The "Ghost in the Shell" idea has been done a number of times over the years, but I rather like where Scholes might be going here. The other mechoservitors come across as nothing more than automatons, whereas Isaak seems to have both sentience and a nascent free will. The latter coming into being as a result of the horrific deed he committed, if he committed it at all. Nevertheless, his belief that he did do so has definitely shaped him into something new and something strong, not in such a dissimilar way as Rudolfo was made into the right man for the task. This time, however, I'm worried that divine intervention won't stay the hand when a sacrifice is called for.
Scholes handling of Isaak, especially when we first meet him, is remarkably well done. The differentiation between him, with his grief and self-awareness, and the others only heightened Isaak's characterization. Isaak certainly fits into the theme of loss as a personality determinate, a specific generator of traits and moral compass. It will be interesting to see where Scholes goes with Isaak as a character. I wonder if he'll remain a completely viewed character or if we'll ever get a PoV from him.
Lamentation by Ken Scholes the Discussion Thread
06/11/2009 04:57:27 PM
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The setting/created world of the Psalms of Isaak.
06/11/2009 06:43:57 PM
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Reminded me of WoT...
06/11/2009 09:41:44 PM
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Same here, at least as far as the world creation goes.
12/11/2009 05:18:27 PM
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Can't believe I never noticed that...
13/11/2009 05:04:27 AM
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Complete with salty sayings, even!
13/11/2009 04:05:45 PM
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At least it wasn't as heavy-handed in LAMENTATION.
13/11/2009 08:42:36 PM
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But Siuan's fish talk is fun!
13/11/2009 10:22:23 PM
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As in most cases with Jordan...
16/11/2009 05:02:21 PM
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He did not...
16/11/2009 10:21:15 PM
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/Setting: codes and ciphers
10/11/2009 12:19:27 AM
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My thoughts. (i.e. <insert generic subject here>)
06/11/2009 07:38:26 PM
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Themes...
06/11/2009 09:00:23 PM
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I feel like I should have posted a reveiw but I really such at reveiws. Anyway...
07/11/2009 04:53:15 AM
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If you don't mind me asking, what series/books in particular have characters you don't care for?
10/11/2009 08:12:52 PM
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Characters...
08/11/2009 02:30:30 AM
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Isaak, or "he who laughs".
08/11/2009 02:54:44 AM
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Indeed.
10/11/2009 05:31:55 PM
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Personally I can't wait to see how Neb developes... *NM*
10/11/2009 12:05:05 AM
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Winters & Neb
11/11/2009 04:56:35 PM
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Should you ever conduct an interview with Scholes, would you ask him...
12/11/2009 05:51:52 PM
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That's a great question.
12/11/2009 07:38:13 PM
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Thanks in advance. And please let me know his answer one way or the other.
13/11/2009 03:40:19 AM
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