After reading the first trilogy, I was like, why would I want to read a book about Jean Moreau? Yes, I saw the set-up for this second trilogy at the end of The King's Men, but at that point, most of our time spent with him was when he assissted in Neil's torture at Evermore. So I was not primed to like him at all - and then combined with the fact that this trilogy is not done yet, I said I wouldn't read it at least until all of the books were out.

Enter my friend who cannot stop talking about what a blorbo Jean is.

I caved. I read The Sunshine Court. And I have to agree that I would defend Jean with my life now. Sakavic is so good at writing the kind of cultish trauma that Jean has, how he would end up complicit to a degree I don't even think he has the capacity to understand, and to show that he is also a victim, probably the most victimized by Riko. That's a level of character work that is difficult to reach. 

I also love the Trojans - I have a habit of wondering what the normal people are doing in over-the-top mafia-cult tales where the whole lineup is fucked up beyond average comprehension. So to see that the Trojans have more relatable problems and are like "What the fuck?" when Jean's issues jump out was super satisfying. 

What can I say about the plot? It's as convoluted as ever. I don't really care that much about it as anything other than a vehicle for the character growth and the interpersonal explorations, though, so it doesn't impact my rating.