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Just finished the book!  I really, really liked the part of the story when Lord Adarbrent explains that his final motivation for stopping/punishing Stunk was because his  true-love’s grave was about to be taken over by Stunk’s ruthless pursuit.  It makes the story so much more special that in the end, Adarbrent was motivated not so much by revenge, but by an old man’s last wish to be buried next to the only woman he loved.  I was really touched when I learned this.  It reminded me to give my wife a hug and tell her how much she means to me.  And it was very sweet that Adarbrent was able to explain this secret part of his life to Sophraea, one of his few living friends.

Now then… I was thinking that Sophraea would rethink her decision to become a dressmaker after her adventures in the graveyard.  This was, in many ways, a coming of age story for her, and I suspect she’ll never be the same.  Although it’s left up to the reader to guess what happens, I like to think that she’ll decide to stay at Dead End house and carry on the Carver tradition.  And there might be a few more kisses with a handsome young wizard.  What do you guys think?

Excellent story.  Many thanks to Rosemary and the other readers for making this so enjoyable. 

Final request – Rosemary, please let me know if you attend some event in Seattle where our paths might cross.  I’d be happy to meet.

Feb 23, 2012 -- 4:35PM, gold_piece wrote:

I really, really liked the part of the story when Lord Adarbrent explains that his final motivation for stopping/punishing Stunk was because his  true-love’s grave was about to be taken over by Stunk’s ruthless pursuit.  It makes the story so much more special that in the end, Adarbrent was motivated not so much by revenge, but by an old man’s last wish to be buried next to the only woman he loved.

I enjoyed this book very much - it wasn't a typical adventure, but I think it worked tremendously well. For me, it was a story about family, relationships and history, and how those shape the future. I thought the characters were portrayed well - each had a place in the world, and had tales to tell. I was moved throughout at how close the Carver family was, and by Briarsting's comments that the place was too full of life to be called Dead End House. Adarbrent's history with Vyvaine was particularly bittersweet, as gold_piece describes well.

I thought that the change in Sophraea and Gustin's futures worked well - she's perhaps made him ever-so-slightly more respectable, whilst his confidence and enthusiasm for Waterdeep has awoken the spirit of adventure in her.

With some novels you get the sensation that the world ceases to exist beyond the borders of the scene you're reading; with this book, I felt that I was following a thread through a much wider landscape with other stories playing out all around, and it made me want to learn more about Waterdeep and what else there is to find in the city. The plot might not have been as convoluted as some other books I've read, but to be honest I thought it suited Sophraea and Gustin perfectly - they've learnt a lot about themselves and each other through the experience, and they thrive in each other's company. It's clear they'll be sharing some adventures together. I do wonder how long Gustin can escape a run-in with Leaplow, though

The pacing of the book was great - typically after chapter 5 or thereabouts I struggled to put the book down, so I've been re-reading each section for the discussions, and enjoying it just as much the second time around. And re-reading Ed Greenwood's introduction again, I can understand what motivated him to write it, too.

So, thank you, Rosemary, and thanks to the other book club members - I enjoyed this session greatly.