OT: The Just City by Jo Walton

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

I just finished this novel (http://www.jowaltonbooks.com/books/the-just-city/), attracted by the concept of Greek gods time travelling to create Plato's Republic on Atlantis with robots. The results more than justified my interest - and the machinations of the two gods central to the story, Apollo and Athene, reminded me in some ways of the gods in Attolia/Eddis/Sounis, though of course as protagonists rather than flashes of divine lightning. In addition, the novel is gently paced, beautifully characterized, and brimming with philosophical conversations and drama.  It is the first of a planned trilogy, and ends in a thematic rather than plot resolution, but I'm sure readers of The Queen's Thief series are no stranger to this. :)

(Warning: Since the majority of the characters are slaves, and for other reasons, sexual violence features fairly heavily - in fact, the book starts off with an examination of the story of Apollo and Daphne. I found the exploration and moral approach to this violence thoughtful and well considered, but it is prominant. Reviews have been, in my opinion, a bit unduly focused on that aspect of the book, as I posted here: http://ibmiller.tumblr.com/post/114405602154/on-sexual-violence-in-jo-waltons-the-just-city, but did want to post the warning along with my recommendation.)

#Unlikely

[puppeteergirl.livejournal.com]

Excerpt from CoK:

Sounis turned to the magus. "Did you know?"

"That he was relentless?" The magus finished his question. "Yes. That he had this in mind, no. I did not realize that he disliked the ambassador so much."

"Melheret has a reputation as one of the best swordsmen in the Mede court," a soldier informed them, having overheard. "They say he trained the former ambassador, Nahuseresh."

"Ah," said the magus, understanding at once. "I see that he means to be prepared if he meets him again."

"Surely that's unlikely," said Sounis.

"I don't think unlikely means to him what it does to the rest of us," said the magus.

Sorry magus, I'm starting to agree with Sophos.

Let's do some math, folks!
The Thief 1996
Five years later: QoA 2001
Five years later: KoA 2006
Four years later: CoK 2010

As of yesterday, it has been five years since CoK was released. I think we're due.

Yet, no news. Interviews from MWT have dwindled. Sounis has grown quiet. The majority of posts by its members tend to be about other fandoms, or asking for reading suggestions.  Because we have NOTHING to read.

Will Eugenides ever get his revenge? #watchoutpointybeard #swordskillz

Will the Eddisians escape the sacred mountain in time? #ohnolava #zipcodechange

Will we ever find out why the woman in the kitchen still includes sand in certain recipes?  #what'swrongwiththegravy #i'mnothungry

Is the poor elephant doomed to wait ten years before he is stolen from a nameless intimidator? #impatientpachyderm #omghowcanistealthat

Will I ever break this cycle of despair when I read those fatal words, "'You gave me the gun.' They both laughed." and realize I just finished the book, with nothing new in sight? #whatnow

I know, I know. Stop whining and go to bed.

This has been a pity party by puppeteergirl. #icandoanythingiwant #smashinginkpots

Proceed with your attempted encouragements or your commiserations below.

Role Play Chat on Sunday 7pm CST

[puppeteergirl.livejournal.com]

I am officially starting a sign up for a character chat on Sunday. If those who are attending Saturday want to role play, please discuss that in the thread for that session. Also, if the Saturday chat ends up to be a role play, please consider changing characters on Sunday so that others can don a different hat as well.

Claimed characters:

The Magus: LadyJane
Eugenides: Puppeteergirl
Costis: Maidenbeckah
Pol: a newbie
Attolia: Elle_Winters

Remember to use your character as your login name. To perform an action type "/me ____________" without the quotes, filling in the blank with your action. Also, please keep it PG. I may invite some kids to join. ;) Comment below to claim your character!