Yes, I did bother me immensely that everyone seemed to be in love with Elspeth. There was a nice sub-plot of Dameon angst in Ashling but I think it got a bit out of hand by the Stone Key with half the country caught up in the whirlwind that was Elspeth. Gilbert turned out to be a bit of an idiot, though. I always liked Domick and was pretty crushed by his death but it was an interesting way to go. I think the minor character I appreciated most from this book was Jak (I think that's his name), the teknoguilder over in the Old Library. He was awesome.

I thought the desert chase between Dardelan (?) and Bruna was an interesting custom but I don't know if I particularly like the idea of women being "hunted". And agree that it doesn't seem like a particularly matriarchal tradition.

As for the Legendsong - I must admit that I prefer Glynn, like the majority, simply because I find her parts of the novels interest me much more. And once again, the case of amazing minor characters can't be forgotten. Bleyd, Kerd, Anyi and Feyt especially. And I must admit that Solen is growing on me. For the villains - the Draaka are reasonable but I quite liked Kalide (I think that was his name) - he was pretty twisted.

Oh. This really makes me want to read these books again...and I shall, once the semester is over.

(I friended you, I hope that's okay.)