Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

This is a Buddy Read for The Wars of Light and Shadow (5) – Grand Conspiracy: Second Book of The Alliance of Light (The Wars of Light and Shadow series) by Janny Wurts starting on February 1, 2024.


Happy Reading!

Hello! With book 1 of this arc, Fugitive Prince, behind us,(I speak from the future, whoooooo), we hit the moment when the official at the starting line pulls the trigger and everything kicks into high gear as schemes unfold and factions begin to move, setting everything in motion for a happy stroll right into the next book, Peril's Gate. The final third of this book is one of my favorite sections, filled with drama, high stakes, hilarity and tension.

Thank you Yanique. :)

And LOL on 'speaking from the future' chibipoe. :D
The end of this one is among my all-time favourite sections too.

Grabbing my spot. This is the last book I read in this series, and I cannot wait to continue :)

I think I'm the only one (besides our leader Chibipoe) to make it this far so far... with the 45 days adjustment, to try and wait for people to join us, this would be February 1st.

If folks haven't caught up by March 15th, I was thinking of going to 1/month? If they aren't caught up, they're probably not going to make it... I still want to finish out the series though... plus, if they do catch up, the books get faster after #2...

I'm thinking of doing this adjustment to the rest of the schedule:
5. Grand Conspiracy (Feb 1st)
6. Peril's Gate (March 15th)
7. Traitor's Knot (April 15th)
8. Stormed Fortress (May 15th)
9. Initiate's Trial (June 15th)
10. Destiny's Conflict (July 15th)
11. Song of the Mysteries (Aug 15th)

Also wondering if there's any recommendation on where/when to read the short stories? I'm going to pick them up from Wurts-sensei's website...

Nirkatze wrote: "I think I'm the only one (besides our leader Chibipoe) to make it this far so far... with the 45 days adjustment, to try and wait for people to join us, this would be February 1st.

If folks haven'..."

Works for me, but I am fine with whatever schedule. (Though the faster the better since I want all to experience the greatness of the series. :D )

For the short stories:

The Sundering Star is best read after Warhost of Vastmark
The Decoy can be read any time after Curse of the Mistwraith
Reins of Destiny likewise
Black Bargain should be read after Stormed Fortress
Child of Prophecy is also anytime after Curse of the Mistwraith
The Gallant novella can be read any time.

Thank you for that clarification! I'll post in the invite thread and let other folks know of the updated schedule...

Happy New Year guys! :)

I apologise for going MIA on you again but I wanted to deal with everything life threw my way before diving into this.

I'm happy you love the series Nirkatze and I hope to catch up with you soon.

Today, that is now, I'm heading over to the old Ships of Merior thread and get started there.
I'm putting up the first chapter summary and hope you both will drop by to let me know if I missed anything of importance.
I am also inviting Janny to hop onto the thread and chat with us because there is only one single Q&A thread and posting all those summaries for the full series over there will get very crowded very fast and because it's a lot easier to have the chat only in one place.
Here's to hoping she will accept because if she does, this BR will be just as great as the one we did with Carol.

Yay Laura! I hope your life is calming down somewhat--life stuff must always come first. I'm so glad you're still reading with us!

Is the schedule spaced well enough to let you catch up? Looking forward to seeing your thoughts!

I'm not sure about the schedule but I'll let you know once I get through Ships of Merior. 😘

Excellent!! Working on my thoughts in response to your thoughts/summaries so far.

For an UPDATE! Curse of the Mistwraith will be released in April in Audiobook format! Worldwide! Link is up on audible. :D

And, @Nirkatze, can't wait to start GC with you! :D

Really looking forward to it! Less than a week! Squee!

Finished my current eye-read, so jumping in a few days early! Yay!

Chapter 1, part 1 Opening Play (view spoiler)[So... are we finally going to get more Elaira this book??? YAY!!

Remind me of the prophecy...? The only bit I can remember is that if Fionn dies in fire, no one else is harmed. That would make sense if he is burned as Arithon. Then something about if he dies in water, Arithon survives but is betrayed? One more death element, that involved Arithon, and then the whole world would suffer if he lived to old age happily?

Really makes me want to punch Lirenda in the nose though. I really hope that Elaira figures out that Traithe was offering to help her with her Koriani problem... that there is a power in the world that can free her from her oaths... It really is such a shame, that the Koriani, supposed to be a power for healing, are stooping to such horrible lows...

I agree with Elaira's assessment though--if she were to take the easy out, and sacrifice herself for her morals, she would leave Fionn to the same fate--without the benefit of her guidance. At least if she acquiesces, she can stay by him and help him... and maybe make a sacrifice at a time where it would actually have impact, instead of just throwing herself away... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1 Part 2 Sentinel (view spoiler)[So... when Lirenda told Elaira that the Fellowship would not be able to interfere, did she honestly think they wouldn't find out, or just that they would be too busy? Also I'm not entirely positive that the Mother is behind all of this too... or maybe just keeping distance for deniability. I can't remember the specifics, but didn't Morriel tell Lirenda her First Senior position was suspended until she captured Arithon? but wouldn't let her have any power of her own to make it happen... and she had to come up with the plans herself?

And I know I've asked this before--but does the Black Rose Prophecy also predict the return of Ciladis? Or just the Betrayer? 'Cause they're bringing up Ciladis a lot in this chapter... (hide spoiler)]

Part 3 Pawn & Part 4 Daybreak--(view spoiler)[really hoping Lirenda gets her comeuppance sooner rather than later. Or that it is big and epic and satisfying. As Elaira said.

Also looking forward to Asandir thwarting the Caithwood-burning. And any more of that they can do, to curb Lysaer. I like how Luhaine scoffed at his whole "Prince Exalted" title. Harumph!

Yay, Mearn's back! Looking forward to him playing more spy games... (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Finished my current eye-read, so jumping in a few days early! Yay!

Chapter 1, part 1 Opening Play So... are we finally going to get more Elaira this book??? YAY!!

Remind me of the prophecy...? Th..."

The Prophecy:(view spoiler)[One child, four possible fates, looped through the thread of his life span. He will grow to reach manhood. Should he die in fire, none suffers but he. Yours to choose when that time comes, Fferedon'li. Should he die on salt water, the one ye love most falls beside him. Should he die landbound, in crossed steel and smoke, the same one ye cherish survives, but betrayed. Yet should this child's days extend to old age, first the five kingdoms, then the whole world will plunge into darkness, never to see sunlight or redemption. Your burden to choose in the hour of trial, Fferedon'li, and this child's to give, the natural death or the sacrifice.[ (hide spoiler)]


Nirkatze wrote: "Chapter 1 Part 2 Sentinel So... when Lirenda told Elaira that the Fellowship would not be able to interfere, did she honestly think they wouldn't find out, or just that they would be too busy? Also..."

Due to their principles and available Sorcerers, there was no one to intervene and afterwards, misled or no, (view spoiler)[ Fionn Areth had given his consent, and they won't go against that. (hide spoiler)]

Watch what Asandir does closely from start to finish. There's a lot of neat details there. The Fellowship, when their constraints allow, act in grand fashion(well, they do a lot but much of it is just, off-screen as they have a lot of responsibilities).

Ooh, thank you for the clarification and head's up. (view spoiler)[Fionn's so-called "consent" ... so coerced consent or tricked consent is still consent? So wrong, what the Koriani are doing... tricking a child who has no concept of death... I can see why people in general distrust them and call them witches...

My bet is on the death on land, crossed by steel and smoke--leaving Arithon alive but betrayed... (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[I loved seeing how carefully Asandir wrought his wind-gift--very Butterfly Effect there. And the peace-ward, turning any attempt at violence aside and back... Everything is tied to consent and willful action... One little note--when he said the horses would be returned--well, what if they don't want to return? Asandir (and Wurts-sensei) gave such consideration to every other creature and object in his work, the note of the horses being treated as property rather than partners stuck out a bit. I'm also excited to see what "waking" the Caethwood does!

I'm still pissed off about Talith. It's nice to see Mearn is as well. I feel bad for the new child-bride Lysaer is purchasing.... And Lysaer coming among the shipwrights--cannot help but compare to how Arithon acted among his... Lysaer all dressed in finery, slumming it with a good word for his subjects, compared to Arithon who worked alongside them, never with a spare word, accepting their burdens as his own...

I remember what @Chibipoe said, about Lysaer collecting subjects while Arithon collected allies. And the end, when Carrick is shown to still hold to that alliance--he's been in position to see both men at work, and has made his choice... (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Ooh, thank you for the clarification and head's up. Fionn's so-called "consent" ... so coerced consent or tricked consent is still consent? So wrong, what the Koriani are doing... tricking a child ..."

Correct. (view spoiler)[It isn't informed consent, but still consent. The Seven walk a very fine line. They have their own will, of course but do not impose on others. The guidelines for their actions involving the free will of others, well, you will see. Suffice to say, when they do act, they make consequences clear, or act in such a way to encourage a particular behavior. "Settling in land proscribed by the Compact? Well, suddenly all your buildings begin rotting and collapsing, encouraging you to go somewhere else." "Threaten to burn down a forest? Well, we'll just see about that. here's a warning, proceed at your peril. Don't proceed? Then you'll be fine." (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2: (view spoiler)[ The scene with the boat is so neat. Not just a display of power, but of control and precision. Moves the boat along at a steady pace and doesn't disrupt a single thing in its wake. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3--(view spoiler)[Ugh. Every single time a character brings up the wounded who were dispatched by "boys without mercy" at Tal Quorin, I want to punch them. Seriously! Those very wounded were sent out with no mercy to kill said boys, rape their mothers, and bash in their baby sibling's heads! The very next paragraph even says so--"no reprieve given for clan prisoners, grown man or woman, child or newborn." And EACH of the grievances they list, were battlefields were they were the aggressor, and were defeated. Gah! I hate hypocrites. On the other hand, nothing is more like to get me all riled up and angry, and now finally to see some comeuppance, caused--as the best comeuppances are--by their own arrogance...

Really enjoying the deeper glimpse into the Fellowship we've been getting. I've been keeping my eye on Asandir like suggested, but I love also getting more of the relationships and roles each of the others serve too. There's especially a lot of talk about the Law of Major Balance (I think that's what it's called?) and what parameters it leaves them to work with... how they can bed or stretch those on occasion. This, and their ultimate duty--to erase humans if they come to threaten Paravian existence--really makes me wonder about the Betrayer... why did he shake things up? What were his views on the Law? (hide spoiler)]

The Betrayer, well... (view spoiler)[ All I will say is keep reading. You will learn all you want to know and more. (hide spoiler)]

re: Betrayer--Looking forward to that! I did sneak a peek at the backs of some of the future books, so I know (view spoiler)[he pops up in person at some point. Though I would assume so, regardless. (hide spoiler)]

Been a slow reading, busy doing week for me... got more audio than eye-time lately, but I did finish a couple chapters. Hoping to get more reading done this weekend, but I'm also helping out at a few events, so not too optimistic on it...

Through Chapter 5, anyway--(view spoiler)[It's nice to finally see some of those consequences to Lysaer's arrogance and expulsion from the pact. I can't help but think that Lysaer has a lot in common with an earlier Dakar... anything that opposes him, he automatically calls evil, and never sees fault in himself. I know part of that his is Justice gift, but I don't think his arrogant entitled character can be entirely ruled blameless.

Especially that end conversation with the priest--completely dismissing the worth of this young person he is going to marry--when the priest called her a "chit" it was like a slap, and no reaction from Lysaer. I can't help but hope that she will bear him a child... and then run away with said child, to the protection of the Fellowship, where they can raise Lysaer's heir much as they did that one king... Hamish? I definitely don't want to see a child brought up brainwashed as the rest of the townsfolk.

The scene with Dakar being hurried out of the tavern in a whore's clothing was pretty funny. I was a bit disappointed to see Dakar acting much like his earlier self, whoring and getting drunk--but at least half of that was an act to stave off the mage-tracker. Again, though, he meets suspicion and contempt of his now-allies, who previously knew him only as the sniveling wretch bent clumsily on Arithon's destruction. I wonder how long it will take for either a new generation or the current generation to recognize his growth? I honestly can't remember if he's come face-to-face with any of his mentor-Sorcerer's since his change of heart?

I can totally see Arithon's reaction to the news of Cattrick & Mearn's plans for the ships... but also Parrien's arguments. Any death of innocents will just be reaped on Arithon's reputation. But that would be true regardless of where it happens or who does it. There is nothing that will sway Lysaer, and Lysaer is now the next thing to a god in the continent. He's going to get his war someday no matter what Arithon or his allies do... and the Mistwraith's curse is too strong to trust his own judgment on many matters that would put him within reach of Lysaer... It really seems like his best option on all fronts is to keep seeking the Paravians... only their return will give any sort of reprieve for him and his allies... (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "re: Betrayer--Looking forward to that! I did sneak a peek at the backs of some of the future books, so I know [spoilers removed]

Been a slow reading, busy doing week for me... got more audio than ..."

Love these thoughts! Not a whole lot to offer here beyond, keep going. :D You are on the roller coaster track as it climbs toward the top. :D

Oh dear, that doesn't sound ominous at all.... *eep!*

Ominous? Possibly! A wild and crazy fun ride? Definitely. :) Read on and you shall see~ There's a reason Grand Conspiracy really solidified this series for me. I had loved and enjoyed it, but this... this book and everything it sets off? This is where I knew for 200% that this series was Something Special.

Through Chapter 6--Grand Conspiracy on multiple sides... (view spoiler)[At first I thought the title was referring to the Koriani conspiracy with Fionn, but with Lysaer's action's, seems there's more than one... makes sense that he wasn't completely blind to the actions of Cattrick... wondered why he was kept in charge...

But OMG, that wedding night! Lysaer raped his new wife, no other way to put it. If I had any hope for him ever turning over a new leaf, it died there... so much stark opposites to Arithon--Lysaer will do any evil and call it divine if it will earn him his goal. From the Piece section at the end, I really hope Ellaine's "fight" isn't to try to earn Lysaer's heart... I'd much rather see it set against him...

As for the s'Bryndion's... can they make the same request that Havish's king did, for protection? I keep wondering why Lysaer hasn't turned his sights against that kingdom yet... (hide spoiler)]

Re: s'Brydion. (view spoiler)[ They absolutely could request Fellowship backing. The question there is, really, do you see them actually doing so? They're extremely proud. (Great observation!) As for Havish, you'll see. :) (hide spoiler)]

Keep Reading. Soon.

Chapter 7. Heh, good point about the s'Bryndion... (view spoiler)[They'd be claiming they could handle everything themselves even when their house was on fire and their citizens being massacred... practically did, with the whole gunpowder issue... took that heavy a hand to even make them see what they were doing....

Was very impressed with Parrien's slight of hand, trapping Lysaer in a corner... playing Lysaer's reputation... they're dancing now...

Arithon seeing through the vision even when Dakar couldn't shows again how much more skilled he is... though I have to wonder how Parrien pulled it off. Magic? If so, whose? There seemed to be some inferring that Parrien stole something from Dakar...

That last section had an OH SHIT moment, when Raven took out a part of a dragon... do they have any idea what they're playing with? Aren't they risking all of humankind's destruction by toying with those forces? Either by dragon, or by the Brotherhood? (hide spoiler)]

Re: Parrien. (view spoiler)[ Nah, no magic. Just brute force blustering and raw cunning. Raiett mentions while talking to Lysaer what/how he thought they had likely pulled it off. They made it such a public spectacle that Lysaer had no choice but to back down or(as observations were made) to flash fry them in a fit of pique. (hide spoiler)]

The last bit of the chapter. (view spoiler)[ Very astute! Playing with forces they don't properly understand, etc. (hide spoiler)]

re: Parrien--(view spoiler)[Ah, I was wondering how he could make the figures look like the people without magic, and lol, didn't even stop to think that hey, we don't have magic, and we have artists that are very capable of doing such things. Wax museums exist! (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 8--(view spoiler)[I mean, I'm incensed against Lysaer for everything, but especially so for his treatment of women. First Talith--no, sorry, first his aunt with that uncouth comment waaaay back when, before they even hopped through the gateway to this world--then Talith, and now the new princess whose name is a bit too close to Elaira's for me to remember it just yet. I can't help but compare (yet again) Lysaer's treatment of his "love" to Arithon's--Lysaer locked her up for his sake because he could not trust her. Arithon exiled himself for her sake and STILL TRUSTS HER even though he knows for a fact that she may be bound to betray him due to her oaths. Just yet another great parallel example of the quality of these two characters. Allies and minions.

Anyway, the princes... and I absolutely LOVED the s'Brindion grandma! Definitely another entry for the Badass Grannies of SFF. Olenna Tyrell being one, Chrisjen Avasarala another... one of my favorite character types there--I'm so glad we got to meet her, after hearing her story of climbing the wall for her trysts... I hope she comes 'round again... Nice of her to plant that seed in the princess, and I hope she finds a way (interesting note on the gold coin to the midden-shoveler) to 1) bring the murder of Talith to light 2) get her son back and 3) GTFO of there.

Nice to see Elaira again, and the twin... this is only Elaira sighting #2, though we've only had one Arithon sighting so far, and half the book in already.

Thought the 12 year time skip was done nicely--not too jarring. (hide spoiler)]

Oooh, Chapter IX is next? Nice. Pay close attention to its end. Things are getting ready to heat up. :D It's gonna be wild. XD

Finished Chapter 9! I was paying attention, but I'm not sure what I saw! (view spoiler)[Except that yet another Conspiracy seems to be layered underneath Lirenda's... who does Morriel have a grudge against? I'm trying to remember when we first met her back in the beginning... Arithon has been rather obvious, for the disruption his mere presence has caused to her plans. Sethvir would be another very big one, for his treatment of her when she went to reclaim the crystal, and denying her any right of power over the land... I would have thought the Fellowship in general, for denying her her "rightful" power...

I find it interesting too, how at odds the Koriani and Fellowship are--the Koriani's oath of obedience seems to be completely inimical to the Fellowship Law of Balance and emphasis on never impugning on another's free will...

It was nice to get a little memory jog scene of the mayor of Jaelot before Elaira goes there... and the doctor who attended him, not having any gut-feelings about the ... was it Second or Third Infamy? Anyway, he didn't see why it was such a big deal... shows how time moves on, and with no active Infamies, the new generation lacks the fervor... So what is Lysaer planning to enflame that? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter IX. (view spoiler)[ Morriel is clearly up to something and wants Lirenda occupied. :D What could it be? XD (hide spoiler)]

LOL What could it be? My guessing skills are feeling rather weak right now!

Finished Chapter 10--(view spoiler)[Sethvir seems to think that Morriel is making an attempt to reaffirm the great crystal's power... I still don't have any guesses outside of what I've already stated... though I am curious why Morriel continues to use the new girl... the strong, ambitious and not overly smart one (with a stutter?). You'd think, with Lirenda's failings, that she'd pick someone with actual potential in case Lirenda fails totally... like Sethvir says, Lirenda almost certainly won't survive investment as Prime, so what is her game there? I can't imagine she's actually convolutedly prepping Elaira (though I'd not mind Elaira ending up as Prime...)

As for Arithon, rushing back to save Fionn... seriously? All of the other people dying because of the Alliance's fervor against him, and this one child sparks him? Why not all of the other children killed, or herbwives burned?

The prophecy speaks of betrayal though... by whom? (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ Specifically, because they slapped his face on someone else, and are setting Fionn up to burn for his crimes. Those with Mage talent and so on being killed or burned... his options to save them would only provoke a greater disaster, if not fail outright. (More on how this definitely bothers him later). He won't stand for an innocent being set on his place for stuff he didn't even do in the first place(dark sorcery, blah blah).

As for Morriel, well keep going! Chapter XI waits. (hide spoiler)]

Finished Chapter 11, and damn... (view spoiler)[I thought Lysaer & co were bad for using a drake skull to set up a privacy shield, but Morriel has gone miles beyond that in her attempt at revenge on the Fellowship... she's willing to let the whole world burn if it won't give her what she thinks should be hers...

I really liked the bit when Asandir was fighting the forces, and he broke through all her anger and looked upon her with compassion, seeing someone similar to who he had been long before, on another world (and weren't he and the Fellowship responsible for the destruction of their previous world?) I am not so good of a person, I would prefer Morriel suffer for what she's done, and at the last moment, when she realizes just how stupid and horrible she has been, and that she is the cause of everything she cares for going to ashes, then finally she will be allowed to die.

Elaira has it right--there's something terribly rotten at the core of the Koriani...

And now Arithon and Lysaer are set for another collision. Not going to be good! (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Finished Chapter 11, and damn... I thought Lysaer & co were bad for using a drake skull to set up a privacy shield, but Morriel has gone miles beyond that in her attempt at revenge on the Fellowshi..."

Chapter XI remains the moment where I was just... utterly floored. As I've said, the series had hooked me, but this had crystalized it in my mind that this was(and is) unlike anything else I've read. The scale of what is happening, the stakes, the depth of character. Everything reaches a piercing clarity here and I love it.

Morriel:(view spoiler)[ That was such a moment. Other books like to talk high stakes but this, this was absolutely that. There's mention of one of the Seven descending into the ocean to tend to a faultline. Her actions could have ripped the continent apart and it was the barest luck that it didn't. From here on out, it's a WILD ride to the end of this book and into Peril's Gate and the only thing I was able to guess or predict was something I'd be waiting for and latched onto back in Curse as a 'this will absolutely happen' thought. (hide spoiler)]

Ooh, you'll have to tell me when we reach that point, what that "this will happen" thought was...

Nirkatze wrote: "Ooh, you'll have to tell me when we reach that point, what that "this will happen" thought was..."

Of course! I'm not going to spoil, but you'll know when we get there. :D

Chapter 12--another oh damn--(view spoiler)[Morriel bloody body-jumped? Into the arrogantly dumb-yet-powerful initiate? Well, that'll solve her age problem... but what another horrible subversion of free will...

Kevor v. Cerebald. Cerebald was one of those (or the main) responsible for Talith's death, right? Maybe he thinks since he got away with killing one person close to Lysaer that he'd be able to get away with it again... Looking forward to his downfall, at any rate. And like the chapter said--it's nice to see Kevor, someone with the s'Illessid gift and untainted. I wonder what would happen if he met Arithon? (hide spoiler)]

:D I love your excitement and picking up on details!

^^ yay!

Chapter 13--(view spoiler)[The habit of using First, Second, Third etc in chapters takes me a while to catch on too--like in the second book, with the "Infamies"--and now we're up to "Third Upset." I went back to Fugitive Prince and looked for the First and Second--First was Mearn & the caitheden intercepting the information that Lysaer was heading towards Arithon's location, and the second was the listing-ship trap... so I'm guessing these are Upsets in the Koriani's plans? Hoping they are Upsets for the other side, rather than Upsets to ours... but then, "our" side doesn't really have plans and Grand Conspiracies to Upset. Each were also events which enabled Arithon to slip from a trap, as well, I think... so that's reassuring...

The third one seems to be Arithon not showing up the way the Koriani expected? Or maybe Lirenda being caught into admitting that the prisoner is not the Master of Shadow?

Fourth seems to be how Arithon got all the way to Fionn before they noticed... smart move, taking the job as executioner.

Thinking on the prophecy--this current moment must the be death of fire. It makes me wonder though--if, say, Fionn was told of the prophecy, and chooses to sacrifice himself (it does say it is his to give), and say, chose self-immolation... would that work to satisfy the prophecy? Or is it a one-time only kind of thing? Doubt this kind of question could be answered... Also wondering if the "deaths" will come in order--first fire, here, next up, salt-water... maybe during the escape? Someone will have to safeguard his life until he can make it to the landbound one...

Also thinking on that betrayal for the landbound death. Betrayal by whom? Biggest answer would be Elaira, forced by her Oath. Second would be the s'Bryndions--and that would fit with the landbound, if it had to do with saving their own people from a war... another person like Cattrick would be too close...

And betrayed in what way? There are many different kinds of betrayal. Keeping Arithon from doing something that would endanger his own life (like rescuing Fionn) could be seen as a betrayal.... doesn't necessarily have to be a betrayal into capture.

Then there's the last option--him living to a long life, leading to darkness and ending. Suggests that Fionn will be in a position to stop something--maybe Mistwraith's release, maybe the Fellowship having to raze the planet, maybe a drake's awakening... but something that either wouldn't have happened or that happens after his other death opportunities--which makes me wonder if it is a consequence of Arithon's sixth lane upset--like the prison-mountain getting a shake.

On Morriel--they're saying that her being in a new body means they can't act against her. Why can't they exile her and help the body? Is there nothing they can do to extract her spirit from the poor apprentice? I don't agree with their interpretations here.

Very curious about the "aged spinster" who doesn't think overly kindly of the Koriani...

Then that last bit--the beacon spell? Which had the mistwraiths hot on Khardoun's tail? The ones currently imprisoned? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14--(view spoiler)[Arithon says "By the decree of your crown prince's justice"--is he talking of himself? Okay, I need to look at a map... yup, Jaelot is juuust inside Rathain, so Arithon could be the "crown prince"--but isn't he the anointed King, not prince? Just hasn't like, accepted it yet. But if he's referring to himself here, then this is the first step to accepting, yes? Like in the prophecy?

Okay, I kept reading. Yup, he was referring to himself. Well, there ya go, Dakar. I rather like that he's taking this route. That's right you blood-minded bastards! Your authority has been DENIED! Of course, now Arithon doesn't really have much to back up that authority besides his own powers of sorcery... for now.

So... all of these little accidents--Arithon says "This is Rathain, where I am crown justice... A stay of mercy is offered for every an who gives up chase to succor the innocent." Is this the power of an anointed king then? To be able to bend the land to his advantage? Or something of Arithon's sorcery?

Also, looking at the map made me realize just how BIG Havish is! And other spots too. Tysan is s'Ilessid, Havish is the former shepherd boy, Rathain is s'Ffalen--was it Shand that was s'Alehas (spelling? the mother's line)? Then that would leave Melhalla as the one whose bloodline is dead... what will they do about that, eventually?

Little tidbit on Dakar--maybe part of why he's still an apprentice after all these years? That tapping into his talent for conjury has a tendency to trigger prophetic episodes?

All the running in this chapter was entertaining, seeing the Koriani chase their tails... with only one chapter left, the question of whether this book ends on cliffhanger or relief is a big one. (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "^^ yay!

Chapter 13--The habit of using First, Second, Third etc in chapters takes me a while to catch on too--like in the second book, with the "Infamies"--and now we're up to "Third Upset." I wen..."

Arithon has a habit of (view spoiler)[ not reacting in ways they expect(or others do), so yeah, upsets to their plots.

Regarding the prophecy and potential candidates! You shall see. Prophecies seldom happen how you expect, or could have several ways of playing out. :D

For Morriel, they can't act because they can't obtain permission from the one affected(or rather, they could act, but their acts would kill Selidie as well, without the aid of her permission or input, which would violate free will. It's a particularly sticky problem, because the Koriani oath to the order gives a ridiculously wide array and with no way around it save for the oathsworn to request intervention, as the Fellowship don't interfere in mortal affairs otherwise.

And yes, the beacon spell got a surge of renewal. That could be a problem! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XIV: (view spoiler)[ Jaelot falls within the territory of Rathain, as does Araethura, where Fionn Areth hails from, so they are all citizens of Rathain.
s'Ffalenn - Rathain
s'Illessid - Tysan
Melhalla - s'Ellestrion
Shand - s'Ahelas
Havish - s'Lornmein

Eventually appoint a new line to stand from among those most suitable, for Melhalla

Dakar's an apprentice still due to issues with his talent, essentially. Coping with it from a very early age lead to bad habits.

Regarding how it ends. :D Peril's Gate picks up maybe 20 minutes later. GC isn't a cliffhanger, truly, but it skirts close. The immediate problems are dealt with. (hide spoiler)]

Finished! Fun ride, for sure--and I'm glad to know what you mentioned about the next book picking up soon after.

re: Prophecy--(view spoiler)[I would love to see a version of the prophecy that doesn't involve Fionn dying horribly... poor kid... though I'm also looking forward to him coming to realize that his preconceptions on right and wrong in the current continental conflict are well, wrong. (hide spoiler)]

re: Morriel--(view spoiler)[Gah! I feel like there should be a way to separate her out again without harming Seldie! But mostly that's because the magic system makes it seem like anything is possible... At least now I know what you were hinting at, with why she was hiding her actions from Lirenda, and why she'd be more interested in Lirenda failing. Can't have someone stepping in as competition.

I'm wondering if Elaira will be the first person to notice... there has to be something that can be done... (hide spoiler)]

Final thoughts--(view spoiler)[I like how there were multiple Conspiracies and multiple Traps going on... Trap for Arithon, trap for Lirenda, trap for Elaira... even for Fionn, trapped by the narrative of Vastmark and his preconceptions... Sadly, I don't think Elaira's actions count enough as betrayal for that one part of the prophecy, but it'd be nice if it did, so that I don't have to worry about that coming up again...

At least they made it out of Jaelot without Lysaer showing up. That counts for something...

The Fellowship's going to be dealing with the aftershocks for a while... the name "Peril's Gate" seems to point to some of that... especially making me think of the gates they're guarding from the Mistwraiths, and the ones trapped as well...

It was really interesting getting that one glimpse of Davien earlier. Like the current events are interesting (or just annoying) enough to pique him... (hide spoiler)]

:D Now, what you need to do is immediately start Peril's Gate. XD

Prophecy (view spoiler)[ Fionn Areth has lots of growing to do. (hide spoiler)]

Morriel (view spoiler)[ There might be. Who knows! As to who will notice... well, you'll see! (hide spoiler)]

Ahead: (view spoiler)[ Peril's Gate hits the ground running and does not let up. :D BE PREPARED. (hide spoiler)]

:D Now, now it gets wild.

LOL Looking forward to next month! I have... about 10 other eyebooks to read between now and the Peril's Gate start time. I should be able to do it by then. ^_^

Nirkatze wrote: "LOL Looking forward to next month! I have... about 10 other eyebooks to read between now and the Peril's Gate start time. I should be able to do it by then. ^_^"

If you start now and keep barreling along, at your pace, you can be done with Destiny's Conflict by release date. ;) Hehehehe~

Nirkatze wrote: "LOL Looking forward to next month! I have... about 10 other eyebooks to read between now and the Peril's Gate start time. I should be able to do it by then. ^_^"

How's your progress? :) Gonna start sooner? :) Can't wait for you to start off.

I have the next book scheduled for March 15... I have... oh... 4-5 eyebooks now and a few manga between me and Peril's Gate, so I should be right on schedule... but not to make the final book in time for release! >.< Too many other books I want to read with people too. And I'm still hoping that Laura might catch up with us...

Nirkatze wrote: "I have the next book scheduled for March 15... I have... oh... 4-5 eyebooks now and a few manga between me and Peril's Gate, so I should be right on schedule... but not to make the final book in ti..."

Fair! I do hope we'll see some people come back in April too, when Curse gets its audio book release at last. :D