Ivy G.’s Reviews > Katabasis > Status Update

Peter really seems to be dead. I just couldn’t believe it. Although his sacrifice was definitely significant, it didn’t feel big in writing. Maybe it’s because I’ve read Babel first wherein each sacrifice felt dramatic and powerful. But this felt flat in comparison. I didn’t feel an impact enough to cry when I should have since I liked Peter as a character.

I don’t think this is the end for Peter. I’m not convinced. I’m hopeful that he finds a way to survive and live and find Alice again. But then again, I’ve read Babel and characters do get killed as sacrifice for another. I might be naive to believe this would be different but I don’t believe it just yet.

Reading through Peter’s POV is a different tragedy. I can see now why he keeps people at arm’s length, he’d rather develop any reputation than be seen for the truth because otherwise he’d be pitied. Although I find it mine boggling that both of them blame themselves for what happened to Grimes. It could be, but not entirely. The context definitely matters.

Holy shit, this chapter. Alice didn’t think that what happened to the other female scholars could happen to her because Grimes thought her to be brilliant. She’s no different from the others because she’s still a woman and she couldn’t accept that Grimes is still a man, that she’s a victim at all. I’m in shock. Especially when Peter has witnessed this, not the struggle but what the rumors entailed.

It really took being trapped by the Kripkes for them to be honest with each other. I can see why Peter hysterically believes that Alice is in love with Grimes, she would clam up and has been defending him from any form of criticism from the start. They’re both idiots, Elspeth was right.

I’m not even mad at Elspeth. If anything, from her perspective, Alice and Peter are both villains. Peter agreeing to Alice’s plan, makes him no different from her, even when he said he expected her to be different from him. It’s hypocritical. I suppose that’s what makes them very human, they’re partly greedy, serving only their self-interest of bringing Grimes back.

I knew Peter wasn’t actually going to sacrifice Alice’s soul. I come to find that she’s a bit too prideful and arrogant to admit to being wrong, that she wanted him to feel guilty to justify her reasoning. Still coming to defend Grimes and thinking Elspeth was just too weak to put up with their professor.

With Peter processing what Alice had “accidentally” chosen, I can’t wait to read about it because they are bound for a confrontation on their relationship and where they stand. I understand where Alice is coming from, but not Peter. Also, a new mysterious character just pulled up.

Omg what has Alice done. I wanted to say that she could’ve confronted him about it but she couldn’t risk putting herself in danger. But then if he wasn’t, they wouldn’t be in this mess. With her choosing the wrong apple, having to think for herself. What happens now to Peter? I’m holding out that she misunderstood him.