The Not a Book Club Club discussion

This section finishes up the book, so you can discuss the whole thing!

No spoiler tags required. Though it would be highly appreciated if you Uncheck Add to my Update Feed to avoid accidentally spoiling this for your friends.

Man. After the buttler died, I was really worried he was going to kill Sooth too. Hopefully she makes it back to the queen safely.

Did Sooth kill Marcus's family? He comments she's been avoiding him. We know she used to do Orlanco's dirty work..

Finished. I really enjoyed this book. This one nicely blended the best of the last two books. The war stuff of book 1 and the political intrigue of book 2. I think it's easily the best of the three so far. For a "middle" book that's pretty hard.

I could nitpick some stuff and knock it down to 4/4.5, but what it comes down to for me is this: I hated every time I had to stop listening. I was really wishing I had the text so I could just keep reading. That's what pushes a 4 star to 5 for me.

It's sad the group read seems to have turned to a buddy read, I think people are really missing out.

Thoughts on this section, let's see..

Janis turns down being King/ruler of the city, but he does have a powerful new position. Is this just part of his plan for the people to demand he rule them, or is he truthful when he says he doesn't want it? I still don't know what to make of him. I can't wait to find out.

Jane goes off the deep end. That doesn't really surprise me. Her capture surprises me a bit. I wonder if they'll turn her somehow. I can see her jealousy making her susceptible to persuasion. The Penitent Damned are a really scary bunch.

Though Winter, Sooth and a few soldiers manage to kill 3 of them..

Winter's part continues to be my favorite. Will she finally come clean in the next book? I do find the notion that no one figures her secret out a bit ridiculous, but I'm enjoying the series too much to really care.


I'm not really sure where he's going to take things next, but I can't wait to find out.

I was totally wondering why Sooth seems to be avoiding Marcus (and if we know, I don't remember the reason). I think your guess could be right on.

I don't know about Janus either. I liked the speech he gave to Winter in the carriage after she rescued him, about how she understood the hearts of the soldiers better and was just better suited to some things because of that. I WANT to believe he's just a really smart, good guy, but I think something is going on there.....Something subtle...

Remember Bobbie was there too, and she also has a demon. So it was Winter, Sooth, and Bobbie that killed 3 (with help), and it was a tough fight. I also thought the bonfire fight with Marcus and the firetruck was great. And it was a great solution with the plates also - just sinking them.

I suspect Jane will be turned, but I hated her the whole book anyway :) That will really cause problems for Winter too - she has so much guilt, etc. with Jane (which drives me crazy). And who knows, maybe Jane is right and Janus DOES have some mind control power over people. I hope that isn't the case because I don't want to side with Jane against Janus - ugh.

Winters parts were good, but not my favorites because of Jane. I really like the soldiers around her too, like Abbie, and uh...Cly.

My favorite parts were with Raes I think - I loved her humor when she uses her demon, and really she is pretty brave because all of that stuff still hurts. I also love her bookkeeping teenager. Nerds are useful! I was really glad Sooth didn't die too.

Suzanne wrote: "Remember Bobbie was there too, and she also has a demon."

Does she have a demon? I thought she had been changed, but I didn't think it wa a demon..

Well I liked Winter the best I guess, maybe not her parts, because I had similar frustration with Jane at least. Though not as early as you did I guess.

Raes's part was good, and I do like her bookkeeper friend, but she felt more secondary in this book than the last one.

Hmmm....I think Bobbie has Feor's demon or something. So it basically protects Bobbie, but it can't be sensed because its in Feor, and if Bobbie dies, it goes back to Feor.

I do like Winter a lot. And you were right above - I wonder how long the charade will continue. She's a great character.

Hi all,

Not yet sure how to use spoiler tags so stop reading if worried, however, its safe in this section isnt it.

1) Soothe definately killed Marcus family, when she said we are not even, thats defo what she was referring to. When he finds out, will he make Raes choose between them, and will this mean he chooses Janus over Raes if the face off against each other (This is hinted out throughout the series and i seem to remember in once of the earlier books Janus warning Marcus he'd have to make a choice like this inm the end)??

2) Feor has the demon, but her powers is she can only pass the benefit(healing and strength) to another person. Think she said if Bobby dies she can pass it on to someone else. Therefore,means Bobby can be killed.

3)Jane's caputre at least gives Winter the chance to save her, which she failed to do when she was married and feels guilty about.

I'm glad you remembered about Soothe/Marcus. I knew something was going on between them, and couldn't figure out what. Interesting thought about the choice!

Also interesting thought about Winter getting a second Jane rescue chance. Although I dislike Jane, a rescue could resolve some guilt issues for Winter.

Hi Stu. Welcome.

Thanks for the insight on Feor. While Bobbie may not be immortal, it sure does seem like the power Feor has gifted her will make her hard to kill.

When you say she definitely killed Marcus's family was it mentioned in text, or you just fell certain that's what it is? That's certainly been my feeling for this book at least.

Thanks

It wasnt expressly stated in the text, but there where lots of hints that was what had happened

Finished this tonight, coming home on the bus from work. A very enjoyable read.

glad the preacher is ok, and was glad to have give them hell in action again.