Well folks, we’re nearly at the end.  What a fantastic read so far!!  So, for all the serpents in dresses and the drowning puppy eyed looking blokes out there, lets move swiftly on.  Our lovely host, and provided of the questions for the week is Andrea over at Little Red Reviewer.  Stop on over to join the debate!  And, beware of spoilers.  I’m not going to repeat it – if you haven’t read this or the prior two books then stop reading NOW.   Turn back!  (Okay, I repeated it a little bit.)

1. We finally know why Sabetha dies her hair, and that’s so disturbing even the Thiefmaker under Shade’s Hill was disgusted by it. Too dark for this world? Or just right?  Well, it’s absolutely disgusting, but that never stopped vile things in their tracks did it.  I’d say this fits into the world we’re reading about.  After all, they hang children for pickpocketing and chop off a person’s hand for slapping the nobility and that’s the law abiding types.

2. The “Asino” brothers are drunken idiots, but they’re not blind. What did you think of the little rendezvous they helped arrange for Sabetha and Locke?  I say thank goodness for a glimmer of sense (from the Asinos!)  I mean Locke and Sabetha certainly weren’t going to take that sort of initiative were they – we could have gone back and forward for months yet.  In fact, it just wouldn’t have occurred to them.  I loved that the twins stepped in and organised it all.  Okay, a little cubby hole with a couple of blankets might not seem like the most romantic way of getting together but I think scented candles and throw cushions were the least of their concerns at that point.  Didn’t you feel a bit sorry for Locke afterwards!  Seeing the look on Sabetha’s face and thinking ‘is that what all the fuss is about’!

3. Locke managed to get everyone out of the Boulidazi mess we discussed last week . . . what do you think of this latest  Boulidazi complication?  I love that you called this a complication – I don’t think Boulidazi would agree LOL – creative use of a pair of scissors.  Well, I never liked the guy to be honest which doesn’t mean he got exactly what he deserves (although he is a total arse wipe and a raping bastard), but, Christ on his throne, has this just got major league complicated.  Talk about tension and grey hair.  Sabetha seems to be coming up with the goods though not to mention fairly coolly dispatching Boulidazi!  *shivers*.  Wouldn’t have liked to have been in her shoes at that particular moment – mmm, she can definitely be quite ruthless when needed though.

And back to Karthain (I’m jumping around in time here, leaving the most important bits for last)

4.Time is flying, and the election is getting closer. Desperation calls for cheap tricks. I think my favorite so far is Sabetha’s special roof guards. What’s your favorite election dirty trick so far?  I think the old woman trick was pretty good to be honest – but, then, I was reading about a scene with Jean in it so….  Yeah, anyway, he’s a big gentle giant isn’t he – he could have picked those old dears up, carried them off that roof and put them on a luxurious ship bound to travel aimlessly around for the duration of the election couldn’t he?  Although I’m sure Sabetha would have them replaced pdq but come on, how many sweet old ladies can she find willing to sit on the rooftops.  I quite liked the snakes – I mean, I wouldn’t have personally liked to make their acquaintance but it was pretty inventive the way Sabetha got Locke to share a coach ride with them!

5.There’s a mole in the Deep Roots. Was that person’s identity a surprise to you? And how did you like Locke’s method of identifying the person?  This wasn’t really a surprise to be honest – you sort of knew that Lynch had a reason for giving Nikoros his little addiction and the method of detection was clever and appropriate I thought.

6.What’s so important about this Lovaris fellow? The election is right around the corner, so why introduce someone new so late in the game?  I detect a twist in the tale.  But, I’m rubbish at guessing and also I’ve read to the end!!  So, I can’t say, lips are sealed, zipped, locked and thrown away the key.

7. It’s so nice that Locke and Sabetha can finally have some nice, normal dinner dates. He even cooks her dinner! But that sneaky Patience, always interrupting everything! Finally, she promises some answers. that’s nice. what, Locke is WHO? Locke is a WHAT? How much of it do you believe?  Massive spoiler alert!!!!  I’m just not sure what to think of this new theory.  I’ve decided not to believe it.  I think Patience is just throwing in one last epically bitchy story to con the conners.  Oh, I dunno.  *stamps feet, chucks toys out of pram and takes bat and ball home*  I suppose the good thing is, if this story is true then Locke (or whoever he is), doesn’t remember who he was so he is really who he thinks he is?  Right??  Patience – you bitch.  And interrupting everything as well!  Total tart face.

And, what about all these eating places that Lynch has come up with – bloody hell, who needs a regular restaurant – eating in a cage – not sure I’d fancy Sabetha’s way of exiting, not after I’d just eaten some huge ass meal!  Up chuck at all.

Anyway, let me get back to talking about Jean – and Jenora??  Okay, I wont’ be a stuck record on that subject but phwoar.  That. Is. All.

And, what was all this about from Sabetha ‘Nothing before the Hill matters’ she said quietly.  ‘I was protected.  Then I was an orphan.  Leave it at that.’  What does all that mean.  That’s a definite lure and I’ve been hooked!