The hints that SRD's writing style would be challenging is no lie. The depth of his writing, the words used and the sentence structure is challenging and intricate. I must read it twice as slow as I normally would in order not to miss anything. Very dense. I find his flow of storytelling so far much smoother in the 'real world' sequences than the early Land sequences. I think this is where he is challenging himself. It is seems obvious too that there is something really commplicated going on in the Land that requires this depth of writing. (am I way off in assuming that Linden seems to have the ability to cross over time when she uses the ring?... nevermind, don't answer that.)
The real world passages are fantastic. He is so confident in his writing and way he build tension, it is such a pleasure to read. Now that I am in the Land once again, I am struck by a feeling of sadness. Not sure why exactly, but it has to do with the "here we go again". This is not to say I am not enjoying it, SRD's writing permits no other reaction from me, but I am unsure whether I am ready for the heavyness of events that will unfold (death or corruption of beauty and innocence, etc...) What makes me excited about this trip back to the Land is Linden. She is a great character to have return. Strong, resourceful, not without her own weaknesses, but I am hoping she learns to draw strength from these and not wallow like TC did in the first two series. Oh, I am sure she will question herself in the face of Despite, but I find her character has greater potential to be a satisfying 'hero' to me at this time in my life, the same way TC affected me when I read him in High School and University.
Another impression I have is that SRD is really going to close things off in this series. Not that I ever doubted him, but look what happens to Kevin's Watch... SRD is on a tear. Woe be to those characters that get in his way. I have no douby I will be shedding many literary tears for the memory of past characters or places that will be painfully altered, their legacy changed, or something else that will add to the despair I and Linden wil be exposed to.
That's all for now. As I move through this tome I will add more comments and later read others as I feel I won't be spoiled (please don't put any spoilers in any replies to me....
pleeeease!)ciao for now...
