2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Sebastian is pretty much blindsided by the accusation that he is guilty. But he's quick on his feet and always escapes right in the nick of time. Is this hard to believe or a credit to his experience as a spy?

I think we just have to believe that the hero is faster, smarter, better looking and better at fighting than everybody else. He escapes in the nick of time repeatedly throughout the book:)

I don't underestimate his training as a spy and his almost supernatural abilities (exceptional night vision and hearing). Plus, he wasn't up against the most skilled of opponents either, the exception being Leo Pierrepont who came close. Wilcox also almost killed him. Lovejoy, however, could match wits with him.

True. His training as a spy also showed up in the way he could survive on the streets while he was in hiding.

I loved his disguises, too.

I thought it was interesting to read, in the Author's Note, about Bithil Syndrome.

I don't think that is real though. She gets a lot of criticism for possibly making that up.

Here's her response to that criticism:

http://csharris.blogspot.com/2014/08/...

Good information Jonetta. But not a good idea to read past her explanation. If you read the responses you get to find out a bit too much about future books. Spoilers abound:)

Good to know!! I just glanced at the first two paragraphs.

The cynic in me still wonders if it is real though. Not that it matters:)

Phrynne wrote: "Good information Jonetta. But not a good idea to read past her explanation. If you read the responses you get to find out a bit too much about future books. Spoilers abound:)"

I was just going to say the same thing: if you've only read Book 1, as I have, don't look below the author's personal family history information about this syndrome.

Phrynne wrote: "The cynic in me still wonders if it is real though. Not that it matters:)"

No clue. I just took it as fiction. I'll ask my hubby if he knows.

Jonetta wrote: "Here's her response to that criticism:

http://csharris.blogspot.com/2014/08/..."

Thanks for that, Jonetta.

I just accepted that it was real after reading the author's note and went with the flow.

It does explain a lot about Sebastian's abilities and makes them more plausible.

I asked hubby and he was unaware. If it ain't an infectious disease...:)

Jonetta wrote: "Here's her response to that criticism:

http://csharris.blogspot.com/2014/08/..."

Thanks for sharing Jonetta.

I think I believe her. I also enjoyed his disguises. When he did keep escaping it did make me think really? But then it wouldn't have been such a good story if he had been captured.

Tracey wrote: "But then it wouldn't have been such a good story if he had been captured. ."

No, it wouldn't :0)

Tracey wrote: "I think I believe her. I also enjoyed his disguises. When he did keep escaping it did make me think really? But then it wouldn't have been such a good story if he had been captured."

Though he kept escaping and it started feeling unrealistic, I still wanted it to happen:) That one chase through the streets of the poor, though, was exciting and illuminating.

Phrynne wrote: "I think we just have to believe that the hero is faster, smarter, better looking and better at fighting than everybody else. He escapes in the nick of time repeatedly throughout the book:)"

Not hard to do, when he's so dashing on the cover!

Exactly:)

Phrynne wrote: "I think we just have to believe that the hero is faster, smarter, better looking and better at fighting than everybody else. He escapes in the nick of time repeatedly throughout the book:)"

Yes, and this is no different than the hero/heroine of any book in any genre. At least in Sebastian's case his military background lends some plausibility to it.

I didn't either, Stephanie.

I was really interested in the Bithil Syndrome. Sebastian sure did have quick reflexes. I never heard of it. I think this is what made Sebastian such a hero.

I believe a lot of his skill comes from the Bithil Syndrome, but there is a lot of training too. Many people have skills, but if they don't know how to use them correctly, they can hurt more than help.