Starting At Chapter 1...

[Mountie]

Welcome to Mountie's Running Commentary for In This Land
I read a story once that facinated me, in fact it still does.  To this day, whenever a new reader of this story (which I pimp at every opportunity  ) comments about their thoughts, observations or feelings I am transported back to my first read of the story and I love it.  I often will chime in with thought, memeories or just an  .

So I thought, since I am just starting ITL that I can pay this forward for all of you Veterans.  Also it allows me the opportunity to get to know you all without spoiling the story because I can stay out of the other topics till I get to a point where they are no longer spoilers.  Which looks like somewhere around chapter 123 .

I have read up to Chapter 3, got my special password and the bonus password for Chapters 4-6 (which doesn't seem to like me) so I thought I'd take this time to put my thoughts down while I wait to access the rest of the story... why did Paul Harvey's voice just meander through my mind

Onto the commentary...

[Mountie]

First thing I have to say is that the names have drug me back to the early '80's when I read historical romances set in ancient Egypt.   I don't think I pronounced them correctly back then and I doubt if I will pronounce them correctly now... even with Matthews handy pronunciation guide.  Some of my fellow readers have in the past when encountering difficult to pronounce names to call the first character Fred, the next Bill and so on.  BUT I like to try so I will endure and hopefully by the time I reach the last published chapter I will not butcher them to bad.

Thank you for these emoticons though:  because are they ever gong to make my life easier.

I read Rini's introduction first and came away with a feeling that he loves his Brothers, he is fun, he is warm, he likes sex (don't we all) and that he is someone who will keep his Brothers grounded in his family, he is the family glue in a way.  By just being Rini and basking in the attention of his Brothers, Rini also drawing his Brothers attention back to the center.  He keeps them engaged within the family where their attention may get wrapped up in their duties, Rini will not allow it.  His tact may be more along the "Hey look at me" but it is effective and they do love him.  Rini reminds me of a puppy and I anticipate it will be a joy to get to know him better and watch him grow as a man. 

It also was a wonderful way to introduce ITL, doing an info dump in a way that kept me engaged and trying to follow all that Rini had to say.  I am intrigued to meet all these Brothers of his and am engaged in the search for a husband for 

Now  and his purple hair has me really going as purple is my favorite color.  I am as  about the Gods as Bade is and am hanging onto every word  has to say.  I am a lover of Fantasy and alternate universes from a way back, being a reader of Sci/Fi before I read romance.  Pierre Burton's The Secret World Of Og was one of my favorite books as a young child and Mom read it to me and my brothers as our bedtime story when we were to young to read it on our own.  So for me finding out everything about a new world is a fascinating journey.  Thank you Matthew for creating Orina Anoris, its culture, people and all the countries around.

I am still wading my way through trying to figure everything out but the things that have me  is the religion, the flora and fauna, the different personalities of the Brothers, Bade because there is much more to come with this young man I sense.  How he and  have connected with  hearing him so clearly leads me to speculate that Bade and  may not be an item but he and  maybe.

Edited because clearly I couldn't spell or type last night 

[anaskee]

Oh, I am going to enjoy reading your commentary.  When I got to chapter 80, I read ITL all over again and had a blast.  I find that there are small details or info that I miss or haven't really appreciated the first time around. 

Matthew and the moderators are careful about spoilers, even with the headings, so you should be fine.

For the first few chapters, I've experienced things thru Bade and I was in awe with everything about Orina Anoris.  Still am.

When you get your password, just remember to come up for air now and again, ok? 

[Mountie]

That I will anaskee.  It is hard to post comments when I am  but I will remember.

[Mountie]

  YEAH!!!  My password works now!!!  I can 

[CourtneyLee]

And now Mountie won't come up for air for at least a week. LOL My first time through ITL took about two weeks, but I was taking care of kiddos in between being all  in front of the computer. Happy reading, Mountie!

[Mountie]

  You know me so well CL So lets see if I can encapsulate the 20 chapters I read yesterday

Chapter 4-8  I love Bade.  I love how Matthew has created a character who is as new to Orina Anoris as I am.  That through Bades eyes and thoughts and the responses to his questions I can learn right along beside him.  Just like Rini's introducton section these chapters continue to allow me to learn huge amounts of information without feeling I am learning huge amounts of information.  This is lovely.

Each new experience is like opening a   Thank goodness they are color coded so I can keep track of them.

The things I loved finding out:

How the Brothers love each other and look out for each of them. 
The extent to which Bade's thoughts invade  mind and how unusual this is.
Bade using math to keep out of  's thoughts so he can work.
The sexual mores of the Anorian culture.
The different Gods and how immediate they are to their people.
That  will marry his husband for love.
That  and Ankira's marriage is strong and that it truly is a partnership that will benefit the children they will have.
That  is a petty thief.
Bades reaction to the Bela's.
Bade's boots and pants.
How  eats.
How delighted  is with Bade.
  earthyness.  I am going to love when his HEA comes along.    I am going to love them all.

And thnk goodness after all the eroticism and sensuality swirling around the chapters we finally get some nookie.

[anaskee]

That  is a petty thief.

That one tickled me silly. 

Do you have a favorite brother yet?

[Mountie]

Hmmmmmmmm.... no.  They are all to luscious to chose just 1.  and I still don't know everything about everyone yet. 

[CourtneyLee]

I love that is a petty thief, too. I think that if he wasn't, he'd be too perfect. Then again, even that does not put much space between and perfection.   

And even after 159 parts, I don't have a favorite brother. They're like the fun-sized chocolates I have for Halloween: I'm not content with just one. I want to  all over each of them. 

[Mountie]

Onto Chapter 9  and to Infinity...

Wow... the sunrise.  I forgot to mention the sunrise.    

I love:

That Bade is a believer.
  warmth and interest in the word around him and all the little things that make him unique as a human.
  delight in Bade.  How everything about Bade tickles him, challenges him and makes him think.
Bades questioning mind, how energetic and enthusiastic he is.
  enthusiasm and the joy that he spreads.
  devotion to duty yes that duty... sparkles and stilts
The way   works as a Judge and calls out untruths.
  devotion to duty yes that duty...   *waggles eyebrows*
  concern over when the wrestling captain bruised him.
How   wakes up   every morning and how   interacts with   partners.
  talk with Bade about his sexuality and reminding him that his parents have sex
The way the Brothers admire the suitors  
I like the way    thinks.
OMG The DRESS debacle... that was too too funny.
How recalcitrant   is, self contained and almost tortured.  It is like he is on the bottom of the love pecking order and he is the one who get's pecked the most.    This storyline with   and Hitari is going to prove very interesting.
  is amazing:

“Then drink him,” Kudorin said, looking into his eyes.  “Drink your fill.  When it is time, when you have taken too much, you will find that you cannot tolerate another drop.  And then you shall be rid of him, forever.  Until that time,” Kudorin’s hand tightened on his, filling him with a sure sense of security, of complete and utter safety, “we will see to it that you are clear of danger.”

How   protects and acts for  
*shoots T'Rin*   over what he said to Bade.
 

“I have business to conduct today,” Orinakin said, walking away, translucent purple drifting around his calves, “and I’d rather not do it in apparel that drives people to question the state of my underclothes.

red underwear

All quotes from In This Land copyright Matthew Handleman-Time September 29, 2006-January 12, 2007

[CourtneyLee]

OMG, the dress debacle...I'd almost forgotten about that! It absolutely was a  moment!

And even though that situation was a little serious, I loved that was all "You can't tell me who not to sleep with" and was like, "Uh, yeah, I can."   

[Mountie]

My reading has outstripped my comments so I'm going to play some catch up here. 

I am still mad a Trin for what he said to Bade 
Go  Go!!!  Yeah    T'Rin needed a dressing down.
Yah... What's wrong with Mushrooms anyways?  I like em
  If Bade doesn't want him, I'm taking him.

But he also got a quick rush of anticipation when he spotted Orinakin.

A Ha!

Orinakin rested his chin on Selorin’s shoulder and closed his eyes, indulging in the fullness of his emotions for this one, brief moment.

  I was right

“Do not seek to wed the lion to a mouse.  Our lion would much prefer a tiger.”

  Sooo... we are looking for a Tiger.
   tiara
  I'm beginning to love  Complaining about T'rin and  's discussion about killing during the wrestling match.
I like Bades reaction to Li and how he hears a completely different message from  Belas than what they are saying.
Sweet!  Bades teaching  long math.
Hitari and  it's going to be interesting.
Bade telling  &  about his decision is going to be even more interesting.
    Loving Bade not thinking he can have a boyfriend
I love  's    He did good with his festival
105 Bela's together 
I love  too what a wonderful pep talk... How can I chose which one to like more?
  Bade asked Ela to dance
Hitari and  dance begins
*smacks  * Interupt Bade and  's first dance
  and his winning athlete celebration... goodness he does like group sex doesn't he?
  Panori smacked him a good one.  next step in the  Hitari dance
Bade       

OK onto the next chapters...

All quotes from In This Land copyright Matthew Handleman-Time September 29, 2006-January 12, 2007

[LilacMajesty]

I just have to say that it is so much fun watching you discover the series this way, especially since I know what's coming and I can snicker at you.

[Mountie]

Oh wow   &   and the   to   *sniff*

“Love is always a blessing.  Even when it hurts you.  Even when it frightens you.  Even when it threatens everything you want, or have, or know.  Love,” Kudorin repeated, “is always a blessing.”

Oh this is beautiful
  Tiko and Vade are coming
    &   &   talk in   's office... Nope you are absolutely right... Bade coudn't be possibly attracted to you
The satcom was too funny and   and Bade are too cute fantisizing about each other.  How quickly we went from   to  
Wow.. the kiss and everthing else.
What a wonderful gift   has given   to remind him that they are all with him this time in his relationship issues with Hitari.
Awwww...   can't hear Bade anymore.
*snicker*  The boy's outside the door wanting to find out what has happened the "night after" and then out in the garden.  I think theses chapters should be called the Melt Me Chapters.
And   and T'rin weren't to bad either  
  is so sweet my teeth ache but I love it  Taking bade to a resturant for the first time.
Oooooo...   Hitari that is so not good saying that to   and causing him to doubt himself.
  knows just the right things to say to    Twins are wonderful

Thanks LilacMajesty   I love it when a new reader discovers what I have read and is enthused Snicker away

All quotes from In This Land copyright Matthew Handleman-Time September 29, 2006-January 12, 2007

[Mountie]

*snicker*  &  sharing the Secrets Of Bade
I didn't like T'rin at the beginning but I really like  and T'rin together.  Wouldn't T'rin's people freak if he brought  home as his husband.  Warriors with  as their Queen
I think  is coming into his own with finding out what his role in the world will be.  I think that is wonderful
  to the rescue with  and his doubts of himself as The Royal Artist.  OK I'm officially in love with too.
Ooooo  does NOT like Hitari.
I love how different  &  are as twins vs how  &  are.  This is so clear as we are dealing with  falling in love with Bade and  dealing with his relationship to Hitari.  I am actually glad they had this discussion and that Hitari sparked it.  It got a huge amount of things on the table.  I wonder if they will be the cosest working Royal Architect and Artist in OA's history.
Now THAT is so Hawt Bade and  's empathetic reaction.  Three times a day eh?
  *watches  &  heading to work, looks for a whip emoticon to give to  so he can crack it over  's head*  note no swine were harmed in this scene
I love how the brothers pull together to celebrar  's love to protect and nurture 
That had to be the most interesting dinner I have ever attended  &  & Hitari.  Well let's see what comes of it.

“He doesn’t know how to show love, he doesn’t know how to express it, he doesn’t know how to nurture it, he barely knows how to feel it,” Selorin said.  “But, as much as Hitari can love anyone, he loves you.”

*heart melts watching Bade do multiplication for  and  comforting *
I like  's morning visits
Awwww... 

“The gods gave you to the world, and you are a gift to us all.  You are Kuladin, you are more.  More than I knew I’d find.  More than I expected from this life.  I can’t explain what you’ve given to me, in your language or mine.  But what you have given to me, I will take with me, as a part of me that cannot be removed.  And I hope, someday, to come to you, so that you can give me one more thing, a blade that will never see blood.”  A precise, tender touch caressed his face.  “That would be the greatest gift I could ever receive.”

All quotes from In This Land copyright Matthew Handleman-Time September 29, 2006-January 12, 2007

OK enough for today I am off to work. 

[CourtneyLee]

I agree that 19-23 should be the Melt Me chapters. and Bade getting together for real is just awesome. And I totally  how focused on it the other Sibs are the morning after with accidentally lengthening 's hair and rhapsodizing over the grand love affair and all that. 

Hitari...I was fascinated with every step this storyline takes.

I love how crazy-glue close all the brothers are. You definitely get the impression that the reason OA is so prosperous and the people are so happy is not only because the current Dynasty has Anosukinom, but because it also has a family in the palace who wants everyone to have that kind of personal happiness and security.

Going through all this with you is fun, Mountie. 

[Susanne]

I just have to say that it is so much fun watching you discover the series this way, especially since I know what's coming and I can snicker at you.

IM going through this right now to with a friend at work that I think I got hooked on this story. She is working on Ch. 3 and seems pretty excited about it.

[Mountie]

You all must be very excited... it's new Chapter day today right?

[CourtneyLee]

Yup, Friday is Update Day! Actually, I kind of have mixed feelings about Fridays because I get all excited in the morning before remembering that Matt puts the new chapter up late at night (I don't know what time zone he's in, but it's late for me) and I usually can't read it until Saturday morning.

My husband has nixed me staying up to read new chapters. Otherwise I just  all night. LOL

[LilacMajesty]

Tell your husband that Anosukinom over rules him.

[CourtneyLee]

Tell your husband that Anosukinom over rules him.

Then he'd jave yet another reason to look at me like I'm nuts. LOL

[anaskee]

Don't you just want to stay and live in Orina Anoris forever? 

[Mountie]

Yes anaskee I think I could live there forever.

OK... so like I got a confession to make...

  <---- this is me 24/7 since I opened In This Land

You notice that I am reading, drinking coffee and not typing right?

Yep... I am on Chapter 146.  I have 14 more chapters to go...

I got out my trusty calculator and did some calculations.  A regular print book is usually about 100,000 words and Matthew suggested that each of his chapters are about 8,000 words so In This Land is at present 1,280,000 words long.

  I have read the equivilent of 11 books since I started on October 22rd...

I bet you are all sitting there laughing at me going...  she thought she could stop?  It is just like Lays potatoe chips... Just one more.  But much more fulfilling and rewarding.

So I will do what I imagine each and everyone of you has done... finish it and start at the beginning again, taking time to savour it fully.  And type after each chapter.

 

[anaskee]

OMG, you're almost up to date!  But I'm the same, I'd just keep reading until my eyes melt.  Actually, I've finally finished Special Forces.  It took me 5 days to read the whole thing!

[Mountie]

  Hehehehehehehehe...

So THAT is what you have been doing?  What did you think?

I am on Chapter 152 now... only 8 more chapters left.

[anaskee]

I'd probably go to the BDB message board for the full review of Special Forces but my god, what a ride!.   

I'm going on vacation but I'll try to read every week.  I guess you'll be with the discussion this Friday.    Don't forget to go to Matthew's LJ when you're done, sometimes there are discussion there, too.

[Mountie]

I look forward to seeing you there annaskee.

The SF's topic is Here.

I am heading to work now.  I should be finished tomorrow.

[Mountie]

*looks at watch*

6:20 am and I am done!

Thank You Matthew

I am now heading back to finish my comments... and read it for the second time.

Thank goodness it is Wednesday and I have only 3 days to wait till the next Chapter.

*joins the group that sits at their computer hitting the refresh button, waiting for the next Chapter to be posted*

[CourtneyLee]

Yay, you're all caught up! Now I don't have to hold back my OMGs and Holy Moleys! 

And yeah, I to Matthew, too. Isn't he brilliant?

Courtney <--- wants to live in Matthew's brain

[Mountie]

It might get crowded in there CL

I just realized that I haven't read all the extra stories that are available on the home page.

YEAH!!!  Something else to read.

[LilacMajesty]

Sorry y'all - but all the apartments in Matthew's brain are already taken and we're NOT giving them up.

[Mountie]

Goodness there must be at least 50 of you living in each one... you'd never even realize there was one more person there.  We'd be quiet... really we would.  Unless  was throwing a party.   

[CourtneyLee]

I'll hide under the coffee table. You'll never even know I'm there 

[Mountie]

You think we can get to make us one big enough for both of us to fit under? 

[Mountie]

  OK I've read all of them as well. 

Loved A Painters Tale and A Brothers Tale.

Now I have to head out to be involved in a RL

This so sucks

[Mountie]

OK Now that I have finished all 160 Chapters... I can get back to the commentary. 

(compartmentalizes and forgets she's read 160 Chapters)

This has to be one of the best openings to a Chapter...

“When I’m near you, I get turned on.  When I see you, I get turned on.  When I talk to you, I get turned on.  When you’re anywhere in the room, I get turned on, and when I think about you, I get turned on, and when you’re near me, I think about doing things to you.  You are, to understate the case, incredibly sexy.”  He grinned.  “But I freely admit, that’s one of my favorite things about you.”

Who woud have known that the wooly shepard was so responsive.
  T'rin is going home... no more  / T'rin sex for a while. 
Oh!  this is nice  using  to touch Bade.
What a lovely  for Bade... Tiko and Vade
* breaks for Talin* again... still...
Vade's  and Balloons, Poor Vade.
Noooo.... Bade can't go home   Tiko has to change his mind.
And what a wonderful way to finish the chapter...

“Inanodat,” Kudorin said gently, “your love for me is exceeded only by my love for you, and your faith in me is exceeded only by my faith in you.  You are trapped in the unique position of being my brother, my advisor, my priest, my representative, my right hand, my confidante, and my friend, by turns.  It is no failing of yours that you see me as your older brother and not your god, when I speak to you as a brother.  It’s kind of you, in fact, to indulge me when I switch roles on you without warning.”

            “As you do every few seconds,” Remin pointed out.

            Laughing, Kudorin said, “I cannot help it.”

            “You are a chameleon dancing on a moving rainbow,” Remin said.  “A different combination with each blink.  You begin a sentence as a god and finish it as a man.”

            “It’s part of his charm,” Anikira said with a teasing smile.

            “A dancing chameleon,” Kudorin repeated, and looked at Anikira.  “Do you think of me as a dancing chameleon?”

            “No,” Anikira said.  “For the most part, I think of you in a sexual way.”

All quotes from In This Land copyright Matthew Handleman-Time September 29, 2006-January 12, 2007