Welp, we’re full blown into it…pun sort of intended. We ended this section in a bit of a tense spot, didn’t we?
First, I’m glad Hawk and the crew finally knows who Aspeth really is. I love that Mereden knew and never said anything, waiting for Aspeth to admit it the whole time. I’m glad that Aspeth seems to understand better that her actions can have real consequences for the people around her.
I hate how she’s lying to Hawk again, even if I kind of get it for her character and their situation. I do think that if she confided in him, she could make him see her reasons, and that he would do anything to help her. She just needs to trust him.
But the book wouldn’t have as much tension without it.
And the two of them are pretty hot together, even with all the frustration and miscommunication and lack of trust. I especially like Hawk’s internals and the rage against the Conquest Moon verses how he actually feels about Aspeth.
I’m a bit of a sucker for that kind of internalization.
Aspeth is growing on me a bit more. Like I said, I’m glad she’s growing. I’m not so sure about wanting to rub a penis all over one’s face… It’s not for me, but to each their own. It’s nice to see her take charge a bit and say what she wants. And of course, Hawk telling her that she can have it.
He was a dick though about her being a spy. I’m glad he’s not perfect though.
Okay, but now, let’s talk a little bit about the rest of the story, right? Not just the relationship. What the hell is that ring? Their plan to go back into the tunnels to look for its sister is a bit ridiculous, but I get it.
The guild sounds like a bureaucratic man’s club—because it is—and I’m hoping this group as whole can take it down a peg. Is that necessarily what’s going to happen? Maybe not.
I would love to see Hawk become a guild teacher. I would love to see Hawk move to Aspeth’s hold and take over. Him and some of his Taurians go to protect the place and Aspeth, of course. To see her help train others on the artifacts.
I’m not sure that’s where we’re headed though. You never know…
Magpie is still causing me some concern. I want to know what happened to her to make her drink so much. For her to fall so far. The men’s abuse of the women has me worried about what her backstory might be, and how they might have left her in a tunnel somewhere. Those places are rife with the recipe for PTSD.
Okay, let me know how you think this is going to end in the comments, and I’ll see you next week as we finish Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon.