Day One of the Kingkiller Chronicles: The Message
So as you may have seen previously I am reading the Kingkiller Chronicles Trilogy. I finished Day One yesterday and was so impressed with the whole story. Instead of recounting the story I thought I would tell you what I got from it. So yeah…. here we go.
Thar’ be spoilers ahead…
What is your girlfriend reading?
Let’s talk about the fifty shades of Grey….
Once in a while I enjoy picking up a book from the current best sellers list and since I am almost finished with the Kingkiller Chronicle book 1 I have been watching the New York Times best sellers list in preparation for my next read. However, the past few weeks this list has been dominated by the Fifty Shades Trilogy of E.L. James.
For those of you living under a rock this is a popular series that began as a Twilight Fan Fiction where you switch Vampires for Dominants and Submissives.
The plot traces the relationship between recent college graduate Anastasia Steele and manipulative billionaire Christian Grey. Steele is required by Grey to sign a contract allowing him complete control over her life as well as a non-disclosure agreement, something that he’s required from all of his previous submissives. Upon learning that she is a virgin, Grey agrees to have sex with her in order to prepare her for later encounters, fully intending that the contract would be signed. As she gets to know him, she learns that his sexual tastes involve bondage, domination, and sadism, and that childhood abuse left him a deeply damaged individual. In order to be his partner, she agrees to experiment with BDSM, but she struggles to reconcile who she is (a virgin who has never previously had a boyfriend) with whom Christian wants her to be, his submissive and a to-do-with-as-he-pleases partner in his “Red Room of Pain”
Yes, I read this trilogy, mainly out of a sense of morbid curiosity. Read More…
The Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle Book One
What I’m reading….
Last year I took on the A Song of Ice and Fire series by Geroge R.R. Martin. This series has spanned over two decades and has yet to conclude, although the author mercifully tells us that the series will be completed in two more installments. That being said GRRM is not one to rush his writing and I am left five books in with no release date in sight for the sixth book!
I shared this plight with a fellow ASoIaF reader and he recommended that I try reading Patrick Rothfuss’ fantasy trilogy The Kingkiller Chronicle. Here is a quick plot summary:
The Kingkiller Chronicle is a fantasy trilogy by Patrick Rothfuss, telling the autobiography of Kvothe (pronounced like “Quoth” but with a v), an adventurer, arcanist, and famous musician. The plot is divided into two different action threads: the present, where Kvothe tells the story of his life to Devan Lochees (known as Chronicler) in the main room of his inn, and Kvothe’s past, the story in question, which comprises the majority of the books. The present-day interludes are in the third person from the perspective of multiple characters, while the story of Kvothe’s life is told entirely in the first person from his own perspective. The series also contains many metafictional stories-within-stories from varying perspectives, most of which are recounted by Kvothe, having been heard from other characters in his past.
I have just started this book, but I am already about 30% of the way through. I would give you a specific page number, but I am both reading the paperback and listening to the audiobook so my placing is a little off. The world that Rothfuss has created is very much a parallel to ours, but it contains magic and takes place in a more adventurous setting. I am completely drawn in by this story and I highly recommend listening to the audio version if you are able to. The narrator gives each mini story such life, also this story has a few songs which are better in audio.
I am excited to get through the rest and will be posting updates as I make my way through.
Are you reading this book or have you read this before? Let me know what to look forward to.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote many marvelous stories and a couple of the favorites have been successfully adapted for the big screen: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Great Gatsby. This year it is Baz Luhrmann who is directing this latest adaptation and I must say I am excited. The jazz age was all about liquor and music and the story does a great job of incorporating this environment into the lives of these characters.
Quick Story Detail:
Nick Carraway is the narrator who moves to Rhode Island to start his career. His second cousin Daisy lives nearby with her husband Tom Buchanan. Carraway’s other neighbor is the millionaire and titular character Jay Gatsby. Gatsby and Daisy used to be lovers during WWI, but were separated. Gatsby remained obsessed with Daisy and procured a fortune to try to win her back. When he finds out she has married he uses his newly acquired fortune to move into the neighborhood and throw lavish parties to get her attention, but she never attends. Gatsby befriends her cousin Nick and convinces him to arrange a clandestine meeting for him and Daisy. Their love affair begins again and sets the rest of the plot in motion.
Do not be fooled, this is not a love story people! This story has deceit, booze, women, secret pasts, money, and car crashes. All while delving into characters and examining selfishness at its core. Insight and action rolled up into one. That is just the book. Now you take this exciting plot and add Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan as seen through the lens of Baz Luhrmann and you have a promising movie. So dust off your copies of this amazing book and brush up before its release this Christmas. Perhaps also re-watch Leonardo DiCaprio in Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet.
Battle Royale: Game of Thrones Ep. 2.06
So as a trio, we enjoy getting together to watch certain shows. The current series we’re enjoying as a group is Game of Thrones. For those wishing to avoid spoilers of the books or who haven’t seen this week’s episode, avert your eyes.
Without any further ado, Game of Thrones Episode 2.06: The Old Gods and the New.
Ricky
The amount of things that are being changed from the book interests me. So far, we lost Storm’s End and Edric Storm, and in this episode, we’ve lost Reek to the gods of adaptation. Granted, his true identity is mentioned as the Bastard of Bolton, but we’re bound to only see him take Winterfell. The occurrences surrounding Daenerys’ visit to the House of the Undying is changed. Only time will tell if it was for the better. Overall, a good episode. A first glimpse of Ygritte, and yet again the circumstances are slightly different. But those scenes were enjoyable.
The complaint I did have was the riot in King’s Landing, specifically the scene with the High Septon. It just seemed poorly directed. The crowd seemed more like zombies than unruly hellions. And yes, I know in the book they tore him apart, but in a show that is so consistently realistic, it just could have been better.
Danny
They have definitely started to rewrite the story or maybe I just do not remember it from power-reading I did over the summer. Either way while they are leaving some of the fans from the books a little disheveled, they are keeping the story fresh and different for everyone (still surprises to be had for someone who is caught up in the books).
I am a little on edge on whether I liked this episode or not. I mean it still keeps the story interesting, but the whole hour feels disjointed. As a person who was able to follow what was going in season one and knows the story of the second book, I am frankly lost as to where they are in the story. With so many different ideas being rewritten, it is hard to know how accelerated the show’s story has become. Now I have to wonder how Theon and Reek will interact, knowing that there is no subterfuge. The show’s budget is obviously to blame for most of this. Again, I hope it shows when it comes to the Battle of Blackwater.
On a positive note, the show continues to impress me with the location of their shoots. The frozen wasteland of the north is a great backdrop for the Night’s Watch. I especially enjoyed the chase scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte (Ygritte is pretty hot).
Natalia
I think I must have asked Danny 5 or 6 times while watching this episode, “Was that in the book? I don’t remember this at all.” I understand that this show is not going to follow the book word for word, but I think some of the plot points they’ve changed are kind of important. Many minor characters are missing from Winterfell and they killed Sir Rodrik so early! Well, I will put my faith in the series to sort it out.
Was is just me or was this episode kind of funny? We finally get to see Ygritte and she is doing her best to get under Jon Snow’s skin the whole scene. Eventually he ties her up to make camp where they are forced to spoon to keep warm. “Stop Moving!” “I didn’t even realize I was doing it that time…” Another fun exchange was between Arya and Jaqen H’ghar; she is frantic trying to keep Tywin from learning she stole his correspondence and demands that Jaqen kill the messenger. The messenger dies in Tywin’s doorway without a word. Well… my synopsis leaves much to be desired, but I laughed when I watched it.
Daenerys is becoming so strong and her speech about how she is a special person was great. Although I think the choice to have her dragons stolen was a poor one. The character in the book had instilled enough fear and awe that no one would have been successful in stealing her children. Perhaps, I just want to think that though. As I said earlier… I am putting my faith in the series. What would happen to the Mother of Dragons amazing storyline without her dragons? This will be resolved in the next episode… right?
Well four episodes left… I am expecting big things!
Battle Royale: Game of Thrones Ep. 2.05
So as a trio, we enjoy getting together to watch certain shows. The current series we’re enjoying as a group is Game of Thrones. We’re already five episodes into the second season, but we’ll jump in right away. Keep in mind, the three of us have read and enjoyed the books, so there will be spoilers as to content that may or may not show up in the show. For those wishing to avoid spoilers of the books or who haven’t seen this week’s episode, avert your eyes.
Without any further ado, Game of Thrones Episode 2.05: The Ghost of Harrenhal.
Ricky
This was a more story-driven episode, so don’t expect too much action in this episode. Let’s look at some of the highlights of the episode for me. Catelyn witnesses some of the most explicit magic we’ve seen in the show so far: a shadow demon literally born last episode. This effect was definitely well done, as you can see the shape of Stannis. I’m not seeing the naivete of Brienne in these episodes, but she has room for growth as the show continues. Bran hears of Theon’s attack on Torrhen’s Square and sends Ser Rodrick to deal with it. Rickon is present also, but I don’t think they’re doing enough to display the feral nature that he develops in the books. I am a little disappointed by the look of the Fist of the First Men, where the Night Watch have made camp when meeting Qhorin Halfhand. It doesn’t seem nearly as defensible as it is said to be in the book. Daenerys meets Pyat Pree in this episode, and again magic is definitely being used more explicitly. The audience, along with Jorah, gets to meet Quiathe, who I did not recognize at first and goes unnamed. I had forgotten that she wears a wooden mask, but thinking back, I didn’t expect one as ornamental as the one shown. I hope it changes from appearance to appearance, but they definitely made sure she remained cryptic as all hell. And finally, the best scenes of the show occur in my favorite location: Harrenhal. Arya runs into Jaqen H’ghar who promises her 3 deaths to appease the 3 lives she saved. Her first is the Tickler. There continues to be some trimming from the source material as Storm’s End has apparently been forgotten. We have also apparently lost Vargo Hoat, who I was anticipating meeting this episode. Time will tell if these are revisited, but these events should have already come to pass.
Danny
I have to say that after watching the last few episodes and the last episodes at the end of season one, I am a little disappointed in this one. A Clash of Kings, which this season is based on, is one of the most action filled books of the series. For Christ’s sake, the time is called the “War of the Five Kings.” So far they have cut out the siege of Storm’s End, Jon Snow finding the dragon-glass and they are not really mentioning all the raping and pillaging being done by the Mountain That Rides.
Before I go any further, I want to iterate that I do enjoy this season so far. It is just that last night’s episode left me disappointed. For an episode titled “The Ghost of Harrenhal,” it left me wanting more Arya. I know they have a lot to cover but it feels like they spread this episode. If I remember correctly, I recall the show runners stating that they would not “Tyrion knock-out” other battles. Maybe they are saving it all for the Battle of Blackwater that comes later in the book, but I am not seeing a change from last season.
I may just be whining to whine, but there are things that I do honestly miss in this show that are in the book. The dialogue between Stannis and Renly with the peach, the taking of Storm’s End and one of the best known bastards of Robert, and Arya’s interaction between so many characters at Harrenhal are all gone from the show. Yes, they have to cut stuff to fit into the show. It does not mean I am happy about it. Hell, they have even added things that are not in the book to flesh out the story. I guess with a book that is over ten years old, they get to play a little more loose than I would have liked.
On to the positives of last night’s show. Missing some of the character moments that are taken out, I am happy they kept that oath between Catelyn and Brienne. I was not a fan of their characters in the book, but I can always appreciate the connection those two shared. Visually, the show continues to shine. I immediately liked how they showed the wildfire in the glass vase. It was an interesting look that I wanted to grab and launch as a grenade. Every showing across the Narrow Sea is showing some fantastical images and magic. The differences between Qarth and Westeros really intrigue me. Westeros is dull and stuck in reality. Qarth is bright and full of magic. But I am still waiting to see my damn cape of feathers!
Next week I can not wait to see more Halfhand and to see more about a certain marriage proposal.
And a little bonus: Roy Dotrice, the narrator for the audiobooks, plays the pyromancer. He has such an excellent voice and presence that I got a kick out of.
Natalia
This episode is really moving us closer to big events. We started out with a major show of magic and of course the scheming began shortly after. That Tyrell girl doesn’t want to be A queen… she wants to be THE queen. Very bold statement from a character that is kind of a pawn in the books. Natalie Dormer was tapped to play her for a reason, I believe that we will see this girl make some moves this season.
My favorite character in both the book and television series is Tyrion Lannister. He is witty and conniving, but at the end of the day his motives are for the greater good. He is not pleased to find out from a raving peasant that the people see him as the source of all their suffering, but he pushes on with his own agenda. This episode we get to see wildfire which is revealed to be this glowing-green-extremely-explosive substance. Cersei has apparently been stockpiling it and Tyrion has just stolen it for his own purposes. The groundwork is being laid for a huge battle and I hope we get to see it in all its green glowing glory.
On the other side of the world we have Daenerys finally out of the desert and into some color. I find Daenerys to be one of the most interesting characters because we are watching her grow and learn to play the games of society on many levels. She is one of those characters that teaches the audience about the world through her experiences. She started out this lost little girl being sold to a barbarian and now she is the mother of dragons demanding hospitality. Inside Qarth we get a glimpse of the warlocks from the house of the Undying. I really hope we actually get to see more from that before we leave Qarth behind.
All in all, this episode had so much story and I am excited for what’s to come. Hopefully we see more magic and more action!
One last thought though… What about the red comet? I haven’t heard much about it in a few episodes.
Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
My name is actually Natalia, I will be covering the books and music portion of this blog (in part at least). The Princess Bride by William Goldman is one of the many books in my library as you can see from the post title.
The three of us: Ricky, Danny, and yours truly have many mutual interests. We have even read a few of the same books, like our 6 month tear through A song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. We had started watching the series together and the second a certain beheading happened the books came out. After that Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and other pop-culture oriented reads became our focus.
There is a book I read a few years ago called Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield. This book has a line that I felt summed me up perfectly. Rob’s wife was talking to some new friends about her husband and one of the friends asked, “Does he wear glasses?” She didn’t miss a beat before answering, “No, he wears a walkman.” I immediately identified with that line because I have always had some sort of portable music device. I remember being in grade school and using my recess hiding in the corner of the playground with my walkman to listen to mix tapes my mother would make me. Even now I have an iPod on me at all times and it is filled with almost every genre of music ever conceived. I live through my ears and have even resorted to reading through my ears. I am obsessed with Audible.com and burn through at least 50 books a year.
Despite my annual reading list I never considered myself a nerd. Actually until I met my boyfriend I thought nerds were guys who wore pants that were hemmed way too high and rocked pocket protectors. My boyfriend is a comic book / video game nerd ( this is a self awarded title by the way) he redefined the word Nerd for me and I assumed you had to be a part of that small cult-ish world in order to be considered a nerd. I believed this for years and then I read the Nerdist Way. According to Chris Hardwick a nerd is someone who is compulsively obsessive and it was after I heard that, that I realized oh shit… I’m a nerd.
Now the introductions are complete and I will leave you with my album of the week.
A Wasteland Companion – M. Ward
M. Ward is best known as half of the Indie-Pop duo She and Him. A Wasteland Companion is an album that you can listen to in the background and when you catch the lyrics you are pleasantly surprised that they are so entertaining and catchy even though they are so simple.
Call Yourself A Nerd 