Jack Burdwood’s Reviews > The Coward > Status Update

“When he looked in Gerren’s eyes he didn’t see a boy anymore. There was only pain, sadness, and a terrible longing for what had been lost. For his home, the safety it represented, the comforts he’d scorned. For the family he’d left behind. For the loss of ignorance as knowing the true nature of the horror that existed in the world was worse than fiction. If Gerren made it home would anyone recognize him?”

“It doesn’t matter. The only thing you need to decide is why you’re here. Why did you really come on this journey? Take some time to really think about it. Tomorrow, if you want to go home then no one will think any less of you. But if you want to travel north with us, then make sure it’s for the right reasons. Your reasons, selfish as they may be.”

If Gerren dies so help me I’m going to cry so much.

The world’s view of Kell: legendary hero who’s off to vanquish evil and save the world again.
The faith’s view of Kell: devious mastermind who works with the crown to deceive the public and undermine the faith.
Actually Kell “fuck this mess, I’m taking the next boat to another continent. Have fun with your eternal winter!”
I love it.

“Nobody wanted the truth about what had happened. They all said they wanted it but the truth was ugly. It was a knotted web of grey decisions, not black and white. People wanted neat and simple but life was a convoluted path of decisions that no one could predict.”