ŷ������

We read the first book, so now we are planning to read the second one as well.

��� Starting date: 8 nov

🧑‍�Ũ�č�� Particpants:
Lusie
Meg
Susan

📚 Reading schedule:
4-8 nov: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7
9-13 nov: Chapter 8 - Chapter 15
14-18 nov: Chapter 16 - Chapter 20

Would you like to join and if yes, what is a good starting date? How about 8 november and read it in 3 weeks, or is that too soon to start?

I'd join. Just depends when I can get it from the library. Hopefully it will be some stage in November, but don't know, the last one came more quickly than I expected, but other books I've been waiting on for months.

Allowing three weeks starting on 8 Nov seems fine to me, but I can be flexible based on when other people get books. It looks like there's a digital copy available right now at one of the libraries I can use, and I'm on the list at a couple others in case that one goes away before we start.

Yay, just got notified my copy is ready to collect!

Awesome. I also got notified my copy is ready to collect

I'm picking mine up on Tuesday.

No one reacted on the thread of the first book. So shall we start on 8 november or do you want to start sooner?

Lusie wrote: "No one reacted on the thread of the first book. So shall we start on 8 november or do you want to start sooner?"

Now time is fine with me. I get my copy at 1:00 PM this afternoon.

Is there anyone who is still waiting for their copy?

I have my copy

I have mine.
I think most of us read the first book a bit quicker than three weeks too. Is that right? Should we make it a bit of a shorter time period this time?

Sure. How about?

📚 Reading schedule:
4-8 nov: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7
9-13 nov: Chapter 8 - Chapter 15
14-18 nov: Chapter 16 - Chapter 20

Lusie wrote: "Sure. How about?

📚 Reading schedule:
4-8 nov: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7
9-13 nov: Chapter 8 - Chapter 15
14-18 nov: Chapter 16 - Chapter 20"

Sounds good to me

Sounds good. I definitely need something to distract me from not knowing about the results of the (US) election yet.

ooh, let me know if you're going to read book 3 too and I'll join you :)

Tien wrote: "ooh, let me know if you're going to read book 3 too and I'll join you :)"

I've only just begun this one last night, but I can't believe we won't continue. I'm already finding I like this from the beginning, unlike Book 1. I'm sure it's because of understanding the world and the characters already, not having to work so hard at that.

Does anyone still have a copy of The Fifth Season you can refer to? Mine went back to the library. But I have a note to myself, "What is the reference to the moon at the end?" And I'm wishing I'd written down exactly what was said there. Because it certainly seems like it could've been a hint about what will be important in this second book.

I don't have my copy anymore either. What I recall is that in the first book they first said something was missing in the sky. At the end Alabaster said that it was the moon that was missing. I think he said "Ever heard of something called the moon?". That's all I can recall

I have ebook, the last para is

"Tell me," he says, "have you ever heard of something called a moon?"

And yes, I agree with Lusie's thought that it's the moon that's missing. Even if I'm kinda vague about it. I think I read this last year!

Am going to need your help to get started on book 3 for sure.

I had to get used to the writing style again and the book is still a mystery. I think we probably won't understand a lot until the end of book 3.

Comments after reading chapter 1 - First interlude
(view spoiler)[I think it's good that we now know better what lead to the death of Essun's son Uche. I'm not sure what Jija is planning to do with Nassun. It sounds like he really loves her and wants to protect her. But he might bring her somewhere where they are not that nice to her.

I'm wondering what the moon has got to do with it and how it is connected to the obelisks. I don't understand why Alabaster wants an obelisk close. It didn't surprise me that Essun is strong enough to summon a obilisk, even two. I'm looking forward to see what happens when they arrive.

Schaffa is a person who I had forgotten and it took me a while to place him. What was that voice who called to him when he is about to die? I don't think it was the earth, but it must have been something powerful...something that feels evil. Schaffa is changed now and doesn't seme to have a conscience. In combination with his powers that is dangerous. I feel sorry for the boy he took with him. That's going to be trouble.

Those bugs are just creepy.

I wonder who the narrating voice of this chapter was. Schaffa? Probably not. Maybe one of the people who live in the comm where Essun currently is. (hide spoiler)]

Comments after reading chapter 5 - 7
(view spoiler)[I like that the chapters are also about Jija and Nassun. In the first book I was wondering how they were getting on. Poor Nassun. She really needs to be careful around her dad, but looks like she can handle it and knows how to manipulate him.

I forgot that obelisks where made in the room that Essun explored in the first book when she was younger. I wonder what exactually their purpase is and what they do and how they work to prevent a season.
I don't like the idea of the stoneeater slowly eating Alabaster. I already thought Essun would be stronger. Impressive that she now probably is a 9 ringer. It was weird how she used her powers to sess his arm. And now we know what it is that gives them special powers. Magic! That doesn't really answer questions, but just raises more.

Nassun and her dad finally arrived. They said a year had passed. wow! Must have been a tough journey. It's no good that Shaffa is here. I already had a feeling her dad would bring her someplace where they might hurt her. I wonder why this place is called moon and how Shaffa is supposed to cure Nassun. I wonder if the moon was somehow the source of the "magic". I don't think Shaffa has realised yet eho Nassun's mother is. He just has got a feeling he knows her from somewhere (since she looks like her mother) (hide spoiler)]

btw I already have book 3. Maybe we can start soon after finishing, maybe even Sunday 23 nov? Depends of course when everyone else have got their copy

Lusie wrote: "I don't have my copy anymore either. What I recall is that in the first book they first said something was missing in the sky. ."

I had forgotten that comment of his, Lusie. Thanks!

Lusie wrote: "btw I already have book 3. Maybe we can start soon after finishing, maybe even Sunday 23 nov? Depends of course when everyone else have got their copy"

It looks like I should be able to get it by then, so ok with me if it works for everyone else.

Lusie wrote: "Comments after reading chapter 1 - First interlude... (view spoiler)[ I wonder who the narrating voice of this chapter was. Schaffa? Probably not. Maybe one of the people who live in the comm where Essun currently is. (hide spoiler)]"

In something I read about the second-person issue, it was implied that (view spoiler)[ ultimately we'll learn that the second-person voice has been someone who's talking to Essun, all along. And that we'll eventually know who that is. (hide spoiler)]

Thoughts after chapters 1 through 7:

(view spoiler)[
I'm increasingly convinced that the stone eaters are essentially predators. Even Hoa, who protects Essun so fiercely, may be protecting her for himself.

OR ...
There was something about the fact that it was when Alabaster used orogeny that parts of him turned to stone. Maybe the stone-eaters just eat it once it's become stone, but don't actually do it to people? And remember, early on in the first book, what Hoa explained about eating crystals to retrieve parts of himself he'd saved there? Maybe Antimony is retrieving parts of Alabaster that would otherwise be lost when he uses his orogeny?

I, too, am worried about Shaffa. Actually, Guardians in general have seemed very ominous, and now he's even worse. I have no idea what it was that saved and converted him. But it/he is definitely super creepy now. (hide spoiler)]

And I'm more and more impatient to be told why Alabaster started all this in the first place. I fear that may not happen until near the end of the third book.

In reaction to Susan's comments

(view spoiler)[How intriguing. I wonder who that person is.

I also think the stone eaters are predators. I also think they want to eat oregeny parts that turned to stone. But where did they came from?

I also don't understand what it is that makes Alabaster turn to stone.

I can't recall that part about Hoa eating crystals.

I agree Shaffa seems worse than before (hide spoiler)]

I hope we are told soon why Alabaster started the rift

Lusie wrote: "btw I already have book 3. Maybe we can start soon after finishing, maybe even Sunday 23 nov? Depends of course when everyone else have got their copy"

I'll try to pick up a copy when I go to library this Thurs.

I've just been notified that my copy of book 3 is available to pick up, so I can start fairly soon too.
I only started this book last night - up to Chapter 3. Wow, chapter 3 was intense - the guardians are very interesting/scary. We still don't know exactly what they are right? Or have I forgotten something from the first book? They obviously have some magical powers, but different from orogenes.

A suggestion for who is talking to essun: (view spoiler)[an obelisk (hide spoiler)]

Meg wrote: "A suggestion for who is talking to essun: [spoilers removed]"

Cool idea!

Meg wrote: "I've just been notified that my copy of book 3 is available to pick up, so I can start fairly soon too.
I only started this book last night - up to Chapter 3. Wow, chapter 3 was intense - the guard..."

Yes, definitely scary. And no, I don't think we know exactly what they are. Just that they are created somehow. But by whom, or how, or for what purpose, I don't think we know yet.

Lusie wrote: "I hope we are told soon why Alabaster started the rift"

Where I am in our next section, he's starting to tell Essun something of what happened while they were apart. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the answer may be coming now. I had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep last night.

Susan wrote: "Lusie wrote: "I hope we are told soon why Alabaster started the rift"

Where I am in our next section, he's starting to tell Essun something of what happened while they were apart. I'm keeping my f..."

I think I'm a bit ahead of youf. They do tell something about it

Lusie wrote: "In reaction to Susan's comments ... [spoilers]"

about Hoa eating crystals, in the first book:

It was early on. Remember the bag he was so careful to always keep with him? Then a bit later, when Essun actually knew he was a stone eater, he let her see the crystals in the bag and watch him eat one. And he explained it in a way that sounded to me sort of like storing things on a jump drive when your computer doesn't have enough space for them. And then eating the crystals would be like uploading them back to your computer.

Now we know (view spoiler)[ they have such long lives (hide spoiler)]. Perhaps it's a way of keeping track of parts of yourself that would otherwise be lost.

I think you are right. Thanks Susan!

I'm a bit behind you, so I'm not sure if you've got further in your spoilers. But re why baster cracked the earth. I was wondering if it's something to do with the moon - like he was trying to make a moon or find a moon?

Great guess, Meg!

Meg wrote: "I'm a bit behind you, so I'm not sure if you've got further in your spoilers. But re why baster cracked the earth. I was wondering if it's something to do with the moon - like he was trying to make..."

Yes, I think you're right, Meg. I now believe that (view spoiler)[ it was an unfortunate by-product of the necessary first step in trying to bring back the moon. (hide spoiler)]

Tien,

Do you mind looking up for us exactly what Alabaster said to Antimony in the Prologue - right before/after he did whatever it was that created the Rift? He asked her something about whether they (the Stone Eaters) would ... [get rid of humans???] when "this" was all over. I think it might have a clue about what "this" actually was.

Only if it's easy.

I've changed my mind about something I wrote above in message 35. Specifically,

Schaffa & the Guardians:
(view spoiler)[ I don't think Schaffa and the other new-style Guardians are evil, or under an evil influence any more. I think they were before. Schaffa talks about things he did in the past as reprehensible. I think the "Evil Earth" is who is in control of the (original) guardians. I'm still trying to figure out who it is who is speaking to him now. It's a female voice. But it must be one of what Alabaster says are the 3 parties in the war. One is the "Evil Earth," who wants revenge for people sending his moon away. Are the others two factions of Stone Eaters? (hide spoiler)]

Susan wrote: "Meg wrote: "A suggestion for who is talking to essun: [spoilers removed]"

Cool idea!"

But no. (view spoiler)[ Remember, obelisks were created by someone. I don't think they're alive or able to talk (hide spoiler)].

And the answer is coming up in this week's section, in the Interlude.

Susan wrote: "I've changed my mind about something I wrote above in message 35. Specifically,

Schaffa & the Guardians:
[spoilers removed]"


That makes sense Susan. Although schaffa is still pretty evil! But essun has also done some pretty horrible things, including to her own children.
I'm now past the second interlude too, so we know who the narrator is.
Another thought about alabaster and the stone eaters (view spoiler)[I think it was mentioned that stone eaters used to be human (although not sure how that works given how old they are). But maybe alabaster is turning into a stone eater (hide spoiler)]

Susan wrote: "Tien,

Do you mind looking up for us exactly what Alabaster said to Antimony in the Prologue - right before/after he did whatever it was that created the Rift? He asked her something about whether..."

I'm not quite sure what you're thinking of... but maybe it's this:

"What will you do?" he asks her. "When it's done. Will your kind rise up through the rubble and take the world in our stead?"
"No," she says.
"Why not?"
"Few of us are interested in that. Anyway, you'll still be here."
The man understands that she means you in the plural. Your kind. Humanity. She often treats him as though he represents his whole species. He does the same to her. "You sound very certain."

???

btw, I've picked up the third book from the library so let me know whenever :)

Tien wrote: "I'm not quite sure what you're thinking of... but maybe it's this..."

Yes, Thanks!!!

Meg wrote: "Another thought about Alabaster and the stone eaters...", your spoiler:

I couldn't help it. Last night, after reading Chapter 14, I couldn't stop and wait for Saturday. I read one chapter into our next section, Chapter 16. So beware the spoiler, even if you've finished our current section.

I found chapters 14 and 16 truly shocking. Amazing that there are still surprises left. And (view spoiler)[ Hoa and Essun have a brief conversation about whether each is human. He thinks he still is. But so far, there's been no explanation about how people become stone eaters, so your explanation about Alabaster makes sense. Only, if Antimony keeps eating him, there won't be any of him left. And we know now that Hoa defeats other stone eaters by eating them. so ... (hide spoiler)]

You are reading at the same pace as me Susan :D

chapter 8 - 11
(view spoiler)[It looks like Essun is starting to accept that she has to stay in the comm. I think teaching is a good job for her, despite Alabaster saying they are not worth the training.

Nassun seems to love the new place. It sounds like her mother wasn't very loving to her, but I can see why Essun felt like she had to be tough. Those powers are dangerous. I can't see why she had to break her daughter's wrist. that's just cruel. She should know since the same was done to her.

Alabaster answers some of out question. Somehow the moon was knocked out of the orbit, but apparently there is still hope. It can be brought back, but they need Essun's powers. What do you think they tried to do when they accidently send the moon away?
I'm not sure which sides in the war there are. I think:
- a group who wants to destroy himans
- a group which is yet undecid
- a group who wants to bring the moon back

It doesn't seem to chance thing now that Shaffa knows who Nassun’s mother is. I'm starting to think Shaffa wants to bring the moon back which is why he is training the children.

Nassun seems stronger after training under Shaffa. I'm a bit shocked that Nassun killed Eitz while she was dreaming. How did she turn him to stone? I'd have expected her to ice him. Nassun might be as strong as her mother. I hope she won't put herself in danger with the obilisk.
It was to be expected that Jija was going to demand that his daughter came back. I think it's a good thing Shaffa scared him off. Though at times you think Shaffa is kind, but then he shows his cruel side again (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12-15
(view spoiler)[So now we know Hoa was the voice in the interlude.

I wonder who wakes care of the nodenetwork.
Poor Hoa. I'm glad he could restore himself. (hide spoiler)]

Interesting thought, Susan. I think you are right.

Chapter 16-17
(view spoiler)[This chapter makes you aware that Essun isnt human. Yet, I kept thinking of her as human. Maybe it just depends on how you define human. I wonder how Hoa turned into stone. I don't think just anyone would turn into stone. Must have happened during the first season. Maybe a sideeffect of kicking away the moon.

Nassun learned a lot. I think she could actually cure Schaffa if she wants. I think it's better for her that she doesn't have contact with her dad anymore. He isn't stable and could snap in any moment and turn dangerous. (hide spoiler)]

I finished the book and will write down my thougts later