n7axw wrote:ti3x wrote:
That entire battle scene made me almost put the book down and walk away. Heck, throughout the series the Charisians are taking causalities which they could have realistically avoided by using snarks to create "luck" on the battlefield. A matter of god (or Owl) helping those who help themselves.
But even without that, Sarmouth doesn't bother suggesting ways that he might hide barges to the spotter, such as below a mound of dirt, and please keep an eye out for stuff like that. He knew those rocket barges were there, but instead of just saying that he would rather avoid getting too close to the island, he decides to let the attack carry on.
It's a decision that Weber seems to have made to keep the Charisian's from curbstomping Thirsk, and it just feels unnatural. But then, much of this book feels that way, which is a feeling that has been growing throughout the series.
Also, hands up if you skipped entire paragraphs when it came to talking about where which army was marching, or might march, or would march, except for, or did march, but then marched back from...
I for my own part intend to go back and study those battles. I'm already started on the sea battles.... Sorry you are apparentky not enjoying the series.
Don
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I don't know if he was saying he didn't like the series or not, but I know exactly what he is saying about how it feels "forced". At least in relation to making sure that the "bad guys" can partially hold their own. I think in an effort to not be criticized for writing war porn, he has done a lot of "it just happens because I say so" to keep the church and her allies "IN" the war. And I say that as someone that LOVES the series, and has read it multiple times.
I brought this up ( about how it felt like he was forcing the church to keep pace ) with the briefcase that a high ranking Charisan was just walking around Siddar City with, even though it had just been the scene of an Inquisition led uprising and battle. But, hey, walk around with those important secrets unprotected, gotta make sure the church somehow learns to make Charisan steel, open hearths, and the basic plans of a steam engine. I know David came on and admonished me, saying it was logical for it to happen, but it wasn't. I, as someone who was in Military Intelligence, can not conceive of ANY country EVER letting someone just walk around with state secrets, in a zone with that much unrest, and ESPECIALLY without being heavily guarded.
Still love the series, will be reading it multiple times more, God willing, over the years. But there was a good bit of hand wavium to keep the church pacing Charis.