I Read What?!

So last time, we hit the end of Moreta's primary story. This is interesting, because we've hit the point where Moreta ends. There's an epilogue, of course, but we have no idea how the story will get from here to there. That's pretty interesting.

What's also interesting is that we're three chapters from the end. And it's funny to think about. When I look at this book objectively, I realize that not much really has happened. Nerilka suffers an off-screen tragedy, manages things at the estate, leaves in disgust, and goes to Ruatha. Objectively speaking, more happened in White Dragon. But at no point do I feel bored or restless when I read this book.

I think it's because, while the stakes are far lower than in White Dragon, and while not much seems to happen in terms of big events, there's still a lovely small scale sense of momentum. Nerilka is not a static character, and the emotional stages that she goes through in this book provide us with a sense of action, even when she herself is just going through the motions. It probably also helps that McCaffrey isn't going out of her way to portray Nerilka as the best thing ever or the most put-upon martyr in the world. She's a normal person, with some talents that are worthy of recognition, some obstacles in her path, and some goals that she can reach.

And it helps that the story is focused on the future and where Nerilka is going, rather than the past accomplishments that she's already done. I don't need my friend to make me a "shut up about the egg!" meme for Nerilka, thank goodness.

So let's see where Nerilka's going now!

( We've got some tragedies to revisit )