The Jamey Dodger Society

[ninedaysaqueen]

For prevention of cruelty to reprobates.

Current Members
ninedaysaqueen
smallsotong
inkasrain
an_english_girl
dannybailey
filkferengi
mikkaybear
agh_4
frosted_feather

*rings gong*

I call to order the first meeting of the Jamey Dodger Society, a group for those who have read a "Thick as Thieves" arc or want to become as spoiled as Varuca Salt.

Comments

[dannybailey]

I just joined (thanks ninedaysaqueen for adding me) and I'm loving the conversation so far. It has definitely increased my appreciation of the book even more.

So, first things first: I have a confession to make. I'm a long-time slash fan and I tend to read with slash goggles. That being said, I really think there was some extremely heavy hinting at a romantic relationship between Costis and Kamet. I think it was mirrored in the myths as well. Although - again - I may be biased here!

I also have another confession... about halfway or maybe three-fourths of the way through the book I started wondering if maybe I didn't really like it. I felt horribly guilty about it, since I've been anticipating it for so long and of course we're lucky that we have a book! But I guess all the wandering and the seemingly endless setbacks and sidetracks really made me impatient. Luckily I think the end of the book was so strong that it completely made up for the meandering middle. I loved everything about Eugenides and Irene. I'm a sucker for sad, angsty scenes! And I liked how being around new strangers suddenly put Kamet's feelings about Costis into focus. It really helped to show how comfortable the pair had actually become with each other.

And to answer a few of the discussion questions:

- I caught the twist about Eugenides as the servant boy almost right away, but I was totally fooled by the fake-out of Nahuseresh's death. I'm actually pretty happy that he's still alive. He's such a good villain and his death felt anti-climactic. I thought (hoped!) that the Attolian was Costis all along, although I started to doubt a little bit when he called himself Aris. Quick thinking, Costis!

- The relationship between Kamet and Nahuseresh is very clearly abusive, and very sad. Kamet's story is really very tragic. I always saw him this way, so I'm glad my personal backstory for him doesn't really have to change much now that we've got a more fleshed out story. It all fits in so well with what I imagined!

One last thought: Eugenides has been so busy! Wow, he is probably in his early/mid-twenties and he's traveled to remote parts of the world that most people never go (Kathodicia), served in employ to the Attolian court, established himself as a Sounisian thief of some repute, stole Hamiathes' Gift, spent a year or so convalescing, stole the Queen of Attolia, and still had time to rebuild that bridge between Eddis and Attolia over the Aracthus! Impressive!

[ninedaysaqueen]

I'm not usually a slash goggler, but I'm right there with you on Costis/Kamet! I was talking about that to mikkaybear when we were PMing. At first, I thought I was just imagining things, then Kamet was like, "He is stealing me, but not because he loves me." (-__-) You sure about that?

Also, Godekker thinking they were lovers... "Does he only have eyes for you? Does he tell you how much he loves you? Does he tell you how pretty you are?" O_O Wait, what am I reading!!!???? Is this really happening?

Take a shot every time Kamet mentions how strong, good looking, or buff Costis is. XP

Kamet at the end when he is all like "Costis, my dear Costis." and talking about him in his letter like they're an old married couple. Stop bringing smelly plants into the house, honey! XD Plus, Costis followed him when he left! AHHHH! <3 <3 <3

I feel like there are some strong implications there. They definitely love and have strong feelings for one another. Whether or not that is romantic love we'll have to see. There are many kinds of love.

But...I mean... for a second there. Costis was going to lie to his king to protect Kamet! I can not overstate how big of a deal that is! Costis is just generally very sweet and supportive towards Kamet and Kamet comes to really appreciate Costis with time. Either way, there's going to be some serious shipping going on around here!

I had that am-I-going-to-like-this-book-as-much-as-the-others moment much earlier during the caravan ride, but after the Namreen attack, I got that this was largely Kamet's emotional journey and the traveling was just the backdrop. (Can we talk about the hug?) I was a lot more patient and excited after I realized that. Also, after Costis got into a fight with a lion, I was like yup, this is awesome! There's no argument after that. XD

I didn't get bored in the middle like everyone else seems to have, but I do agree that the ending was super strong and very intense.

I completely missed the Aris alias the first time through, so I never had any doubts. It's just so obviously Costis. I'd know him anywhere!

Eugenides even found time to set up his favorite guard with his other friend on a blind date! XD

[dannybailey]

Ooh, I'm glad to hear that even the non-slashers are seeing it! Yes, I almost forgot about what Godekker says to Kamet. Gosh, there was a lot of innuendo in this book. Which, of course, I enjoyed very much. :)

I like this Costis/Kamet drinking game idea! You'd need a lot of shots though. :D The ending is really what sealed the deal for me. They are living together in domestic bliss! Costis left the court, his King, and his friends (and maybe the chance to be captain of the guard, at least for now) in order to be with Kamet. But yeah, I'm super on board for any type of committed relationship between the two. I think you're spot on that Kamet seemed attracted to Costis quite often, but I would die of happiness if this turned out to be a loving, asexual relationship. There really ought to be more of those in fiction!

After reading all of these comments, I've decided to read the book again. (And probably again in May when I get my official copy lol). I think knowing that they eventually do make it to Attolia will allow me to appreciate the middle parts more. Probably part of my impatience was just worry that something bad would happen before they made it to safety. We'll see what I pick up on this time. Knowing our lovely, brilliant author I'm sure there are easter eggs, double entendres, and sly clues all throughout the book. :)

[ninedaysaqueen]

He does like to go on and on about how strong and competent Costis is. I get it Kamet. You think Costis is hot and has skillz! XD

At first it makes sense how much Kamet mentions that Costis is strong and physically intimidating, because he's afraid he's gonna kill him, but he's still doing it by the end of the book. Maybe, he's just happy he has someone around to help with the heavy lifting, but it does get suspicious...

I do think part of the reason Costis left the court is because it's still too dangerous for him to stay. Technically, he's not a part of the Guard anymore, right? However, he doesn't decide to stay with his family, but instead goes off with Kamet. That's a pretty big deal. Obviously, he's still working for his king and country monitoring the observation points for enemy ships, but Kamet could do that on his own, so Costis's presence isn't absolutely necessary. So obviously, he wanted to go with Kamet, but I don't think he could stay at court even if he wanted to.

That may eventually change. If the Mede Empire collapses and Kamet is no longer afraid of their power, they could both end up back at court together being secret agents. I honestly thought Kamet would take over Relius's job, but clearly, someone else is doing that. I'm still wondering who the new assistant is? Anyways, I like the actual ending better. Kamet gets some time away from espionage.

I'm guessing Costis will remain a sort of secret agent, (I just turned on the Secret Agent Man song. This is now Costis's theme song!) going on missions and doing odd jobs for Eugenides. Maybe, taking Kamet with him? They do have a brains/brawns dynamic. Kamet is an excellent liar and con-artist, which makes up for Costis's lack of those abilities. They made one heck of a team, so I hope they have a role in the final book(s).

The texts makes it clear that they've both been interested in women at some point, so the implications could lean towards an asexual partnership. I love bromances too, especially when it's a symbiotic relationship. They have some seriously funny buddy cop moments. Of course, they're relationship is still very new, so we'll see if they appear again and what they're relationship develops into. Some relationships in fiction work better as platonic partnerships. I never shipped Johnlock for that reason.

What really sealed the deal for me is when they appear before Eugenides, and they're both planning to lie to protect the other and take all the blame. For Costis, especially, that's a big deal. We know how fanatically loyal he is to his king and queen.

Keep an eye out for the callbacks. They're are soooo many!

[filkferengi]

You might enjoy M. C. A. Hogarth's Dreamhealers series. I think it touches on lots of your points, & the 3rd book is due out next month.

http://mcahogarth.org/the-dreamhealers-series/

[dannybailey]

Oh, what a great recommendation! Thank you! It's such a difficult genre (if you can even call it that) to find anything in. I've added the first book to my goodreads account! :)

[filkferengi]

Oh, good; I hope you enjoy them. Should you decide to recommend them over on sounis, remember to mark the post ot: for off-topic. We'll need lots to read, before the next book comes out.

;)

[empmai]

I'm going to clarify my earlier statement that I know it was Costis from the beginning.

It wasn't that I knew it was Costis, but that I obstinately stubbornly refused to believe it was anyone other than Costis because I really, really wanted another Costis book.