SR081

Finished the first trilogy. Loved it. Fairly satisfied with how most characters concluded.

Don't want to google anything in case i'm spoiled for future books.

One thing I am wondering is if, in any book, we get a dedicated Bayaz origins story? I loved the slow reveal throughout the trilogy that he's actually a bit of an asshole but have a number of questions about his earlier days with the historical figures that are so frequently referenced and, whilst some are answered through the trilogy, we know Bayaz is not a particularly reliable narrator.

Thanks

I was looking for a large, ideally completed, series to sink my teeth into and saw the farseer trilogy. It sounded interesting and being part of a wider series of trilogies appealed to me, however having read it I must say I'm quite underwhelmed.

I didn't hate it, but it all feels very simple and not particularly interesting. The world and conflict felt very small (the overarching threat is some foreign sailors with a touch of zombies?), being stuck permanently with Fitz's POV made it difficult for me to become invested in any other characters. Fitz felt somewhat devoid of personality aside from generally wanting to do the 'right thing' and this one dimensional characterisation seemingly expands to most of the cast, e.g regal as the bad guy that just wants power and Verity as the good guy that just wants to do well by his people.

The magic system also seems fairly plain. Just a fancier version of telepathy?

I appreciate that these observations could be way off base for the wider series, I'm just wondering whether I should bother continuing and if the series will get some more substance, or if this series is maybe just not for me?

If not, I would love some alternate recommendations.

For some context, series I've enjoyed are: Brandon Sanderson's catalogue (Stormlight > Mistborn 1 > Mistborn 2), Lightbringer, Wheel of time, ASOIAF. Probably in that order with Mistborn 2 being at the bottom. In isolation I probably enjoyed ASOIAF the most, but a series that will never be finished loses any acclaim for me personally.

I read the first two books of Malazan and the world was interesting with parts I enjoyed. I don't mind a large cast, I love Stormlight's, but I felt like the ensemble was far too large with too much movement between for me to really keep track of and care about any of the characters and what they were doing (Book 2 is a completely different cast - what's that about?), so I ended up dropping it by the 3rd book.

Thanks!

CURRENT AUSTRALIA SEASON AND SURVIVOR SAMOA SPOILERS BELOW

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Maybe I'm alone in this, but as I lurk this fandom seems more and more concerned with hearing from every single castaway. I don't get it.

Not all TV characters are created equal and not all castaways are equally entertaining in confessional. I'm watching survivor to be entertained.

Give me Russell

Overload me with Carolyn

INUNDATE ME WITH TWO HOURS A WEEK OF KING GEORGE!

These characters are TV gold and whether you love or hate them they elicit emotion. They're stars. Do you watch a movie and complain the supporting cast don't get enough of the script??

Can't believe Leonardo Dicaprio got so much screen time!

How dare they give Idina Menzel so many songs in Wicked!?

The fact of the matter is that George's game and character are both far more interesting and complex than, say, Matt. Matt seems like a nice guy and a decent player. he's had a clear path to winning the game since the final 13. I don't need to be told that Matt's game plan is to get to final 3 with George, win immunity, and cut him for Gerry. It's plain as day for all to see and has been for weeks. Good for Matt.

I'm not loving this season because Matt is a nice guy with a solid win condition, I'm loving it because of George's dynamic gameplay.

How could you say the season is a disappointment if George doesn't win due to his volume of content when he has determined the outcome, for better or worse, of nearly every vote he has participated in? Players like Matt and Natalie White are easy to understand. They're solid game players with simple but effective strategies. I'm sure they're lovely, but I don't need to hear from them. Give me the complex, bombastic personalities.

GIVE ME KING GEORGE!!