The Snake: I hated this plotline from the very beginning. I think it was supposed to be heart-wrenching or something, but the bad poetry from the stupid mage-girl just turned me off everytime. Just die already.

I thought the Snake worked rather well for the book, actually. Started in DoD (I think) and I remember putting together that they were in Kolanse, fleeing Assail. I liked Badalle, thought she was odd and crazy but fun to read about.

Here's what I don't get:

1) Korabas. Team A/C absolutely needed her free to break the CG's chains, I think. Yet they never conspired with Kilmandaros, Knuckles, and the Errant. Was this part of their plan or just a convenient catalyst?

Possibly Ammanas using them? Knew what they'd try and made it apart of his larger scheme?


3) T'iam. So I guess T'iam is a d'ivers of all the existing dragons? If so, what a badass. She never quite manifests, but the picture Erikson paints of all the dragons whirling around into one huge shape is mindblowingly cool. HOWEVER, doesn't that change what happened between T'iam and Anomander back in Kharkanas? How would Rake kill such a thing? why would Mother Dark care?

T'iam might be that, but I remember reading that she was the God of the dragons. Either way, it was a pretty badass scene.

Parts I loved:

- Ublala Pung and Draconus are the ultimate odd couple. Loved
em.
as did I, though Ralata and all the "sexing" got a bit old.

- Draconus is such a badass. That's all.
One among many in this series. Karsa Orlong, anyone?

- The Tiste Andii intervention at the Shore. That was so well-written, and their bow to the Shake at the end was viscerally good.
one of the best parts of the series, I thought. That and when the heavies stand at the end of DoD.

- the CG as a benevolent being, for once, in awe at the sacrifice of the BH. It was good to see him restored.
I LOVED THAT. Thought it was magnificently done.

- I really grew to love Abrastal. At first I thought she would be another stuffy royalty type, but she really brought her A game to this convergence.
I loved her White Face Gilk, Spax, more.

- Brys. I just love this dude. His romance with Aranict felt genuine as well and was a constant source of comfort. I loved Tehol's offstage presence as well.
I HEART BRYS. Whew, sorry. I have total fangirl love for Brys, and Tehol. Tehol&Bugg should be a series on their own. Or a sitcom.

- Stormy & Gesler. What a way to go - saving Bent, of all things!
I thought that was really, really well done. Gesler already decided he owed the dog, and with Stormey gone I thought it was totally appropriate.

- Hood and his Fourteen. I laughed out loud at their last scene, with Roach pissing on Hood's leg. Who knew laughing Jaghut could be this fun?
A surprisingly hilarious reason for why Jaghut live alone
- Fiddler and Hedge's conclusion together.
I LOVE FIDDLER.
I also loved Korlat and Whiskeyjack's appearances in the novel.