I got to the “training campaign” section last night, and the battle that ensued, and I loved the detail of their prep prior to their departure, and the minor battle that followed when they came upon the village near the river, the inhabitants returning from a wedding, the rear-guard of the residents brandishing weapons, casting furtive glances at the forest they exited, and how Falco keys in on it. So not to give spoilers, I will just say, that was fantastic! Janek coming into his own, was good to see. I wasn’t sure what would happen, how his training would manifest when the chips were down, wondering if he would run or stand and fight. I was glad you gave him his due, and that he and his mounted light infantry performed, and the resulting grudging respect he affords Falco. Can’t wait to see how that takes shape later…
Can I just add, that there seems to be a theme, with Faco, Janek and Meredith, that they may be products of their fathers, but they don’t have to BE their fathers. As a mother of two sons, who are now grown and making their own way, who were left without a good father-figure, I strike that note with them all the time; you are not him. You can do better. This theme resonates with me at a very personal level. Now if only Falco would come to the same conclusion… Falco is certainly a person worth rooting for, and judging by his experience while riding Nathalie’s dragon, there are more buried memories that may prove useful later in the book, and I look forward to uncovering them!
I love that you have anchored the ages of your characters to historical references. I’m a history buff, a military brat, and can’t help but love the battle details and particularly brothers-in-arms stories. Friendships forged in battle are unlike any founded in peacetime. They are stronger, deeper and longer lasting. And when you have friendships that are truly grounded in implicit trust, like that of Falco and Malaki, the training campaign battle and Malaki’s obedience to his friend was a thing of beauty, especially when the other knight, coming from a place of pride and prowess, rebuked Malaki’s decision to defer to Falco.
Anyway. Thank you again for responding. And I know you said in a different comment, that you were a slow writer, but I do look forward to seeing more from you when you can!
I got to the “training campaign” section last night, and the battle that ensued, and I loved the detail of their prep prior to their departure, and the minor battle that followed when they came upon the village near the river, the inhabitants returning from a wedding, the rear-guard of the residents brandishing weapons, casting furtive glances at the forest they exited, and how Falco keys in on it. So not to give spoilers, I will just say, that was fantastic! Janek coming into his own, was good to see. I wasn’t sure what would happen, how his training would manifest when the chips were down, wondering if he would run or stand and fight. I was glad you gave him his due, and that he and his mounted light infantry performed, and the resulting grudging respect he affords Falco. Can’t wait to see how that takes shape later…
Can I just add, that there seems to be a theme, with Faco, Janek and Meredith, that they may be products of their fathers, but they don’t have to BE their fathers. As a mother of two sons, who are now grown and making their own way, who were left without a good father-figure, I strike that note with them all the time; you are not him. You can do better. This theme resonates with me at a very personal level. Now if only Falco would come to the same conclusion… Falco is certainly a person worth rooting for, and judging by his experience while riding Nathalie’s dragon, there are more buried memories that may prove useful later in the book, and I look forward to uncovering them!
I love that you have anchored the ages of your characters to historical references. I’m a history buff, a military brat, and can’t help but love the battle details and particularly brothers-in-arms stories. Friendships forged in battle are unlike any founded in peacetime. They are stronger, deeper and longer lasting. And when you have friendships that are truly grounded in implicit trust, like that of Falco and Malaki, the training campaign battle and Malaki’s obedience to his friend was a thing of beauty, especially when the other knight, coming from a place of pride and prowess, rebuked Malaki’s decision to defer to Falco.
Anyway. Thank you again for responding. And I know you said in a different comment, that you were a slow writer, but I do look forward to seeing more from you when you can!