/r/Fantasy Discussion Group discussion

So, apologies, I read this one a while ago and am not entirely certain what has happened for the half way discussion. to make it even harder, I did this one audiobook, so I can't even flip through the chapters to figure out some key points.

So, half way through, what are you guys thinking about it so far?

I have finished the book so I am going to try and limit my discussion but I this book completely had me. I loved all the characters and I found myself on the edge of my seat. I completely didn't expect Ginger's fiance to die. I was expecting a romance so when he died so early I was shocked. There is a part of me that was thinking of ways that maybe was not actually dead. But a greater part of me was trying to figure out the mystery behind the spy.

I really love this book.

I had had the ghost fiance spoiled for me (some early reviews), but I wasn't sure *when* he was going to die--I hadn't expected us to get to know him alive first, for example (though obviously necessary given how ephemeral (ha!) ghosts can be). Great storytelling.

I was somewhat aware that the fiancé died, but I kind of thought that there would be a bit of a work-around - so I was pretty surprised at A) how early he died, and B) how permanently he died.

I finished the book the day I purchased it, so I'm a bit stuck on trying to discuss halfway through points. I really enjoyed how they expanded on the mediums and the way they worked within the army - I thought that was a really interesting part of the story.

I blew through this all in one sitting, so I think I have to sit the midpoint discussion out as I can't remember what parts are considered the middle.

I can say that I was expecting (and actively rooting against) any "not really dead" storytelling options.

Certain parts really felt like they were going to go the way of The Ghost Bride.

Just like everyone else here, I did not stop in the middle.

I had thought of Ben turning up in a seance as a possible plot twist, but I didn't think Mary would actually do that. So it was a bit of a surprise.

I enjoy a good murder mystery, and this certainly counts. This one is pretty unique, since we get the memories of both victims to work off.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the villain was well placed. It had just the right amount of possibility to guess as well as still the mystery.

I think Kowal does a pretty good job writing in these types of Regency style or older formality/upper society where manners matter.

I am really curious to see what the second book will hold.

I don't think a sequel has been confirmed yet. Kowal's working on her Lady Astronaut of Mars novels right now.

Yeah, I was super disappointed. I always wish authors would work on the series I'm reading RIGHT NOW. But it doesn't work that way :) It's all good, I can be patient. But I do want to see how it'll all evolve. And if the sequel can hold. A lot of time the magic of the first book is dependent on the newness of the world. Next book will show if the plot can hold by itself.

I can't remember where I heard this--maybe on the Writing Excuses episode devoted to this book (here - super spoilers for ending of book), but Kowal talked about how she had actually intended a story where Ginger was a paranormal detective or something, and the whole WWI stuff was her backstory, but then Kowal got suckered into that.

So that might be one way to keep it "fresh," set it in the post-war period.