I know what you mean. I thought book #2 was bad, I skipped book #3 and the only reason I picked up #4 is because Murder by Death told me the Pickwick twist in book # 2 would be resolved. I loved book #4, but this one...... I'm not sure I'll pick up #6 or #7.
I read #2 first, so I didn't mind it (I didn't realize it was a sequel when I bought it). Then I went back and read #1, which was alright but still seemed a bit rough. I don't remember 3, 4, & 5 very well, although I rated them all 2-stars. I'm not sure if everything I remember is actually from the fifth book, but a lot of just didn't really work, as you said.
I totally agree with you about the greatness of the Short Now part of the plot; he so often said in this book what I personally have thought to myself about books and reading.
The Stig issue didn't seem as pronounced to me because what stuck with me the strongest from that scene in the previous book was his insistence that the chimera couldn't be allowed to live - he was incredibly humane about it, but unflinching too. So the scene in this book felt overly simplified, but not inaccurate.
Good point about Stig insisting that chimera had to be killed. I had to re-read this part again. I somehow had it in my mind that Stig did what he did because it was his assigned task, not because he agreed with the justifications. I still hated the way that it came across in book 5.
I'll be looking out for your thoughts on book 6. ;) Let me know if our not-so feathered friend gets more page-time, will you? ;)
Yes! You'll be the first to know! It'll be awhile though; like you I'm trying to string them out as long as possible in the hopes that he'll write another one before I get caught up. :P
The Stig issue didn't seem as pronounced to me because what stuck with me the strongest from that scene in the previous book was his insistence that the chimera couldn't be allowed to live - he was incredibly humane about it, but unflinching too. So the scene in this book felt overly simplified, but not inaccurate.
VERY glad to hear #6 is better!
I'll be looking out for your thoughts on book 6. ;) Let me know if our not-so feathered friend gets more page-time, will you? ;)