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Local Authors => Brandon Sanderson => Topic started by: EUOL on June 13, 2008, 09:45:47 AM

Title: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: EUOL on June 13, 2008, 09:45:47 AM
A place to post about my blog entry on Friday, June 13th.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Comfortable Madness on June 13, 2008, 01:09:11 PM
What a coincidence, a couple of us, me included, specifically referred to Lightsong as the reason why we voted for Warbreaker on the favorite Sanderson book poll. I personally loved the character Lightsong. His humor made me chuckle at times and other times outright laugh. His struggle to realize who he really is really makes him an interesting character. I really enjoyed the scenes with him and Blushweaver.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: darxbane on June 13, 2008, 01:53:20 PM
I liked Lightsong a lot as well.  I can't remember a scene he was in that was boring.  If anything, I would like to see him even more rebellious, like helping his priests cook, or sending all of them home for the day.  I don't want to take the chance on spoilers, so if a spoiler warning is added I will post more, but overall Lightsong is great as a character.  The humor is great.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Andrew the Great on June 13, 2008, 02:07:24 PM
Lightsong was one of my favorite characters in Warbreaker. I always enjoyed his scenes, if nothing else because it was good to see him acting different than he was expected to. I agree with darx as well, I would like him even better if he did more rebellious type stuff.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: theletterP on June 13, 2008, 03:30:56 PM
I enjoyed everything about the Lightsong character.  The witty banter was witty and clever, often downright hilarious.  I enjoyed the development and revelations as the character progressed as well.  From lazy and not caring, to mildly interested, to hero.  He became one of my favorite characters as he grew on more and more through the chapters.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Aojo on June 13, 2008, 03:58:43 PM
I like Lightsong too.
He made Warbreaker a lot lighter than your other stuff (excluding Alcatraz) and I think it's good to show that you can be a little silly in an otherwise serious work.

I do have one request, and that's that the line "Dead as a squirrel, serious" make it into print.  Because that is the best line EVER.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: SexyTurtle on June 13, 2008, 04:47:13 PM
It's been months since I read Warbreaker, but Lightsong is definitely one of the shining characters in that story. I loved how human he was -- the incredulity he displayed at the state of things, the way he talked to women and his head servant. As long as it isn't taken over the top, I agree that a little more rebelliousness to make him stand out even more against the other gods would fit in very well.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: VegasDev on June 13, 2008, 05:14:55 PM
I really liked Lightsong; his progression as a character was the best of the book imo. If I were the one writing the book, I might have given him a different name but other than that everything else would be the same.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: mvtassel on June 13, 2008, 05:16:31 PM
Lightsong adds a great deal to Warbreaker. His interactions with other characters are funny and his outlook on life is refreshing. His banter with Llarimar is my favorite part of this book.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Dount Cooku on June 13, 2008, 05:29:03 PM
I love the character of Lightsong.  His wit is sly and slightly sardonic without being cutting.  It seems that Lightsong uses humor to distract himself from some of the uncomfortableness he feels in his situation.  I can relate to that, as I often do the same thing.  I think the level of humor is just right for the character.

My personal favorite Lightsong line: "We intend to attack her?"
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: khigh on June 13, 2008, 06:12:01 PM
I agree with comments so far, I love the character and his approach to the situation he finds himself in. However, I would think that given the type self-depreciation and witticism he tends to deliver, that he would be more cynical and cutting when frustrated.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Rane on June 13, 2008, 06:20:58 PM
I really loved Lightsong.  Other than the Vasher chapters, the lightsong chapters were some of my favorites.  I agree with everybody who's said that a little more rebeliousness would be good.  That would truly perfect his character, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: firstRainbowRose on June 13, 2008, 07:24:56 PM
I love Lightsong!!!  In fact, the first time I read the book through I almost wanted a triangle thing going on with him Siri and Sub (that is until Sub and Siri started to interact, and then they were perfect for each other).  I could see him being a little bit more rebellious with maybe considering going through one of the tunnels he finds (It was him, right?  I've been lazy, and haven't gotten around to re-reading the new version, so some details are fuzzy.) or even attempting to.  But other than that, I think he's great, and needs no change.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: zoondel on June 13, 2008, 08:41:03 PM

This is my first time posting on this forum (or any forum of this type), so bear with me.


I love that you're asking for reader feedback! In fact, I'd begun compiling some notes on Warbreaker as soon as I finished reading it (version 4.2).

I agree that Lightsong proves wonderfully entertaining as comic relief, but I think he's something of a flat character until he starts getting involved in court politics.  The banter with Llarimar and Blushweaver are great, but perhaps a little too glib too much of the time?  I also think that his consistent rejection of Blushweaver's advances makes him seem less human - even if that is intentional early on in the story (since he's a god after all), he seems to gain pleasure from eating, why not sex?


Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Temujin on June 13, 2008, 08:51:53 PM
I have only read the 16 or so chapters of version 4.0. I like Lightsong so far I don't think there needs to be much change in the charater. I don't think you have gone over the top with his personality. His interactions with other characters always make me smile.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: achren99 on June 13, 2008, 09:23:18 PM
Lightsong is perfect and his humor always made me laugh/smile.  He was one of my favorites and added SO much to the story/world.  As I said in another thread, the only times I was bored in the book was reading about Vivenna--and I really LIKE her character and I want to like her story more... *Sigh*  But it's to be expected that I won't like all parts of a book--I like her character so that's more than you can expect in some books.

I don't think Lightsong needs to be more rebellious--to me he strikes me as rebellious but in the "I don't want to be a God (but I like all the perks and don't want to go TOO far out of line)" kind of way.  It's been a while since I've read it, though, and that's how I remember him...so I might be a little off.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: platypuschutney on June 13, 2008, 09:27:24 PM
I actually thought he was balanced quite well, and he was one of my favorite characters in the book. He was a very unique and fun lens through which to reveal the society you had built for this story. I'm personally a bit ambivalent about changing him significantly. 

On the one hand, adding depth or content to his character could be very nice. (I generally feel that the longer/richer a book, the better.) He was fun in that even the reader was never sure about his "real" view on anything, or whether Lightsong even knew his own views. He was a wildcard that nonetheless pushed the story along and played out beautifully in the end. On the other hand, the danger in expanding his narrative (or weighing it more toward certain behaviors like rebelliousness, petulance, etc.) is that the lush uncertainty of his character will diminish.

In short: Just don't make him predictable or too one-sided.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Qarlin on June 13, 2008, 09:29:01 PM
I'll add my voice to others; Lightsong is pretty much my favorite character in that story. I mean, I like Vasher and Nightblood and such. But anyway. I love when he outlines the conversation with Blushweaver before it even happens. Awesome.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Reaves on June 13, 2008, 10:10:20 PM
hum...Lightsong. Loved him. One of the things that really disapointed me though is that he turned out to be an accountant. I don't know why, but that was such a letdown...I think you should play up the fact that he gave his life to save the girl, make a tad more of a hero.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: mvtassel on June 13, 2008, 10:15:47 PM
Asking this question in this way may not yield a scientific result. Good polling relies on subjects who are representative of a larger population. However, I would never have known about this discussion if I didn't like your writing to begin with.  If I am representative of this group--and the convergence of opinion here so far suggests it's possible--then this poll may have only selected subjects who are already predisposed to like Lightsong. Just a thought...

(What am I saying? Who wouldn't like Lightsong?)
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Skar on June 13, 2008, 10:36:46 PM
I hated lightsong.  That little speech he made to the townspeople while standing on the master buffalo?  Horrible.  And the whole, 'I am so conflicted over my abusive father whose love I am stilly trying to earn' thing?  How cliche.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on June 14, 2008, 12:39:32 AM
Skar, Brandon is asking for feedback on Lightsong's appearances in Warbreaker, not his scenes in Way of Kings.


HINT: Read the Way of Kings reviews on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000WH4TIA/).
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Plasman on June 14, 2008, 06:02:25 AM
 :o :o :o
do you mean to tell me that the Way of Kings is a crossover of Warbreaker and Elantris????
That could be the greatest thing since sliced bread!!!

i personally really liked lightsong. but like reaves said, i was really sad for him when he found out he wasn't an investigator or whatever. i understand though that that was how you showed how even though he wasn't anything special he could still be a hero and save the day.  it's been a while since i read it, so i don't remember everything. but from what i remember i wouldn't change it at all.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Lazarian on June 14, 2008, 03:28:21 PM
I'm only mirroring what others said really, but I found Lightsong to be rather balanced, and added a lighter side to the novel that mixed in rather well. I think his rebelliousness doesn't really need to be lifted to another level, he works his way up to breaking out of his habits as the rebellious yet rather comfortable god.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: SarahG on June 16, 2008, 04:18:15 PM
I'll break with the crowd and say that I didn't care for Lightsong.  In general his attempts at humor didn't make me laugh, with the exception of the scene where he sets the squirrel loose on Allmother.  His banter with Blushweaver sounds to me like he's trying too hard, I generally roll my eyes and hope his scenes are over more quickly.  I do mostly like his interactions with Llarimar, and I like the general arc of his character, but his speech patterns are annoying to me.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Warwolf on June 17, 2008, 01:55:23 AM
I really liked Lightsong the way he is, his witty banter made me chuckle even laugh out loud at times. Changing him to a more responsible "god" would be a mistake I think, as well as pushing him more towards being a clown.

He works for me because I can see through his irreverence at times to the more conflicted being. He does not think he deserves the adulation of the people and so he makes light of the returned. But when push comes to shoves, his worthiness shows.

Please don't change him too much, he is my favorite of Warbreaker and one of my top five characters of all time, up there along with Terry Prachet's Rincewind and G.R.R. Martin's Tyrion Lanister.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: CrystalKitten on June 17, 2008, 02:10:30 AM
I personally loved the Lightsong character.  He was one of my favourite parts about the book, and I always looked forward to the chapters about him.  I also think that he might be even more interesting if he was even more rebellious.  But even though I think it may be more interesting.. I don't know if the story needs it.  He seemed pretty perfect the way he was.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: bhthomas on June 17, 2008, 06:12:28 AM
I liked lightsong.He was ok at the humor but i think it could be a little better.The way he acts is what i liked about him best. He is given anything in the world tht he wants but he still wonders why he deserves it. I think the things we learn about who he really was in the end makes how he became a god and what he does for Susebron even more special.

And on a side note  I may only be a new Brandon fan but when did he right a Septology and where can i get it them if they are real books.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: phillips411 on June 18, 2008, 08:09:18 AM
Lightsong was my favorite character in this book.  I liked all his jokes it was fun to read his chapters.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: skibocastle on June 19, 2008, 10:00:53 PM
I loved Lightsong.  He made me think of a kid trying to figure out who he is, and how to grow up.  From petulance to curiosity to outright hilarity, he was great. His relationship with Llarimar was great, and setting the squirrel loose was awesome.  He was my second favorite behind Siri.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Obi on June 20, 2008, 09:41:23 PM
I know everyone else said this already, but I loved Lightsong.  He is by far my favorite character in Warbreaker, and I always looked forward to his sections of the book.  I thought he was hilarious, and if one of his jokes weren't great, the other character's reaction to it was.  If that means my sense of humor is lacking, then I'll accept that and join Lightsong's lame joke club. ;D  I think the balance between humor and seriousness is great, because honestly, some people can seem cheerful and funny even when they're seriously conflicted.  It's one way to deal with it, and I think it really works  for his character.  I wouldn't change it, but that's your choice, isn't it.  ;)
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: dawncawley on June 22, 2008, 04:06:09 AM
Lightsong was one of the more "real" feeling characters to me. I know that may sound a bit odd, but he didn't take himself too seriously, was willing to point out his own flaws in character, as well as others, and his humor was one of the most enjoyable parts about his sections. Some slight tweaking, maybe, but I don't think that there is any major character changes needed with him. His brutal honesty, with everyone involved in his sphere, is refreshing when compared to the games that are played in the palace and other places. I can't think of a specific thing that I would tweak or refine, but if you feel the need to do something to him, that is all that I would suggest. Maybe an overall refinement of his conversation, and interactions, but I am not entirely sure that there is much room for refinement. Even in version 1.0, I enjoyed Lightsong and his sections were the most fun for me. Laugh out loud funny really, so much so that I would have to read a passage to my husband to explain my giggling and laughing.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: WriterDan on July 02, 2008, 05:58:12 PM
How long do we have to respond to this?  Actually hadn't read Warbreaker as of last week and so just recently started it.  Almost 1/3 of the way through.  Would like to comment, but don't want it to come too late.
Title: Re: Lightsong (Blog Post Reference)
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on July 02, 2008, 11:43:15 PM
I think Brandon has already made the decision he was looking for input on here. See the latest blog post.