What I like about The Blackthorn Key series is that Kevin Sands does a good job of creating villains who are evil, ruthless - but human. They're not the cackling heartless villains of so many stories. They have a goal, and they will do anything to accomplish it, but they have their loves and sorrows just like any other people. Because they're still people.
Oswyn, who was devoted to his cause, who genuinely believed he was doing the best for the people of England, who liked and valued Christopher and wished he'd chosen him as an apprentice instead. (Side note but that would make a totally awesome AU.)
Melchior, who was quite likable beneath his mask, and Henry, who was so devastated at the loss of his boys that he didn't even try to escape.
The comtesse only just wanted to go home.
Julian, who wanted to be a hero all his life, and was instead tricked by his father into becoming the villain.
