It feels as if we are approaching a convergence, not just of Eric and Rob, but of good fortune for Eric. So which disadvantaged youth is Rob's next project, hmmm? Small world.
I love the idea of "spirits of place"! I like to hike in the woods and I definitely get the feeling that some spots are a little more special than others. The Kinniston phantom seems like a fun spirit. I think it will get along well with the elves.
It's going to hard waiting a whole week to find out who first contact is with and how it goes! If it's Sonez, will the meeting go well for Essell? The captain knows he was in the wrong, will be try to eliminate Essell to shut him up? If like to see him try it with Garjah and Bouncer at his sides!
Thank you! I thought it was touching and a good sign that the first thing he wants to do is go to his land (his tree?) and burn some sage. Kind of like centering yourself and making peace with whatever spirits you believe in. I can't wait for his second life to start.
For the first time maybe ever, Eric has a whole community of people that care about him. And he's going to order pizza to be delivered! Never thought I'd see that. I loved Andy's reaction to Eric.
I feel so excited for them! We know D'gar's story in the future and he spoke of his heart break over losing S'brin, but we see how close he was to permanent depression. The end of threadfall reminds me of soldiers coming back from battle. Some happily adjust, some never do. Our dragonriders won't have to find out.
If I were Jake, I would go on a scorched earth campaign! His "dad" has lied to him from the beginning and set up a fake arrest and questioning! His mom is a lying slutty psycho! His supposed loving boyfriend had been secretly contacting his ex and then informed on him to what he thought were the police! Trevor and Ethen are the only ones not being selfish jerks.
I waited to read until it was complete, I'm glad I did because this looks like it will be a page turner! I'm also guessing the mystery letter is from Colin or Ethen. I had a hard time reconciling the idea of an intelligence officer allowing his smart son drop out of highschool. Also, he showed up in military uniform the first time he met Jake, even though he was an underage drop-out. Didn't make any sense at the time. Super secret spy stuff is now becoming more likely.
Not to side with the Kardoval, but the four arms are going to have to take their introduction to the humans very carefully. The humans (who have greater numbers?) encounter a secret ancient race with superior technology and the ability to convert humans into them. At what point in human history would this have gone smoothly?
Poor Essell! So much of his actions throughout his adult life have been a result of trying to get attention from his distant inattentive parents. I have a feeling that even "discovering" an entire race of beings will have him coming up short in her eyes. Hopefully being mated to Garjah will give him the strength to stand up to her. And Bouncer should stick to small bugs, not giant ones with huge mandibles!
Tyler is in a vicious circle of poverty and emotional neglect. He is acting out to get attention, hopefully it will end in at least one person (Eric, Emily, Andy?) taking a big chance on getting to know him. His mom has given up, his dad is not involved and wouldn't care anyway. I feel so bad for Eric and his beloved flowers.
I hope that the yellow-eyed beast gets along with Bouncer. We know that Bouncer will protect Essell with his life, if necessary. I wonder if the rebels have a plan, or do they just have an end goal? Garjah strikes me as a very good planner. Essell not so much. But he's really good at surviving.
I don't know if you intended it, but the other alphas remind me of heads of state. The negotiations and political jockeying are reminiscent of "allied" countries that don't fully trust or like each other (with Donovan's Milwaukee) or mainly friendly (with Ken), with Interpol keeping an eye on things. The big difference is these dudes turn into wolves and can rip each other's throats out.