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stanthony
Acolyte
Estonia
3 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Feb 2006 : 20:33:07
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Hello everyone!
It's my first post here. Actually I have posted this in 'Unhappy reader' nearby as my question somewhat relates to the topic discussed in this one. But noone seems to care about that topic any longer, so I'd rather start a new one here. Sorry if I broke any specific rules with that. To the point now...
I started reading FR novels. I read The City of Splendors and started with the Sembia series. I bought The Halls of Stormweather and quite liked it, so I'm looking forward to read the sequels. However, as some people here, I found the Black Wolf and another one from the series (don't remember which one) very hard to find. With the average book price of 5 pounds, there is no way I am paying 30 quid for the pre-owned one on the amazon.co.uk. I hope I will be able to find those two occasionally, but for now I have a question: is it really crucial that I read the Sembia novels in their proper order, or I could skip at least the woolfy one? :) Is reading the Black Wolf critical to the understanding of the whole series? From the first volume I got the impression that every sequel should be more or less independent novel in its own right. Is that so?
Thank you very much for you advice :)
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2006 : 21:35:40
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The whole Sembia series has a fairly large cast of characters that kind of wander in and out of each others' books (they are a family after all!  ) and important developments in characters' relationships with each other are often mentioned and built on in later books. That said, I wouldn't say it's absolutely vital to have read every single one of them in order. While it's true to say that the characters do develop and progress from one novel to the next, the actual plot of each novel is quite distinct and separate from the others. (If that makes sense.) Missing out 'Black Wolf' would probably feel a bit like watching a soap opera after you've missed a couple of episodes rather than picking up 'The Two Towers' not having read 'Fellowship...' first.
If you've got 'Halls of Stormweather' as an introduction to each one of the major characters then you'll probably be better equipped for dealing with any gaps in character development you might encounter.
Hope that's answered your question!
And welcome to the boards!
Yours,
JDD |
"How content that young woman looks, don't you think? How content, and yet how flammable." - Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Autobiography |
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SheriffJoe
Seeker
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2006 : 21:51:48
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Yes indeed....welcome!
I also would agree that it is not VITAL to read this novel in order to read the others, but there are things that are referred to in the subsequent books that do make passing reference to events in Black Wolf. So be prepared to deal with spoilers should you continue with the series.
You might also consider doing some internet research and contacting the author. Perhaps he has an extra copy he'd be willing to sell you (including shipping of course). I have been extremely lucky and blessed to have met authors willing to do just that for me and it has saved me, on 6 different books, over $300 believe it or not!!! In the process, the author has made a life long fan as well as allowed me the opportunity to read complete series.
In any event, keep an eye out as well. Just by checking every day, I was able to find a book that collectors were attempting to sell for $120 for $6.95. You never know what will happen when you exercise patience. |
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stanthony
Acolyte
Estonia
3 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 09:12:01
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Thank you all!
I will start reading the remaining Sembia novels then, and finish the Black Wolf when I can get my hands on it. As a matter of fact yesterday I wrote Dave Gross and asked him about the book. He replied almost immediately with a vey nice and funny message. No, he doesn't have a spare copy at the moment, but it was interesting to hear that even Dave finds the situation with the Black Wolf ridiculous. Normally, he says, Wizrds will keep novels in print 'forever', and he doesn't quite understand why this book became an exception. |
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Beezy
Learned Scribe
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2006 : 08:14:19
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| I would keep checking ebay and half.com and amazon and see if you can get it. I found mine on half.com for like $3 a month ago |
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Sembia series question
