The Questions I Still Have About Conspiracy of Kings

[11rod88staff11]

I want so much to proliferate appreciation and love for Sounis Sophos and the Conspiracy of Kings right now. I feel like a lot of the reason this book doesn't get talked about as much as the others in the series is it's so complex... I have read it multiple times carefully and I think I'm reasonably intelligent... And honestly I'm still not sure

Comments

[checkers65477]

Oh my gosh, I agree with you SO MUCH that even though some people didn't seem to like the book as much as the others because they thought if more "middle grade" or simple, it's actually extremely complex. (Ok, that was a very awkward sentence but you know what I mean.) I'm going to tell you what I think about a couple of your points and give the rest some more thought.

I really pondered over why Helen was so angry and am still not completely sure. In addition to the reasons you mention, I think she was angry because she loved Sophos but was manipulating him terribly and couldn't even explain to him why. She and Gen were stealing his country, plain and simple, so Eddis could evacuate and the three countries join together to fight the Medes. So much was riding on this, but then he protests that he won't let her give up her sovereignty. She knew she'd have to give it up, and was willing to do it for Gen, Sophos, and the people of the countries.

But what of the whole paragraph about how he could have won against his barons without

[freenarnian]

I hadn't considered the angle that Gen's meddling and maneuvering was in part motivated by a determination not to let Sophos die in the attempt, however brave or noble or necessary for [insert non-personal political reason here], but that DOES sound like Gen. We've seen the lengths he'll go to once he's got his heart set on a person. I can just imagine it...

Gen, sitting bolt upright in bed: "I know, I'll give him a concealed weapon! Just in case."
Irene: "...NOW we're talking. Let's make it TWO concealed weapons."
Gen: "Not that our dear little bunny would ever actually shoot somebody."
Irene: "Certainly not somebody important."
Gen, lover of stupid plans: "Yeah, what could possibly go wrong?"

I mean, what did Sophos expect, honestly, running to the Attolias for help? A dove release?!

:p

[checkers65477]

Hahaha, exactly!

[checkers65477]

Maybe Eddis was also angry because Sophos seemed to be backing out of his proposal once the whole sovereignty issue came up. When he apologizes, Sophos says, "I should have had more faith in you. I understand why you are angry with me: because I disappointed you..."

[freenarnian]

"I have read it multiple times carefully and I think I'm reasonably intelligent... And honestly I'm still not sure if i really get everything that happened."

Same, my friend, SAME. XD

That said, it always warms my heart to see ACoK getting discussed and praised and loved, because it is a contender for my favorite book in the series. The themes and complexity and character development and interplay are simply epic... though certainly not simple.

I may come back with some additional thoughts at a different hour, but your ponderings got me to thinking about the theme and examination of independence running through this series. Is it possible/attainable? Is is worth it? Is it better? Does it make you stronger? Happier? Is it an illusion? Seems all of our beloved characters have wrestled with these questions and their difficult answers at some point in the series, and boy, does Sophos go through the wringer!

[ext_4646064]

I have no answers(lol) but I did want to say that it took me at least two reads to get into CoK, because at the time it had the least Gen in it. Once I got over that and focused on the story in front of me, it became my one of my favorites. I might have more insight when I read it again.

[frosted_feather]

I like this book a lot, and it always makes me question WHY everything had to happen that happens at the end, which is pretty tricksy of a book.

I think you're getting to the heart of it at the end there, where you say "Make him believe he wanted more from them than they were willing to give?" Because with Sopho's action at the meeting, and his discussions afterward with Helen, Gen, and Irene (going from memory here), Sophos can feel like he made his decision as a soverign. He wanted Gen to tell him what to do, wise-king like. But instead, Sophos had to figure it out, thereby allowing him to take responsibility for those actions later.

It does feel kind of like all his friends hoodwinked him. I guess that's what you get for being friends with Gen and Irene?

[checkers65477]

Ooh, you just made me think of the story of Hespira and Horreon in QoA, where Horreon's mother tries to trick Hespira into remaining in the underworld, but Hespira chooses to stay there. The difference with Sophos, who would have fallen right in with whatever Gen and Helen told him to do, who instead chooses his own path. Makes his own decisions.

[frosted_feather]

That's right! And I adore your current picture. bunnies in crowns! :)

[checkers65477]

Yes. Sweet little Bunny Sophos.

[whataliethatwas]

Late to the game, but I love these discussions and wanted to feel like one of the cool kids. This is just from memory, so take this as you will

[blankslater]

I’m late to the discussion, but Eddis explains why the islands are important: having Sounis hold some of the island will make the neutral islanders happy. Then Gen reveals that he used the neutral islands to get the reinforcements to Sophos. That’s when Sophos figures out Gen was behind the suggestion.

[checkers65477]

I totally missed that, that the islands Sounis held were then used by Gen to move soldiers and supplies. Good catch!