Captain Cosmere

This is my favorite of the secret projects thus far (and I loved Tress). I had no idea what was going on realmatically, and I just went along for the ride. I loved Painter and Yumi. I was horrified at the prospect of Yumi disappearing, so I was elated at Painter bringing her back in the end. I was unsurprised when Brandon said FF X was an influence, given the Tidus/Yuna vibes. Just a lovely story with interesting Cosmere connections. Wonderful.

The thing about Hoid that stands out the most to me when I think about his appearances is when Shallan hugged him in Words of Radiance...and he was utterly dumbfounded. How many times have we seen Hoid completely shocked by anything? Even Adolin (I think) mentioned that no one hugs Wit. No one actually likes Wit. It's like hugging a whitespine or somesuch. I think that is significant. I very much mistrust Hoid. Notice that none of those who describe Hoid as an "old friend" actually trust him and most of them are actively working at counter purposes to anything he tries to do. I'm giving Hoid some serious side-eye for the nonce.

Free will does not grant one the option of determining which choices are available. Of course the shards have influence over people. So do you and so do I. But Kaladin chose to live his life in such a way that enabled him to form a bond Sylphrena (which she also chose, don't forget). The fact that he was ignorant of the outcome and ramifications of his choice is irrelevant. He had choices. He has choices. He will have choices. Every choice has a consequence. That's life. But regardless of consequence, his will remains his own.

Yes, Jasnah is too much of the "wise mentor" character to survive. Also, her death would push Shallan toward Odium. Jasnah is toast.

I got the below quote from a thread on Odium not being native to Roshar and the below comment from Morsk got me to thinking. Whoever said the Oathpact was between Honor and Odium? Perhaps the Oathpact was rather between Honor and Sacrifice (yes, I know that the existence of such a shard is only theoretical) to defend against Odium? Then, when the Heralds betrayed the Oathpact and it was shattered, Odium took over on Roshar. Tenuous? Yes. But I thought it was food for thought. Feel free to let me know if I'm way off base, however.

Given that Taravangian is being kept apprised of the situation in the camps with Dalinar, it seems to me that Danlan is naturally his spy. We know she is in position to know what is happening with Dalinar and she has access to spanreeds. Due to the events at the end of the book, Danlan notifies Taravangian of the dangers that Dalinar poses and he then sends Szeth to kill Dalinar.

Yes, have some!

Just being whimsical, my friend, no offense intended. Also, "fairly complicated"?! If it were much more complicated, my head might actually explode. I do agree that it would be preferable to not attempt to incorporate any kind of "actual" quantum mechanics into these novels, even if it was done "successfully". Success might placate the more serious readers out there (i.e. people who would actually understand your previous post without a complex tutorial or perhaps a doctorate), but it would leave the rest of us scratching our heads. I'm fine with an easily described (if not entirely accurate) approximation. But then, I'm not the most scientific guy in the world either.

You know I don't speak Spanish. In English, please. Quantum Mechanics = The Devil.

Oh, and if it wasn't obvious, please prize me. Hemalurgic spikes are delicious and nutritious.

I'd pay to see Alcatraz versus Inquisitor Santa. Just sayin'...

Evil laughter from someone in the know. Hmmm. I wonder if that means that we are completely off the track on this one. Not that it's ever stopped me before... But in any event, I would dearly love to know more about the rules by which the shards/shardholders are bound. I wonder if we've seen any indications of what the rules may be, either in WoK or other published works. I realize that this thread is speaking specifically about choosing champions, but I find the comment about being bound by some rules even more intriguing, if less specific. I have so many questions about this. Is there a specific action that could be taken by Kaladin that would, in effect, force Odium into choosing a champion? The following comment about being bound by some rules would seem to imply that. And is the comment "but it is not certain" stating that getting Odium to choose a champion is not certain or, what I consider more likely, that is it not certain that it would work well for Kaladin even if Odium did choose a champion? Extremely interesting stuff.

Catalyst21, you have a good idea there regarding the amount of books to finish the story. I never thought of that, but if it involves Pat writing more books in this world, sign me up. Also, regarding your theory on Ambrose becoming king, I've seen that in a few places and I suppose it's possible. For some reason, though, something about it just strikes me as off. Don't know why. Isn't the king referred to as the Penitent King? Perhaps I have a hard time associating that name with Ambrose.

I was extremely saddened to hear the news about Pat's father. I hope that Pat and his dad can spend as much time together as possible in the coming months and (hopefully)years. On another note, one complaint that I have heard repeatedly about The Wise Man's Fear is its length. And it is big, no doubt. Many people have stated, especially on the hoity-toity review sites, that it could have done with quite a bit more more editing (imagine that phrase said with a very fussy, pretentious British accent.) I don't think they get it at all. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But I do wonder if the people who think the book should have been edited to be shorter understand the vast wealth of absolutely gorgeous writing that we have received thus far. Pat's writing style, at least as demonstrated to this point, does not allow for short, light reads. His choice of specific words and phrases, his use of humor, his mysterious allusions to past and future events, absolutely require a larger page count and, thus, a larger attention span. Which is probably a large part of the problem for many readers. Perhaps at the end of this series, we'll see that we have read more into things than we should have. Perhaps we'll see apparently significant events that lead nowhere. But I doubt it. Truthfully, I don't see how Pat can wrap everything up in just one more book, but he's earned the benefit of the doubt in my mind. I've rarely if ever found an author that is such a complete joy to read. I couldn't tell you of one word that should have been cut from The Wise Man's Fear. And I hope that Pat's editors continue to resist the pressure to shorten his books. A story as superlative as Kvothe's simply takes time to tell properly. I look forward to hearing it all. If that means that I need a cart to get the last book out of the store, then so be it.

Currently reading The Winds of Khalakovo, The Cardinal's Blades, and Legacy of Kings. On deck, there is The Dragon's Path, The Affinity Bridge, and A Fire Upon the Deep. All of that, however, is only to cleanse the palate for The Alloy of Law next month. Good lovin'.

I cannot possibly express how giddy I would be to win the grand prize. Sign me up!