Marc’s Comments (group member since Feb 28, 2016)

Marc’s comments from the The Passage trilogy readalong group.

Feel free to start discussing theories for book three here!

So, it is time to read The Twelve. With the new book out, I imagine people want to fly through it? Shall we split the book into four quarters and aim to read 25% a week or is that too much for people?

What are your final thoughts on The Passage? Whether reading for the first, second or third time...

Where would you rank this book in comparison to other hits such as The Stand or Game of Thrones, etc?

What are the most memorable parts of the novel for you?

Do you have a favourite character?

None of the above, my father-in-law passed away. Sorry all :( Back now.

Is there a character you wish you'd been able to learn more about? We've lost a fair few by this point!!!

Just wondering whether you agree with Justin Cronin / the Publisher's choice to call the book 'The Passage'. Can you see why the book was called this? Would you have chosen something different?

Auntie is one of those 'seer' or 'oracle' like characters. What do you think of her? :)

Is there a character you've come to really dislike in The Passage so far?

We've now had some truly memorable scenes and chapters. Does anyone have a favourite moment? Lets allow up to chapter 35.

We catch up with Amy this week. It has been many years since she left the care of 'the man' (Wolgast). What were your initial impressions of this new Amy? What did you think of her forgetting Wolgast's name? Are you drawn to her in an emotional sense or more our of the desire for answers about her abilities?

Having read a little bit more about it, I'm keen to know whether you think it is a viable existence or whether it is too restricted.

So, if you were a member of the colony: would you be supporting Alicia - in heading out with guns to find more people - or Theo - in staying and trying to keep the lights on and walls protected as long as possible?

Probably my favourite character in this week's assigned reading was Alicia. It was rare you saw such a strong woman character in SFF back in 2010, but she is a really great example. Far from the damsel in distress!

What are your thoughts on Alicia? I know it is early days, but she is the kind of character who leaves quite the impression :)

Vanillahugz wrote: "I agree with being shocked that the children are separated from their parents for the first 8 years of their life. It's rather disturbing to me altho I can see both pluses and minuses for doing so...."

You find out in a chapter or two... They were worried about drawing people to the colony and having virals follow them (allegedly). It does, indeed, seem suspicious though... I think that when you read the appendix of the new world, you feel there is a lot of suspicion and hostility in it - death by putting outside of the wall for using a radio!? It seems that someone amongst the first families (maybe many, or even all of them) were rather paranoid (rightly or wrongly) and were willing to seal themselves away. I guess, Wolgast did something similar.

Glenna wrote: "Jess wrote: "Wolgast felt he had to save Amy and I believe Lacey told him the same, but I really believe she really came in to his life to save him. To me, this one of the most heartbreaking relati..."

That is so perfectly put. I wish I'd read this before submitting my readalong post earlier... It would have been quoted on there - Doh!

I think you are right. Wolgast dies apologising and saying he didn't see the plan, but his part of the plan was fulfilled. He got Amy away from the chaos of the world (that we see collapsed) and made sure she survived in order to carry out whatever the greater purpose Lacey knew she had. When you consider that 500,000,000 died / were turned into virals (if Michael's estimates are correct)... Wolgast's saving of Amy is remarkable.

So, we've lost our original cast (for now, at least). What are your early thoughts on the POV that we've spent the post time with so far: Peter?

Awww. Thank you, all - really means a lot and I'm happy you are enjoying them ^_^

Craig wrote: "I'm not rereading but I am following the reread and eagerly looking forward to City of Mirrors."

Awesome :) If you can join in the discussions without spoilers please feel free to do so :D

What do you feel is the most shocking aspect of the new world?

Thanks, Manda :) Glad you like them! :D

Kirstie wrote: "I first tried to give The Passage a read a few months back and found myself starting to lose interest at this point. I found myself more interested in other elements of the story rather than what w..."

It picks up from about Chapter 5/6 and by chapter 15 we've seen vampires, police chases, rocket launches and just about everything else ;) :P :D