Prologue and First Chapter

#21 Guest_glaz_*

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Posted 15 January 2006 - 05:49 AM

Gytha said:

'I have no idea what is goin on. Wow!'.

my sentiments exactly. ive only read it once (i just finished a couple of days ago) and a couple of things are still a blur.

but what a rush it was.

#22 Set'alahd Crool

First Sword

Group: Malaz Regular
Posts: 543
Joined: 22-April 05

Posted 16 January 2006 - 06:20 AM

I think the initial confusion is a necessary side effect of SE's writing style. He doesn't introduce you to the main characters as kids and ley you see them grow up. Instead you're introduced to fully developed mature characters straight away, and it's from their points of view that you see the world. You come to know them from their actions and understand them from the glimpses of their pasts that are wont to appear from time to time. Some hidden so well that you can't but miss them on your first read.
The whole series gets better each time it's read.

#23 Guest_Skawn_*

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Posted 16 January 2006 - 11:44 PM

Lather said:

heck o pete, i've read the whole series through House of Chains and i STILL don't REALLY know what a "sapper" actually DOES and why they are called sappers. the things i didn't understand didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story as a whole.

i have convinced several of my pals over at the Donaldson board (Kevin's Watch) to read GoTM and they are all complaining about being confused! i haven't been here in a while so i thought i'd come 'round and find some words of encouragement for them! heh.

The term Sapper can be traced back as far as 1501 to the siege of Rouen during the French Wars. Sappers, throughout time, have proven their abilities to build and repair fortifications, execute field works, and reform the countryside with demolitions and heavy equipment to weaken the enemy and lead the infantry to victory on the battlefield.

http://www.usma.army.../dmi/sapper.htm

#24 Guest_Sonnyboy_*

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Posted 17 January 2006 - 12:13 AM

From wikipedia:

Sapper
Sapping

#25 Guest_Dephere_*

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Posted 22 January 2006 - 05:08 AM

I can totally empathize with the whole initial confusion situation. In fact the confusion almost dissuaded me from reading the book, but I am so glad I stuck with it. I would have missed a great book.