SFF Readalongs led by Kitty G discussion

This is for discussion of the Prologue and Chapter 1 for House of Chains. Please ensure you do NOT post spoilers for any other part of the book! Thank you!

I've only done the prologue at this point but I have a few thoughts:

In the previous books the prologue has densely foreshadowed what would be the book's theme. to that end, I'm thinking this House of Chains title refers to more than the deck of dragons implications. I actually think that we will see a lot of "Chains" in this book - physical and otherwise.
I also think we will see much more of this nature vs imbalance theme. I actually find this theme interesting. In a lot of fantasy we get to to see one shoe drop, but we don't always get to see the other shoe drop. I think this book will have shoes flying every-which-way as Erikson weaves his web.

Michael wrote: "I've only done the prologue at this point but I have a few thoughts:

In the previous books the prologue has densely foreshadowed what would be the book's theme. to that end, I'm thinking this Hous..."

Goodreads need to add a Like button. Intriguing thoughts you have :)

I really have no idea what to make of the prologue. I hope we get an explanation as to what this ritual to Trull means. I did notice the use of chains that Michael spoke of. I had assumed we would be seeing a new card in the Deck of Dragons (maybe the Crippled God?) but we shall see.

The first chapter belonged to Karsa Orlong and his Uryd clan. These are bad men hell bent on destruction, but looking at the story from their view they are doing what is right and honorable in bringing souls to their gods. There is a likable quality to this Uryd pack even though they do detestable things like raping women and killing children. Their skill in battle is quite good and I will be interested to see how they fare when they face stronger opposition.

Not going to lie, this book is dark and it took me by surprise because not only did I find myself thrown straight into the depths of a tragedy, but I also found myself really enjoying reading about it! I think that the fact that the beginning of this book has been so small-scale on focus (we're basically following Karsa only atm) rather than flitting all over the world means that I have thoroughly enjoyed delving into his life and character.

I've had a fair few people tell me they really enjoy Karsa as a character and that he's their favourite so I was highly intrigued and I went into the book hoping I'd echo their thoughts. I have to say Karsa is a detestable character, yet he's also great. I find myself thinking that Erikson has really created a wonderful character in that I know what he does is bad and I don't like the rape of women or the constant deaths etc, but I still like him (and I'm not sure what it is r why, but I do!) He walks a very fine line because whilst he's committing terrible acts at some points (e.g the rape) he actually seems to be nice at some points too such as being 'gentle' with the women whilst raping them, and inviting them back to his village after. It's strange to say it, but I somehow think there's a niceness buried way down deep in him and I think he may be one of the most complex characters we've met so far in this series.

I think I am going to like this book if it continues this way because I tend to find that I am easily invested in characters and Karsa is one who is constantly keeping me on my toes reading about him and his story. I can't wait to see what happens next because there's no way to guess with him, and I have a feeling the the Treblor might be related to the Toblaki in some sort of tenuous way (they're similar names and we've had connections between races before).

I totally agree about the Chains being referenced and I have a feeling they will be in the story a lot both metaphorically and physically as the books go on. I also think there's already been slight references to the Crippled God and others who may be serving him which is pretty exciting.

Overall I think this beginning has been the one which has hooked me the most quickly and intrigued me the most so I can't wait to read on. I hope everyone else is enjoying it too :D

After reading you post I began thinking about Karsa in the first chapter, and it seems with Karsa Erikson is showing us that not all people who do bad things are bad every second of the day. Furthermore there is a reason they are doing these bad things which to the ones doing the bad seem right to them. Karsa is trying to honor his ancestors while achieving glory for himself, which is a desirable thing that his people aspire to.

Alex wrote: "After reading you post I began thinking about Karsa in the first chapter, and it seems with Karsa Erikson is showing us that not all people who do bad things are bad every second of the day. Furthe..."

Exactly, some very interesting mixes of character and something I'm really enjoying seeing Erikson explore!

I call Karsa misguided. He has honour but his moral compass is misguided by those fake Seven Gods of his.

I can summarize Karsa with one sentence.

He thinks your idea of civility is stupid, and you probably deserve to die because of it.

I don't mean to imply he's a simple character or anything, there is alot going on with him. But that would be his coda. He's an incredibly irreverent person but not out of any sort of spite, but more out of a sense of hypocrisy he feels humanity has about itself.

James wrote: "So Karsa seems like a really badass character, but I hate his whole goal of this trek he is own. Then again, it's what he believes is honorable in his society so there's that to keep in mind as well"

He's definitely a Badass!!