2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Malik really stepped up in Ethan's absence and Merit really came into her own. How do you see the roles changing now that they're no longer part of the GP?

I really like Malik but he's not as strong a leader as Ethan, which was made very clear in Drink Deep. He should never have allowed that GP lacky to treat Cadogen house the way he did.

Merit really grows up in that book and I love the way her character develops from this point on.

I think Ethan's absence brought light to others' strengths, which will be useful going forward. Merit really emerged as a leader since she was the one who stepped up to Franklin's insane management. Malik showed his unwavering loyalty and is reliable for providing good advice.

I'm expecting the House to have some structural changes now that they're not a member of GP. All bets are off.

I like Malik. I like his quiet, supportive style. I loved how he constantly stood up for and encouraged Merit. I think he was in a precarious position when Cabot came because of all of the instability both within the larger community with the humans and the sups but also within the House after Ethan's death. I sort of understand his strategy of trying to tow the line long enough to get Cabot out of the House so that they could regroup. Ethan with all of his experience is comfortable taking on the challenge of separating from the GP but I can appreciate why Malik in his very new position might have wanted to avoid that at least for a time.

I thought that although Malik severely disapproved of Cabot's tactics he believed in his vampires to be able to withstand for that temporary time.

Jonetta wrote: "I think Ethan's absence brought light to others' strengths, which will be useful going forward. Merit really emerged as a leader since she was the one who stepped up to Franklin's insane management..."

I agree with you about the future of Cadogan. I'm really interested to see what changes structurally within there House. Also, did either of you get a feel for how Malik feels about Ethan's decision to separate from the GP? If he's not in support that could make for some interesting possibilities. Malik seems quite loyal to Ethan though so I'm thinking he'll go with it.

Erin wrote: "Also, did either of you get a feel for how Malik feels about Ethan's decision to separate from the GP? If he's not in support that could make for some interesting possibilities. Malik seems quite loyal to Ethan though so I'm thinking he'll go with it. "

Good question! Not saying anything ... lol!

I gave him credit for loyalty and think that loyalty is to Ethan and the house. Guess we'll have to wait and see!

Lauren wrote: "Erin wrote: "Also, did either of you get a feel for how Malik feels about Ethan's decision to separate from the GP? If he's not in support that could make for some interesting possibilities. Malik ..."

Lol! Not saying anything is almost more intriguing than saying something. I'm so curious!

Jonetta wrote: "I gave him credit for loyalty and think that loyalty is to Ethan and the house. Guess we'll have to wait and see!"

It does seem to be that his loyalty is to Ethan and the House. He's naturally quiet though so it's a constant wonder what he's thinking. The other aspects that have me sort of questioning where his loyalties will lie are: his dealing with Cabot, the fact that Ethan returned and just took back the House without much consideration of how Malik would feel and the fact that Neill didn't really mention Malik much when all of the talk about separating from the GP was going on. Makes me curious. And .... it was a very close vote meaning there could be a lot of unhappy vampires in Cadogan.

I never thought about the possibility of Malik not agreeing with separating from the GP. That could be an interesting twist.