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I'm new to the forums, but having decided to embark upon a re-read, I thought I'd join up and see if my observations are 1. Along the right lines, and 2. See if they drum up a bit of discussion.
So the prologue...
It's a while since my first read, but I have to say, second time through, it really does set the scene for the series so well. A young boy observing mass slaughter from a distance. It's obvious that there are no hiding places.
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The tense relationship between Whiskeyjack and Laseen is also really well done I thought. And hi Fiddler!I really loved the first chapter second time around. It helped so much more having some knowledge of the characters. Of course, there are still questions. More death early on with Rigga being given a backhander! The next passage is really curious though. Erikson does a great job of making Cotillion and particularly Ammanas appear seriously scary. Ammanas is so casual about decisions involving life and death, illustrated by his dismissal of Sorry and her father. What is curious though is what Ammanas and Cotillion are actually doing there. It appears as though they are looking for someone to 'possess', but I have two questions.
1. Why in that particular part of the world?
2. Is this something that requires the ensuing mass slaughter as a 'diversion'?
It suggests they are up to something else, but I can't work out what. It also suggests that they know someone is on to them.
Interesting too that they note that 'Laseen's back is against the wall'.
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So then we move onto the scene with Lorn and Paran. Paran is instantly likeable, if a little deluded about the sights a soldier will see. I like his honesty and sarcasm. Lorn on the other hand, is hard, though I get the impression it's a little forced. She is also on the ball, noting that the girl and the father have not gone fishing
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.The next scene was a bit confusing. I really have no idea what went down in Gerrom. The constabulary were all killed, but everyone else fled? Seems very odd. And all the pigeons! I know in the next scene it mentions that the pigeons were there to stop any necromancy identifying the killers, but still... I don't get it. Oh hang on... is this where Sorry enrolled? I think I just got it!
Also worth noting the red dirt on Sorry's boots. I'll tuck that one away for later.
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I thought the exchange between Topper and Paran was quite entertaining, and we get more of Paran's character coming out, but there was nothing more to it than that, other than the fact that Topper could kill him at any moment if he so chose. I wonder what the chains were in the Imperial Warren though
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. Lorn gives Paran a hint that she knows what was going on in the fishing village, but nothing more, and then obviously, it's worth noting the relationship between the Paran siblings at the end of the chapter.As I say, a much more enjoyable read second time around I felt. Feel free to put me right anywhere, or pick up on anything I have probably missed!
