Plot and Twists *** Warning Spoilers within ***

[Robin]

So for me the best thing about this book was the plot. It was quick moving and page-turning. I also appreciated the various twists. I was fooled about the Angel being evil and did not think Hunter was the traitor of the group. I was also surprised that the Count was brought back to life (would have preferred for that not to happen - I'm not a big fan of resurecting characters that die). Richard leaving then returning was no big surprise but I'm glad it was done that way - Much better than if he had decided to stay in the first place.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

I agree that the plot was rather page-turning. For me, though, I think the characters and the plot are in a dead heat as to which I think is the best. Rather, I guess I would say that the plot is interesting and all that but, in a lot of ways, it's a sort of basic quest story - and if the world weren't populated with interesting characters and quirks and tidbits like the Market, then it wouldn't be half as enjoyable as I found it. It certainly would be worse for wear without C&V, for instance...

As for the Marquis coming back - I can't remember if I was surprised or not the first time, but it never bothered me. I think it was an example to show how the rules of the world below are different from our rules - the fact that they can remove their life and keep it someplace safe. It's like the Darkness being a real entity, and the Night taking it's toll on the bridge. It's gives a reality to things which, in our world, are more metaphor.

I also think it fit his character well, and I was glad it was set up so elaborately. The Marquis was not particularly brave, but he was smart and conniving. He would never have gone to meet Croup & Vandemar if he didn't have a back-up system, because he would've known they would never have given him his hour head start.

It also added a dimension to Hunter's character that she was not the sort of person who would resort to such "cheap tricks".

Yes, it's a plot device - but one which worked well, imo, within the constraints of the reality presented, and for the particularities of the characters.

What I find funny about the whole thing with the Marquis meeting with C&V was that it was a plot device - a contrivance, really - to get him out of the way. Afterall, nothing he learned really became useful because although he discovered Islington was behind it, he wasn't able to warn Door or to do anything about it, nor did it give him any information that was crucial in the defeat/tricking of the angel. However, he needed to not be there because there could only be three people at the monastery place because there were three challenges and if the Marquis were there, then they probably would've picked him to face the Ordeal and Richard would never have really proven himself to Hunter, which means she wouldn't have given him her knife... and so on and so forth. Besides, I don't think the Marquis would've survived the Ordeal...

(And I've just realized that reading To Say Nothing of the Dog has gotten me thinking in terms of chaotic system... *shakes head clear*)

And, as I said in another thread, I love the ending. I agree - I'm glad he went back and got his life back so that he consciously made the choice to come back... It made it just that much more meaningful, in the end. *sighs dreamily* I love the ending...

[Elise]

I also didn't predict Islington was going to be the bad guy. It actually seemed like they were hinting towards the Marquis. He didn't seem too trustworthy to me, but he turned out to be good anyway.

[Nichole (DirrtyH)]

I liked the twist that the Marquis seemed shady but he turned out to be good. Morally gray characters are so much more interesting than black or white.
However, I thought the twist with Islington being the bad guy was okay but could have packed a bit more punch if we'd learned a little bit more about him earlier in the book. I mean, I was surprised and it was cool and all, but I just couldn't escape the feeling that it could have been more.

[Libby]

Nichole wrote: "I thought the twist with Islington being the bad guy was okay but could have packed a bit more punch if we'd learned a little bit more about him earlier in the book. I just couldn't escape the feeling that it could have been more..."

I agree Nicole. Both the reveal with Islington and Hunter finally battling the Beast were anticlimactic for me. I felt there could have been a lot added to each event to create more intensity and depth.

[Robin]

Libby wrote: "Morally gray characters are so much more interesting than black or white. ..."

I so agree.