Reap the Shadows

Wow the story just took a turn for the worse. And wow...Piper and Ash...they...wow. I'm awed that they finally did...the thing. But I feel so strange about it. I've read my fair share of erotica over the years, and something just bugs me about Piper and Ash's...thing. Maybe I'm just uncomfortable because it is likely one (most likely Ash) will die after they did the thing. It's a recurring pattern in most books. Or maybe I just feel awkward because I'd conditioned myself to not be waiting for the dirty to happen in this series since none of it happened in the first 3 books. Either way, I just feel...strange.
I feel like there wasn't much going on. There were some action moments, but they were mostly just reemphasizing how Piper's shading is uncontrollable and dangerous. No solution was really reached. No ultimate goal was met, unless you count meeting their with the Commander Staff, but that just seemed so trivial.
And then Piper's mom died. .-. Why? How does this further the story? Alright, it sent Piper in a murderous rage or, at least, it lowered her defenses enough that the Sahar/Natania could take control of her body and kill basically everything in sight. Her death also led to the death of Maasehet, which could lead to a number of outcomes, ranging from Miysis becoming the heir (oh noes), to the Ra family charging into war against whoever they think is responsible. But honestly, I didn't really care about Piper's mom and whether or not she died. Her only redeeming points were when she finally took charge and stood up against Walter when he was asking stupid questions and wasting time. And...that's basically it.
And then there was the general whole beginning. Obviously character development is progressing at full blast for Piper. She has become much more jaded, more stoic. Almost like those cool people who only exist in the world of fiction, and basically always knows what to do. The only problem is Piper somewhat messes up that image.
And why, WHY, WHY, Annette Marie, didn't you let Piper show the other Consul Apprentices who's boss? You just made them antagonize her more. Oh the woe.
-sigh- So I guess there just weren't enough kick-ass-Piper moments for me. No, the shading doesn't count because it ruins the glory and joy of beating the bad guys up if she always feels worried about killing everyone she loves while she's shaded.
So yeah. I don't know how you're going to end this, Marie. I wish you the best of luck.