Neverwhere Group Read - Part 2

Today's questions relate to Chapters 6-12:

1. Chapter 6 begins with Richard chanting the mantra, “I want to go home”. How do you feel about Richard and his reactions at this point to the unexpected adventure he finds himself on?

I don't blame Richard for wanting to go home.  His life above was boring but safe and predictable.  Now he is among strangers (who are truly  strange), in a dark, depressing place, and feels his life is in danger.

2. The Marquis de Carabas was even more mysterious and cagey during the first part of this week’s reading. What were your reactions to him/thoughts about him as you followed his activities?

I haven't been able to figure him out -- is he good? is he bad? or is he a combination of both?  Is he the betrayer in their midst?  One thing is for certain:  he is full of contradictions.

3. How did you feel about the Ordeal of the Key?

I think this was probably the scariest of the three Ordeals.   Thank goodness Richard had Anaesthesia's bead to orient himself.   I believe that from this point on his self-doubt is extinguished and he is more able to deal with the denizens of London Below.

4. This section of the book is filled with moments. Small, sometimes quite significant, moments that pass within a few pages but stick with you. What are one or two of these that you haven’t discussed yet that stood out to you, or that you particularly enjoyed.

I liked the Earl, Old Bailey telling jokes to his birds (badly), and I found the vampiric Lamia intriguing.  I did not, however enjoy Vandemar eating the live pigeon -- or the crucifixion.

5. Any other things/ideas that you want to talk about from this section of the book?

I don't think of Croup and Vandemar as funny anymore.

I enjoyed the part where Richard and Door become inebriated by the Atlantean wine and could picture Richard doing his Fred Astaire imitation on the steps of the British Museum.

Next week -- the CONCLUSION!!

Neverwhere Group Read - Part 1

1. What do you think of our two villains thus far, Messrs. Croup and Vandemar?
I think they are thoroughly despicable, but at first I thought they were a little ridiculous and a bit  humorous, like Laurel and Hardy; but then I quickly came to realize they were psychopathic villains of the vilest sort.


2. Thus far we’ve had a small taste of London Below and of the people who inhabit it. What do you think of this world, this space that lies within or somewhat overlaps the space the “real world” occupies?
It's gritty, dark and dangerous, as London Above can also be in part, but London Below is a world both magical and terrifying -- like the dark side of the looking glass.


3. What ideas or themes are you seeing in these first 5 chapters of Neverwhere? Are there any that you are particularly drawn to?
Richard is likeable but not the brightest bulb.  He lives a safe, respectable life with a good job and a fiancee (a bossy and uncompromising maneater), but it doesn't seem that he is totally in control of his life and that he truly knows who he really is.  Perhaps his sojourn down below will teach him some things he needs to learn.


 4. We’ve met a number of secondary characters in the novel, who has grabbed your attention and why?
I like Longtail (because I enjoy stories with animals that speak and I especially like rats for some reason) and Hunter (a strong, independent, take-nothing-from-nobody woman I would like to know more about).  I am also interested in Islington.


5. As you consider the Floating Market, what kind of things does your imagination conjure up? What would you hope to find, or what would you be looking for, at the Market?  
I love flea markets.  I would hope there would be lots and lots of ancient books and all sorts of antiques, curiosities and unusual and decorative items that would appeal to me.


6. If you haven’t already answered it in the questions above, what are your overall impressions of the book to this point?
I think the characters and the setting are very real.  One can almost hear the scuttling of rats and dripping of sewer water in the background.  Also, he moves everything along at a good pace.  Although contemporary urban fantasy is not to my taste, Gaiman is a gifted storyteller and I've found the book fun, quirky, mildly disturbing and easy reading.  I enjoy keeping track of the literary allusions also.

Snow White, Blood Red - Edited by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling

This book was read as part of the Once Upon a Time VI reading challenge at Stainless Steel Droppings.

This is the first volume in several collections of retold fairy tales or stories inspired by them, co-edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling.  The book contains introductions by each editor and 20 stories by well-known and not so well-known authors.  Many take place in contemporary settings and feature strong sexual and/or horror themes.  Some of them are original stories in the fairy tale tradition (Susan Wade's heartbreaking Like a Red, Red Rose).   Many are modern retellings of popular fairy tales (in Wendy Wheeler's Little Red, the "wolf" has an affair with a woman in her grandmother's inherited cottage, then develops an appetite for her teenage daughter) and others fantastic (the mechanical house in Tanith Lee's Snow Drop, in which the magic mirror has been supplanted by a television).  Some tales are lightly humorous (Gahan Wilson's The Frog Prince; Elizabeth Lynn's The Princess in the Tower), and one made me laugh out loud (Persimmon by Harvey Jacobs).  My favorites would probably be The Moon is Drowning While I Sleep by Charles de Lint and A Sound, Like Angels Singing by Leonard Rysdyk.


Not all of the stories will appeal to all readers because of the raw and brutal aspects of some of the tales  Still, we have been told that the originals of the fairy stories read to children or seen on screen as Disney versions were originally really brutal and grim (no pun intended).  The book offers a good variety of writing styles and themes.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it with the above reservation.

Mistborn: The Final Empire Group Read - Part 5 (Conclusion)

1. So, what do you think of Kelsier’s plan now? Or his ‘plan within a plan’? How do you feel the late introduction of the kandra and how it fit into Kelsier’s plan?
I thought the Kel's plan had failed at first and then realized that there was a backup plan that required his death.  There was a method after all to what seemingly was his monumental ego and over-confidence.  What a brave man he was, and using the kandra the way he did was part of his plan to inspire the skaa if and when he needed to die.  There was a lot of planning involved in what he wanted to accomplish that we were not made aware of until the last part of the book..  I like him a lot and hope he is with Mare, and telling her all about Vin, the daughter they never had.


2. The final section of the book was very Vin-centric. How do you feel about the choices she made and did you have any worries/fears about what might happen to her before everything was resolved?
I thought it was rash of her to enter Kredik Shaw, but I think Kelsier would have done the same.  I believe they were alike in that way.  There was definitely a special connection between Kelsier and Vin which I think the other crew members recognized -- also that she herself was special in a way the other Mistborn were not   She has  been a sympathetic and likeable character from the beginning, and I very much wanted her trust issues to be resolved.  She found friendship that she could trust with Kelsier's group.  Also, I was glad she found out that Reen did't betray her after all.  When she was captured, I didn't think she would be killed, but I certainly didn't want to read about her being tortured either or kept imprisoned.  Then, when Sazed appeared in his condition, my fear increased, needlessly as it turned out.


3. After all that we find out that the Lord Ruler wasn’t the prophesied one after all. Surprised? Had you figured it out? What thoughts do you have about the big reveal, including how it tied into Sazed’s people?
I thought he was a fake almost from the very beginning.  How could the man who wrote the journal be the  inhuman monster we read about?  It just didn't jive to my mind.  We learned why he was so intent on destroying his own people as well as the skaa so they would not discover his secret and he could stay in power. 


4. There was some back and forth about Elend throughout the story and we finally got to see him take a greater stand. Any predictions about what might happen in book two with Elend taking on leadership duties?
Elend has book learning but no practical experience in administration though his intentions are the best.  He can learn a lot from Vin and the rest of the crew, and I think he will, but problems and stumbling blocks will arise.  I can see his father possibly causing some of them.  What a nasty piece of work he is!


5. Lastly, provide a little wrap up of your experience with the book. What do you think Sanderson’s strengths are? How does this book stack up against other fantasies you’ve read?
I'm not a big reader of this type of fantasy, so I can't really make a comparison, but I enjoyed this book immensely and will be reading the next two books along with the group and plan on reading The Way of Kings in the near future.  I want to thank Carl for introducing me to this author.  He's very skilled when creating the action scenes but also in characterization.  The characters seem so real (except for the eye-rolling perhaps) I'm sorry to leave them, however briefly.  And, as I've mentioned before, he knows how to draw the reader in and make him/her want more.  Excellent job!


So glad to have been a part of this discussion.  Thank you all!

Mistborn: The Final Empire Group Read - Part 4

1. Well, we finally got our long awaited view of the Lord Ruler, firstly just a brief glimpse during the executions and then during the fight with Kelsier. What do you now think about him and the myth’s surrounding him? And, given his strength do you think he can be beaten?
He appears very youthful and having 2 spears thrust completely through his body doesn't faze him, so I believe the legends about his being immortal and invincible are not without substance.  However, I think he is this way because of some kind of magic of which we have not yet been made aware.  I think he can be beaten once his secrets and complete background are revealed.  But what a monster he seems to be in this chapter!


2. We seemed to suffer a number of set backs to the plans this week. The army had already been all but destroyed and following a bit of a rethink/regroup/coming up with a Plan B things still have gone disastrously astray. What do you think the Crew will do now?
I believe that a number of the crew will want to leave, believing that they have done all they could do -- and some things to be proud of.  I wonder if they truly believed they could go so far as to take the city and eliminate the Lord Ruler.  Now, with Kelsier and his inspiring attitude gone (I can't believe he's dead!!), they must think it's time to quit.


3. What was your reaction to Kelsier’s response to finding Marsh dead? I can’t help feeling that there are going to be some serious economic repercussions to destroying the crystals – what sort of impact do you think this will have, not just on the nobles but on the Skaa?
Kelsier was aware of the great danger Marsh was facing.  I think he was saddened by his death but not surprised.


Loaing the atium from the Pits will be a blow, but the Lord Ruler still has his hoard of atium and I think it will now become more rare and valuable because it cannot be replaced.  This should make him even more wealthy.  The nobles will be affected, especially House Venture, which is in charge of extracting the atium, but then the Great Houses seem to be falling anyway because of the House War.  I do think the poor skaa are the ones who will suffer the vengeance of the Lord Ruler, however.


4. Finally, each week we learn a little bit more of the Lord Ruler’s history. And each week it has a different impact. This week’s snippets had the same impact – I was really interested in the excerpt when he mentions that the Darkness is not as oppressive when higher up in the mountains – do you have any more ideas about the Darkness?
No.  I wish I knew more about the nature of the Darkness, but I guess that will be revealed eventually.


5. I was wondering about Elend and Vin – they’ve also had their ups and downs this week but seem determined to work round them – can you see anything of a future for these two or is there too much history between the nobles and Skaa and too much difference and prejudice between the two?
I believe Vin still thinks Elend is a "good man" and that Elend now knows that, although she is not what she seemed, she does nor intend him any harm.  I think they do have a future, and I am glad Kelsier saved Elend's life -- because of Kelsier's opinion of the nobles, I'm sure he did this solely for Vin's sake. 


On another note -- Sanderson does the fight scene between Kelsier and the Inquisitor so well  that if you really concentrate while reading, it is almost as if you can picture the whole scene in your head. 


Thanks, Lynn, for your great discussion questions.

Mistborn: The Final Empire Group Read -- Part 3

Following are the discussion questions relating to the past week's reading (Chapters 16-25) provided by Grace:

1. During the past week there’s been a lot of speculation as to the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Now that we finally know the answer, does it change anyone’s opinions of the Lord Ruler?

It does make me wonder what changed him from a seemingly compassionate man to the tyrant he has become.  I'm looking forward to finding the answer as the story continues.  Could it be that he is not really the hero prophesied after all, giving substance to his doubts as expressed in the journal?

2. What did you think of Elend’s group of subversive nobles? Do you think that Kelsier is right to dismiss people who could be potential allies, or is this another case of his anti-nobility biases showing?

I believe Kelsier is right to be cautious.  Elend's group of young noblemen have no practical knowledge of the skaas'  life.  It may be just a form of youthful rebellion against their privileged way of life.  Even if they are sincere, it seems it would take a lot of work on the part of the crew  to make them fully understand what they would be fighting for and against were they to join in overthrowing the government  - work that Kelsier and the crew don't really have time for now that their plan has to be revised.  However, I feel Elend is important to the story in some way which will be revealed eventually.  I like the way Sanderson is very skillful in giving little snippets of information -- just enough to keep the reader interested and wanting to know more.

3. What’s your favorite part of the book so far?

I enjoyed Vin's experiences as she is introduced to court life and how she and Elend seem to be drawn to each other.  Elend definitely has some role to play in the future.  I also enjoy the revelation of the Keepers (Sazed in particular) and l want to learn more about them.  I believe they also have an important role to play in the future.

4. Now that Kelsier’s plan has hit some major stumbling blocks, what do you think will happen next? Do you think he can still succeed in defeating the Lord Ruler?

That remains to be seen, but I don't think he will stop trying.  There are probably more stumbling blocks to come, but I think he will stay confident and determined.

Thank you, Grace, for supplying the questions this week, and thanks to Carl for hosting the group read. 

Mistborn: The Final Empire Group Read -- Part 2

1. The nobility, the skaa, and the Lord Ruler have integral roles in the novel and yet we haven’t really interacted with them much. Do you think there is a reason for this? Have you formed an opinion about them?
I think we will interact more with them as the story progresses and that some surprises are in store.  Apparently, the nobility are not all cut from the same cloth, as evidenced by Elend, and not all of the skaa feel so hopeless that they are unwilling to take part in a rebellion.  The Lord Ruler is a puzzlement.  Is it he speaking in the little paragraphs before each chapter?  If so, why did the philosopher who proclaimed him the prophesied savior then turn against him?  I'm looking forward to the answers to these questions.


2. Religion plays a vital role in the story. What is your opinion about the role of religion under the Lord Ruler? What do you think of Sazed’s role as a Keeper.
The idea of the Lord Ruler as God or "sliver of infinity" reminds me of the belief in the divine right of kings.  The role of religion seems to be keeping the people subjugated, not to offer them faith, hope or comfort.  I think the Keepers will play an important role if and when the Empire is overthrown by passing on in the midst of the chaos the remembrance of a kinder, gentler way of life and choice of religion the people will be ready to welcome.  


 3. Are you for/against/or ambivalent about Kelsier’s plan to overthrow the Lord Ruler? Do you think his heart is in the right place or is it just revenge?
I'm definitely for his plan; I think it must lead to a better life for the poor skaa.  I don't think his plan is totally altruistic as we have learned of his hatred of the Lord Ruler and his followers.  His experience in the Pits and the loss of Mare seems to have given an added thrust to what he plans to accomplish.  However, the fact that he has been able to attract cohorts that truly like and trust him says a lot about his character.


4. Vin and Kelsier are the main characters of the novel, yet there are many characters. Is there a certain character who intrigues you more than the others?

Yes, Sazed.  I'm interested to know more about him and what powers he possesses.  I like his kindness and imperturbability.

Mistborn: The Final Empire Group Read -- Part 1

1. This first hundred or so pages was packed! What things are standing out for you in the story thus far?
I agree with Carl about being packed!  I found myself wishing for a glossary of terms as I progressed in my reading -- obligator, inquisitor, Misting, Allomancy, Canton, Mistborn, etc.   All the terms together with the plot, which takes off right away, is quite a full serving at the beginning, but compelling and intriguing and makes one want to read more.


2. What are your thoughts on the magic system that Sanderson is unveiling in this novel? 
I very much like Sanderson's brand of magical talent.  Allomancy, a use of ten metal elements which, when "burned" internally, provides those born with the skill with abilities to manipulate emotions and metal objects, provides a range of skill with rather more imaginative practical applications than one might expect.


3. Kelsier and Vin have held most of the spotlight in these first 6 chapters. As you compare/contrast the two characters, how do you feel about them? Likes? Dislikes?
I like both characters but for different reasons.  I admire Kelsier's confidence and outlook, even after what he has experienced in the Pits.  I like his focus on loyalty, closeness and friendship, and his rescue of Vin, the street urchin who has trust issues because all she has known is betrayal.  I'm looking forward to the development of her character and hope she will learn, with the help of Kelsier and his crew, that people can be loyal friends.


4. Finally, how would you assess Sanderson’s storytelling abilities to this point?
Thoroughly professional writing in my estimation.  His characters are brilliant, his ability to write action sequences is superb and his attention to the details of his universe is exceptional.

Mistborn: The Final Empire Group Read

I will be joining Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings for the Mistborn: The Final Empire Group Read during April.
A new author for me.  Have ordered the book from Amazon.

Once Upon a Time VI

Will be participating in The Journey for sure.  Love the Art Work.