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| the hardcover cover |
(Update: I forgot to mention that the questions come from Grace this week!)
Please note that this post may contain spoilers.
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?
I honestly think it makes him worse -- because he used to be a normal man and he used to have at least somewhat good intentions. But now he's an awful murderer and oppressor. Although he always seemed to be a bit off-kilter. I would really like to know more about what he's like now. I wonder if we will even meet him in this volume.
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?
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 think it's hard to trust the nobles even if they are willing to rebel because they have a lot to lose. Could you trust them not to give you up, not to give the movement up if they are found out, not to be pressured by friends or family into backing off? I understand why Kelsier is wary.
3. What's your favorite part of the book so far?
3. What's your favorite part of the book so far?
I think my favorite part is probably just any time Kelsier's team is together -- with their plotting and their banter. It was nice to finally see a scene of it where Vin is starting to relax and join in. When she accepted that glass of wine from Kelsier, that was a really big deal!
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?
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?
Well, the fact that there are two more books in this series was a strong hint that things weren't going to go smoothly. So, I think that I have the same amount of faith in this group that I did before. If anyone can defeat the Lord Ruler, it's these guys (and gal).
Sticking with Team Kelsier,
K
I completely agree with you on Vin accepting that glass of wine. That scene is one of my favorites in the book, looking back into the darkness at her shadow-self.
ReplyDeleteI also agree Kelsier is right to be wary of Elend and his group. They seem too naive and idealist to be of much use as allies.
If the Lord Ruler was once a normal guy, what he became scares me to death. How could he go from being slightly off-kilter to an evil murderer? I can't wait to learn more, but like you, I'm wondering if we will meet him in this novel or any of them for that matter.
ReplyDeleteIt could be that the Lord Ruler started out with good intentions, but he's slowly been corrupted over the years. Also, I have a feeling a lot of the stories surrounding him have elevated his status and may not always be truthful. There was a germ of truth in the beginning but it's been exaggerated.
ReplyDeleteOff-kilter is a good description. I still can't get a good bead on the Lord Ruler and that may be part of the reason why. He remains very elusive and the more we learn the more questions are brought up.
ReplyDeleteI too understand the reluctance to put faith in the nobles to commit and stick to their commitment when their lives of luxury start coming apart. I can't wait to see what happens though.
I too like the team and like their scenes together. There are so many really interesting characters here.
Yes indeed, with two more books after this one we are in for quite the journey.
It's good to see Vin start to come out of her shell and learn to trust. At the same time, I think that Kelsier is still too trusting and needs to be a bit more careful because of all of the lives at stake.
ReplyDeleteFor me personally, I can't help wondering if the Lord Ruler was always a bit of a sociopath - he wrote these things but I'm not sure whether to blame him or not. I read a book a while ago which was about a man put away for murders. He was deemed mentally incapable and as part of his therapy he was writing a sort of self-diary. It was pretty creepy actually and he wasn't a very nice character - but you had to read between the lines - he never admitted that he'd murdered anybody and it was as though he was completely innocent. Can't help wondering if the LR is a bit delusional - even when he was writing his log.
ReplyDeleteI agree about it being difficult to put trust in the nobles. Apart from the fact that they don't seem to have a great deal of experience they also have such a lot to lose.
Lynn :D
I agree with Vin: he seems very whiny and has a huge chip on his shoulder about something.
ReplyDeleteAmanda - Oh yes, that shadow-self bit was really good. She's really becoming someone different than she was before.
ReplyDeletetbm - I think it's entirely possible that we won't meet the Lord Ruler for a while longer. His strength seems to be in mystery and he seems to have many arms that he can reach out to do his bidding. We still haven't even met all of his arms yet!
nashville - I feel like they were good intentions with a corrupted mind behind them. Even the most altruistic seeming statements that he's made in his journal have a strong thread of self-interest in them. I'm sure that the current facts about him are probably distorted and partially fabricated but his journal is old and in his own words.
carl - I'm wondering if he's just some old decrepit guy in a room, pulling the strings, or if he has eternal strength and youth. Kelsier hasn't told us yet what the meeting between them was like other than he spoke to them and accused Mare of betrayal.
bookswithout - I think Kelsier is reckless rather than trusting. This is the biggest job he's ever pulled and I think he's let it go to his head a bit. We've now seen that he doesn't have as much control as he thinks he does.
lynn - oh, I think he probably was! the fact that he hears a prophecy and immediately thinks it is about him? kind of mental.
sue - he's quite scary even through the journal posts even though this is before he's done anything bad. he must become truly terrifying later!