Why you should read Mark Lawrence’s Book of the Ancestor (no spoilers)
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- Опубликовано: 15 сен 2024
- In this spoiler-free video, I discuss the reasons why I love Mark Lawrence's Book of the Ancestor, a trilogy that finishes with my favorite Lawrence book so far, Holy Sister.
Upcoming will be a spoiler-filled discussion of Book of the Ancestor with Angela from @DoUnicornsRead!
You made me want to read it! :D Very many thanks, Philip.
Ha ha! I predict you'll enjoy it, and you'll never guess the twist at the end!
Got this one in my plans over the summer! Looking forward to it.
This one has a lot of what you love, Mike! I'll be curious to hear your thoughts when you get to it.
“Moons might rise and fall, empires wax and wane, even the stars come and go, but there are constants too, and though the story of our kind is ever-changing it is also always the same.”
I loved this trilogy! I echo your thoughts on Abeth and the magic/world in general, it is just so well done. My favorite part has always been how Lawrence utilizes the inevitable closing of the Corridor in the dialogue, when characters would compare something in their lives to the moving of the ice.
Spoilers for the trilogy int he following paragraph:
And i do think this trilogy is way more scifi than fantasy, especially if you really think about the Path and how it works, it is very very oddly reminiscent of how Quantum Mechanics work, and the magic part would be humans being able to interact with said properties (the "threads", which are also oddly reminiscent of Strings in String Theory :D). I just loved the mystery of the magic and religion in this world, you get enough hints to know that what our characters think of the world and how it works and the magic of it, is really ignorant and wrong, the whole idea of the Ancestor while rooted in truth has been transformed into a mythological sort of tale that has strayed very much far from it. Also, Taproot! Hope you caught that one in Holy Sister. And from what i've heard about The Girl and The Moon, I really recommend you read his scifi trilogy before Book of the Ice, it's a fantasitc wholesome heartwarming tale about friendship and love and DnD! It's also very short, with every book being 180-200 pages. Great review Philip! Can't wait for the spoiler chat.
Thanks so much, Ves! I’m definitely going to read Impossible Times before I move on to Book of the Ice. Yes! I caught the Taproot “cameo”! I’ll have to keep watching for him . . . All the best!
After watching this I am feeling such an urge to read Book of the Ancestor again! I absolutely love the confidence that takes this fantasy, maybe sci-fi 👀, series in a different and fresh direction. Some amazing moments in Holy Sister which only when they occur did you realise the whole series has been building towards them.
Will & Ed
That's so true, gents! Lawrence is a master at bringing together disparate elements at the end to surprise you. Cheers!
Great video Philip. I will have to check this one out. I appreciate the thorough review.
Thank you, Rob! If you give it a try, I hope you'll enjoy it!
I just finished Holy Sister as well and I really loved it! Lawrence really created one of the most awesome worlds I've ever seen - and actually I'm not the biggest fan of lenghty world building. But Abeth is extremely fascinating. It made me wanna know everything about it's history and mysteries. I cried at the end as well. I agree on the characters with you, they are beautifully carved, each of them, and Nona is such a relatable and cute, yet terrifying character in all her dualities. High re-read potential for me, anyway, this series I will really hold dearly in my heart. A lot of female epicness and truthfulness which I had doubted a man could ever write. I was wrong. Lawrence did an amazing job in writing female characters.
Beautifully said! Just the fact that you would entertain rereading Book of the Ancestor says a lot, and I feel the same way. All the best!
Just opened another tab and ordered Red Sister. It is now an official edition of my TBR (rather than aspirational one, lol). I love when I (the reader) am invited to decide about the history, the magic, and the divine. As always, thanks for the guidance!
I hope you'll love this one, Vaughn! All TBRs, real and aspirational, are equally wonderful because they are manifestations of our dreams, right? Happy reading!
This trilogy got me back into reading after a 6 year hiatus. I'm so glad you enjoyed this series and are letting more people know about it
Wow! That’s fantastic, Conor! That definitely makes this one even more special for you, I’m sure.
I absolutely loved Nona Grey! I'm so glad you enjoyed the series. Makes me want to read it again.
I’ve found another favorite protagonist in Nona. All the best, Stacy!
Just started re-reading red sister to be able to continue the series now I have the three books! Great review looking forwards to finally finishing this trilogy and the sequels this year!
I am excited to read every other trilogy and book that Lawrence has written, but I'm especially curious now about Book of the Ice. Happy reading!
Ah you remind me of how much I loved this trilogy! Happy you read and liked it.
It’s a wonderful story, and I’ll be recommending it to all sorts of people, including my daughters. Cheers!
Okay, so “most mind blowing setting I’ve encountered in fiction” made my ears perk up. 👂🏻 You’re bloating my TBR again, damn you. 😜
All part of my evil scheme to frustrate readers and BookTubers! Mwuhahaha!
Wonderful review, Philip! What you said about friendship, mercy, and embracing imperfection in this series speaks to my heart! I also love sci-fantasy and imaginative settings. I'm planning to start my Mark Lawrence journey with The Girl and the Stars since that's the book I own, and based on your praise, I am certain I will enjoy his writing. Thanks!
I haven't read The Book of the Ice yet, but, at this point, I can't imagine not loving it when I get to it later this year. When you finally do meet Nona, I am sure you'll love her. All the best, Johanna!
I just bought the whole series, looking forward to it!
I hope you'll love it, Ariane!
One of my favorite series!
Nona is such a good character!
I feel the same way - Nona absolutely won my heart by the end!
I would read his Impossible Times series (time travel series) before going for the next trilogy in the same world! Book of Ice is great, as well, so nothing against that, but reading it in the order Lawrence wrote his series makes every book after better.
Edit: This is one of the best spoiler free reviews/recommendations I have ever seen. Great work! Lawrence is among my favorite writers as well.
Thank you, Fredrik! I have loved every book by Lawrence that I’ve read so far. I plan to read Impossible Times before Book of the Ice to get the full experience. All the best!
ok, I GUESS I can look into Mark Lawrence this year...lol great video Philip. I'm more pumped to read this trilogy now.
I hope you'll love it, Marco!
Excellent series review, Philip! You are almost making me want to jump straight into a reread of this series, haha. I love to hear that you enjoyed this one so much, though from everything you've said, I have a feeling that Book of the Ice will dethrone this as your favourite series when you eventually get to that one ;)
Totally agree that the world building in Mark Lawrence's series is just absolutely captivating! And his characters always have such a strong voice and personality, I love that.
Great video!
With this comment, you’re almost making me want to jump straight into Book of the Ice! 😄 The plan is to read Lawrence’s books in publication order, though, so Impossible Times is up next (I hear there’s a thread, as usual, connecting it to his other books). But I will savor the idea of reading Book of the Ice in the future! Cheers, Esmay!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy It will be there waiting for you when you are ready! Can't wait to hear your thoughts though, happy reading!
What a fantastic review, and you've definitely encouraged me to give the series a proper try (I put it down a few years ago early into book 1 during the initial school scenes since that wasn't the kind of story I was interested in at the moment)
The trilogy does outgrow the “school”setting in a sense, though it remains part of the story. If you end up giving it another try, I hope you’ll enjoy it, Ben!
Sounds like something I should read.😁
The excitement in the unicorn stables has risen to new levels since they found out that this will be discussed with Dr Fantasy.
Oh, and if course great series review, Philip!
It’s going to be a blast chatting about Book of the Ancestor with you, Angela! For one thing, it’s more fun to talk about spoilers, but I also know I’m going to learn from the discussion. Looking forward to it!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Looking very much forward to it and I'm sure the learning will be mutual!
Love the video Philip! After talking to Thiago I'm very excited to get to book of the ancestor and Lawrence's other series as well, this has fully convinced me to read the series this year. Hope you're doing well my friend!
Thank you, RJ! I hope you’ll love this trilogy the way Thiago and I do. My very best to you for 2023!
I first picked up Book of the Ancestor based on your reading of the 1st book the Red Sister. And it didn't disappoint. What a journey we had with Nona and her friends! I fell in love with the world and the magic system so much. The action scenes were so exciting and kept me on my toes all the time. I loved how we sow Nona evolve as a character. It felt so natural and in tandem with the events of the world. Thank you Phillip for introducing me to this trilogy and for this great review of the whole series. As always, great job.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Avi! It’s a beautiful journey, and one I won’t forget. All the best!
You've sold me! Added to my TBR!
Awesome! I hope you’ll enjoy the read, Ewan!
Great series! I felt that Lawrence really stuck the landing on this one. Glad you enjoyed it 😊
I agree, Bradley! Holy Sister is probably my favorite book by Lawrence so far.
I’m excited to start reading Mark Lawrence this year. Although I’ll be starting with Prince of Thorns, this one sounds fantastic! Thanks for the review!
Lawrence is one of my favorite authors, and so I hope you’ll get a lot from his books. Broken Empire is true grimdark, so brace yourself, Josh!
Good to know!
A great trilogy, just as all of Mark Lawrence his work. I cant wait to hear your thoughts on Book of the Ice, which brings all his trilogies to an amazing ending.
Thank you, Saeed! I might read Impossible Times first, but I will definitely be reading Book of the Ice too. All the best!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy oh yes! Definitely read that one first!
Happy New Year! Great discussion.
Thank you, Paromita! Happy New Year to you as well!
Hello 👋 Happy New Year to you!! Look forward to all ur videos in 2023! 🎉🎊🎥📽
Thanks so much, Safina, and my best to you for 2023 as well!
The difference between the main characters in hus three trilogies shows his strength as a writer.
This also might appeal to fans of Wolfe more than the others. Am looking forward to when that slides across your desk.
And will be reading the prequels later this year, hopefully.
I hope to get to more of Lawrence's work this year too. But first, Book of the New Sun!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Will finally be getting to Ambercrombie and Warlord chronicles which I anticipate liking.
@@EricMcLuen Abercrombie is one of my favorites!
These "Why you should read" videos always end up becoming a "Why I'll read" video for me. Added it to my TBR. Thanks.
Ha ha! Thank you, Ibi, and I hope you’ll love the experience!
My philosophy is, if you have to ask what genre it is, it's fantasy, because fantasy is king! 😀Seriously, another book for my list! Great review
Ha ha! I like that philosophy, Jarrod!
Thanks for this review Philip! I’ve avoided Mark Lawrence after DNFing Prince of Thorns, but maybe I’ll give this a try sometime.
This will be the Lawrence trilogy for you, Chas - I’m predicting it right now!
Great video! I hope we get a Nona Grey sequel series sometime if the future. She is such a great protagonist. This is my favorite Mark Lawrence's series.
It’s my favorite trilogy by Lawrence that I’ve read so far, but let’s see what I make of Impossible Times and Book of the Ice. Cheers, Andrew!
Great review and great job selling this! Authors that can write really good flashbacks please me greatly! Is Girl and the Stars next for you?
My next Lawrence trilogy will be Impossible Times, which actually has some bearing on Book of the Ice (there are threads that connect all his trilogies even though they're set in different worlds . . . Or are they?)
It is an excellent trilogy.
Hear hear!
Great series.
Some nitpicks
(Spoiler ahead regarding the narrative structure):
Fist: The framework plot starting book 1 is tied in through teleportation in the transition from book 2 to book 3. I think there could have been a smoother way to get the characters from A to B.
Second: Not enough slice of life. I enjoyed the characters and would have liked more of them.
But overall: Loved this series.
Those are fair statements, Gerrit. I too would love to spend more time with Nona and company, but, of course, that would slow the pacing and elongate the series. Not a problem for me, but perhaps Lawrence would lose some readers that way. I'm glad you loved the series too!
The book of the ancestor is a good series 😊
I'm glad you like it, Angela!
Can't wait to read this trilogy
I hope you'll love it!
This is the first trilogy by Mark that I read, and only one that worked for me, tried prince of fools, and red queens war, but disliked them both. But this one was amazing. I'm reading the girl and the ______trjlogy very soon!
I hope you'll love The Book of the Ice, Sean -- I intend to read it later this year. Cheers!
OK, I'm calling the three wise kings/men (from the Bible, traditionally they bring presents by Jan 5th in Spain) and tell them to bring me that book instead of socks and ugly pajamas. Thank you Philip!
Ugly pajamas can be cool, but, all things considered, I think the wise men would be wiser to bring you this trilogy! All the best, Polly!
I've only read his first trilogy, plan to read more. Definitely a great author
I loved Broken Empire too, and I think he’s getting better with every trilogy!
Reading this trilogy I made the mistake of judging Nona too soon. I thought she is just our cliche warrior girl character. Oh how wrong i was...
Yes, you're so right -- Nona is much more than the standard badass, seemingly mandatory female warrior character we get in a lot of fantasy these days. She has depth that few of them can match.
This is also my favorite Mark Lawrence trilogy so far 😍 I love the characters, the convent, the setting, loveing to hate the villains. Sometimes villains were villains, friends became villains, villains became friends. The friendships in this are so well done! I was rooting so hard for 2 characters to become a thing because they clearly love each other and he leaves it open! To me it's obvious though. What do you think, Philipp? Do you think the two who walked hand in hand into the sunset finally became an item?
Edit: I'm also a huge fan of how Lawrence plays with different timelines and flashbacks. Incredibly satisfying!
I do think so. If I had seen your comment a couple hours ago, I would have asked Mark Lawrence, whom I just chatted with for Dear Dr. Fantasy. Coming out on Tuesday!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Oh noo that's a shame! 🙈
I just realised I haven't read any Mark Lawrence since 2021, I must redeem this error with haste!!!
I know a good place for you to begin that redemption! 😁
I love this series! I need to read the other series set in this world. ❤
I do too! I think I’ll read Lawrence’s Impossible Times trilogy first and then Book of the Ice. Happy reading!
💕💕
Thank you, Mr. Rorosuri!
I need to give this a try. I tried the Broken Empire trilogy but it wasn’t for me.
I suspect that Book of the Ancestor is the best starting point for many people when it comes to Lawrence’s books, though I myself admire Broken Empire. I hope you’ll enjoy it if you give it a try, Clint!
I just started chapter 7
Hey Philip! Would you recommend reading Broken Empire and Red Queen’s War beforehand or is it not necessary?
It’s not necessary, but I’m a big fan of both the older trilogies. For people who don’t enjoy grimdark, Book of the Ancestor is the best starting point for Lawrence. If you do like grimdark, then Broken Empire (it’s definitely grimdark, but Red Queen’s War not so much).
Those are all good reasons but I still can't get over how awful the opening sentence of Red Sister is.
Ha ha! That is one of the best opening lines in literature. Happy New Year, Richard!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Stop gaslighting me, Philip! It's wordy, awkward, imprecise, unclear, and redundant! It doesn't even have an eff'ing proper subject!
@@raswartz 😁