[Reading Group] February 2014: Prince of Thorns Discussion

[Steerpike]

Did you read into my response an implication that I'm claiming that production of an emotional response is a necessary factor for anyone's enjoyment other than my own? If so, that was not my intent.

I know what I like: character-driven page turners that make me care in some way.

No. Sorry, looking at my reply I can see how it might be read that way. I was just offering my own view on things as well. Some people want that emotional connection, others don't care as much. I like it but don't need it to enjoy a book, since not all works are meant to have them. People are right to enjoy what they enjoy for their own reasons, whatever they might be.

 

[BWFoster78]

No. Sorry, looking at my reply I can see how it might be read that way. I was just offering my own view on things as well. Some people want that emotional connection, others don't care as much. I like it but don't need it to enjoy a book, since not all works are meant to have them. People are right to enjoy what they enjoy for their own reasons, whatever they might be.

Understood.

I do think that the author did a really good job of writing a book that I wanted to continue reading. With the exception of one part that I thought dragged (to be discussed when we get to those chapters), overall I enjoyed going through the book. It's just that, when I got to the end and thought about the book, I was like, "Meh."

I really think that a year from now if someone brings up this book to me that I'll be like, "Oh yeah, I vaguely recall reading it."

It just didn't connect with me on any kind of deep level. I'm not sure if that "deep level connection" is the same as emotionally, but I've noticed that I remember the ones that impacted me emotionally much more (and I overall enjoy them more) than ones that didn't.

 

[Philip Overby]

So we can officially begin discussing Chapter 1-12 now.

Again some discussion questions you can use (or not) to jumpstart the discussion from me and BW:

1. What is your feeling about the novel so far? (If you've read the whole thing, you can give your SPOILER free overview. If you're only read the required Chapters 1-12 for the first week, then you can give initial thoughts.)

2. What is your opinion of Jorg based on the first block of chapters (1-12).

3. Does the writing style appeal to you?

4. How do you feel about the more controversial aspects? Did they turn you off on the novel early on or did they have no effect on your reading?

5. Did the writing draw you into the story? If so, what was it about the writing that drew you in? If not, what about the writing kept you at a distance?

6. Did you respond emotionally to any part of the first block? If so, which part and why?

7. Was there any part of the first block that dragged? If so, which?

 

[Philip Overby]

1. What is your feeling about the novel so far? (If you've read the whole thing, you can give your SPOILER free overview. If you're only read the required Chapters 1-12 for the first week, then you can give initial thoughts.)

I'm up to Chapter 10 now and I zipped through like four chapters last night before going to bed. It's a quick read, probably one of the quickest fantasy reads I've ever picked up. I find myself in love with a lot of fantasy books, but I tend to go through them very slowly due to lots of description or narration. Those things are minimal here but still provide enough info to keep me immersed. I was a bit confused if this was in our world or a secondary world. I think I'm actually still confused about that. There are references to Teutonic Knights, God, and such but I wasn't clear if this is some kind of historical fantasy or what.

2. What is your opinion of Jorg based on the first block of chapters (1-12).

I've heard this criticism elsewhere, but I imagine Jorg to be much older than 14. He comes off as a very mature 14 which I guess makes sense because people tend to mature faster when their family is killed. That said, I find Jorg to be both ruthless and cunning with little redeemable qualities as of yet. The main reason I'm interested to see how things turn out is because Count Renar seems more ruthless. It's kind of like "to destroy a monster you have to become one" kind of deal.

3. Does the writing style appeal to you?

Yes, it's very fast paced and engaging for me.

4. How do you feel about the more controversial aspects? Did they turn you off on the novel early on or did they have no effect on your reading?

I don't like sexual violence period, but it hasn't been pervasive in the story. I don't tend to find myself offended or put off easily though, so violence of any kind doesn't make me put a book down.

5. Did the writing draw you into the story? If so, what was it about the writing that drew you in? If not, what about the writing kept you at a distance?

I'd say the writing drew me in simply because it was something different for me. I don't normally read fast paced fantasy and I would say it's probably my preference now. I don't think fast pace=better, but in this case the story moves quickly and the writing style allows it to move along at a brisker pace than I'm used to reading.

6. Did you respond emotionally to any part of the first block? If so, which part and why?

The only part that made me "emotional" (although that's probably not the right word) was when his family was killed by Count Renar and he was stuck in the thorns. I felt angry for him and could see why he became such a bastard after that moment.

7. Was there any part of the first block that dragged? If so, which?

I can't think of any part that dragged, although the scene when they fight Count Renar's men was longer than most of the other scenes. I probably enjoyed that part the most though because it showed how tactical Jorg can be. I'm interested to see how this characteristic plays out later.

 

[SM-Dreamer]

1. What is your feeling about the novel so far? (If you've read the whole thing, you can give your SPOILER free overview. If you're only read the required Chapters 1-12 for the first week, then you can give initial thoughts.)I won't say that I love it, but I am invested enough to keep reading, and probably borrow more of the books to read. It's keeping me intrigued.

2. What is your opinion of Jorg based on the first block of chapters (1-12).That he's a twisted little bastard, but I understand where he's coming from, and so I can belief the things he does and not let it affect me. I grasp his anger, and what he's doing, and can see how the events that happened to him at such a young age warped him. I like his tactics, bullheadedness, and cunning. He knows how to lead people. He's a bit mature for his age, but I think his tutoring and experiences lend to that, so it's believable.
I don't particularily like him, though.

3. Does the writing style appeal to you?I'm not normally into the fast-paced, stripped down style - I like detail and description that draw me into a world - but this is working for me so far. Could be that I'm so busy at the moment that I don't have the time for a dragged out winding book; this let's me zip on through while giving me enough detail to know where I'm at and grasp the world. Though I'm confused whether it's historical or alt-earth...

4. How do you feel about the more controversial aspects? Did they turn you off on the novel early on or did they have no effect on your reading?I knew about them coming into the book, so they didn't shock me. There was nothing graphic written; more of an allusion to the fact. It didn't turn me off, because I can see why it's happening, it make sense for the characters involved. Plus you have a young teenage boy who's emotionally damaged - if he weren't engaging in this, I don't think it'd be believable. This isn't Robin Hood and his Merry Men or honorable companions - these are bandits, and bandits raid, rape, and kill.

5. Did the writing draw you into the story? If so, what was it about the writing that drew you in? If not, what about the writing kept you at a distance?The writing didn't appeal to me with the first sentences, but I was curious, and before I knew it I was hooked. So it's the fast-paced writing that drew me, and the humorous - though dark - remarks the characters made. I think what throws me off with the writing is not knowing exactly where/when I am (again - alt-earth? or historical?)

6. Did you respond emotionally to any part of the first block? If so, which part and why?
Not really. The character doesn't do anything for me; the plot and the story as a whole does. This isn't a character I can empathize with - understand, yes; feel for, no, though I suppose the fact that I do want him to succeed means I do somewhat feel for him...? I think the only part that I felt for the character was his memories of the traumatic events, and reading how his tutor tried to help him.

7. Was there any part of the first block that dragged? If so, which?

Not that I recall; may edit later.

 

[Gryphos]

1. What is your feeling about the novel so far? (If you've read the whole thing, you can give your SPOILER free overview. If you're only read the required Chapters 1-12 for the first week, then you can give initial thoughts.)

I'm on chapter 14 and so far I like it a lot. The way the story is going looks to be intriguing and if it carries on going the way it is I'll definitely be inclined to buy the other two in the series. One thing I'm struggling with is whether or not this is set in our world or not. It makes reference to things like Jesus, as well as naming real people like Plato. Maybe the author has explained in a blog or something but it's just something I keep going 'huh' about.

2. What is your opinion of Jorg based on the first block of chapters (1-12).

He's certainly an interesting character. Cruel, arrogant, ruthless, but also cunning. And the fact that he's only thirteen makes him all the more interesting. I can't say that I 'like' him exactly, but in a way I am routing for him against people like Renar and his father who seem to perhaps be even more unlikable.

3. Does the writing style appeal to you?

It does. The simplistic and cut-back style really helps with the flow and makes the book very easy to read.

4. How do you feel about the more controversial aspects? Did they turn you off on the novel early on or did they have no effect on your reading?

It didn't have any effect on me mainly because it never really gave graphic detail. It just stated that 'that stuff happened' and the violent detail was never too shocking.

5. Did the writing draw you into the story? If so, what was it about the writing that drew you in? If not, what about the writing kept you at a distance?

The writing drew me and had me hooked about halfway through the first chapter. As I said, it's mainly the stripped-back style and toned down description that kept it moving fast, and thus made me more interested faster.

6. Did you respond emotionally to any part of the first block? If so, which part and why?

I wouldn't say I responded emotionally to any part. And I don't really connect to any of the characters. But it is early days in the novel and maybe as I progress some characters will stand out.

7. Was there any part of the first block that dragged? If so, which?

I don't feel any part dragged and I'm very thankful for that.

 

[Philip Overby]

It's interesting that several people have said they didn't connect with Jorg, but still enjoyed the story because it's fast paced. I'm in that camp as well. Normally I need some kind of connection with the main character, but I guess I don't always need that.

I finished up to Chapter 12 now. This would be a point that I think if I stopped the book, I'd be able to pick up again easily later, but maybe I wouldn't remember too many details.

For reference about some of the controversies, here is a post from Mark Lawrence himself describing his thoughts on the content:

Mark Lawrence: Murder’s bad m’kay?

 

[Caged Maiden]

1. What is your feeling about the novel so far?

I think the writing style reads effortlessly and the wording feels somehow really comfortable to me. I'm confused about all the brothers, but I don't care. When they are important as individuals, they are described in more detail, but it's hard to remember who is who, because they don't really stand out as characters. For me... I understand why that is so, because they re something like furniture in a room, so it doesn't bother me and I don't try to remember them all and picture each one's face in my head as I read about him.

2. What is your opinion of Jorg based on the first block of chapters (1-12).

He's unique in a way that isn't a hard sell. He feels like an antagonist, but yet... I don't really mind. I really enjoy his driving the dead spirits away, by revealing his ugly inside. I'm also glad he spared the priest. Wait... we only have to be aware of spoilers if we read ahead, right? I think the way he planned an ambush for the the soldiers was really smart and it speaks a lot to the intelligence of a person who lies... probably repeatedly to his men, and yet they follow.

3. Does the writing style appeal to you?

I really like the style. I think certain elements might be occasionally hmmered home, btu then I remember I'm reading the mind of a boy.

4. How do you feel about the more controversial aspects? Did they turn you off on the novel early on or did they have no effect on your reading?

Sometimes? I had hoped my MC head I tried to get comfortable in wasn't one to rape girls and do the actual icky jobs himself, but I was disillusioned very quickly. It doesn't bother me, but I prefer a character who cares... about anything, to one who is so callous and cold. But, that's exactly what this character is and it's the reason he has a journey. I guess I'm along for the ride, though sometimes I feel I'm riding in the head cart...

5. Did the writing draw you into the story? If so, what was it about the writing that drew you in? If not, what about the writing kept you at a distance?

I'd say it was how familiar it felt. I feel like second person is where I like to be and I don't know why so many people hate it, but I thought it was well done here and I enjoy it.

6. Did you respond emotionally to any part of the first block? If so, which part and why?

I genuinely hoped he wouldn't kill the priest and I really didn't want to read about him torturing the soldier with nails. Of course... the things I imagined were worse than just nailing into his head... but that's just because I'm not sure which boundaries are off limits for the author. Lesson learned... I'll keep that in mind as I write... do not let your reader know you will not do it... let them think you might.

7. Was there any part of the first block that dragged? If so, which?

Not for me. I did find myself skimming the section where they drank beer in the grain storage, but it was only a few paragraphs. I also skimmed where the soldiers came in to meet them in the abandoned town, about where they sprung the trap. It wasn't boring... i just sort of felt like I'd already read enough fighting and I wanted to skip ahead to more story.

I'm really enjoying the book and looking forward to seeing more of the journey.

 

[T.Allen.Smith]

1. What is your feeling about the novel so far? (If you've read the whole thing, you can give your SPOILER free overview. If you're only read the required Chapters 1-12 for the first week, then you can give initial thoughts.)

Okay...so spoiler free. I thought the story line was somewhat interesting. I tend to like dark stories so the intro held a lot of promise. It seemed like it was going to head in some gritty territory. I can't say I truly enjoyed the first 12 chapters but I didn't dislike it either. It was interesting enough, and easy enough to read to continue.

2. What is your opinion of Jorg based on the first block of chapters (1-12).

I liked the main character but that liking was largely based on a break from the standard "good guy" MC. The intro painted Jorg as a sociopath. I wanted to see what made him become that way or if it was nature. That being said, I felt little to no emotional connection to the character, which I generally prefer.

3. Does the writing style appeal to you?

I did like the writing style. It was an easy read and had good clarity. I never wondered what the author meant. I didn't really notice the writing either. Generally, transparent writing is a plus in my book, but not always.

4. How do you feel about the more controversial aspects? Did they turn you off on the novel early on or did they have no effect on your reading?

Honestly, I don't consider anything too controversial. There was mention of pillaging & raping but there was no real graphic depiction. So no, these so-called controversy had zero negative effect.

5. Did the writing draw you into the story? If so, what was it about the writing that drew you in? If not, what about the writing kept you at a distance?

As before, the clear, easy to read style made the book fly by. I think it took me three days to read in its entirety. Considering I was so-so on attachment to plot and character, the easy reading didn't make it feel like a huge investment of time & energy. I wouldn't say that I felt the story was enhanced by the style but it did help some. It didn't feel like work.

6. Did you respond emotionally to any part of the first block? If so, which part and why?

Not really. I'd say the only thing that made me feel any emotion was the scene with his baby brother. Other than that, not too much. It's hard to feel emotional pity for a sociopath. However, that doesn't mean sociopathic characters aren't interesting.

7. Was there any part of the first block that dragged? If so, which?

I'm going to reserve comment on this part until we are through reviewing the first 2/3 or so. You'll know why then....

 

[Philip Overby]

Honestly, I don't consider anything too controversial. There was mention of pillaging & raping but there was no real graphic depiction. So no, these so-called controversy had zero negative effect.

Of note, I think there are two mentions of rape that I know of. Mark Lawrence even criticized some reviews that referred to the book's "graphic depictions of rape" and called it "the book with all the rape."

I think the part with the nail was pretty disturbing, but hell, I've seen the Saw movies so that didn't do a whole lot to unnerve me.

Of note, I think I spoiled a major thing that's later on in the book by reading Mark Lawrence's blog. He didn't spoil, but someone who commented did. I hate that.

I've found that almost everyone has said that they don't connect with Jorg at all, but are interested to see what he does next. It seems the majority of us don't find emotional connection to be that important as readers. Or maybe it's just with this book?

Perhaps some new questions:

8. What makes a reader interested to follow a character they have no attachment to?

9. Does the easy to read writing style make it easier to read a story about a sociopath? Meaning if this was a denser book, would you be able to stick with this cast of characters?

 

[T.Allen.Smith]

Perhaps some new questions:
8. What makes a reader interested to follow a character they have no attachment to?

It's hard to quantify. They can be interesting without having an emotional connection. They could simply be embroiled in some events that I find intriguing or display a slice of life that attracts my attention, like the actions and thought process of a sociopath.

9. Does the easy to read writing style make it easier to read a story about a sociopath? Meaning if this was a denser book, would you be able to stick with this cast of characters?

For me the easy reading serves to make the reading feel like less of an investment. If I can read the book in three days, what's the loss if at the end I say "meh"?

I find sociopaths to be interesting creatures. I've done a good bit if reading about them. So, when I see a character that shows sociopathic attributes, it intrigues me. It's not necessarily the writing or the character, but the subject matter.

 

[Steerpike]

1. What is your feeling about the novel so far? (If you've read the whole thing, you can give your SPOILER free overview. If you're only read the required Chapter 1-12 for the first week, then you can give initial thoughts.)
Overall I like it enough to buy the next installment. Had I stopped at Chapter 12, I don't think that would be the case. I didn't dislike it, but there was nothing about it that would have compelled me to buy the next one, and it would have been even odds as to whether I'd have done so. But since this is for the book club, I went ahead and kept reading and ended being glad I did.


2. What is your opinion of Jorg based on the first block of chapters (1-12).


I think he's a psychopath. He's an interesting character, though not a likable one. Had he died somewhere in those first 12 chapters, I wouldn't have shed any tears over him.

3. Does the writing style appeal to you?


Yes. The writing is fast-paced and lean, and Lawrence has a good "voice." I like the way the narrator relates the story, including the use of slang.

4. How do you feel about the more controversial aspects? Did they turn you off on the novel early on or did they have no effect on your reading?


I don't get the controversy. Most of the aspects that I have head make it controversial happen off-screen. The controversial parts of the book didn't have an impact on me one way or another.

5. Did the writing draw you into the story? If so, what was it about the writing that drew you in? If not, what about the writing kept you at a distance?


The writing was interesting. I wouldn't say it necessarily drew me in over the first 12 chapters. The fact that the prose is fast helped, since I wasn't particularly sold on the book by that point.

6. Did you respond emotionally to any part of the first block? If so, which part and why?


No.

7. Was there any part of the first block that dragged? If so, which?

I didn't feel that it dragged at any point. The pace stayed pretty consistent, and I thought it was a good pace. There was no point where I was thinking "Ugh, get on with it already."

 

[SM-Dreamer]

8. What makes a reader interested to follow a character they have no attachment to?

That the character has something unique about them. Either they're in an interesting situation or world helps, certainly.

9. Does the easy to read writing style make it easier to read a story about a sociopath? Meaning if this was a denser book, would you be able to stick with this cast of characters?

I think the easy writing makes it so that I don't realize how far I am into the story before I'm invested.

I've always been fascinated with people with psychological issues, so reading about a person who is a sociopath is intriguing, even if I don't like the character - although he's growing on me.

Like mold, but still.

 

[Philip Overby]

I'm interested in this "emotion connection" point that Brian brought up originally. I always hear writers saying they have emotional connections to their characters and therefore hope that passes on to their readers. But I find that for me, I'm not sure that's always a prerequisite for me to enjoy a story.

I've found since getting into the 20s in the chapters, I'm finding myself slightly connecting with Jorg a bit more. Not fully mind you, but I see him changing a little as a character.

We can discuss this more in depth starting on February 8th, when we'll start discussing the 2nd block, Chapters 13-24.

 

[Philip Overby]

Week 2: Chapters 13-24

OK, so we're officially on block 2 now.

Any topics of discussion anyone wants to pose?

I'll throw some out there.

1. Do you find yourself getting more in the story now or have you started to lose interest?

2. What do you think about the supporting cast? (Rike, Makin, the Nuban, etc.)

3. Do you see some semblance of "humanity" (for lack of a better word) creeping into Jorg's character?

4. What do you think about Jorg's interactions with his father?

5. Do you feel like you know where the story is going or do you have no idea?

6. Are you finding this novel to be as grim as people made it out to be or do you find it to actually be light in places? (I'm finding more humor, although black humor, it's still humor).

Thoughts?

 

[Gryphos]

1. Do you find yourself getting more in the story now or have you started to lose interest?

I'm definitely getting into the story even more now, now that there's a set goal. I'm interested to see now how on earth Jorg is going to take Castle Red and what it will mean if he succeeds.

2. What do you think about the supporting cast? (Rike, Makin, the Nuban, etc.)

There have started to be a few standout characters for me at this point. Learning the backstory of how Jorg met the Nuban has put him right up there in the list. And Makin is also growing on me. But one person I'm very interested in is Sageous. First of all at this point you're not entirely sure what he is other than a magician with impressive power. But I love the way he basically beats Jorg every time they have a confrontation, whether its making him scared shitless in the middle of the night or making him crush his own hand, I find myself actually wanting him to make a fool out of Jorg. Not because I don't like Jorg in any way, just because it's good to see Jorg suffer and not win. Then there's Katherine. It's clear that Jorg has the hots for her but it's also clear that she wouldn't touch him with a twenty foot pole, which I do appreciate as thats probably the most plausible reaction to Jorg.

3. Do you see some semblance of "humanity" (for lack of a better word) creeping into Jorg's character?

I'd say so, even if it is just a bit. For example when he saw Nossar and just in general the nostalgia of his family. Also, I can see Katherine's influence somewhat humanising him. In his desperation to get on her good side, maybe Jorg will tone down his barbarism.

4. What do you think about Jorg's interactions with his father?

The scene in the hall is my favourite of this block of chapters because, again, it's a time when Jorg isn't in control, like the way his father completely ignores him. But it also speaks a lot about his character. You can really see that they're father and son when he laughs after Jorg kills Sir Galen. He is basically like Jorg but more powerful, which in itself is a worrying concept.

5. Do you feel like you know where the story is going or do you have no idea?

Beyond assuming that Jorg is probably going to succeed somehow in taking Castle Red, I honestly have no idea. And there's still a lot of the book left so I don't think Castle Red is even going to be the climax. So I'm not entirely sure what could happen after that. Maybe he goes to Renar and takes revenge on the Count.

6. Are you finding this novel to be as grim as people made it out to be or do you find it to actually be light in places? (I'm finding more humor, although black humor, it's still humour).

Likewise, I find myself chuckling or at least smiling at a lot of parts. When I started reading I assumed it would be straight grim stuff, but really it's not that dark at all. The only dark parts are the fact that a lot of people die and the book doesn't hold back on the details of those deaths. I've never found myself cringing at any part.

 

[Philip Overby]

Gryphos:

I think you and I have very similar views on this second block.

I loved the scene with his father. Especially Jorg, who is so often used to be listened to and feared, is totally like a piss ant to the king. Great stuff.

I'm also finding myself liking Makin and the Nuban more and more. I find the list of brothers sometimes hard to keep up with, but I think the right ones are getting focus.

Katharine is another great character that knocks Jorg down a peg. I think the novel was in need of some more difficult characters for Jorg to deal with. In the first block, he wasn't having much difficulty handling life on the road. It's interesting that when he comes home to the "safer" court, it's where he experiences the most push back.

Sageous is by far one of the most intriguing characters. I agree, he always seems to have a leg up on Jorg and I suspect that's going to come into play heavily later.

I'm also surprised with how this book has such a dark reputation. I'd say the first block is darker, but the second block has seemed lighter with more spots for humor. I guess some people just handle dark material better or don't get past the first several chapters because they have expectations of it being hard to stomach.

I'm not sure, but I don't suspect getting to Count Renar is going to happen in this book. I could be wrong, but I get the feeling that's going to happen in the next one. I'll be happy either way.

Slight spoiler?

Spoiler: Spoiler?

I think the title of the next book King of Thorns is a little spoilerish, only because I am assume that Jorg will be king by the end of the book. I don't know this for sure, but I'm just guessing.

 

[Philip Overby]

So I guess everyone either stopped reading after Week 1 or just hasn't had time to discuss Week 2. I can't really think of any other topics for discussion for Week 2, so I'll just share Mark Lawrence's blog post about his books and "grimdark" (which I'm still not really sure if this is an accepted name now or what) here:

Mark Lawrence: Dark, Darker, Darkest!

 

[Steerpike]

I'm actually done with the book already

1. Do you find yourself getting more in the story now or have you started to lose interest?

I got more interested in the book somewhere in the early 20s in terms of chapters. At that point, I started piecing together the setting, and that raised my interest level. I liked it before that, but wasn't as interested as I could have been.

2. What do you think about the supporting cast? (Rike, Makin, the Nuban, etc.)

I like the Nuban, and I like Katherine. Makin is growing on me a bit.

3. Do you see some semblance of "humanity" (for lack of a better word) creeping into Jorg's character?

Maybe. Only in his reaction to Katherine, really. And even then only a small bit.

4. What do you think about Jorg's interactions with his father?

I thought it was well done. The king is as much an arrogant bastard as Jorg. I think Lawrence handled the interaction between them well and made it clear the king still sees Jorg as a child.

5. Do you feel like you know where the story is going or do you have no idea?

Yeah, I had a pretty good idea by this point. The puzzle starts to come together.

6. Are you finding this novel to be as grim as people made it out to be or do you find it to actually be light in places? (I'm finding more humor, although black humor, it's still humor).

It's not even half as grim as it was made out to be, and a lot of the criticisms about content seemed a bit absurd after reading the book. I think there is a healthy dose of humor running through the whole thing.

 

[Ankari]

I finished this book, and the second. I'll buy the third after I finish a certain anthology.

Back on track.

1. Do you find yourself getting more in the story now or have you started to lose interest?

I finished the second book. I think Mark Lawrence loses prospective readers from the sample. From the sample, we see Jorg as a spoiled boy trying to walk in a brigand's world. There is a lesson here. Give your reader someone to relate to within the beginning of the book.

Mark Lawrence does an excellent job with Jorg. By the second book, Jorg grows. Most of us could relate to the grown up Jorg. We can think back to our youth and scold our own rash behavior, or our impatience.

2. What do you think about the supporting cast? (Rike, Makin, the Nuban, etc.)

Certain members of the supporting cast develop at an alarming rate. They become crucial in serving as a mirror to Jorg's psyche. I like Makin and the Nuban above all others.

Katherine. I have mixed feeling about her. She seems to only serve the forbidden fruit. She does develop down the line, but not enough shatter the perceived role for her.

3. Do you see some semblance of "humanity" (for lack of a better word) creeping into Jorg's character?

In this block, there is a move towards humanity. It's like the first step of a baby compared to an adult sprint. I don't like that his humanity is prodded by his loins, but I guess most 14 year olds share the same motivation.

4. What do you think about Jorg's interactions with his father?

It's intriguing, but predictable. Even Jorg understands the role of these magicians on the One Hundred. Why is Jorg attributing his father's actions to his father? Why is the reader supposed to? I didn't.

5. Do you feel like you know where the story is going or do you have no idea?

Yeah, I got it.

6. Are you finding this novel to be as grim as people made it out to be or do you find it to actually be light in places? (I'm finding more humor, although black humor, it's still humor).

I think Mark Lawrence is a victim of our evolving definition of "14 year old." He's writing a story that mimics the middle ages' ethics and morals. Fourteen year olds were young men. Most readers associate that age with the term "teenagers." This is where most of the "dark" is derived from. They see a boy doing what Jorge does, not a man. They see a "child soldier."

This speaks volumes of who we've become. We are now labeling 23 year old men leaving college as "kids." Kids! What the...?

That's another thread for another day.