The Velvet discussion

I just finished the book. So, so impressed by this thing. I loved nearly every page. And quick for its length.

As I approached the end, and the very surprising climax, I had a concern: did Hosea deserve as much end-time as he got? I fell surprisingly fast into him as a character, and I kinda wish he had been around the entire time, but despite this, it almost feels unfair that he serves as the ending's catalyst. Thoughts?

It is kinda jarring to just plug in a new character like that, but really, that's what happens in life: you meet new people and they guide you in certain directions. Especially when you venture so far from the familiarities of home on a mission, these things are bound to happen. It didn't feel like deus ex machina or anything.

I was pretty taken by him, as well. And I enjoyed my reaction to him, where I wanted more of him throughout the story, but if there were more of him, it wouldn't be the same story, so I didn't want any more of him, but still wanted it. Very well metered.

Powerful ending, and I like the transition from the end of Charles, and Jacob, to the continuation of Hosea, their survival and the new boy. Loved it.