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Post by gMan on Dec 10, 2003 22:57:02 GMT -5
To start this off, I would like to address: character development. I have said it before, but Stanek's characters exist in an unusual way for the reader because of they depth. They all have pasts, there is a sense of mortality, and the all have hopes for the future. It is rare to encounter an author who could kill off so many beloved characters! And it only illustrates a cruel, but very realistic, world like our middle ages.
My favorites are Vilmos, Emel, Adrina, Myrial and Valam. Vilmos is smart and resourceful that you can't help but root for him, Emel is cool and collected, Adrina begins to show her true colors despite being naive, Myrial is a bad girl good girl that you gotta love, and Valam is a well balanced enigma.
I very much enjoyed the way each character shows strengths and weaknesses, which made them seem even more like real people. The reader gets a good look at the characters, which makes it possible to both love and love to hate that person.
What did you think about the characters? This book provides plenty of subject matter for discussion, so don't limit yourself to the topic at hand. Feel free to ask questions, critique, and make observations!
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Post by Devlin on Dec 12, 2003 23:07:47 GMT -5
What age everyone is? My guess is Vilmos and Adrina are both younger than 15, with Myrial and Emel being slighly older. Valam seems to be mid 20s as is Midori my guess. Seth and Galan are young for elves (stated) but no age given. Even Father Jacob, Keeper Martin and King Adrew seem to be middle aged.
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Post by swordmaster on Dec 14, 2003 21:43:35 GMT -5
I've long thought about that Vilmos seems to be the youngest, a preteen maybe 11 or 12. Adrina seems to be into her teens. I think I read something about 13 winters in Imtal once so I'm guessing 14/15 when the story begins. Valam I always pictured as late 20's. It is said Calyin is the oldest daughter (the way Adrina talks of her I always assumed she was the oldest child as well.) For Seth who knows with elves it is said he is young for an elf I think.
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Post by Shire Hobbit on Dec 18, 2003 22:02:02 GMT -5
I seem to recall Adrina saying something about 13 winters too. I'm going to look for this. I never really thought about their ages before.
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Post by darktower on Dec 20, 2003 2:16:45 GMT -5
I said before one thing I like best about Ruin Mist Chronicles is pacing. The story moves quick and lots happens. The history is interesting as well. I do think it is very realistic in a middle ages way.
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Post by Sparhawk on Dec 25, 2003 13:04:05 GMT -5
If everything is OK, I'll order it till the end of the week.
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Post by gMan on Dec 25, 2003 14:23:28 GMT -5
Do seem to recall reading that about 13 winters now that I think about it so that would make Adrina 14 or 15 there abouts. Vilmos is a bit younger I think seems that way.
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Post by warrior25 on Dec 28, 2003 14:34:50 GMT -5
Adrina is more mature than her age leastways in my opinion. She was raised by her governess more than her father since her mothers passing. She is very unique in her ways.
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Post by Shire Hobbit on Dec 30, 2003 13:02:12 GMT -5
Emel is another one who I'm very interested in learning more of. It was great in Kingdom Alliance to see more through his eyes.
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Post by Evenstar on Jan 18, 2004 0:27:35 GMT -5
It says that Vilmos is 12 in the first book.
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Post by warrior25 on Jan 21, 2004 20:51:02 GMT -5
That seems right Vilmos is a fav still liking Adrina too. Myrial is tougher than Adrina though.
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Post by gMan on Jan 30, 2004 12:56:44 GMT -5
Going back to the opening sequence with Vilmos. It hints at something happening to him. We see more of that as the books progress. Any ideas whats really going on with him? I have a few but dont' want to say yet.
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