Fantasy Book Club discussion

Who did you love, who did you love to hate?

My favorite character was not a main one, is was Lisseut. I can't really say why. I was always wanting for her to show up again in the story and wondering what her role was going to be. I thought Blaise was going to fall in love with her...

Funny, now you say it. I really liked the Archer in that book. (I'm afraid I don't recall his name and all of my books are boxed up from moving. I've GOT to unpack.) His character is painted with spare strokes, yet you know and sympathize with him.

Victoria wrote: "Funny, now you say it. I really liked the Archer in that book. (I'm afraid I don't recall his name and all of my books are boxed up from moving. I've GOT to unpack.) His character is painted with s..."

Are you talking about Luth?

My fav character in the book is also Lisseut. I envied her artistic abilities, but mostly loved her for her fierce independence. The thing I probably liked least about her was how she fell for Blaise.

Lisseut too. :)
I think part of it is that she's an everyday folk caught up in a story of big players. Plus, she represents art, the soul of Arbonne.

Another vote for Lisseut. :)

There were so many great characters. I loved how stalwart Valery was. Ariane helped Blaise overcome his bitterness and learn to love again, and the secret she had to carry so long, wow, what strength of character. Signe's compassion and understanding made her a great leader especially in a land ruled by women. Rosala was courageous for her action of leaving Gorhaut.

I really liked Aurelian too. His demise really shocked me. He was one of those quiet, but assured people who stay in the background somewhat, but really matter a lot.

I really didn't like the king of Gorhaut, Ademar. He was filled with a perverse lust for power. His manipulation by Galbert made him a puppet of the worst kind. He was led to do terrible things that could have been avoided if he'd actually thought through his actions a little more. Galbert was also a great character I loved to hate. He was so cunning in his manipulations, especially with his family. I wonder if he was so bitter against women because he lost his wife.

The main characters were fun as well. I liked watching Blaise develop and grow into his roll. Bertran's impetuousness and clever wit hid his real strengths and love of his country.

So many, many great characters.

Blaise, Bertran, and Aurelian have always been my favorite characters in this book. Every time I read it I am impressed by their quiet but assertive personalities. They all portray a 'together' person but as is revealed in so many situations, they have turmoil and pain inside that they cannot resolve. Bertran is so clever and witty and this adds greatly to how he portrays and influences people and the love of his country (as Amelia noted). Blaise is very complicated. He brings an interesting portrayal of nation and what it means to belong and what loyalty means. And Aurelian is an impressive character. He is a witty, intelligent but fiercely loyal and solid character. He brought a strength to the book that I really appreciated.

But yes, as Amelia said, there are many great characters.

Interesting that so many people chose Lisseut - she is my favorite as well! I guess it's a great example of Kay's talent in fully fleshing out even minor characters.

I also have a soft spot for Signe de Barbentain, who is so strong and wise in public and so vulnerable in private, and I always get a little misty-eyed at her encounter with Rinette at the end (I have lost track of how many times I've read the book, and it still gets me every time).

A great cast of characters, and it's hard to choose a favorite.

I will say that I liked Ranald, though he's probably not my favorite. I was hoping all through the book that he'd come around, and his scene of redemption was one of my favorites in the entire book. I love the foreshadowing on that as Beatriz sensed a "change" all the way from her island.

Mine were Blaise, for his complexity, and Lisseut for her nurturing nature.