Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

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I'm starting this early and marathoning it today since it's the last day of the competition and I want BR points! ... Also, my copy needs to back to the library so....

I'm taking it a bit slower, since Gareth has just finished Cibola Burn.

Ch 10
(view spoiler)[Avasarala’s message to her missing husband so touchingly heartfelt. I miss Arjun, too. (hide spoiler)]

End Ch 20

Inaros
(view spoiler)[I’ve been thinking of Inaros as a warlord a lot. On one hand, I see what he’s done as obviously evil acts. There no way to sugarcoat what he’s done : killing that ship with Naomi’s code, attacking Earth, and now abandoning Ceres. But, on the other hand, I can understand why some Belters would see him as a hero.

Im from Indonesia, so I understand a little bit about oppression and colonization (after all my country was colonialized for 350 years). So, I can see how acts that are labeled as terrorist or criminal acts are seen in a completely different light. Interestingly, Inaros also talked about Afghanistan and guerilla warfare. Is sacrificing the people on Ceres and in other Belter stations evil? I’m sure some people would justify it as a necessary strategic act to achieve freedom. I’m sure there were numerous historical figures who had faced the same dilemma and chosen the same tactic.

I guess it also depends on the ultimate motivation that you have. In Inaros’s case, he doesn’t seem to genuinely care for the welfare of all Belters. Plus, he’s got some megalomaniacal tendencies. So, personally I disagree with his decisions. And yes, I do think what hes dine are evil acts. But, I really like that if you’re a Belter you might see it completely differently. (hide spoiler)]

Fred Johnson
(view spoiler)[For a guy who seemed to be extremely strategic in his thinking and planning, I really find Fred to be surprisingly less competent than I previously thought. He failed to acknowledge even the possibility that there were mutinous elements within the OPA; thus, he failed to anticipate Inaros. Further, as the de facto leader or representative of the OPA, and as an Earther who knew he had to cultivate trusts from the Belters, he doesn’t seem to have much trust or support from other elements of the OPA. He seems to be losing his touch, I guess. He’s lucky to still have Holden. I mean, they could have easily parted ways if Holden had decided to stick with Avasarala. I dunno if he’s gonna be able to reunite the scattering factions of the OPA. (hide spoiler)]