Your Opinion of RotE?

[hearthrall antonicus]

I was starved for more of the Land and after so many years, I got to go back! Whoever the hell criticises the gift that SRD gave to his fans is out of their damn mind. What if his health had gone south,huh? Okay then... what if he had "retired" from writing,huh?This forum then would be about what he had done in the past only. And then what ? All the speculations about what might happen, all of the fellowship that we at the Watch nuture and embrace would most likely burnout after a while at least as applies to upcoming possible SRD projects...AND as far as I am concerned, he has never written any thing remotely unreadable because he cares. So in my opinion,ROTE was fascinating and a wonderful return to the Land and the peoples that I love

[hpty603]

I liked this book, but it seemed very slow-paced. It seemed to take forever before Linden actually got to the Land. And even then, for the rest of the book, I don't recall anything really happening. Well, stuff happened, but the book could've been a lot shorter. Though I'm almost finished with FR and it's really good

[Demondime-a-dozen-spawn]

Whoever the hell criticises the gift that SRD gave to his fans is out of their damn mind.

Well, then. I guess I must be nuts. Thanks for the diagnosis.

Did SRD buy your copies for you, because mine weren't a gift. If the final two books don't go a long way toward redeeming the first two, they may as well never have been written. The magic of the past just ain't there, IMO.

[Savor Dam]

The magic of the past just ain't there, IMO.

Bear in mind we are three decades older than when we first read the original Chronicles, and perhaps a bit more jaded.

Yes, RoTE was a bit slow, being a set-up volume for the following three books. I suspect we will find at the end of the story that there was little, if any, wasted prose in RoTE. SRD has said many times that he does not invent anything he does not need.

How much of the discontent with the Last Chronicles has to do with Linden being the POV character? I know she is unpopular with many Watchers, but I don't find her any more unsympathetic than Covenant was during the bulk of the first Chronicles. The expectation is that she also will redeem herself of her shortcomings in the fullness of time.

My approach is to trust SRD and wait as patiently as possible for the next volume -- knowing that it, too, will only be a waystation on the path to the eventual conclusion.

[StevieG]

I've only read it once - and I don't remember being the least bit frustrated by it. I remember being impatient to get to the Land in LFB and then upon a re-read, realising the significance of the opening chapters. I didn't feel any of that frustration in RoTE - I think it's important to get to know the characters before plunging into full scale action (especially in a series of four large books).

I also don't mind that it was considered a "set-up" book by some. The land itself is different, there are many new characters, caesures etc - SRD has successfully created the 'feel' of the Last Chronicles, IMO.

It took me a while to get into the Wounded Land (back in the day...) because it was so different to the Land in the first Chronicles. This time, I felt more prepared to read, take it in, and try not to compare to the previous stories ("Linden's not as interesting as Covenant", "I wish the Bloodguards were not the Masters", "I wish the original magic of the Land was there", "time travel is a bad concept" - etc etc).

So, yes, I liked it! As a few have said, I prefer to trust SRD and suspend overall judgement until the end of the Last Dark.

[Demondime-a-dozen-spawn]

The magic of the past just ain't there, IMO.

Bear in mind we are three decades older than when we first read the original Chronicles, and perhaps a bit more jaded.

Speaking for myself, yes, three decades older and quite a bit more jaded. Having re-read the first two chronicles at least half-a-dozen times, most recently this past October, only emphasizes the power of their magic, that it can so easily cut straight through three decades of jadedness and cynicism.

The Last Chronicles, by a far cry, don't. Not for me anyway. They're empty in that sense as far as I'm concerned.

How much of the discontent with the Last Chronicles has to do with Linden being the POV character?.

Quite a bit less than what people who don't dislike Linden would have us believe, IMO. Yes, I'm no fan of Linden's, but that isn't the whole story, nor is it even very much of it.

I, for one, have grown tired of this apologist's excuse for explaining away and dismissing my own and others discontent with the Last Chronicles as some kind of Lindenphobia. "What? Says he's a bit disappointed with the LC? Hmm... I reckon he must be one o' them thar THOOLAHs. Don't pay him no nevermind, Billy Bob."

Am I the only person around here tired of having his credentials checked whenever the Last, and even the Second Chronicles are disfavorably compared to the First?

Of course, this little rant isn't directed at you particularly, Savor Dam, nor even toward Antonicus, whom I'll admit got under my skin a little with his "All or Nothing" challenge to anyone foolish enough not to take RotE as being handed down from God Almighty Himself.

[rusmeister]

The magic of the past just ain't there, IMO.

Bear in mind we are three decades older than when we first read the original Chronicles, and perhaps a bit more jaded.

Speaking for myself, yes, three decades older and quite a bit more jaded. Having re-read the first two chronicles at least half-a-dozen times, most recently this past October, only emphasizes the power of their magic, that it can so easily cut straight through three decades of jadedness and cynicism.

The Last Chronicles, by a far cry, don't. Not for me anyway. They're empty in that sense as far as I'm concerned.

How much of the discontent with the Last Chronicles has to do with Linden being the POV character?.

Quite a bit less than what people who don't dislike Linden would have us believe, IMO. Yes, I'm no fan of Linden's, but that isn't the whole story, nor is it even very much of it.

I, for one, have grown tired of this apologist's excuse for explaining away and dismissing my own and others discontent with the Last Chronicles as some kind of Lindenphobia. "What? Says he's a bit disappointed with the LC? Hmm... I reckon he must be one o' them thar THOOLAHs. Don't pay him no nevermind, Billy Bob."

Am I the only person around here tired of having his credentials checked whenever the Last, and even the Second Chronicles are disfavorably compared to the First?

I'd have you go back and read my post; the 4th or 5th in the thread.
You're not alone.

I now see being jaded as meaning "being turned to stone" and cynical as being "indisposed to believing anything at all"; things that rightly ought to be feared and even cured - but I don't think it fair to assume that of people who don't care that much for the new series.

[Savor Dam]

Just about done with my second time through RotE, and it is growing on me.

I Have to agree with a lot of what Ninjaboy has said.

Even Liand doesn't irk me so much this time through.

I'm so glad the ur-Viles are on our side now... me being spawn of Demondim-spawn and all.

That was May 7. Clearly, it no longer reflects your thinking. What changed so much for you in the last five weeks, Demondim-Spawn?

The day may come in late 2013 when I, too, will be disappointed in the Last Chronicles. SRD is not G-D; the one time I met him he was not clothed in an ocher robe. I am not imune to the pacing problems of RoTE or the apparent excesses of FR -- but overall judgement is suspended until the last page of The Last Dark has been turned.

BTW, I am not trying to get under anyone's skin...at least not in this thread. Maybe (mildly) elsewhere. However, just to share, I've discovered that having my points characterized back in a Walter Brennan dialect does get under my skin a little.

[Demondime-a-dozen-spawn]

Just about done with my second time through RotE, and it is growing on me.

I Have to agree with a lot of what Ninjaboy has said.

Even Liand doesn't irk me so much this time through.

I'm so glad the ur-Viles are on our side now... me being spawn of Demondim-spawn and all.

That was May 7. Clearly, it no longer reflects your thinking. What changed so much for you in the last five weeks, Demondim-Spawn?

Nothing has changed. Saying I liked it more on the second time through and that a particularly irksome character doesn't irk me as much isn't what I'd call a glowing endorsement. It's damning with faint praise.

I still maintain that the magic of the 1st and 2nd Chronicles is glaringly and regrettably absent.

SRD is not G-D; the one time I met him he was not clothed in an ocher robe.

No, he isn't. But antonicus's rabid fanboy post inspired the "imp of the perverse" in me to call SRD God on antonicus's behalf.

BTW, I am not trying to get under anyone's skin...at least not in this thread. Maybe (mildly) elsewhere. However, just to share, I've discovered that having my points characterized back in a Walter Brennan dialect does get under my skin a little.

I think perhaps my wording was ambiguous when I said "this apologist's excuse." I should have said: "that apologist excuse." Yep. I reckon I done didn't say 'zactly whut I meant. I have a bad habit of putting words into the mouths of others (see antonicus reference above), but I wasn't trying to do that in this instance.

But I know my point is valid. Whenever a negative criticism of the 2nd and 3rd chronicles is voiced, the "Linden Hater Card" is invariably played by someone at some point. It's trotted out like and old nag and expected to be unhesitatingly honored like a proud Ranyhyn.

CAUTION: FATAL REVENANT SPOILER AHEAD

Spoiler

Was SRD even more desperate than Linden to bring Thomas Covenant back from the dead?

[hearthrall antonicus]

For one thing, I am not a "rabid fan boy" although I may have seemed to be at the time of my first post.(At 47 yrs old I am selective about what I like and when I really believe in something, I am adamant about it) Yes, I too, found a number of faults with ROTE. The point I was trying to get across is simply this: many people were hungry to get to revisit SRD s Land . I continually hear his works being knocked around, and say nothing. Freedom of speech prevails, of course. The way it should.I am just happy to be able to escape into his works, and seemingly rejoin old friends. I apologise formally if any offense occurred to any one here.I am just not the type of person to shred an authors carefully crafted novel. Dissect it, yes. Digest it, yes. Share my thoughts of it, yes. No, my books are very old, yellowed and torn,from repeated reading. And lastly, if I seemed overzealous for the Last Chronicles in my post it was probably because I wrote to him in the G I and he actually gave me a personal response not once but twice. Very thoughtful of him to do so. So I apologise for being biased,but he showed me great respect , so I respect him back. H

[AjK]

CAUTION: FATAL REVENANT SPOILER AHEAD

Spoiler

Was SRD even more desperate than Linden to bring Thomas Covenant back from the dead?

ROTE and FR are long books. If that is desperation then SRD can hold it in better 'n a Giant hangin' on to a Raver...

[Demondime-a-dozen-spawn]

For one thing, I am not a "rabid fan boy" although I may have seemed to be at the time of my first post.

That's all I wanted to hear.

Please forgive me for calling you one.

BTW, I have forwarded to you ninety-nine (99) White Gold Dollars in Punitive Damages.

[rdhopeca]

For one thing, I am not a "rabid fan boy" although I may have seemed to be at the time of my first post.

That's all I wanted to hear.

Please forgive me for calling you one.

BTW, I have forwarded to you ninety-nine (99) White Gold Dollars in Punitive Damages.

LOL maybe antonicus can put that in his sig...or maybe I will...

[Demondime-a-dozen-spawn]

For one thing, I am not a "rabid fan boy" although I may have seemed to be at the time of my first post.

That's all I wanted to hear.
Please forgive me for calling you one.
BTW, I have forwarded to you ninety-nine (99) White Gold Dollars in Punitive Damages.

LOL maybe antonicus can put that in his sig...or maybe I will...

Don't forget my royalties!

[hearthrall antonicus]

Demondim spawn... I thank you. All is forgiven as well from my side of Melenkurion Skyweir.Let us then partake of diamondraught, make sport of the Haruchai together and smoke the dried essence of amanibhavam ,while clapping our hands together awaiting the arrival of the beautiful eh-brands.

[Orlion]

Sounds like a good party, hope I'm invited I've got springwine....

[Demondime-a-dozen-spawn]

Demondim spawn... I thank you. All is forgiven as well from my side of Melenkurion Skyweir.Let us then partake of diamondraught, make sport of the Haruchai together and smoke the dried essence of amanibhavam ,while clapping our hands together awaiting the arrival of the beautiful eh-brands.

Ah! Would that we could, dear antonicus, but alas! I must inform you that I have drank of diamondraught and smoked of amanibhavam my lifetime supply - and a goodly portion of yours as well, I'll wager! Both the Giantish roborant and the herb of the Plains of Ra turn your humble servant into a Raving Berserker! I kid you not.

Yet sport of the humorless bloodguard and merry with the eh-brands we shall indeed make!

But first (there's always a "but" when dealing with the spawn of the demondim - bear with me, good antonicus), first I must take you to task, for I only now espied the content of your signature, which makes mention of the Stooges Three, and portrays Lord Shemp in a most unflattering light! Know you not the history of the Stooges Three? Then I must relay to you some part of their tale, as time allows.

'Twas Lords Moe, Larry and Shemp who first trod the stage of the Land. Only when Lord Shemp departed to partake of the dubious charms and siren call of the Meerwives-like Boys of the Bowery did Lord Curly enter the fray and join his brother Moe and Lord Larry in their ever escalating struggle to poke Lord Foul betwixt the eyes and squirt seltzer down his robe. However, after years of thankless toil the battle proved too much for good Lord Curly, and he passed among the Dead of Andelain, where he was embraced by all, so long as he did not instigate any pie throwing melees (which wasn't long, as you can imagine).

Then Lord Shemp, fresh from the Bowery and his victories over Axis spies, doe-eyed gun-molls, commie infiltrators disguised as Union Organizers, Fifth Columnists, and various and sundry waterfront hooligans, returned to his rightful place among the Stooges Three.

No, dear antonicus, Lord Shemp was never a wannabe, 'twas that ne'er-do-well Elohim, Joe Besser, who was the poser!

Now, let us introduce ourselves to the delightful eh-brands and cords - but mind the Ranyhyn road apples, lest we become soiled and no longer fair to look upon!

[Savor Dam]

I have drank of diamondraught and smoked of amanibhavam my lifetime supply

Cool...more diamondraught and dried amanibhavam for the rest of the celebrants.
Let us also offer it to the humorless Haruchai and the amiable eh-brands, that we may all enjoy the shenanigans of the Stooges.

(Honestly, I too have put such diversions behind me, but it has not been so long that I do not remember!)

[hearthrall antonicus]

Demondim spawn... I thank you. All is forgiven as well from my side of Melenkurion Skyweir.Let us then partake of diamondraught, make sport of the Haruchai together and smoke the dried essence of amanibhavam ,while clapping our hands together awaiting the arrival of the beautiful eh-brands.

Ah! Would that we could, dear antonicus, but alas! I must inform you that I have drank of diamondraught and smoked of amanibhavam my lifetime supply - and a goodly portion of yours as well, I'll wager! Both the Giantish roborant and the herb of the Plains of Ra turn your humble servant into a Raving Berserker! I kid you not.

Yet sport of the humorless bloodguard and merry with the eh-brands we shall indeed make!

But first (there's always a "but" when dealing with the spawn of the demondim - bear with me, good antonicus), first I must take you to task, for I only now espied the content of your signature, which makes mention of the Stooges Three, and portrays Lord Shemp in a most unflattering light! Know you not the history of the Stooges Three? Then I must relay to you some part of their tale, as time allows.

'Twas Lords Moe, Larry and Shemp who first trod the stage of the Land. Only when Lord Shemp departed to partake of the dubious charms and siren call of the Meerwives-like Boys of the Bowery did Lord Curly enter the fray and join his brother Moe and Lord Larry in their ever escalating struggle to poke Lord Foul betwixt the eyes and squirt seltzer down his robe. However, after years of thankless toil the battle proved too much for good Lord Curly, and he passed among the Dead of Andelain, where he was embraced by all, so long as he did not instigate any pie throwing melees (which wasn't long, as you can imagine).

Then Lord Shemp, fresh from the Bowery and his victories over Axis spies, doe-eyed gun-molls, commie infiltrators disguised as Union Organizers, Fifth Columnists, and various and sundry waterfront hooligans, returned to his rightful place among the Stooges Three.

No, dear antonicus, Lord Shemp was never a wannabe, 'twas that ne'er-do-well Elohim, Joe Besser, who was the poser!

Now, let us introduce ourselves to the delightful eh-brands and cords - but mind the Ranyhyn road apples, lest we become soiled and no longer fair to look upon!

Indeed I shall stand upon the vast wastefull essence of my bowels and correct this insidious slander twas uttered in the blind murkatude of my vain and foolish wisdom.Also I humbly remain admonished . Amended shall my profile be from this day forward.I thank you Demondim -spawn for your aptly uttered diatribe.

[Blackhawk]

why bump a post that was only posted 6 minutes before the quoted post was posted?

...just wonderin' .....

Sounds like a tongue twister....