The Not a Book Club Club discussion

This is the second 106 pages or so (in my edition).

Please keep all discussion to the events and speculation from the chapter: Beloved of the Moon to the chapter: The Habit of Command.

No spoiler tags required.

Please do not discuss events from later chapters/books. Referring back to events from a previous section is fine.

I loved this section. As I think most of us guessed, Jezal was made king (Ferro's reaction was marvelous). Hopefully he remembers Bayaz's lessons and lectures during their long trip to the End of the World. I'm interested to see what kind of king Jezal will be. And obviously he made West Lord Marshal to replace Burr (I think Burr was poisoned by either Kroy or Poulder, whichever one thought they'd get his post and get to dismiss the other).

Interestingly enough, the parts I liked best in BTAH with Glotka and the Northmen I like least so far. Glotka hasn't been too interesting (aside from his scene at the slaughterhouse and meeting with Carlot dan Eider) and for some reason I don't really care for Logen with the Northmen and Hillmen. Crummock is a laugh though.

Crummock and his kids are the best part of this book so far for me. It seems that Jezel is quickly forgetting the lessons learned on the trip to the end of the world. His tantrum was pretty entertaining but he lacks any knowledge on how to rule. Also looks like he will let Ardee down. Wonder if one of the West will be his downfall.

Would have to agree that Glokta hasn't lived up to his previous performances. The northmen sections have only been redeemed by Crummock for me.

Crummock's kids are awesome, especially the daughter. I love when she cusses at Logen.

I'm really enjoying the book, especially the Northman. I continue to feel bad for Glokta. Sult won't listen to him, then gets mad when he doesn't know something Glokta tries to tell him.

I don't know that Jezal can manage to be a good king. At least he made one good decision making West the Marshal. I figured that was going to happen as soon as Burr died.

I was disappointed Glokta took the Navigator and not Quai. It was slightly interesting to know the Navigators were helping the Gurkish, but I think Quai is hiding bigger secrets.

And yeah, Crummock and his kids are amusing.

Crossed my mind that maybe Bayaz might have had something to do with Lord Marshall Burr's passing - seems like magic might be involved, and convenient that the army is now being led by a friend of Jezal's. And the timing is suspicious, just as Jezal becomes King. Bayaz seems to be influencing Jezal's moods, temper. I could be completely wrong, of course. :)

I thought West's handling of the Kroy and Poulder inspired, using their competition against them.

Can't wait to see what happens when one of Crummock's children actually get to hand him one of his weapons.

I'm more inclined to think Bethod's witch had something to do with anyone from the Union or Bayaz. I agree that it seems like magic though.

Hmmm... hadn't considered her. Yes, I guess she would want to get rid of such an excellent Lord Marshall as Burr.

I just don't see Bayaz's motivation. Now if one of the two general's were in charge maybe.

There is also Quai. No idea what he's up to in this book.

My thought was control of the military through West via Jezal as motivation, needing him for the war he wants to fight - but that is admittedly a tad weak. Bethod would have the most immediate benefit if the military falls apart for the Union.

Ya - Quai does not seem to have Bayaz's best interests at heart.

I agree he wants to control the Union military, but he is probably planning to do that via Jezel. West is just a bonus.

As others have already said, Crummock and especially his daughter are hilarious. Great comic relief. It will be interesting to see how the North part is going to fit into all of the rest.

And hooray for our predictions about Jezal. I knew that the bit where the king called him son in the first book was significant, but I'd thought Abercrombie would shy away from the typical secret heir plot.
On a side note, isn't it funny how worthless now all the campaigning and scheming of Sult and Morovia was. Fair enough, their votes were needed, but if you think about that Glokta killed Morovia's assistant, did all those bribes, threads etc. just to be presented with a bastard son.^^

And I pesonally am very interested in Glokta's plot. As I've said before and was confirmed by the second vision, he will be crucial in acquiring the seed. That's why it's interesting that he now sets his eyes on Ferro, cause I think these two will be handling the seed.
If it wouldn't be too dangerous to have the seed lying around this openly, I would have assumed that the seed might be one of the stones that were inside the gem bag Glokta got from the bank.

Mpauli wrote: "On a side note, isn't it funny how worthless now all the campaigning and scheming of Sult and Morovia was. Fair enough, their votes were needed, but if you think about that Glokta killed Morovia's assistant, did all those bribes, threads etc. just to be presented with a bastard son"

Isn't that how politics always go? Or is that just the US?

Rob wrote: "Isn't that how politics always go? Or is that just the US?"

True, seeing this in Germany right now, cause we're electing parliament in a few weeks.
And hopefully Mrs. Merkel will be history then.^^

But try to imagine this scenario: Obama and Romney campaining all the way through the country -although everybody knows that only Ohio is important- and suddenly Larry King uncovers an old document, that proves the U.S. still being part of the British Empire and Prince Harry would take over.
If I had worked on either campaign, I would feel a little cheated.^^