Readalong Week No.3 | Books and travelling with Lynn

Kushiel’s Avatar by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.3

25 October 2015

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Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Avatar, Readalong Week No.3

Welcome to week three of our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series. Kushiel’s Avatar is the third in the series and I am loving it so far. All free to join in, if you’ve already read this then please join in with the comments. The full schedule is here and this week Emily at Emma Wolf is our lovely host. Before moving on: a word of warning – there will be spoilers lurking below.

So, moving swiftly on:

1. If I recall correctly, this is the first book (and this is the first portion of the book) that takes us outside of (what is now) Europe and into (what is now) the Arab world. What are your thoughts?

I love all the travelling and more to the point the attention to detail that Carey brings in describing a place and bringing it off the page. She always pays attention to the food and clothing and local traditions.

2. We see the Pharaoh laughing at Phedre, saying that if she had only trusted him, it would have saved them a lot of time. We saw this sort of thing play out before with Kazan and Bariquel. Do you think Phedre should be more trusting or do you think she is right to be so cautious?

I think that Phedre can be quite cautious but in this instance I think she was right to be so. This is a Pharaoh – you don’t want to go wading in with your big feet and upsetting him do you – anything could happen. Plus, I don’t think her extra caution caused any real delay to be honest. And, it definitely gave the Pharaoh a laugh out loud moment and that can’t be a bad thing after all and it served to relieve the tension a little.

3. More of the story of Imriel and the two other kidnapped children unfold. What do you think now? Was Imriel chosen randomly? Is this the gods punishing Melisande or D’Angelines generally?

I really don’t think Imriel was chosen at random, there are simply too many coincidences for me to feel it was just purely accidental. Plus – if we are to believe that this is part of a punishment from one of the Gods then it definitely can’t be random can it? Course, I’m happy to be wrong – which is just as well as I frequently am!

4. More on Imriel: we haven’t met him yet, but we’ve heard a lot about him and how he acted in different situations. So far, what do you think of him?

He’s definitely got a little bit of derring-do in him hasn’t he! Considering the terrifying series of events that have taken place he still has the guts to stick up for himself. I was very impressed with him and wherever he happens to be right now I hope he’s managing to hold himself together.

5. What are your thoughts on the skotophagotis? Superstition and coincidence or real power?

I’m loving this element to the story. I think it could be just again a case of coincidence where people’s real fear or terror of the situation causes almost a self fullfilling prophecy type situation. These skotophasgotis are certainly scary critters though. It’s like they’ve created a sort of mass hysteria amongst the people. I guess if one of those stepped in your path you probably would fall over and hurt yourself afterwards because you would be so concerned about something bad happening that you wouldn’t be paying proper attention.

I love the scenes with Joscelin and Phedre – they’re so sort of chilled with each other at the moment. It made me laugh when Phedre said something like – and I’m not quoting – that she would probably be dead if it wasn’t for Joscelin – and he said yes, if he wasn’t around she’d probably die from melodrama – okay, I’m not getting the quote right at all but it made me laugh.

The other participants:

Kushiel’s Avatar by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week 1

Posted On 11 October 2015

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Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Readalong Week No.3

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Welcome to week one of our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series. Kushiel’s Avatar is the third in the series and I can say, straight off the bat, what a fantastic start this series gets off to. I’ve literally raced through the first 13 chapters and can’t wait to move forward. So much goodness. All free to join in, we’ve only read the first 13 chapters so not much catching up at this point. Or, if you’ve already read this then please join in with the comments. The full schedule is here and this week Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow is our lovely host. Before moving on: a word of warning – there will be spoilers lurking below.

Chapters 1 – 13

The book begins with the ending of Phedre’s “ten years of peace”, and with a journey to visit Hyacinthe on his island. It’s a less than optimistic beginning, but the seer Sibeal seems to believe better… What did you make of these opening scenes?

I can’t make head or tail of it – although it certainly steps up the need to try and find a ‘get off the island pdq’ card for Hyacinthe. And, I suppose it does give Melisande the perfect leverage to involve Phedre in her plots (whatever they may be).

I was kind of struggling to think why Sibeal was involved – wasn’t it her sister who had a brief involvement with Hyacinthe? Did Phedre come across as maybe a touch jealous of Sibeal’s interest? Maybe Sibeal’s interest is purely on behalf of her broth – Drustan must be interested in the comings and goings at the straits and so he would be interested in his sister’s prophetic dream. At the moment the waters are clear for him to pass. Also interesting that Melisande was looking into the history of the island as well. Clearly the Straits and Hyachinthe are going to play a larger role in in this story – at least I think so!

Sorry, my mind is a complete jumble.

Before long Phèdre and Joscelin are revisiting Melisande Shahrizai as well, and she’s got yet another surprise for our heroes… Do you have any suspicions yet about who could have taken Imriel, and why? How about any thoughts regarding what Melisande could be up to now…?

Wow, Melisande back on the scene so quickly into the story! I didn’t see that one coming. Or the reason why she requests Phedre’s assistance. Never. Saw. That. Coming.

It seems to me that the one consistent thing that Melisande seeks is power so I feel that will be the case now. Whether this is an elaborate ruse I’m not sure. It seems to me that Phedre has successfully stopped Melisande on two previous occasions so there’s a chance that this is a distraction? Sleight of hand maybe. Perhaps get Phedre’s attention firmly set on ‘x’ and then implement ‘y’ whilst she’s distracted. But, at the back of my mind Melisande always seemed to have a healthy respect in terms of the wrath of the Gods and she did swear that she was telling the truth – still, I find it very difficult to trust her.

As to other thoughts, I’m a bit short on ideas to be honest. Barquel – seems a bit obvious, unless he has killed the boy to eliminate the threat. Don’t really see it though.

The thing that does niggle is that surely none of Melisande’s enemies would know of Imriel’s whereabouts – which leaves the possibility that he’s been taken from somebody in Melisande’s own camp. I don’t know why they would do that – perhaps, even though she thinks not, someone from her own family? I don’t know. As you can probably see!

Taking a step back from the higher drama, what are your thoughts regarding the romantic developments that seem to have taken place for Phèdre and Joscelin over the years? They seem to be in a better place… Do you think it will still last?

I love Phedre and Joscelin’s relationship and their current status and the way they seem to be able to read each other so well is a testament to how well they’re suited to each other. I’ve no doubt that setting off on another mission may once again raise doubts. I think the main issue I could see coming between them is Hyacinthe because clearly Phedre has feelings for him and also, clearly, Joscelin seems to have doubts in that respect (or at least I kind of read it like that).

I like that Phedre is now able to recognise her own love for Joscelin and also that both of them realise that she needs something more on occasion.

And, Joscelin has changed in a lot of respects. That ending to Chapter 13 – very sneaky!!! Plus, in his own way he has found ways of pleasing Phedre – for example after she visited Kushiel’s temple *raises eyebrows*.

It’s going to be interesting!

Anyway, I thought this week’s chapters were brilliant. I don’t know whether it’s just that I’m now so invested in the characters and world but, really, this book got off to an excellent start.

The other participants:

Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.3

Posted On 16 August 2015

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Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Chosen, Readalong Week No.3

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Today is week No.3 of our readalong for Kushiel’s Chosen. This week our host is Allie at Tethyan Books . As you would expect – spoilers lurk below – so beware. All welcome, if you want to join the readalong or jump in with comments then please do so (here is the SCHEDULE). Questions and answers below.

1. Do you think Joscelin might have really considered using the “terminus” in the fight between the Unforgiven and the Yeshuites? How deep do you think his loyalty to the Yeshuite people goes, and why do you think he feels so driven to arm, train and protect them?

I don’t think he was considering the terminus to be honest. I thought his explanation to Phedre sounded reasonable.

I admit this whole issue with the Yeshuites puzzles me very much – other than that he seems to have found a new cause which also seems to be something that he needs himself – I’m not sure where it all came from but clearly it’s something he’s totally thrown himself into.

2. What do think of the differences between the culture of La Serenissima and the City of Elua, and the differences in how they conduct their political intrigue? Who would you favor for the next Doge?

I suppose La Serenissima is based on Venice so the differences don’t surprise me really. The fighting for example put me in mind of performances of Romeo and Juliet where the Montagus and Capulets fight in the street – did anybody else have that imagery running through their heads. In that respect I’m therefore guessing that the people of Serenissima are very passionate, they probably talk and argue quite loudly, they like to parade of an evening, they’re probably very ostentatious in their enjoyment – be so whatever that may be, they’re basically passionate about everything. I love it. They’re very different from the people of Elua who to a certain extent in this world seem very relaxed by comparison. I literally don’t have the first notion who would be the next Doge.

3. What do you think of Phedre’s plan to play along with Severio’s romancing? Do you think he is approaching the matter with more sincerity than his parents?

I find it really quite sweet to be honest – he seems to be totally sincere and it’s very touching. It’s also interesting to see how Phedre responds – thinking about it, she’s never been courted before so it’s really something of a novelty for her. I bet she’s never even considered being courted by a potential suitor. It’s quite a fascinating aspect of the story and makes you stop in your tracks and realise just how very different Phedre’s life has been so far.

4. There is a lot of fortune-telling in this section, from the Oracle in the temple to the astrologer. What do you make of the Oracle’s answer to Phedre? Why do you think the astrologer killed himself, and do you think he would he have been able to lead them to Melisande?

The Oracle’s answer was one of those answers that I kind of expected. In other words I have no idea what it means and it’s vague enough to make it appear to be real when anything happens in the future. I loved the observation that of course you find something in the last place you look! It made me have a proper giggle (also because I was reading it in a different way – I was taking it more that Phedre will not think of the place to look until a last resort – even so, it’s still true, once you find something you do stop looking! Still funny even now. I can’t believe that the astrologer killed himself – it’s like a self fulfilling prophecy – he predicted his own death if he crossed Melisande and so decided to kill himself so that couldn’t happen. Quite bizarre really.

5. Joscelin and Phedre meet a couple who have made compromises in order to build a happy life together. What do you think of their family, and does their example give any hope for Phedre and Joscelin’s future?

There’s is a puzzling relationship and it will be interesting to see how it moves forward. I admit that I really like the character Joscelin and I would be very sad to see him leave these stories so I seriously hope that they can find a way. But, all that being said, could I be any more chilled out about what he’s going through – probably not. It’s a big ask really to love somebody but to watch them go and have these assignations with others. I guess it boils down to the difference between making love and having sex and whether Joscelin can see it in that way.

The other participants are below – check out their answers too:

Allie at Tethyan Books
Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow
Grace at Books Without Any Pictures
Nancy at FaeStruck’s Reviews & More
James at James T. Witherspoon
Emily at Emma Wolf
Susan at Dab of Darkness

Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.2

Posted On 12 August 2015

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Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Chosen, Readalong Week No.3

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This is my very late post for week two of our readalong for Kushiel’s Chosen – but, I’m uptodate now so all is good. This week our host is Susan from Dab of Darkness. As you would expect – spoilers lurk below – so below. All welcome, if you want to join the readalong or jump in with comments then please do so (here is the SCHEDULE). Q&A follow:

1) Severio & Phedre have their assignation. Who do you think learned the more from it?

It was very interesting. To be honest I think Severio learned the most from the assignation. He kind of walks around with a bit of a grump on him most of the time and almost just plain ready to take offence with everyone. He’s like one of those people who has decided to be awful with everyone – before they be horrible to him. I think his time with Phedre has softened his edges a little bit – taught him that sometimes you reap what you sow so walking around with a sour puss face tends to put people off you a little. Plus, it’s not harmed his reputation.

2) Hanna from the Yeshuites tells Joscelin, ‘….this pain you suffer, you cling to it.’ Do you think that is true of Joscelin? What do you think of Joscelin teaching some of the young Yeshuite men to fight?

I think she hit the nail on the head to be honest. Joscelin does have a tendency to mope somewhat and cling to his ‘hurts’. I hadn’t realised that Joscelin was training the young Yeshuite men to be honest – maybe I should have picked that up as there was a reference at some point but I kind of missed it!

3) In this section, we really saw the pressure put on Marmion. Do you think Marmion’s punishment was just?

I actually found myself feeling a bit sorry for him – although that doesn’t mean I trust him. Anyway, the thing with banishing people is that it seems to be reversible so he could reappear at some point I suppose.

4) Phedre goes to Gentian House for some guidance through dream interpretation. What did you think of this? Have you ever had your dreams interpreted?

I quite like the idea of dream interpretation although i’ve never had my dreams interpreted. I do think that your dreams usually mean something – providing you can unravel them.

5) The plot has thickened in this week’s reading as Phedre & Joscelin dig further into the mystery of the escaped Melisande Shahrizai. Thoughts?

I’m actually really quite enjoying Joscelin and Phedre trying to piece together this mystery and I admit I was really surprised when they came up with the Cassiline link although I’m still not sure how they came up with that – it almost seemed a bit of a leap. I felt sorry for Joscelin – he felt so betrayed by it all didn’t he? It just demonstrates how very straightforward he really is.

6) Ysandre and Phedre carry out a bit of subterfuge. Do you think it is enough to fool Melisande, should she be paying attention?

I think Melisande will be paying attention to be honest. I think she probably still has spies everywhere and she plays a long game. She knew what she was doing when she sent back Phedre’s cloak and so I think she’s waiting for things to line up somehow.

The other participants are below – check out their answers too:

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.3

Posted On 24 May 2015

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Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart, Readalong Week No.3

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Today is the third week in our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart. Week three is being hosted by the lovely Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow. The questions and answers for week No.3 are below. If you haven’t read this book already be aware of spoilers in the following text. If you have read and want to jump in with your own answers then please do so. If you want to join in with the readalong then leave me a comment – the details are here.

Chapters 19 – 26

1) We get a lot of political intrigue to wade through this week, plus a couple of pretty big dramatic revelations, not least of which was the twist of fate for Prince Baudoin and his mother. What did you make of the trial, and what became of these two?

What really surprised me with the trial was the speed and ruthlessness. No messing about at all. You’re guilty, sentence: death: you have three days to choose! Woah. Plus father and daughter exiled too! I confess, and this being on a reread, that I still don’t completely grasp all the political intrigue other than that where there are crowns and kingdoms political intrigue and court backstabbing seem to follow.

2) On a rather different, much more personal note for the House of Delaunay was the drama that unfolded surrounding Alcuin (poor Guy!). What do you think might become of Alcuin now that he appears to be out of the game?

We all pretty much knew that Alcuin was unhappy with his lot and so this wasn’t a surprise. I guess this frees him up to do more spy type work – he clearly expressed an interest in learning the sword and riding, etc, so he wants to be of further use to Delauney’s cause. He’s a sad sort of character though isn’t he. He makes me feel sorry for him with his strange brand of quiet sadness.

3) As we’d suspected last week, Phedre’s refusal to use her signale gets her into some trouble with d’Essoms – but it also gets her the result that Anafiel had hoped for… Do you think she’ll be more careful from here or will this only make that addictive slope more slippery for her?

I don’t think she will be more careful because she seems to have met with success. Therefore she’s going to be even more determined now to not use her signale. I don’t really think that Phedre really understands at this stage that she is walking into trouble quite often.

4) Speaking of Phedre and trouble, what do you make of the ‘relationship’ building between her and Melisande?

This is an unusual relationship – definitely not equal. Melisande seems to play with people, in fact it almost feels like everyone she knows is being courted for a purpose. She seems to know how she affects Phedre which is a little bit worrying because she always has the long game in mind.

I confess I read a little further this week than intended – quite by accident but also a happy accident as it means i’ve now become reacquainted with the Cassiline Brother!