The Not a Book Club Club discussion

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Well that was a typical depressing Abercrombie ending! Was a little disappointed at the lengths Yarvi went to...But then it wouldn't be a Abercrombie book if he hadn't!

That ending for Yarvi has been heavily foreshadowed before, like Koll's observation and queen Laithlin's comment that she has lost 2 of her sons, one to the sword and another to the Ministry, she knew that Yarvi has gone too far.

Great ending, Yarvi really went off he deep end. Can't wait to see what Joe writes next.

Strange, we never learned what the elf bangle was for. Is this series done done now?

Lots of open threads, seems like there will be more. They never really dealt with what's his name, the King from the southern lands.

Somehow I thought the ending would be less dark because of the whole YA thing but nope! I was surprised especially at Yarvi - all of his betrayals and manipulations. I was glad we got more information about the elf stuff this book, even though I'd to know more. But it was pretty well alluded to - at least weapon-wise. you are right though - the bangle - especially the one that won't come off of Thorn - I'm not sure about that one!

Its definitely set up for more world exploration.

Lol, did not see that coming with Yarvi although I guess I should have known he had plans inside of plans. Still, pretty disappointing to find out all he did; also makes me wonder if it was him who sent killers after Skfir and her family

At least Koll got out of there and seems to have a chance at a happy life

And that world is much better off having Skara in a seat of power holding those secrets over Yarvi.

Totally agree that there's more to be explored in this world. Have a feeling he'll come back to it

My suspicion is that it WAS Yarvi who sent the killers after Skfir - it'd fit. I didn't see that ending coming either! Skara was smart and prepared with how she handled things - I liked that. And it was very non-YA that the book didn't choose to go for the happy ending with Skara and her "stable boy". I really felt like this particular book wasn't YA at all, except for the ages of some of the protagonists.

Yeah I was trying to decide last night what exactly makes this series YA other than the age of the characters and I couldn't come up with anything.

I did love how Skara handled that whole situation and played her cards so perfectly. Was nice to see her get one over on Yarvi

For Abercrombie, it was kind of a happy ending haha. At least a couple people got some kind of good ending

Scott wrote: "For Abercrombie, it was kind of a happy ending haha. At least a couple people got some kind of good ending"

Haha yeah, it is Abercrombie YA in that the violence, sex, and profanity were way toned down, and the ending happier...Not YA for anyone else though :)

That's very true.

I'd like Koll got a happy ending. Can't say I'm that surprised about Yarvi.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I had a lot of time to read today and read the whole thing today.

I did the same, knocked it out in one day. Was a satisfying conclusion, I thought

I'm confused...What was the purpose of Yarvi betraying the city and allowing Bright Yilling to attack while they were already engaged in war with him? It's not like he needed additional reason to fight....

Some explanation would be nice. I may have missed something.

The explanation Yarvi gives in the book was that the king was wavering and close to trying to make peace instead. He wanted to cement support for the war.

Rob wrote: "The explanation Yarvi gives in the book was that the king was wavering and close to trying to make peace instead. He wanted to cement support for the war."


Ahhh, I went back and reread that chapter. Makes sense now. Thanks for your time!

You're welcome.

So at the end it was said that Mother Scaer found a new King from the far north named something I can't remember but that he was also called Lamb. Did I mishear that or is that a tie in to the First Law series, Red Country in particular? Said he won the spot through invidual combat.

Oh interesting. I didn't catch that, but it may well be a tie-in. I hope it is because a slight nod like that is cool!

I didn't think it was Lamb. I thought it was something close to the last guy's name. But I borrowed my copy and already returned it.

Yeah there was a name close to the last guys but then she said he was also called... And I thought she said Lamb.

Yay for kindle search - The Ram, not the Lamb, but close :)

Ah ok. Thanks for checking.