Nathan over at Fantasy Review Barn is the mastermind of Tough Traveling. What’s Tough Traveling? Pretty much, it’s a weekly feature on Thursdays where we dig around to come up with examples of common tropes in fantasy, using Diana Wynne Jones’ The Tough Guide to Fantasyland as our inspiration and guide. Nathan has invited one and all to join in the fun, so feel free to come up with your own lists and add the link on Nathan’s weekly post, which will also contain (unleash) the next weeks theme. So let the fun begin …
This weeks theme? COMPANIONS
COMPANIONS… You will normally meet them for the first time at the outset of the tour. They are picked from among the following: Bard, Female Mercenary, Gay mage, Imperious Female, Large Man, serious soldier, Slender Youth, Small Man, Talented Girl, Teenage Boy, Unpleasant Stranger, and Wise Old Stranger.
Auri from Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss
Companion of: Kvothe
You have to love a mysterious girl who lives in the tunnels beneath the world. One who, for some reason, has allowed Kvothe a glimpse of her.
Night Eyes from The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
Companion of: Fitz
For anyone who has not read this series, there is a bond between a witted (Fitz) and the animal they bond with (Night Eyes). We get to see the personality and wisdom of the wolf, and its hard not to like him.
Renna from The Demon Cycle books by Peter V. Brett
Companion Of: Arlen
Never have I disliked a companion as much as I dislike Renna. This is my example of a companion that can bring a character down (and give them a horrible and intolerable accent).
Hot Pie from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
Companion Of: Arya Stark on her journey to join the Nights Watch
There are SOO many choices in this book. But, I picked Hot Pie. Because he baked a dire wolf bread.
Lying Cat from Saga by Brian Vaughann
Companion Of: The Will
I love Lying cat. All it pretty much does is call out when someone is lying, but it does so in such a fun and impartial way. I wish I had a lying cat.
I admit, I am real interested to see what people do with the topic this week. We really had very little guideline, the world is our oyster. Heh, lying cat. Love it.
Nathan (@reviewbarn) recently posted…Tough Travels – Companions
I just winged it. I think this was my quickest list since starting this feature. And Lying Cat was my first and favorite pick! 🙂
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Tough Traveling – Companions
Lying Cat – best companion ever – except when he spouts off about any lies that you make *gives the stink eye*
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Fan Art Up! (24) – Edgar Allen Poe’s Lenore
Heh, yeah that stink eye. Luckily I don’t lie. Or have a Lying cat to prove otherwise 😉
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Tough Traveling – Companions
LYING CAT! Awesome. I also like how you included whose companion these people were, good call. And Hot Pie, what a guy. Nothing says friendship like dire wolf shaped bread, amirite?
Danya @ Fine Print recently posted…Tough Traveling: Companions
Hot Pie is such a touch of sweetness in that miserable world. And a real contrast to Arya’s personality. But Lying Cat is still my favorite of my picks. 🙂
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Tough Traveling – Companions
Night Eyes! Awesome list 🙂
Rabindranauth recently posted…The Tough Guide to Companions
OMG Renna! I remember how badly I wanted to bitchslap her at the beginning of Daylight War, for turning my sweet Arlen into a hick. The two of them and their dialogue, I almost wanted to put my fist through the book.
And guess what? I’ve read all of these! Except for the last book of the Farseer Trilogy, but let’s just let that one slide…
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Tough Traveling: Companions
Night Eyes is such a perfect pick. I love Night Eyes.
Stephanie recently posted…Bellwether – Connie Willis
I love your picks. I was also considering a few animals – Oberon and Toto for example. Don’t know who Lying Cat is but I like the sound!
Lynn 😀
Lynn recently posted…Me and my shadow?
I’m reading “The Warded Man” right now and love Renna. Glad to see I’m not alone. And Hot Pie is the real deal. So glad someone thought to add him to their list. 🙂
Wendell(@Bookwraiths) recently posted…TOUGH TRAVELING — COMPANIONS