One thing new did come in through in the novel that I think is new, or at least an elaboration on the revelation of Professor Mittlemind: not all sparking is engineering/mecha/med. Tarvek and Andronicus both appear to be natural poli-sci/social science sparks. They're both very clearly presented as sparky thinking in terms of social analysis and planning, with new data setting off cascades of new and revised plans.
In a real sense this is in direct opposition to Klaus, who's capable, but in a very non-intuitive sense. Klaus does not LIKE politics, and there are some real indications that on some levels he just does not get it. Much of his success seems to rise out of trying to simply circumvent political maneuvering, or prevent others from indulging. That doesn't mean he's utterly inept, but the majority of his actions seem dedicated to preventing other people from getting or having leverage in the first place, or removing that leverage from them and claiming it for himself, rather than in trying to work with and guide the natural leverage people and groups accrue.
Andronicus is clearly shown as trying to work "with the grain" of his subjects, taking advantage of their natural proclivities and simply trying to direct them into useful--or at least harmless--activities. Tarvek's plans, to the limited degree we've seen them, and some of his analysis, which we've seen more of, is similar: it's based on knowing what people are like, what they want and need, and figuring a way to use that to advantage.
So...whatever other skills and spark he's got, Tarvek's Andronicus' descendent in having the political spark.
It would be interesting to know for sure how his military spark stacks up to Klaus': that's another non-mecha area of brilliance, and one Klaus actually has down quite well. Sigh. Given the current state of the plot lines, we may get to see that in action.
Andronicus and Tarvek, Poli-Sci Sparks
In a real sense this is in direct opposition to Klaus, who's capable, but in a very non-intuitive sense. Klaus does not LIKE politics, and there are some real indications that on some levels he just does not get it. Much of his success seems to rise out of trying to simply circumvent political maneuvering, or prevent others from indulging. That doesn't mean he's utterly inept, but the majority of his actions seem dedicated to preventing other people from getting or having leverage in the first place, or removing that leverage from them and claiming it for himself, rather than in trying to work with and guide the natural leverage people and groups accrue.
Andronicus is clearly shown as trying to work "with the grain" of his subjects, taking advantage of their natural proclivities and simply trying to direct them into useful--or at least harmless--activities. Tarvek's plans, to the limited degree we've seen them, and some of his analysis, which we've seen more of, is similar: it's based on knowing what people are like, what they want and need, and figuring a way to use that to advantage.
So...whatever other skills and spark he's got, Tarvek's Andronicus' descendent in having the political spark.
It would be interesting to know for sure how his military spark stacks up to Klaus': that's another non-mecha area of brilliance, and one Klaus actually has down quite well. Sigh. Given the current state of the plot lines, we may get to see that in action.