The Readers Society discussion

This cycle's book is recommended by Jeni! The Naming by Alison Croggon! I hope everyone is looking forward to it, I know I am!
-Angela

This is my all-time favorite fantasy series. It's a quartet that get's progressively better. I hope everyone loves it too!

I hope everyone liked the book. It's one of my absolute favorites, and I love to introduce more people to its magic.

Some discussion questions:

During the reading of Maerad and Cadvan's battle with the Landrost, and later with the wers, did you get a feel for her raw power? If yes, what was it that helped you see it?

How strange do you think it was for Maerad to arrive in Innail and experience normal human contact with no beatings, and even experience love from Sylvia?

What did you think about Hem's arrival into the story, and his back story about the orphanage and the Hulls?

Were you surprised to find out who Hem was in relation to Maerad? How do you think he will influence events to come in the series?

How did you feel when she suddenly came into the Speech? What did you think of her "blasting" the wight? Did it help you gain more of a sense of her power?

What did you think of the treachery of Enkir? How do you think he will assert his power to stop Maerad?

Will you continue the series?

I haven't read this yet, but I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten this book! I had the hardest time getting my hands on this book but I found it through Inter Library Loan and it's taking a long time to come in! Hopefully it will come in soon!
-Angela

So I just wanted to post a little update, because I'm chugging along here behind! I *finally* got my copy from InterLibraryLoan, and I just started it! I'm literally 2 pages in but I was just wondering if anyone knew (Forgive me if it's addressed in your post Jeni, I didn't read it yet -spoilers-) but from what I understand it's an ancient text turned into a novel? Or did I get that wrong?
-Angela

It's presented as such, but it's something she wrote completely on her own. Once you get into it, you'll see that it's completely fantasy. But she's very thorough with languages and appendices full of information. At the end of the last book she has a really neat appendix that tells the story of the rest of the characters' lives.
-Jeni

Ok! I wasn't sure if the portion from the beginning was part of the book or not. It sounded like it was some kind of ancient text that she translated and took some liberties on so that she could turn it into a novel, but I wasn't sure if it was like in Memoirs of a Geisha where the translator's note is part of the novel it's self, Thank you for clearing that up!
-Angela

You're welcome!