Unconventional Plot Structure

[Joshua]

I am curious about what others think about the unconventional plot structure in Reclaiming the Dead. At first, the juxtaposition between parts one and two threw me for a loop but once I got a little further into it I realized that one of the things I like most about this book is the fact that it intentionally strays from the conventional plot structure of putting the origin component at the beginning and rather places it in the middle of the book.

For me it had the effect of getting me emotionally invested in Merton so that I was annoyed that it switched to the origin story. Then the origin story was so good that I didn't want to go back to Merton, and then they came together in the last part.

It was a risk to structure the plot this way but it really worked for me. Does anyone else have an opinion to share about the efficacy of straying from the conventional vampire hunter plot line?

[Emily]

My thoughts exactly. When Merton's story was paused to lead into Part II, I was slightly annoyed. However, once I started reading into Part II, I'd forgotten about wanting to be back in Merton's story. When Merton's story picked back up, I was glad to have the origin issue explained. I thought the origin explanation was a little far-fetched, but it was entertaining nonetheless.

I agree it was a risk to change it up, but I think Brotherton did a great job with his book. He's a talented writer and was able to pull off what most writer's wouldn't be able to do.