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'Dissecting' the main characters of The Evening Tide by Jeremy Forsyth
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Mak
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Feb 04, 2019 02:46AM
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There is obvious trauma there. I think we underestimate just how poor the Sun Elves were and just how hard it was living under the reign of the Winds. Elwyn's grandparents saved up money for 3 years just to buy a cloak for Elwyn's mother.
I believe Asharal carried around a lot of insecurities.
Asharal had to look after his siblings. He was wronged by the Winds, stolen from, taken advantage of. For years he was forced to harden himself while at the same time, live with his developing ideas of how his nation should be without having the power to see those ideas come to fruition.
He was cruel but we saw he had capacity for compassion and kindness. I think it's important to take note of what he said to Dawn, why he called her that, "in you I awaken from the darkness of this world." This indicates that possibly, over the years of struggle, constant struggle, while being unable to deal with his own hurt and trauma, he developed into a hard and closed off elf. I would say that because of him being wronged, taken advantage of, Asharal became uncompromising, too afraid (insecure) to be lenient, wary of being deceived, wronged, wary of being vulnerable. The idea of being betrayed, I sensed, was too much for him to bear, indicating something deeper, highlighting a deep-rooted fear he had and may still have.
I am not at all excusing what he did, rather I am pointing out the deeper possibilities that enabled him to do it.
Also, during the epilogue, my impression of him when Elwyn's parents walked into the throne room, was that he was faced with a deep regret and self-loathing, that once the storm had passed, the high intensity of overthrowing the Winds was over, Asharal might have realized he'd acted irrationally when killing Elwyn.
I believe it was his prime motive for executing her parents; to be rid of the reminder of what he had done. Do you not recall how uncomfortable everything felt when the parents walked in? I think Asharal knew he'd done a horrible thing. I believe he regrets what he did.
This is why I love The Evening Tide. The author wrote a book where we never see the perspective of the central character, leaving his character open for debate, allowing us to see different sides to him and wonder about his primary motive. Based on what I have read about the character (written by the author) I think Asharal is meant to be a anti-hero, someone who isn't so clear cut.
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I for one do not like Asharal but he made The Evening Tide such a riveting read. Complex characters are what keeps bringing me back to fantasy and this author has these type of characters in all of his books.
They might not make us want to friends with them but they certainly make us want to read about them. I love this author's books! I love his elves and I so enjoy these discussions.
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I guess you are right that her parents were a reminder of his own guilt and that he most likely had a great conflict within. When the mind is overunned by cruelty, grief, pain and horror, the heart is either forgotten or not trusted. A difficult life shapes one in strange ways.
I am all in with the anti-hero idea, but since it was a short story, and the way the writing style shocked us all, maybe I failed to connect with all his aspects.
Such discussions are enlightening. I couldn't agree with you more, Lizzie. Books would have been boring if all main characters were divided into heroes and villains. There is nothing more intriguing and interesting than complex characters and complex stories!
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Here is something that stood out to me too after reading The Evening Tide;
The Son of the Father would have made a good Father of the Sun (at least better than his father.)
The..."
I agree with everything you said, but imagine how this would had been a bit too predictable. Whereas, now, we are left with a bitter-sweet taste with how things actually went down. The whole book is a big surprise with a phenomenal twist. My ideal ending would be the Son of the Father and Elwyn escaping. I expected the Son to had put up more fight. Asharal was so strong and not one to defeat easily, but still I wanted some more nerve from the Son.
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If everyone here has read The Broken Rose and The Missing, could we please discuss the Asharal we find and hear about in those books? In comparison to w..."
I would very much appreciate it, if you waited for me to read the other two books as well first. I would love to further discuss with you all how all books compare to one another.
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Here is something that stood out to me too after reading The Evening Tide;
The Son of the Father would have made a good Father of the Sun (at least ..."
Indeed!
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Also, I am trying to think how I can add to this, haha."
Hey Jennifer, I am glad you are liking this discussion. Add anything you feel like getting off your chest about the book!
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Do we have any theories on what those prophecies by Verid, meant? Those different moons?
I assume the 'moons' are a reference to t..."
Absolutely fine by me! As long as no major spoilers are written.
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Once I read it, I will make sure to write a review and also post in here for further discussion.
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this is really special. I have never had a group discussion dedicated to my work! Thank you, Mak, for inviting me. I have loved reading through all your different thoughts and con..."
It is an honor you have accepted my invitation. Thank you so much. As you can see everybody is loving it! Congratulations and hopefully we are going to read many more books from you.
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I am aware of this. It just seems strange that a normal blade can indeed kill an Immortal. I have read so many books with Immortals and usually they can die in a specific way or with a certain weapon: beheading, enchanted blade... Maybe, a similar 'rule' applies like with the elves in TLoR as you pointed out.
I would sure love to read Mr. Forsyth's clarification.
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SonOfYork is right in this. One can still be killed if immortal. I can't really speak about the laws in other author's work but in my world, immortality means unable to grow o..."
Thank you so much for clarifying this. I did notice it was a steel blade and maybe that is why I got a bit obsessed with the idea of the specific Immortal dying. You are right, as is SonOfYork, of course, that an Immortal is not a god. I guess, I had a secret desire that the Son of the Father is still alive!
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I like your way of thinking!
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I am currently reading the Broken Rose and so far I love it!
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I am currently reading the Broken Rose and so far I love it!"
Haha, to tell you the truth, I am just as bleak as ..."
It is truly a pleasure to read your books and also to have you sharing with us all aspects from your books. Thank you!
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Of course!
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• Will we ever have a more detailed description of the encounter between the Blademaster and Asharal?
• What happened to Stasanda?
• What did Jay’s letter say?
• What was Lardian’s main purpose?
• What was Asharal’s warning to the Blademaster all about? Is it something that we will see in the next installments?
• What are the signs of Adonai exactly?
• Will we ever learn more about the Blue Elves or the Gatheians?
Plus, all of Jennifer's questions!
And, I agree with Jennifer. Tegerian was a very enjoyable character. The first book lacked humor and in this one there's plenty.
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yes. As I said above, Dayane II's reign will be documented and published and during this release, we will see what happened during that struggle between Moon and Sun, and get a detailed encou..."
This is all so fascinating! And I just love how you've published the short books first and then the full-length novel. Thank you for taking the time to answer all of our questions.
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Hahaha. You must admit, though, he notices things and details most of us never will!
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Is there a reason why there were near-rape scenes in both The Evening Tide and The Broken Rose?"
I am glad you asked this. This was something I pointed out in my review as well, and I was wondering!
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Is there a reason why there were near-rape scenes in both The Evening Tide and The Broken Rose?"
Hi YHMD,
Interesting question.
The rape scene in T..."
As a woman, such scenes resonate with me, but I guess they were a necessary evil, as they indeed achieved what you have mentioned; understanding in depth the state of depravity of the Sun Elf society, the sadism of the Old Way and you most definitely managed to grip us readers.
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You are very welcome! I think everybody appreciates you taking time to answer so many questions. We all enjoy the level of conversation and how we all have mutual interest in your books.
I have never been to South Africa, but I have seen a lot of documentaries to know that it is a beautiful country indeed. I guess all places have there issues. I come from a very small country, beautiful and with rich history and culture. We do have something in common; both our countries produce really good wine!
London is a charming city, SonOfYork. I hope I get to visit again one day. I must admit, though, I fell in love with the country side more.
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So, here’s my list of questions, Jeremy.
1. Who was the baby that was sacrificed and what will happen to the real heiress? What was that potion and how did it fool everyone?
2. Will we ever learn more details about Sharal’s death?
3. Which Elves have powers and why most do not possess extraordinary abilities?
4. Do Lardian’s duplicates experience pain as well? IS Lardian able to tell when one of his duplicates perishes?
5. Will we learn more about the following: the Athana Island, the Strangers and if they will fit at some point in the story, the Blue Elves, the Eleavor Sea, the sea monsters and the Lagones (big fan of dragons and wyrms!), the Veilnars and their ability in forging powerful weapons.
6. I am guessing, there will be more weapons introduced further in your books, but, will you, at a point, make a list of all the glorious swords used throughout the series?
7. Will Durasian return with a vengeance?
:)
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The baby was the daughter of the higher. We know from the end that after the baby was killed, it was to be delivered to a different location, which I assume, t..."
You never fail us SonOfYork.
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I think the man in white is God.
I believe Paraden's dream was an imaginary world in which Paraden was everything he could never be, combined perhaps with some foreseeing.
I'm sure we will see Durasian in the future.
The old gods will be somehow resurrected and I also expected a great war between the Sun Elves and the Moon Elves, in which the other races will have to choose a side.
I strongly believe, that the baby was not the Higher's daughter and that they used that potion to disguise it, so that it seems like it was the heiress. I keep thinking that the baby girl has a role to play in the future. There was something in Paraden's dream, referring to a 'she' and I can't really remember exactly what it was. I guess, we are all allowed to let our imagination run wild.
Vara acted on her own. I don't think Paraden had a clue.
I am positive Paraden will come face to face with Karma.
Somehow, Andarken will survive and will help Durasian.
Oh, and I do really hope so we will see more of the fantastic creatures.
I agree with Edward that this book's ending was the most devastating.
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As for the Lady of the Moon, after your clarification, she is now my favourite character.
Andarken was driven by hatred and was pretty much a puppet, but for some reason I kind of liked him, since he added a humorous touch to the whole gruesome investigation.
I am also glad you didn't add more gruesome details to the baby's mutilation; as Lizzie said the ending was devastating enough.
SonOfYork never disapoints. He sees every little detail and it is good to have him in this discussion.
Thank you again for taking time to answer so many questions.
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Good to hear that :))))
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I am in awe of the way you describe everything and how you provide such detailed background.
The story of Rennalla the Loved is really sad, but it seems that at least her unfulfilled love might have been finally fulfilled in the afterlife. Her own story somehow continues with her granddaughter and lives on within her; Lardian unfailing to very end.
You briefly told us various stories and still it feels like I already know the whole story. The facts you point out are like history, as if they truly occurred, where one cannot easily forget.
I am also very intrigued to meet Asharal's daughter and to see how her story with Jaydan unravels.
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Have a great weekend everybody!!
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Me too, Mak. Hope you're well!"
:)
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The extract about Alanis and his mission to find the Urathins, was dark and creepy, and I wonder what has happened to him, and if he is still alive, whether he'll succeed.
Learning more about the Mindfinders in the Broken Rose extract, even just a fraction, has helped understand them a bit better. I look forward to finding more about Alantus Tassafar and Rhallor, as well as the Unknown Daughters and the Order of Arranda.
The Brothers Fairleaf extract introduced us to Eldrian and Trone, and I was happy to see that our guess that the 'Strangers' are actually Humans was correct. It seems that war is brewing and peace is fragile. I also want to know more about Sylanta and Alanda.
I have a couple of questions, though.
How do Elves age and how long can they live?
How do you define time in this world?
How many portals are there? Who can use them?
Have you drawn a map with the different realms, with their rivers, seas and cities?
I'm trying to keep track of all the different names and places. I'm guessing in your full novel there we'll be some sort of clarification for some things like for instance the Anda Document.
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I agree with SonOfYork; your world is amazing and deserves to be recognized by more people.
There's so much detail, and all these names and places show that you have been building this for quite a long time now. Maybe in the future you'll release a guide for all the places, people and facts in your books.
Wow, sixteen maps! I can't wait to see them all together, so as to have a better picture of everything in my head.
I wonder, which Elves each one of us will root for at the end!
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Thank you, Anne!!
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I just love how everyone is going crazy over 'Step Mom'. Each reaction is simply precious in a unique way and some of the comments had me laughing non-stop.
Most of us agree that, even though we have enjoyed this different genre, we sure do prefer your fantasy books.
I was thinking, that maybe, now that erotica fans have discovered and witnessed your talent, and hopefully will be intrigued into reading your fantasy books as well, you could also add some more 'developed' romance in the fantasy ones. Not exactly, of course, like in 'Step Mom', but something along similar lines, but more 'tidy'.
Your fantasy books are perfect just the way they are, but adding just a bit more romance, maybe they would attract readers of other genres as well. Just a thought; I hope that's OK.
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