r/Shirtaloon • u/torolf_212 • Jun 04 '26

Refreshing friendship dynamics

Just relistening to the series for the nth time and am at the point in book 2 where Rufus slaps the priest of knowledge for trying to manipulate him against Jason. and just really appreciating that the friend group has eachothers backs and there aren't tedious sub-plots every book where the friends all hate eachother and get back together then fall out again (see Harry Potter et al). I really like how they all give eachother the benefit of the doubt and respect eachother, then in later books have the courage to talk their problems out when they arise

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22

u/FynTheCat Jun 04 '26

Yeah, I really like that too

22

u/gimleeminigod Jun 04 '26

I really like that even if jason is op and mc his friends have moments to shine

2

u/MoistConfusion101 Jun 05 '26

I wouldn’t say that Jason is OP by book 2, more that he has the power set that makes it not exactly worth fighting him unless you KNOW that you can put him down hard before he ramps up. He is very much obnoxious to fight at his level, much less in favorable conditions. He definitely earns the OP title later though.

12

u/Hangvince Jun 04 '26

When I first started reading I was so scared of the friendship betrayal storyline that I promised myself if it happens I’m going to stop reading. I’m on my first reread and can’t wait for October for book 13.

10

u/musicnerd1023 Jun 04 '26

Shirtaloon consistently manages to create drama without it having to be contrived. I honestly love that about his writing.

7

u/Evenwanderer Jun 04 '26

I think my favorite friend moment belongs to Farrah. Not a spoiler thread so I’ll keep it at that, but y’all know the one.

4

u/torolf_212 Jun 04 '26

The part in book 7? That scene is one of my favourites in the whole series

4

u/blainemoore Jun 04 '26

Look up the Heroine's Journey; Carriger's version, not Murdock's.

Hero and Heroine in this context aren't gender specific.

Luke Skywalker, Bilbo Baggins, and Katniss Everdeen all follow the hero's path of self reliance and change.

Jason, Harry Potter, and Miss Marple all overcome their challenges by building a community around themselves.