Talk:Book 7: Flashback/@comment-74.140.2.76-20190115201154/@comment-38180789-20190115203022

I knew when reading Flashback that a lot of people would feel this way. Still, it was my favorite in the series. Shannon placed a focus on something everyone brushes over. Well, two somethings. So, Sophie has really bad anxiety. The shadows attacked her head, the central point of anxiety. FItz has anger issues. The shadows attacked his heart, the central part of anger. This is supposed to symbolize a few things, like the monster. I have anxiety, so the monster scared me, because that's what it feels like. I've always loved how accurate Sophie's anxiety was and this took it a step further.

These books are very plot driven, so getting a book that was character driven felt really nice. Plus, as a writer, I know that these plot points that are "repeating" aren't all too similar in my opinion (of course, you may feel different). The gang getting caught in forcefields a second time was to show how, even with training, it was futile. They need a different strategy. It's supposed to show how cunning Vespera is and how there is only so much they could do.

As for side characters, I kind of agree, but I know the purpose behind it. They haven't been developed, because other characters needed the spotlight. Fitz needed to develop a little more and Keefe needed to start withdrawing from Sophie, likely for later plot. Biana is another story all together.

I honestly think she's gonna join the Neverseen, or at least be tempted to. Everything points to it and she's going through a lot. Her reaction when bad things happen is withdrawing and not speaking to people. Plus, after Fitz lashed out at her, she probably wanted to leave him be. So, she couldn't be in the healing center scenes and she probably wouldn't confide in Sophie. She isn't at that point in their friendship. They may seem close, but Biana puts on a facade and doesn't show her true feelings, to anyone.

One last thing, I have a feeling Shannon is waiting for the "Aha!" moment in the series. It's likely towards the end of the second last book, things will speed up. We will probably learn Sophie's parentage soon and that might tie into the ending. Maybe it's involved with defeating Vespera? Either way, everything is very planned, so be patient and your questions will be answered :D Just some fruit for your thoughts. Maybe this will help? I totally get you may think different than me.