Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

This is a Buddy Read for Nevernight by Jay Kristoff starting Feb 5, 2023.

I have to try to join!

Oh! I will join in! Bought the series last year and I need to read them!

Loved The Lotus Wars by this author.

Maybe I'll pop in sometimes to read the comments. I've read the first 2, but I don't want to start the last one and finish. It's so good!

Oh wow, I didn't know that this was starting, this is one of my favorite books, and I'd love to join...

...but I'm already on the Chronicles of Amber series read, and I've still gotta finish the last 40% of Tress of the Emerald Sea, and I told my partner that we'd continue on with book 2 of The Lightbringer Saga this month.

I'll follow Saar's lead though and pop in and read your insights.

I also never finished book 2, and I've been meaning to. Mind if I join you all for that?

More the merrier, Baz!

Hoping to be able to join this one! Might be a little late depending on my libraries, but I might do audiobook instead to start on time.

Started tonight, only on chapter 2 so far. I'm not a huge fan of the footnotes. I don't mind them in non-fiction, but in fantasy they just pull me out of the story.

Oh jeez, that would pull me out too! I always get distracted by them in nonfiction. I like appendices better, haha.

I'm starting this now on audiobook. 😊

Hopefully the narrator incorporates the footnotes well.

About the footnote; at some point they become a much needed break in the story and with sometimes relevant information also. The one who tells the footnotes in the book (I assume it's mr. Kindly, but not sure yet) has a very funny sense of humor.

Just finished chapter two a bit ago and I'm glad to say they didn't break my flow! I did have to pause here and there so maybe that helped. I'm also really enjoying Holter Graham's performance so far!

This oddly does make me want to get the book and see the footnotes though.😆I'm glad that there's a funny sense of humor with more of them, Saar!

I am going to start this one too. I saw the thread and I had the urge to reread this one and continue with the trilogy as I had not finished it

All right! Just started and that's quite the opening!

"People often shit themselves when they die."

Such dark humor.

I'm kind of excited about the footnotes! Some great manga utilized it so well that I love it! I haven't encountered it elsewhere, so I'm excited to see what Kristoff does with it. I haven't run across it yet so I hope Kristoff pulls it off for me here. >_<

Wow! I didn't fully realize how much the storyteller POV was going to be part of the story. I kind of thought it would be like a chapter header or something. Just a smaller role. Interesting.

Good to know about the footnotes! I'm planning to do audio, but will keep my physical handy... I'm going to be late though...

Saar The Book owl wrote: "About the footnote; at some point they become a much needed break in the story and with sometimes relevant information also. The one who tells the footnotes in the book (I assume it's mr. Kindly, b..."

I figured it was a given from the beginning that mr. Kindly is the narrator, and is telling you everything.

Elizabeth wrote: "Started tonight, only on chapter 2 so far. I'm not a huge fan of the footnotes. I don't mind them in non-fiction, but in fantasy they just pull me out of the story."

They work a lot better if you're reading the audiobook at the same time. I had an issue with them in the second book though.

Starting a bit late because my last book overran.

Shera (Book Whispers) wrote: "All right! Just started and that's quite the opening!

"People often shit themselves when they die."

Such dark humor.

I'm kind of excited about the footnotes! Some great manga utilized it so we..."

Just started and WOW yeah, some opening! I was not expecting this level of graphic violence and sex in an author my brain categorizes as YA.

Still has that YAesque overly dramatic wordplay though. Really enjoying the snark!

LOL Chapter 2 quote: (view spoiler)[Kicking him hard enough to cripple his unborn children. Definitely a lot of low blows in the story so far...

Ah, and now the narrator shows up as a character... (hide spoiler)]

Just realized (even though y'all did mention it) that the audiobook narrator does read the footnotes--it's just (as Baz said) very smooth!

Chapter 4--(view spoiler)[At first I was "aww" when we got Captain Puddles POV for a second... he knew Mia since he was a kitten!

BUT THEN THEY KILLED CAPTAIN PIDDLES!

THEY MUST DIE. MAY MIA CUT OFF THEIR IMPORTANT BITS AND MAKE THEM EAT THEM. (hide spoiler)]

EDIT: (view spoiler)[YOU GO GIRL! YOU STICK THAT STILLETTO IN THEIR EYES!! (hide spoiler)]

Just finished chapter 6. I'm reading the physical book for this and some of the footnotes are still annoying me. some seem relevant and some just seem like extra information while yes it is interesting, doesn't really feel like it needs to be there right at that moment. Hopefully I'll adjust to them more. I'm really enjoying the book so far.

I'm up into Chapter 9 now, and starting to get a better feel for the book. On the audio, it took a while to realize that the narration was jumping between today and past timelines--in my physical copy there's nice italics for the past scenes, so I've been referencing it on occasion. I also feel really silly--for some reason, my brain kept translating "Nevernight" as an "endless night" instead of an eternal daytime planet with no darkness... it wasn't until a quote about there being only one sun in the sky twigged my memory on a passage on sleep difficulties.... and now everything makes a lot more sense--(view spoiler)[especially Mia's powers of shadow--stronger the light, brighter the shadow, all the quotes on the Maw and darkness... *facepalm* (hide spoiler)]

In Chapter 5--(view spoiler)[I think it's a footnote, the bit about the origin of the "knuckles" as a rude gesture showing folks still had their balls. Makes me think of one of the stories of the origin of the two-fingered peace sign--turned outwards, as an f*** you. I think I learned it from St. Mary's--or maybe my mother--or maybe both at the same time--but it had to do with the French cutting off English archer's first two fingers during 100 years war (or some other war with France & England) so folks would make that gesture to say F-you! I still have my archer fingers! Fun connection.

I also like Mia's analysis of c*** as an insult--I've read, listened to, and participated in similar discussions---after all, lady parts are some of the strongest (and most flexible) muscles in the body...

I also really liked the puzzle box scene--it's something I often try to get across to young'uns! Nothing is worth doing if it isn't a challenge. Struggle is what makes life interesting and worthwhile... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6 Kraken? (view spoiler)[the whole terminology in the desert (and now that I realize it's a frickin' daylight world of course there'd be a desert!) makes it seem like a sea! Which then makes me think of the flora and fauna in Stormlight, which was inspired by a sea bed, and also of the movie Monster Hunter, with the big ship sailing a desert... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[So Mr. Kindly drinks fear... Tric has a good point about that--she'll never learn to deal with it herself if she always gives it to him to drink... Mr. Kindly now makes me think of those cat/rabbit creatures in Madoka Magica... more creepy than cute, when you realize what they really are...

And I have to wonder, does Mr. Kindly make it even worse? By drinking her fear... does he also exacerbate it? Will she be addicted? Though I doubt the story will go in that direction.... And there was a line in an earlier chapter, about how he drank her fear and let her be brave... no. That's not bravery. You can only be brave if you do feel fear. (hide spoiler)]

Slow-going start for me and almost dropped it like a lot of others almost did on here after the first two chapters, but then all of a sudden it got a "weird, fun" vibe to it, so I'll see it through. I'm up to chapter 5. Reading in Kindle and listening on audible, I may have missed some of the footnotes.

I'm frozen at page 16. I kept falling asleep and reading the same page over and over. I went to bed early, but I just don't have energy to try. I enjoy the humor . . . but I need to find a rhythm for the book.

Going to keep trying!

Been slow going for me as well. Only up to chapter 7/15% of the way in. Maybe more of a time issue with a busy week, or just not getting into it at first. The humor and pacing are both pretty good now, so I'm settling in.

I'm the opposite to the pair of you; I've been flying through this book - I'm currently at the start of chapter 29 and think I'll probably finish tomorrow.

I absolutely love this book; I actually quite like the footnotes (I guess they're going to be a 'love it or hate it' thing); they've actually made me laugh out loud once or twice.

Scaeva:(view spoiler)[Is anyone else getting Julius Caesar vibes from this guy? I know something about his life and the whole seizing 'emergency powers' and then never relinquishing them is really familiar... (hide spoiler)]

I was hoping to get a copy of the book to read at the same time as listening, but I'll continue with the audiobook only since it's too long of a wait at my libraries atm lol. I'm really enjoying this too! 😊 I agree about Scaeva too, Shaitarn! Absolutely getting those vibes.

It could be this week has been insane and I'm not getting the time to dedicate to reading it. So I'm sure that doesn't help. I'm lovely the humor!

I've been fairly busy, haven't had much time to read.

Shaitarn wrote: "I'm the opposite to the pair of you; I've been flying through this book - I'm currently at the start of chapter 29 and think I'll probably finish tomorrow.

I absolutely love this book; I actually..."

I'm the same--I've been flying through and will probably finish today... I rather like your comparison to Julius Caesar, Shaitarn.

I'm up to Chapter 25--(view spoiler)[Enjoying the Harry-Potter-esque School of Assassins experience, and wondering how the other books will turn out since I doubt it'll be more than one books' worth.

I don't like the romance. My opinion of Tric dropped when he refused to be blindfolded, and hasn't really improved... he is too inflexible, and lets his pride override his intelligence. I would think that as assassins, they would need to learn not to let the most obvious insults get to them, or to do what is necessary to get results. I kind of hope that Mia has to end up killing him. (hide spoiler)]

I do love the language, and I'm actually enjoying the footnotes too--especially on audio when they seem more like little historical asides. The testing and the world are really interesting too...

I'm up to chapter 16 but I don't have many things to say
(view spoiler)[I loved the snarky humour of the footnotes and the footnotes. I have read few books with those and it makes it very unique. Assassins schools are a trope that I love so that's why I'm loving the book so much and being fast paced I can't stop reading it (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze(view spoiler)[ooh, nice to know about the archer fingers. I didn't know it was inspired in real world events

now that you mention it now I can't unsee the similarities of creepiness of Mr kindly and the madoka magicas ones

I agree. It is a crutch if Mr kindly takes away her fear. Now she won't be able to handle being with fear after six years of being fearless (hide spoiler)]

I read this one five years ago I think and I almost don't remember anything so it's nice seeing I still love it. But it took me a second try to get into it. At first I was put off by the purple prose, I dropped it, and some time later I tried again and I absolutely loved it. Its nice to know second chances can really be different in a good way

I have finished and must say that (view spoiler)[ It started off much too choppy with the time jumps back and forth, but once they got past her murder of her father, and spending time at the school, I enjoyed it. Interesting twists at the end, as I was thinking of where the next book would go. I could have done without the heavy sex parts in the beginning and with Tric, but understanding the brutal passion for what it was, I guess, I'll give it a pass.
Looking forward to the next book. (hide spoiler)]

Paula wrote: "I read this one five years ago I think and I almost don't remember anything so it's nice seeing I still love it. But it took me a second try to get into it. At first I was put off by the purple pro..."

I love rereading things when I've forgotten most of them!

I really enjoyed reading all of your comments, Paula!

I'm up into Chapter 26 now, and (view spoiler)[that one bit, when Mia stopped feeling fear, and Mr. Kindly was. Not. Pleased.--ooh shiver! Definitely Kyuubei vibes.

Also finding it curious that with Carlotta dead, it's the *second* student who has been killed in suspicious circumstances after a brawl with a fellow acolyte. Did the first Dwemeryi boy also have his throat cut? Can Mr. Kindly move on his own...?

Mia is wondering why Tric would do so much for her when she wouldn't do the same for him--but duh, she was doing the same for him, idiot. By remaining silent about Tric being in her chambers. Even before she took half the punishment. She would have taken being ejected from Spiderkiller's contest to save Tric.

This is why I don't like YA romances. Characters always become stupid in them. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 29--whoo! Very satisfying.

Chapter 30--(view spoiler)[starting to worry, with all these people warning Mia to leave--that there might be a final test to assassinate one of their own... like the first trial in Red Rising... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 31--(view spoiler)[Ah, no, it's like the Scythe trial. Just as hard for Mia though.

The real question she should be asking herself--if she doesn't kill him, will he still live? Will she?

I guess we don't find out... (hide spoiler)]

Frank wrote: "I have finished and must say that It started off much too choppy with the time jumps back and forth, but once they got past her murder of her father, and spending time at the school, I enjoyed it...."

And finished! Just gulped up those last few chapters. Pretty much agree with your assessment Frank--(view spoiler)[the time jumps at the start took a little getting used to--I think it would've been easier if not on audio--but once I figured it out I enjoyed unraveling the mystery from both ends. I liked the footnotes, and the flowing language, I liked the magic and makeup of the world, but I did not like the romance. Could have done without Tric entire, honestly, and I'm rather glad he died in this book. Hoping there isn't a resurrection or a second Tric in the next book. I liked the twists at the end, and even the time-jumpish way she put everything together. (hide spoiler)]

I am still waiting for my hold. It was due on 7th but someone has not returned it -.-

Finished. I absolutely loved it! Five stars? I think so!

I particularly loved the end (view spoiler)[when Mia remembered her past and really cut loose with her darklin powers, popping from one patch of darkness to another (teleporting would be my superpower of choice). (hide spoiler)]

I'll probably write more tonight, when I get home. Are we reading book 2? I'm hoping to do the entire trilogy!

Shaitarn wrote: "Finished. I absolutely loved it! Five stars? I think so!

I particularly loved the end [spoilers removed]

I'll probably write more tonight, when I get home. Are we reading book 2? I'm hoping to d..."Yes do we have a date for Book 2?

Would same time next month work for folks?

yeah, same time is great

I started this one yesterday, and y'all weren't wrong about that opening! That parallel of her (view spoiler)[ first time for both sex and killing was.. interesting. And brutal! (hide spoiler)]

The audio footnotes actually works very well... Sometimes its hard to tell when we go to a footnote, but its just like a little bit extra interspersed in the story.. WOuld like to see a physical copy of this one!

Nirkatze wrote: "Chapter 4--At first I was "aww" when we got Captain Puddles POV for a second... he knew Mia since he was a kitten!

"

LOL my thoughts to a T :D

@Emily--seeing the physical copy definitely helped to put the time jumps and footnotes in mental perspective for me... sometimes when I don't have a physical or digital copy, I'll try searching in the Amazon "Look Inside" to make sure I understood a line...

Glad to hear that so many of you liked this. Looking forward to trying to finish the second book with you all next month!

Nirkatze wrote: "I'm up into Chapter 9 now, and starting to get a better feel for the book. On the audio, it took a while to realize that the narration was jumping between today and past timelines--in my physical c..."

Hmm people with sleep difficulties suggest people not evolved to deal with a Nevernight? How long have people been on this planet?...

Okay, I pushed to page 31. I know! I think things are starting to click for me. Maybe.

I thought there would be more of Mia telling the story than the obnoxious storyteller.

I'm enjoying it, but as I've said I've been busy, just made it to chapter 14. I definitely want to know more about these characters