2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss Peter V. Brett's book, The Painted Man / The Desert Spear.


***Please remember to mark spoilers.***

Participants:
Lynn, Cassandra, Jannene

Please note: This is only for one book not both. I couldn't find a link for just the one book.

I'm picking up my copy from the library tomorrow.....but will wait for you guys to begin.

I started reading my copy today! I haven't gotten very far at all, but so far the premise seems interesting. I look forward to discussing it with you.

I've read the first three chapters and I'm starting to get a feel for the challenges in this book's world. I like Arlen and "A Night Alone" was an exciting chapter.

Hi everyone! I'm still waiting for my book. It was delivered to my post office a week ago and has yet made it to my house. I am bummed.

I'm picturing a naughty postal worker in your zip code! I'm flying through (about half way through now) and very much enjoying the story lines. I'll pause at halfway and start another book.....you are the buddy read originator and I wouldn't have chosen this book without your suggestion. Whenever your book shows up, I know you'll enjoy it.

Oh no! Sorry your book hasn't made it yet, Jannene, and I hope it gets delivered soon. I'm really enjoying it, and I'm glad that you suggested it as a buddy read!

I'm glad you two are enjoying it. I spent 35 minutes at the post office waiting for them to locate it. No such luck, I left empty handed. They took my number and said that they would keep looking.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I gave it a four star review, but if Goodreads allowed half stars, I'd give it a 4.5 stars for sure. I love the world and the characters.

I can't wait to discuss it with you when you finish your book!

I downloaded the sample so I could get started. It is off to a good start. I plan on seeing if my library can get it from another one since they don't have it. I'm just bummed this happened. I ordered it in plenty of time.

No kidding! You don't expect to have so much trouble with getting a book delivered to your house. I hope that you can get it from your library easily.

So, the library ordered my book from another one. It can take 1-3 weeks. I certainly hope it is one week or less.

The library has my book. I'll pick it up tomorrow. I hope I didn't lose you two. Sorry for the delay. The post office still hasn't found the book and I put a notice in to the vendor.

Jannene wrote: "The library has my book. I'll pick it up tomorrow. I hope I didn't lose you two. Sorry for the delay. The post office still hasn't found the book and I put a notice in to the vendor."

I liked the book a lot, but I've had to return it to my library. I remember enough to talk about it I think :-)

No worries, I'm ready to talk about it whenever you are, Jannene! I'm glad you were able to pick it up from your library, and I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Were you able to get your copy from the library, Jannene?

Yes, I should finish it this weekend. I also just got the one I was supposed to get too.

I'm at the place where Arlen meets the Duke. What did you guys think of Arlen's dad? I found him a coward and not that concerned with saving his wife or daughter which cost their lives in the end. I found Ilian's story about her dad making her stay in his room creepy and sad.

I really like the messenger, Ragen. His wife at first seemed cold until you found out that is how they relate with each other.

Arlen's dad does seem like a coward at first, but I think he's meant to be a representation of the status quo. I think that most people in this world are so terrified by the corelings and so used to hiding behind their wards that when they get caught outside of them, they are paralyzed by their fear. There's no way to fight the corelings, because the offensive wards have been lost. Since you can't win, it creates this pervasive apathy that very few people (messengers, Arlen, a few others) are able to overcome.

I thought the author did an excellent job describing a world where people live in fear of the corelings and the night. No one thinks of the world outside their city or hamlet, and there is very little transfer of information.

Ragen is a great character. Actually, I really like all of the major characters in this book.

For those who use Audible, the audiobook of The Warded Man (the USA publication of The Painted Man) is on sale through 10/31 for $6.95. It looks like those doing the Buddy Read like this, so I may pick that up for myself.

Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "For those who use Audible, the audiobook of The Warded Man (the USA publication of The Painted Man) is on sale through 10/31 for $6.95. It looks like those doing the Buddy Read like..."

This book is very good. I have 100 pages left and have enjoyed every bit of it.

I loved this book. It was very entertaining and I enjoyed the story of the three main characters. Leesha is my favorite. I hated her mom! I wish we found out if her father is ok. I thank you two for doing this buddy read and am truly sorry about the delay in reading it. The book company wasn't very accommodating.

Do you two plan on reading Desert Spear?

I'm glad you liked it so much, Jannene! I'd love to read The Desert Spear and if you plan on reading it too, it would be cool if we could read it together. We could do it either as a buddy read if more people are interested, or just something we informally set up together. What do you think?

I actually own that book now and would love to do it as a buddy read or just together. We won't have to wait on me this time.

I'll request it from my library system! It's currently available in at least one library, so I should get it within a few days.

Do you want to post in the Buddy Reads thread and see if anyone else is interesting in joining us? I'd be game to read it toward the start of November.

Sure, I'll inquire on the buddy thread.