SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Chapters Read:
- XV. Obliteration
- XVI. Waking Dreams
- XVII. Fragments
- XVIII. Without Flaw
Right, where do I even begin with these chapters. These chapters were similar to the prior four chapters, but worse. Much worse. Pure despair on every page.
Murtagh and Thorn are basically tortured into submission. It took days and days of steady, brutalization and magical drugs to do this. He didn't pledge full-on fealty to Bachel, but eventually both Murtagh and Thorn were essentially pulverized into a mental jelly and have essentially become zombies walking, succumbed to despair.
Literally, it simply feels like they lost and Bachel won. I really really am disgusted by this woman.
There was to be no end in sight for their torture, like it was simply seemingly inevitable. Nobody swooping to their rescue.
Uvek shared the tale about how he was captured by the Dreamers and to make a long story short, he was isolated in the Spine and was therefore rather easy to capture. He expressed regret at believing being solitary was the way to live life, and he believes the correct way is to be around others you care for. That simple lesson hit a little too close to home for me personally. 😳 Although, creepy enough even Bachel expressed this wisdom when she stated it's best to fight as a group. Maybe the book is expressing how this is a universal truth, regardless of good or evil. I believe Uvek's advice came from a more wholesome, caring place though, whereas Bachel's came from a more manipulative/goal oriented place. Uvek saw the goodness in being close to people. To help them, care for them, and try to guide the people he cares for and steer them on the right path. While Bachel sees the benefit of numbers to use them. To do her bidding, like pawns for her schemes basically.
But anyway yeah, these chapters were simply filled with suffering. Torture or despair, nightmares and pain. It truly feels hopeless right now and while most books have these phases, this book does a good job at making me feel genuinely frustrated. I also have no clue how Murtagh and Thorn get out of this mess, it seems that he's now been serving Bachel for a number of weeks now, just in this hazy unaware, unmotivated state. Grieve and Bachel literally are riding Thorn which is absolutely disgusting.
I did learn the actual name of the entity Bachel is the voice/vessel of. It's Azlagûr the Devourer. Basically some supremely ancient and powerful, semi-awake slow thinking force who does have the ability to manipulate reality and manifest into existence in some form or fashion. He's apparently a dragon or dragon-like being as well. Seems pretty sketchy.
So yeah these chapters were pretty straightforward and rather depressing. Powerful in their own way and I really hope somehow Murtagh and Thorn can escape this mess but I have no clue how, it seems that they've both given up even trying. They keep getting dosed with The Breath the entire time as well so they can't even think clearly as it is.
To make matters more petty, for some reason nobles and merchants showed up to Nal Gorgoth and amongst them was Lyreth. He teased him and the whole crowd laughed and even Bachel had to say something condescending.
To go through all of this torment, to then have a childhood bully show up, is so ridiculous and insulting. Gross.
Although I do find it rather chilling how Lyreth seems to know Bachel? Were they in cahoots all the way back in Gil'ead? Ugh, what Murtagh said was indeed true, in that despite Galbatorix's downfall, there were loyalists throughout the land who didn't enjoy this new revolution and apparently maybe Bachel is a secret weapon or ace up their sleeve etc.
These chapters feel like a whole new book. This whole book has been fairly dense in general, a lot of events occurring but it is smooth and doesn't feel rushed. I was worried Bachel was some random generic bad guy/woman but she does feel substantial and does feel like she fits in well into the lore. Very much easily unlikeable.
Interestingly, Murtagh makes mention of noticing a familiar face in the very crowd Lyreth was in which is interesting. I'm dying to know who that might be. Uvek and AlÃn also might be allies as well, if they can somehow find a chink in Bachel's armor. AlÃn seems conflicted internally and has given Murtagh more substantial food while imprisoned. She also takes care of Thorn when she can from what I understand. Also, Uvek seems concerned about Murtagh to an extent as well. Then maybe whoever this person Murtagh can't recognize....
Maybe hope is brewing but it's not obvious whatsoever.
Bah! What is going on?!?!
