The themes in this book were very interesting. The idea of giving up all concepts of destined place and rules, caste and dharma, is an unusual one. The idea of breaking boundaries and getting past rules that make little sense is not uncommon, but the idea of caste being unimportant and dharma changeable is one that doesn't make its way into stories like this very often. I liked the idea of the king losing his caste and learning to respect and appreciate others, the idea of the gopi who won't give up on her love, despite his being a king, and the idea of the learned being no more important than those who know little of deep thoughts. This book was wonderful and I liked the way it presented and played with such deep and complicated ideas.

The battle plan that this book set up for the final (I think) battle with Nahusha was really interesting. Not only did they play their strengths very well with the monkeys secretly sabatoging the chariots and weapons of the enemy, but they played on the fears of their enemy with setting up Mirri as a ghost. The combination (and the ensuing chaos) was very interesting. I also liked that the plan itself broke the rules of caste by sidestepping the rules of honorable combat. The theme of the book has thus far been the importance of seeing beyond set roles of caste and dharma. This scene completely fits with that theme, perhaps even epitomizes it. This book is very interesting. I'm glad I'm reading it! It's raising very interesting questions. It is one of the deepest books by Mr. Alexander that I have read.

This book is much more adult than many of Alexander's other books. Not to say it isn't appropriate for children, it is, but it is much more serious and deals with much weightier issues than many of the others. The concept of caste is important, as is following ones dharma. But even beyond that there are scenes of war and death and treachery, suggestions of the main female character being forcibly put in a cruel king's harem, and the main character is made a slave. Yet this book is wonderful in the depth of truth and human nature that it examines. I'm really enjoying this book.

This is a very interesting story. It reads rather more like an Hindu god's story than a heroic journey. This isn't necessarily a bad thing (it certainly makes for an interesting tale), but it does make this book fundamentally different from most of Alexander's other books. The cast of characters very much reminds me of the group from The Book of Three, but the story is very different.

This book is very philosophical. The discussion about intention and deed, particularly when taken with Mirri's comment about twilight was fascinating. It certainly raised the question of if intention matters. It also exposed the problem of bad things happening despite good intentions. It certainly adds to the dimension to the book and reminds us that it is quite possible that Tamar's journey, though made with the best of intentions, may end in his death.

I am very interested to see how this story ends!

Mr. Alexander has always impressed me with his strong female characters. Eilonwy from the Prydain series was one of my favorite characters when I was a child. Mirri is a great deal like her - strong of will, self-sufficient, smart, cleaver, and unwilling to put up with shit from anyone. She is different in that she knows when to hold her tongue and she actively pursues her love no matter what (and even tells him she loves him unprompted). She is even a little manipulative in a way! I will be interested to see how her part of the story plays out.

This is an interesting book so far. I think I've read it before, but I don't remember anything about it. The plot is interesting and the writing is excellent (like all of Alexander's writing is). The most amusing character so far is Hashkat, the monkey king. He descriptions of the rules of monkeys (and his frank statement that no one can really rule monkeys, and who would want to?) are amusing and interesting. I like that the biggest things seem to be "stay alive", "don't get eaten" and "anything not nailed down is fair game (and if you can pry it up, it's not nailed down)". I'll be interested to see if his character changes any as the book continues.

The book has a very Indian voice to it. I love how Alexander's books always have a distinct voice that is specially tuned to the story and culture it is based on in each. It is a skill I envy!

Ok, so I'm a little over half way through this book. I'm enjoying it. It's written very well (like all of Lloyd Alexander's books). I guess what gets to me is that the plot almost seems like an afterthought at times. It's an interesting plot and the randomness around it is usually interesting, but I wish the plot would be more of a focus! Maybe it will seem better when I get to the end. Maybe all this random stuff isn't random at all. I suppose we'll see!