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WindupSkeleton
WindupSkeleton
It's interesting seeing how her powers seem to've shifted since the Parem as well - The addiction being another well dealt with issue - but you know, I expect Matthias is gonna die? And Nina's powers won't let her save him. IDK seems we're due for some big tragedy and they've built their relationship a LOT more so this is what I think. Also I hope Wylan gets his og looks back.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
Ah yes the chapter where Wylan learns about his mother is such a fantastic one with regard to his character development, it's one of my favourites in a book where I love every single chapter XD Him gaining extra motivation that sweeps away the realisation that a part of him wanted Van Eck to accept him again was fantastic. Wylan in general is such a fantastic character I'm so glad we got his POV in this book.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
And yes, Nina's struggle with Jurda Parem is so fascinating and well done! I remember at the end of SoC when she took it I thought it was such a great twist for her character to take because of the possibilities for extended development that it opened and the author really capitalised on those opportunities in the sequel. I found it so interesting seeing Nina's powers grow throughout the book.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
And yeah Nina and Matthias' relationship is really well developed, I thought it was extremely interesting throughout the entirety of SoC and seeing the banter and further interaction that comes after they actually engage with each other romantically in Crooked Kingdom is really fun. I felt throughout the book a looming sense of tragedy as well so you're not alone there.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
And finally - yes, Jesper's father deserves the world! He's so lovable and sweet and caring and understanding, Jesper really needed a father figure like this in order for his character to work and the author nailed their dynamic perfectly. Jesper's interactions with his father play a part into why he's my favourite honestly. Ahhh I can't believe how much I have to say about these wonderful books :p
WindupSkeleton
WindupSkeleton
Right? Getting Wylan POV chapters made me real happy, since he's in such a unique position amongst the others. As for Nina, I still smirk at the bit where she's poking Matthias chanting "I'm beguiling you!"... I don't know why it amused me so much but it did. Guess I'm easily pleased. And yeah they could've copped out the Parem addiction and just have Nina be stronger than it but, glad they didn't.
WindupSkeleton
WindupSkeleton
And yea Colm brings a nice mirror to Van Eck and gives Jesper a lot of chances to show some humbleness that I think weren't NEEDED as such but certainly are welcome. And same I could talk about these books for far far too long. Really gripped me somehow.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
Oh yes, disclaimer: When I say "needed" it's kind of an exaggeration, I just like to emphasise just how much I love some of the writing decisions XD But yes Jesper's relationship with his father added a lot of layers that I personally felt really helped his character come to life. Jesper in general is just...so fantastic to me, and usually his type of character I really like but isn't my favourite (1)
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
(2) In comparison to other character types like Nina, but these books just executed everyone so well and Jesper just managed to resonate with me so hard. Wylan's POV chapters were so amazing to be able to push him up to one of my ultimate favourites so honestly the author deserves credit for what she did with him - can't say I'm surprised he was her favourite to write in the sequel.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
AND OH MY GOD YES! I LOVED that part ("I'm beguiling you!") Ahh the flashbacks into the beginning of their relationship in SoC was one of my ultimate FAVOURITE parts of SoC I loved those chapters so much. Her entire manner of interacting with him and teasing him extends even into Crooked Kingdom and it's one of the reasons I love her so much, she just has such a distinct and colourful personality.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
And honestly, I've never been as gripped by book as I have these two. I've just never seen such detail and depth put into characterisation, no lie when I was reading SoC I would put the book down after reading most chapters and say out loud, "Holy crap." I was just so amazed by the intricacy with which the characters were crafted and how they all managed to feel so human and deep. I could write essays on all of them
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
And enjoy it! XD
WindupSkeleton
WindupSkeleton
No I think "needed" is accurate. and ye Jesper being the comic relief is usually the kinda character you enjoy but never connect with, so giving him all this really rounded him out and cemented him as one of the best. Replaced Inej for me. And oh? I've not read many interviews with the author or anything so that's nice. Wylan is definitely in an interesting position comparatively so it's engaging to have his chapters
WindupSkeleton
WindupSkeleton
That "love/hate" dynamic is often played out very poorly so the way in which Nina/Matthias did it was SO damn good. It almost kept me as engaged as the actual plot itself. The flashbacks were great too, I feel a big connection to Nina haha. Even now they've evolved it's still kept that kind of, playful innocence to it. Really REALLY well written. I love books, I read a LOT, but as you say the characterisation...
WindupSkeleton
WindupSkeleton
is so captivating and complex. It would've been so easy to make each of them one-dimensional but interesting and let the plot and world building carry it but I'm so glad that's not that case. 6 main characters is a lot but each one manages to be distinctive and quirky and just competently written. I can't get enough really. Also it reminds me of a D&D campaign but idk why.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
Inej was my favourite in the early stages of SoC, but even now I ADORE her - I love how driven she is, she always stood out to me as the "strongest" in the group if that makes sense, at least throughout most of the story - the chapter where she climbs up the shaft at the Ice Court is just FANTASTIC. Also as for Nina and Matthias idk if you have got this part yet but (1)
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
(2) There is one chapter that's SOOOO wholesome and hilarious and cute and the humour between them is so great! I love Nina so much she's such a sweetheart and merciless tease at the same time XD
WindupSkeleton
WindupSkeleton
Inej always seemed the most... I dunno, "put together"? She realised her flaws and how to accept them, but she never felt overpowered or unbelievable so I always appreciated that. She's confident but not invincible. Right now she's followed Kaz back the Slat after her fight with Dunyasha. Love her and all she does.
Hmm, sounds like all their interactions. Nina is a blessing we don't deserve.
WindupSkeleton
WindupSkeleton
Also that whole time I was thinking "Jesper, that isn't Wylan. DON'T DO IT. STOP. NO. BAD." Poor little Wylan Van Sunshine tbh.
ElegantRaven
ElegantRaven
Yeah, her first confrontation with Dunyasha thrilled me honestly. I really loved Dunyasha's dialogue too, I thought she was a pretty interesting character when I was reading the book. And OMFG I need a whole extra space for your second comment! (1)
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