Predictions (MAJOR progressive spoilers on all books)

[Chrischa]

I've always liked the first book, but then I like reading about extraordinairy schools and such. I think the character of Nevare is well set-up; very much a product of a high-class, aristocratic upbringing, and yet there is that spark of respect in him for everybody else. I suppose it's because he has been brought up to not look actively down on anyone, other then the Old Nobles' sons. And yes, I know that those feelings are there in the way his father threats those "tame" Plainspeople, but he has at least never told Nevare to consider them inferiour. That sort of thing can create real monsters from young boys.

I also love Epiny! She's so clever and strong. It only surprises me that of all the people she knows, only Spink manages to see the reason for her childish behaviour. They make a perfect match.

I felt genuinly very upset when Nevare sailed past the old forest when they travelled the river on their way to Old Thares, and then saw it being destroyed. The whole theme of the destruction of one civilisation by the hands of another, that thinks of itself as superiour, is such a fascinating undercurrent in the whole story, and one that I'm personally very interested in as well.
I loved the subtle mentions of growing number of "preservationists" (sorry, I forgot how they are named in the book), who fight for restoring the Plains People to their old way of life. But that's too late, of course.

I'm reading through the books as well, right now, but for the third time. I'm currently halfway through the last book, so I'll be very careful for spoilers! But I'm very happy that you started this topic because I always thought that there is a lot more to the story then people sometimes give it credit for, even if it pales in comparison to the world of the Elderlings.