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I appreciate the feedback about readers' interest in Vala. This is a character I might further explore in another story.

juliamenez wrote: ↑18 Sep 2018, 11:02 I wonder if this is strategic on the author's part, where the character is just mentioned to establish a presence in book 1, and then will be more integral to the plot in the sequels.

It is a good theory. Perhaps, the author seeks a sequel on the first book.

DC Brown wrote: ↑23 Sep 2018, 00:22

CommMayo wrote: ↑21 Sep 2018, 14:46

Zain A Blade wrote: ↑21 Sep 2018, 14:43

Now that you put it that way, Vala could be the most interesting character yet.

It is all about putting it into perspective!

Love this train of thought. When I read the book I felt the author had written Vala off as unimportant, nearly invisible. Now I wonder if she could hold her own against the Romans!??!

I was thinking that Vala just a guarantee for King Amren and her role in the story may end there. Now that I have read these thoughtful posts, my mind has changed. I now hope to learn what valued part Vala will play as the plot thickens and comes to a conclusion.

Absolutely! When the Catrin was so worried about the king's safety as he was being held prisoner, I kept shouting, "What about your sister?" I think the author should have considered this more. Leaving her unmentioned made the rest of the family seem uncaring toward her. Additionally, I was impressed to read that Vala was a warrior. I had hoped we would be able to see her in action, but she wasn't given the chance to show off.

I feel that the qualities given to Vala suits her.

I wish to say that since the authure says vala was or is a warrio then lets believe and take it that way. Although everyone is entitle to his or her own opinion

I, too, think Vala will be coming back. Marcellus was commissioned with using his time to discover what he could about Amren's plans and treaties. Couldn't Vala be doing the same? I would not be surprised if she came back and played a bigger role in future books in this series.

yeah, she was barely mentioned. she probably could have made a decent character.

Vala was the least developed character in the story. She was just mentioned as being tall and ugly. I hope they give her more time in the next book.

I agree that she has some real potential to be a key character. Her time with the Roman could give her a huge advantage it intelligence gathering, especially if she is underestimated by the chauvinist Roman soldiers.

I think that Vala could have been developed more. She was there only to ensure the safety of Marcellus, but I didn’t see her play any greater role. I think that perhaps she will be more important in the sequel, because her storyline is unfinished (however small it was).

CommMayo wrote: ↑30 Sep 2018, 10:59 I agree that she has some real potential to be a key character. Her time with the Roman could give her a huge advantage it intelligence gathering, especially if she is underestimated by the chauvinist Roman soldiers.

I agree. She could have the same goal as Marcellus - infiltrate! And given the way she has been described, she may be able to feign indifference or naivete to listen in on important conversations without being taken seriously.

I agree, Vala was almost a non-entity. Of course, even Mor was more of a plot device than a princess. She seemed to only exist to enable Catrin to move things forward at different time.

I felt awful for Vala! She was nothing but an trade piece of a character constantly listed as ugly and basically useless. It felt like the author was objectifying her through the eyes of her family as much as the Romans did.

I kept wondering what happened to Vala. I can’t imagine that her story wouldn’t be included in book two.