Nevertheless, last night, I decided I'd just read for two hours before I slept (I ended up reading for three), and then this morning I came home from the gym, wanting to read just another chapter or two, and ended up finishing the entire book some three hours later. I'm rather enamored of it, most of all the characters, Rook especially.
That's not to say that I loved it unreservedly; it hasn't trumped my favourite books out of their place (and from here onward I will quite certainly be mentioning spoilery bits). I found it disconcertingly similar to Melusine by Sarah Monette, both in key plot devices and most certainly in writing style - I've always found first person harder to enjoy, all the more so when the reader is thrust into some event without any backstory. I did however, enjoy Havemercy more than Melusine, mostly having to do with the characters being more lovable and much less frustrating, and I suppose that the influence can't be so surprising, given as I read Melusine per the recommendation of Jaida Jones in the first place.
Another thing that bothered me was that as the story progressed, Hal's character became less self possessed, turning too much for my tastes, into something of a damsel in distress whose sole purpose was to pine over his beloved (which it assuredly was not, only once in a while it did feel that way). Which is why I suppose that Rook and Roy were my favourite, simply being of a stronger personality.
I did rather enjoy the plot twist revelation, despite it ringing similar to Melusine again - more simply because it meant more interaction with Rook, and seeing the subtle changes in his behaviour.
One thing I found was that the main portion of the plot moved a little too quickly for me, or perhaps simply with too little descriptive, or narrative from certain characters (such as more insight from Roy himself of the symptoms of the illness). Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the climax battle of the story, even though it broke my heart to see the girls go down, as little as we were introduced to them - especially Havemercy, whose snarky, foul-mouthed behaviour I immediately adored.
All in all, the ending of the book left me quite satisfied, and the book packed a most delicious sort of emotional punch - I think I would have had a better time getting into the story were there less of the narrative-switching, and I would certainly enjoy a story revolving solely around the Dragon Corps (if pressed to say, I would have argued that Roy and Hal were not entirely necessary for the story). But I am quite happy with the book and I'm looking much forward to the sequel - though perhaps I need a new bookcase first...
2:31 p.m. // this is my reality \\
[ETA:] Actually, that's not true. I specifically remember deleting certain sent emails (ie. reminder emails for the SBSA conference to attendees). But by and large, I tend not to clear out my sent messages folder, if only to make it easier to remember/proof certain discussions.
3:22 p.m. // this is my reality \\
Too bad the awesome-ness didn't make up for the exam being way too long, and having to write the Business Law midterm half an hour later.
9:18 p.m. // this is my reality \\
10:10 p.m. // this is my reality \\
8:39 p.m. // this is my reality \\
At least I have cookies.
3:42 p.m. // this is my reality \\
Apparently that's me, the "Determined Realist".
11:28 a.m. // this is my reality \\
Also, new prerecorded.net layout, and I revamped my livejournal. Next/last: new layout for revelations.
9:23 p.m. // this is my reality \\
6:35 p.m. // this is my reality \\
I really wish people outside would shut up.
12:21 a.m. // this is my reality \\
a) soft-cover Intro to Fed. Income Tax textbook
b) course pack
c) class notes/problems
the latter three from which I was taking notes and compiling to annotate said huge-ass Income Tax Act, all so I can have an "effective" tool to use in midterms/exams. Not that, in the time constraints of said exams, I will be able to find a damn thing in the Act, what with it being the size it is, and my not knowing that the Standby Charge employment benefit is in paragraph 6(1)(e) as opposed to some other paragraph.
12:31 a.m. // this is my reality \\