Balancing Different Types of Relationships
By Rachel Rossano
The world of The Talented trilogy is a very densely
populated. Between two main characters with six siblings each, Hadrian’s
multitudes of aides and helpers, Zez’s associates, and their joint friends, the
pages burst with people. Because of this, writing these books has been a
delicate act of balancing different types of relationships.
Family –
Zez’s relationship with her family is more complex than
Hadrian’s relationship with his thanks to her father’s great disappointment in
her gender and the fact she isn’t the seventh born son. Her mother is distant
emotionally and physically. Her brothers range from absentmindedly affectionate
to downright hostile. Thankfully, she doesn’t interact with most of them very
often. Only Renato, one of the absentmindedly affectionate ones, keeps close
enough to interfere in her life regularly.
Hadrian keeps close tabs on most of his family via his Sept
Son connections. Since he is responsible for overseeing their work assignments
as defenders. Still, he rarely gets to see them since his duties take up so
much of his time and effort. Of all of his brothers, Selwyn is the most
frequent visitor, dropping in to harass or annoy his little brother.
Friends –
Both Zez and Hadrian have friends who play various roles in
their lives. During the first novel, Zez befriends Candra, the daughter of her
mentor, but that relationship doesn’t last through the strain of Zez moving
into service as a defender. The friendship that does survive that transition is
the one she maintains with Selwyn, Hadrian’s older brother. It is a big brother
to little sister friendship, but much better than her relationship with her
brothers. In Living Sacrifice, Zez has her first real friendship with a
woman of a similar age. Both Ariana and Zez lead unconventional lives and are
caught in a tough spot midst the chaos of war. The women bond when Zez extends
kindness to Ariana when everyone else in their community shuns her. For the
first time, Zez takes on the role of the protector and mentor to Ariana. In
return, she gains a steadfast friend.
Hadrian maintains many friendships throughout the series.
Korneli, a childhood friend who is more of a brother, is a regular companion.
His frequently flippant attitude balances Hadrian’s tendency to be too serious.
Another close friend is Hadrian’s brother Selwyn. When I need someone to get in
Hadrian’s face and confront him on something he is doing wrong, Selwyn is
always happy to do that. As Hadrian’s older brother, he thinks he has the right
to be bossy when needed.
Co-workers –
Although neither Hadrian or Zez have conventional jobs like
you or I, they do have a group of people they interact with regularly in their
“workplace.” For Zez, a frequent associate though all three books is an older
man named Plantonio. The two of them argue over Zez’s role and
responsibilities. Plantonio appears to think of Zez a daughter to be protected
as they serve together.
Hadrian’s main co-worker is his right-hand man, Renato, who
also happens to be Zezilia’s brother. The two of them are constantly at odds as
Renato tries to stay one step ahead of Hadrian’s workaholic tendencies. A
mutual respect grows between them, but that doesn’t mean Renato doesn’t spend
most of the time annoyed at his superior.
Friends to more –
The core relationship of this whole series has been between
Zezilia and Hadrian. They began the trilogy as friends, distant and
disconnected from each other, their connection was mainly Hadrian’s task of
overseeing her training. By the second novel, they are embarking on the
beginning of their time working together. Bonding over their experiences as
strong Talents, their friendship grows midst the adversity. By the end of the
book, they have potential to be much more than friends, but Hadrian puts a stop
to that by leaving her behind as he rides off at the high king’s side. I can’t
speak too much about the third book without giving away spoilers, but I can
say, Hadrian grows to regret that decision.
All of these relationships are intertwined. They enhance and
balance out the story. The characters and the story depend on these
relationships. Without them, the story would not have the depth that it does.
Beautiful covers and good stories! Congrats to the author!
ReplyDeletei am loving the covers!
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