2010-03 FLESH AND SPIRIT - The surprises - characters and conflicts - spoilers likely

[Janny]

How did you people react to the shifts that Berg is famous for - I just loved the way she developed her main character - that he seems such a self-centered, desperado grasping for any advantage he can get, at the start. Then the depths appear.

Likewise, the monastery setting - so ordinary, until she peels back the layers.

And when you start to see the secrets beneath - wow.

I just love how she evolves her stories - and just when you think you have a grip, she pulls off another set of masks.

Were you thrown (in a good way)or even thrilled by this author's sublime unpredictabilities?

[Sandra]

It's gradually unpeeling and I am caught up in the plot. The writing is beautiful. The hero was so aggravatingly self-deprecating at first and so caught up in his own lies that I had a hard time feeling sympathetic, but as his horrendous family and early life are gradually revealed ... lovely.

[Libby]

Peeling back the layers is a great way to describe her style - what seems so ordinary and commonplace has much bubbling under the surface - really fun!

[Janny]

Wait till you see what she does in the second half...!

[Libby]

@ Janny - "sublime unpredictabilities" is a perfect description. I did not see the character upheaval coming at all. I was surprised, sad and impressed.
*SPOILERS*
I really mourned the loss of Luviar – that just stunned me. Gildas just broke my heart – he was my favorite! And then when I looked back over the book it was there all along – so subtle. Overall, I especially enjoyed Valen’s complexity. Nothing is what it seems in this book and it’s all so subtle. A real pleasure to read.

[Sandra]

I'm just starting the 2nd half and can already see that Osriel is not what he seems or what his reputation says.

[Libby]

He is another very interesting character - I'm anxious to see him in the second book

[Janny]

I am so pleased to see you people appreciating this author! She writes exactly the kind of story I most love to read, and it's taking far too long for her to be widely recognized.

I value, highly, well drawn, deep characters who reveal their depths and books that cannot be forecast - and ones that end with a finale way way beyond the 'promise' they show at the start....my standard for this is very high....the second volume will knock your socks off.

I would LOVE to have more writers like this one!!! She's earned her spot on my 'must buy' list for some time, now.

[Amelia]

Janny wrote: "How did you people react to the shifts that Berg is famous for - I just loved the way she developed her main character - that he seems such a self-centered, desperado grasping for any advantage he ..."

It's interesting that you talk about how this author peels back the characters layers like masks. It's almost ironic that Valen has to literally put back on his mask when he returns to the pureblood society.

[Libby]

Nice observation Amelia - I missed that one but I'm certain there's a metaphor there ;-) I'm almost done with the second book and what I appreciate most is how carefully the author has laid it all out. I can't imagine the time it took to weave all the story lines together. It's really a marvel. Too few authors really care about the story details and leave all kinds of holes - this duology is truly well crafted