Beyond Reality discussion

Have you finished reading Heirs of the Blade by Adrian Tchaikovsky, book 7 in the Shadows of the Apt series? What did you think? Likes? Dislikes?

Spoilers are OK in this topic thread.

Wow! I thought this book started out slow but as the action picked up, the insight into Tynisa and Che, the exploration of how those in power act, and the brief discussion of the purpose of death in warfare and skirmishes was wonderful.
I felt so conflicted for Totho in earlier books, but felt even more frustrated with Tynisa. Salme Elass, Lisan Dea, and the rumors about Alain's actions were huge red flags. However, Tynisa barreled in blind to what she was doing and the effects. I really appreciated Lowre Cean's thought about how needless so many deaths are.
Also, I felt that the theme of the effects of power was especially interesting. We see a variety of rulers (Seda, Elass, Felipe Shah) and how corrupting seeking more power can be.
The parallels between Tynisa's sacrifice for Alain and Che's previous connection to Achaeos were interesting as well. Of course Tynisa realizes she doesn't really love Alain, but they both felt the need for a companion, despite the costs. And both are scarred by those relationships.
I'm looking forward to reading other insights into this book!

8.5/10
My enjoyment of this book was somewhat tempered by the fact that I read it over several weeks, with long breaks, which make it seem more disjointed that it really was.
I liked the focus on Che & Thalric and their adventures; less so the exploits of Tynisa, who has never been a favorite character of mine. This book provides a fuller picture of life in the Commonweal, the effects of the Twelve Year War and the problems already present in Dragonfly-kinden culture.
There are many threads still dangling and I am impatient for the author to start weaving them together. Only 3 books left for him to accomplish that!

Natalie wrote: "I felt that the theme of the effects of power was especially interesting. We see a variety of rulers (Seda, Elass, Felipe Shah) and how corrupting seeking more power can be."

Yes, this was a vital theme, along with the effects of war on the various kinden and classes of people (former soldieries, peasants, nobles, etc.).

The “ghost” of Tisamon really gets around—first haunting Che, then Tynisa, and now in apparently in service to Empress Seda. I sense a showdown between Che & Seda is coming at some point.

I finally finished this one - it only took so long because I've been so busy, not because I wasn't liking it!

I'm fascinated by Che and what has happened to her; in general, I find the whole exploration of Apt vs Inapt kinden and their respective lifestyles to be so interesting. Tchaikovsky is not the first author to explore the technology vs. magic dichotomy, but I love the way he is handling it - not just different societies, but actual differences in whether they are even able to comprehend the other.

Tynisa - it's been interesting to see her spider tendencies and beetle upbringing be somewhat overtaken by her mantis heritage. I wonder, now that she has cast off the shadow of Tisamon, if she will swing back towards her spider/beetle side. Her singleminded pursuit of Alain was disturbing, and I find it sad that Tisamon, who was formerly a complex and honorable character, has faded into a ghost where the only part of him that's left is his bloodthirstiness.

I agree that the Che/Seda relationship is going to come to a head soon. I think I'm going to move right into book 8 next!