her to be... though I think she is maybe not quite as competent as she thinks she is either... and her husband is not worthy of her efforts... not that Gorst would be better, seeing inside his head is both fascinating and skeevy. There was a scene where her father was asking her who to put in so-and-so's place, and the elephant hanging over the conversation was just screaming "Your daughter, you idiot! She's more competent than all your bloody generals!" but of course, it cannot be.

It's so interesting though, seeing her watching the battle against the Northmen... and in the North, if she were a Northern woman, she could have become a general or a warrior, like Wonderful, or comparing her to the previous book, with Monza... the Union is just rather Victorian right now... wrong place, wrong time. (hide spoiler)]

Just up to Day Three now.

OMG How did I forget (view spoiler)[ Bayez is back!

/gross

The first fighting at the Heroes was awesome, just into the beginning of Day 1. (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "I think we'll finally get to see Logen in the next book."

That would be so wonderful <3

Ann-Marie wrote: "OMG How did I forget..."

Yeah--(view spoiler)[I was surprised to see him taking a direct role in this one!

And messing things up as usual...

Would almost be willing to side with the Ghurkish if it weren't for, y'know, slavery and eating people. Ends DO NOT justify means... (hide spoiler)]

21/23 hours in--"Terms"--things falling out about how I thought they would... (view spoiler)[Fenry being offered the decision between her father or her husband... and choosing herself. The path that gives her a chance of success, with a weak husband to control...

Calder becoming "Black Calder" and Shivers choosing "the right thing"--and that "the right thing" means different things to different people.

Was sad Gallenhorn died... he should never have been there in the first place...

Gorst getting Marshall status... and coming face to face with Shivers, who sent him down the stairs in Sipani.... LOL

Whole book is an interesting treatise on war, soldiers, heroism... (hide spoiler)]

Almost to the end--30 mins left. "Just Desserts"--(view spoiler)[Finally get out confrontation between Gorst & Finley--and it's every bit as wrong as we could have wished. Another good philosophical talk about heroes, fighting... what does killing another person do, except leave the world less? What has Gorst done to build? Nothing.

Oh, and I guess he's not the Lord Marshall... I thought it was him because of how it described the new Marshall's collar being too tight around his neck... but it makes sense it wouldn't be him... not sure who the new person is though. Mittersomething? Who? (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "OMG How did I forget..."

Yeah--I was surprised to see him taking a direct role in this one!

And messing things up as usual...

Would almost be willing to side with the Ghurkish ..."

I am going to reserve judgement lol

LOL Maybe I'll just side with Monza...

So I just started Day 2.....

(view spoiler)[ Gorst is a whiny bitch, like sincerely getting on my nerves. There wasn't as much fighting Day 1 and I hoped but Day 2 (Osrung) was a pretty epic battle and still a lot more for the day. I like Fenree, hoping Gorst doesn't do something stupid because he lurves her /eyeroll (hide spoiler)]

Going to get back to it though, hoping to get through Day 2 tonight!!!

Nirkatze wrote: "9 hours in, chapter "Dawn" LOL--[spoilers removed]"

That was funny!

So I just found out Sebastian Stan was in the show Once Upon a Time and now I feel an urgent need to watch a 7 season long show that I had 0 interest in watching 30 minutes ago.....Must not let it affect my reading! lol

LOL I don't actually remember him in that... will have to look into it...Hm... apparently he was only in 6 episodes of season 1, so you don't have to binge all 7 seasons to get your fix...

Nirkatze wrote: "LOL I don't actually remember him in that... will have to look into it...Hm... apparently he was only in 6 episodes of season 1, so you don't have to binge all 7 seasons to get your fix..."

Well that is good to know lol

4.5 hours left in the audio

(view spoiler)[Whirren is my fave, inventing the sandwich thing, having that kickass sword and removing some clothes as the battles progress. Calder isn't annoying me as much as I expected either, Gorst is by far the most annoying character for me. I do like Fenree, she is like a more responsible Ardee. I am glad Dogman actually made an appearance instead of just mentioning him and it was typical Dogman - You sure about that? Okay.....

Also Bayez is absolutely up to something nefarious. There is no reason for him to be there that will turn out good for anyone but him. (hide spoiler)]

I am into Day 3 and the next chapter is called Blood, high hopes for this one <3

Seriously? (view spoiler)[Whirren died? Do I need to start loving on Bayez so he finally dies? lol (hide spoiler)]

Finished!

(view spoiler)[So Bayez has control of the North same as he has control of Jezal? Calder is controlling/influencing Scale as king, so Bayez is ultimately in control? That sucks!

I was glad Beck made it home and apparently is done with fighting but who knows in this world and I was sad that Craw didn't end up with the retirement he wanted. Not sad Black Dow died at all though!

The fight scenes were so good which is to be expected. Same with the characters honestly, even the ones I disliked. (hide spoiler)]

Anyway would definitely recommend and very much looking forward to the next book <3

Ann-Marie wrote: "Seriously? [spoilers removed]"

LOL, Ann-Marie, I think you should definitely try that, maybe it'll work....

(view spoiler)[Is Bayez an eater? They were eating human flesh at the end, right? Did I miss that about him before? (hide spoiler)]

Ann-Marie wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

I think you're right...

I'm in the first third or so... I haven't been enjoying this one as much as the previous ones... I think there are actually too many POVs compared to earlier books that were limited to 4-5 main ones. THis seems to have more?
LOL at the grim-ACING

OMG The grimACEing! I can't help it! Every time, I feel like I start keeping count...

I agree Emily--this is my least favorite so far. There were parts I liked, but it all just .... was sort of bland? I do wonder if I'd have a different reaction doing text instead of audio.

So I haven't got much further in this. I'm finding little motivation to finish it right now, but I do want to, and continue on with the rest! I'm hoping to get some reading done while I'm off Monday/Tuesday so we'll see!
I need to recap on what I've read so far...

Started few days ago, but busy with other books ;)

Here's a good site for recaps and other information on the books: https://firstlaw.fandom.com/wiki/The_...

Slowly reading through it :) wars, wars and more wars! Some never finish fighting isn't it?

Monika wrote: "Slowly reading through it :) wars, wars and more wars! Some never finish fighting isn't it?"

This was my least favorite of the standalones but I still enjoyed it quite a bit.

@Ann-Marie I'm planning to finish reading it with end of this week :) we'll see if I'll do it LOL!

Monika wrote: "@Ann-Marie I'm planning to finish reading it with end of this week :) we'll see if I'll do it LOL!"

Nice! Then you have my fave of the standalones waiting for you next <3

70% of book so far... I'm kinda tired... Catching cold or something??? Dogman was cheeky :) using Bloody Nine name to scare some young Northmen :)

Oh no! I hope you feel better Monika!

Dogman is a lot of fun.

Book finished. I would say interesting way to show readers what Bayaz is. Someone always few steps ahead of everybody, planning all, no matter how many lose their lives and who they will be.

Monika wrote: "Book finished. I would say interesting way to show readers what Bayaz is. Someone always few steps ahead of everybody, planning all, no matter how many lose their lives and who they will be."

(view spoiler)[And (possibly) an eater! (hide spoiler)]

Yeah, people are just pieces on a chess board to Bayaz... and I totally agree with you Ann-Marie...

Naughty boy Bayaz....

Revisiting this one after being stuck for a bit. Was able to get halfway through today! Abercrombie does a fantastic job at those linked battle scenes, if you know what I mean? Linking one scene to the next either through repetition of lines, or in the case of "Casualties" leaving off a death scene to enter the scene of the person who killed the last person. Idk I get so much enjoyment out of those kinds of things lol

Monika wrote: "70% of book so far... I'm kinda tired... Catching cold or something??? Dogman was cheeky :) using Bloody Nine name to scare some young Northmen :)"


They keep bringing up the bloody Nine and like when he is actually coming back please? :D