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Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts
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First off, I just want to say how much I love this series. I started buying them when they were first available here in the US, up until Grand Conspiracy and then borrowed Peril's Gate and, possibly, Traitor's Knot from the library. I lost track of the series after that, or maybe there just weren't more after that, but it didn't feel like "the end". So, can I ask just how many books are there in the series? Or how many are planned? Now that I'm not completely broke, maybe I can finish out my collection - if I don't spend all my book money on the Kindle, that is.
Sandi wrote: "That is a really cool cover. "Sandi - thank you!
There's quite a story behind it. The image actually was created from four different oil paintings. If you are curious, ask, I can direct you to where I have them displayed in full.
Tracy wrote: "First off, I just want to say how much I love this series. I started buying them when they were first available here in the US, up until Grand Conspiracy and then borrowed Peril's Gate and, possib..."Tracy - thank you!
The series was interrupted in North America in the crash crunch course of a double corporate merger, that left the work orphaned twice ("orphaned" is an industry insider's term for a book left abandoned when the original editor(s) (In this case three) leave the company. Replacements often prefer to bring their own authors.)
It took a long lot of years for me to extricate the rights to the series, to make a new deal possible.
That time has come, at last, and the good news is, that London HarperCollins stayed with the program, throughout. I will fill you in on the series titles:
Wars of Light and Shadow series, published and available in London, Australia, New Zealand, now, and coming back available in North America in 09, starting in May:
Arc I
The Curse of the Mistwraith
Arc II
Ships of Merior
Warhost of Vastmark
Arc III Alliance of Light
Fugitive Prince
Grand Conspiracy
Peril's Gate
Traitor's Knot
Stormed Fortress
Stormed Fortress completes Arc III.
The last 3 volumes to finish off the entire series are under contract, the next is almost drafted, so I don't anticipate any more holdups in the future. The schedules in North America and overseas should fall back into synch.
To avoid confusion, there is one standalone title, not related in any way to the series, included with this relaunch. To Ride Hell's Chasm is slated for August, with Alliance of Light, arc III Light and Shadows resuming monthly, after that.
I appreciate your interest very much.
Janny wrote: There's quite a story behind it. The image actually was created from four different oil paintings. If you are curious, ask, I can ..."
I don't know about Sandy, but I would be very interested in seeing the oil paintings.
A great deal of Janny's artwork is viewable on her website: www.jannywurts.com Janny does her own book covers as well as the interior artworks on her books and she even displays works in progress on her site showing the paintings in stages, which is very nice. I highly recommend visiting her site and just wandering about
The Art in Progress page for Curse of the Mistwraith is located at http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/web...
Michael wrote: "A great deal of Janny's artwork is viewable on her website: www.jannywurts.com Janny does her own book covers as well as the interior artworks on her books and she even displays works in progress..."
A friendly wave to Michael - who's also writer/illustrator - you've done yourself some very nice covers, sir! The art is cool, I cannot wait to read your prose.
Jim wrote: "I just got Sorcerer's Legacy & look forward to reading it. "Enjoy the wild ride, Jim.
There is a story to this book (my first novel) - somewhat of a crazy departure.
It had to do with a painting (not the cover, just a painting) that I did to establish myself in the marketplace as a hopeful illustrator. I lived, at the time, in a carriage house apartment, old field hands' quarters, very hot, no air conditioning. I did this painting of a wizard and a woman, in an ice field, to keep me at the easel through the heatwave. The idea was, to send this painting to the world SF convention in England. I had a (then) agent taking it over. Customs forms had to be filled out, ahead, to get the painting into England for the show.
The agent asked: "What is the sale price?"
I said I didn't know, it wasn't finished yet.
The deadline to ship this picture to the agent arrived, and the little details in the jewelry weren't done. To have them dry in time, I had to "fill them in" with erasable colored pencil - planning to finish off the picture in oils, later, when it returned.
The agent said, "How much is the sale price?"
I said it couldn't be sold, it wasn't finished.
Until it became evident, the message was not getting through - the painting would get sold, unfinished, as it was, and I had an ethic hitch, with that.
So I told the agent (to nail the coffin on that argument) "This painting cannot be sold! It goes to a story." And since I did have Athera paintings, related to the series, not for sale for that reason, this time, the agent got the message: "Not for sale."
Meantime, ethic hitch: there had to be a story! So, quick, I grabbed a bunch of paper and a PEN, and wrote out 18 pages of story, shoving the heroine so deeply into trouble, by gosh, no one would save her from that! Tossed it in a file (read circular, never to be resurrected.)
Except - it gets stranger - the heat wave got worse. The little writer's group I was with, at the time, met at my stifling little apartment. They came armed with junk food and soda for a year, but it had been so hot, no one had written anything to critique. Faced by an empty day, and all that food, they insisted that there was my file box, there just had to be a story in there somewhere for them to read, as an excuse to finish off the m&ms before they melted.
So I thought, "Hmmm, I'll fix their wagon, what a laugh!"
I gave them the first 18 hand drafted pages of what became Sorcerer's Legacy....and much to my shock, they said they loved it! How did the story finish?
I got ready to give the stock answer: "Hah! It doesn't, ever..." when I realized, hey, yes, there was a way for this poor beleaguered woman to survive!
The result is
Sorcerer's Legacy a quick little standalone, that has a running "bet" - nobody, upon reading chapter 1, has ever yet guessed the correct ending, although I have (once) received a creative alternative theory that would have worked.
It's so cool to hear the story behind the story. Such an added dimension!I'm exchanging emails with another author. I suggested to her that she should join GoodReads. She said that she wasn't sure how she'd be received by readers & that pushing her book here might be in poor taste. I understand her concerns, but don't think they're well founded in this case.
Janny, Despite having read some of Mr. Feist's work, I am ashamed to say I have not read your work yet. That isn't terribly strange as I am not nearly as well read in the genre as a fantasy author should be.
I must say I am looking forward to reading your work, especially since listening to the Leisure Talk Radio Network interview you gave, which I found at http://www.magespell.com/podcast/CRMs... wherein you not only speak about your books, but also explain a great deal about the publishing industry and current trends.
I was captivated by your series plans and goals. How you have a long-term intricate story to tell rather than a series of rambling books, and how you strive to create new and innovative ideas in a genre filled with tired themes.
For anyone interested in learning more about Janny, about her books, or about the publishing industry in general, I strongly suggest clicking the link above and listening. It is great stuff.
Jim wrote: "It's so cool to hear the story behind the story. Such an added dimension!I'm exchanging emails with another author. I suggested to her that she should join GoodReads. She said that she wasn't ..."
Jim - glad you enjoyed the background bit.
I respect the fact this forum has space designated for authors to post. People who want to avoid them don't have to participate. Some authors aren't comfortable interacting with readers, and I can respect that preference.
Michael wrote: "Janny, Despite having read some of Mr. Feist's work, I am ashamed to say I have not read your work yet. That isn't terribly strange as I am not nearly as well read in the genre as a fantasy autho..."
Michael - no shame at all. Sweetly put, you have a whole world of great reading by so many gifted authors in the field - not well read (yet) means the adventure is just beginning.
Goodness, I'd forgotten about that podcast interview - it was an informative one, if I recall. Some of the industry information is dated, now - the production, I think, is five years old. A lot has shifted, again, the rate of change is accelerating at a dizzying pace. Keeping pace can pose a challenge. I am amazed, sometimes, at how little people know about how the industry works. It helps to have perspective on where things have been, to understand why some of the established internal practices don't seem to make any sort of logical sense. Knowledge beats ignorance, any day. All sorts of myths circulate, and misinformation abounds, which makes it hard for newcomers to the field to know how to be professional.
If you've ever read the blog, Miss Snark, there's a treasure trove of information there, too, written by a working literary agent with a witty and cynical pen, but true to form. It's well worth a look. Also, for warnings to newcomers on the darker side, Predators and Editors, and the SFWA's site, Writer Beware.
Thank you for the kindly comments, regarding my aims for the series, and for posting the link for others.
Nice to hear they're being re-released. Always wanted to check this series out and the Empire series you did with Feist too. :)
Elise wrote: "Nice to hear they're being re-released. Always wanted to check this series out and the Empire series you did with Feist too. :)"Elise - thanks! I'm really pleased the long wait is over, and even more happy for the fact the titles are coming out monthly, since the readers won't have to wait.
I'm very glad they are being re-released. I hate having the first five, know that there are others, but not have them. They've been on my list for years! And somehow I lost the third book in the Empire series, so that's also on the list. So many books, so little money .... and time...
Tracy wrote: "I'm very glad they are being re-released. I hate having the first five, know that there are others, but not have them. They've been on my list for years! And somehow I lost the third book in the..."Oh, what an awful place to be cut off! I'm very pleased you won't be left hanging, either, since the Alliance of Light, being arc III, was designed to be read as one entire segment, end to end. You'd have stopped right at the ramp up to convergence, there.
Know what you mean about money and time and books! Don't start me ranting, too.
I mentioned in another topic that there were mp3 readings available for Curse of the Mistwraith as well as some of my other books. Here is the link to the Audio/Podcast Readings page: http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/Ver...
Yesterday, it was brought to my attention that, in Canada, this title is being distributed by HarperCollins, Canada.In the USA, it is being distributed by Trafalgar Square, in partnership with HarperCollins, London.
The book should be readily available - if anyone has any difficulties, do contact me, that's the best way to get them corrected.
In delighted appreciation (read jumping up and down!) of the fact the book's been voted as one of the July reads, here, I'd be pleased to answer any questions anyone considering the title may have regarding the story, provided the answers don't spoil the read.
I just got an email from Amazon saying it was on the way to me...I'm looking forward to it..
I just finished reading "Stormed Fortress" and can't wait for Arc IV!!One of the best fantasy series I've read and re-read many times over :)
Vivian wrote: "I just finished reading "Stormed Fortress" and can't wait for Arc IV!!One of the best fantasy series I've read and re-read many times over :)"
Thank you!
Be cool if you want to join in for the July discussion, here, for Curse of the Mistwraith since there will probably be newcomers just plunging in for the ride.
Janny – I am just thrilled to be introduced to your series. I’m sorry I didn’t learn of your books earlier. I'm loving The Curse of the Mistwraith and can't wait for the discussion. I’ve already ordered the other available in the series.In particular, I'd like to commend you on the way you write horses - you clearly know what you are talking about! It's rare in fantasy lit to see horses written as anything but medieval sports cars. I believe that you are an Equestrian yourself and its shows in your writing
Libby wrote: "Janny – I am just thrilled to be introduced to your series. I’m sorry I didn’t learn of your books earlier. I'm loving The Curse of the Mistwraith and can't wait for the discussion. I..."Thank you for your lovely comments, Libby, it's always a thrill to hear from a pleased reader.
Yes, I do have horses, I've been a serious rider for most of my life. Right now my pet project is a racetrack recovery that I bought almost on sight, on her 54th race...talk about a hard life!
There are several other fantasy authors who know horses, and write them well - I could recommend a few names if you like.
Meantime, I also look forward to the discussion, and having you there - now is a great time to discover the series with all of them returning to North America.
Janny wrote: "now is a great time to discover the series with all of them returning to North America."Agreed - I'd be quite upset if I wasn't able to read the rest of the series.
I'd love the hear what other authors you recommend who know and write horses well. I've really appreciated your comments on other threads. You are extremely well versed in the Fantasy lit genre and its's interesting to the "insider's" perspective.
Good luck with yiour new baby - 54 races, yikes!
Libby - top of the list for fantasy writers who know horses inside out would be Jennifer Roberson (memorable for "The Stud" in her Tiger and Del books) and Judith Tarr, who breeds Lippizans and has done many fantasy books, as well as historicals which center around horse type cultures. Six horses also feature prominently in my own standalone, To Ride Hell's Chasm, which is coming in mass market in August, for North America, though I understand Amazon may be shipping it now.
There has been a new review posted for the third book in this series, Warhost of Vastmark on http://www.fantasyliterature.comFan Lit's other reviews of the series may be found at http://www.fantasyliterature.com/wurt...
They have a no spoiler policy, but presume you have read the prequels for later reviews in a series.
Here is a timeline synopsis of this book for anyone wanting a quick recall, prior to continuing the series. Warning! This link has SPOILERS!!!http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/web...
OMG, I just started this series this month, have read The Curse of the Mistwraith and was hooked. I'd already bought The Ships of Merior and am 221 pages in. I absolutely love it and am in love with Arithon. I don't know when I've read about such an intrigueing, intense, conflicted hero. The story is rich in layers, and as a person interested in psychology and having studied it for many years, I truly appreciate all the symbolism and the fact that each hero contains ambiguity and the capacity for malice. I am glad I didn't start it back when the later books were lost in the caverns of publishing hell! I see there's a book in process, and hope maybe it will be published by the time I get through book 8.
I finished Warhost of the Vastmark this afternoon and loved it as well. It's going to take all my willpower not to dive into the next book. But, sadly, I have a library book to read before it's overdue and a couple of book club selections to finish. Glad you're enjoying the series, Sandra.
Jon wrote: "I finished Warhost of the Vastmark this afternoon and loved it as well. It's going to take all my willpower not to dive into the next book. But, sadly, I have a library book to read before it's o..."After reading Janny's account of its disappearance, I ordered the rest of the books this evening to stave off any repeat of those events! I'm sure it will take me some time to read them, but am really feeling in hog heaven with the comfort of a truly fine story to bury myself in for quite a while to come.
Wow, thanks for the nice words, Sandra and Jon.Rest assured, Sandra - the series (entire) is UNDER CONTRACT with the same terms of import from London in place. Not only will all the existing volumes be available, but the last books in the series are spoken for. There ought to be no interruption - but let me say, it matters that you got the whole sequence now - that lets the publisher know where your heart lies.
The next volume will be Initiate's Trial (book I of arc IV, Sword of the Canon) The draft is complete, and I am polishing the text prior to turn in - very shortly. The pub date could be pretty quick!
After that, there are only 2 more books to finish the series:
Destiny's Conflict, (book 2, Arc IV, Sword of the Canon)
Song of the Mysteries (last vol, arc V complete as one title)
Each arc has a resounding build to a finish point. And the same for each volume installment - I wrote to a pause point. But each arc is really one story chapter.
There is a group discussion for Curse of the Mistwraith (vol I) downpage from here in this group if anyone wants to discuss spoilers. A thread for sequels could be added, if there is interest.
Also, my website at Paravia now includes synopsis timelines for The Ships of Merior and for Warhost of Vastmark for readers who want to review past events.
I keep looking for the discussion group but haven't found it yet. :(
Sandra, here's the direct link to the CotMW discussion:http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
Also, if anyone's interested in Janny's stand alone book discussion of The Master of Whitestorm: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
Just to bring you up to date, I finished Peril's Gate last night and am starting Traitor's Knot! Am I compulsive, or what?
Fantasy Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Traitor's Knot (other topics)Peril's Gate (other topics)
The Master of White Storm (other topics)
Warhost of Vastmark (other topics)
The Ships of Merior (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jennifer Roberson (other topics)Judith Tarr (other topics)
HarperCollins in London will be bringing the books in through their North American distributor, Trafalgar Square.
The first title, Curse of the Mistwraith, will be released in May.
To read an excerpt click here.
You can preorder the book through your favorite bookstore or through Amazon.
Product Description (from Amazon.co.uk): The stunning first volume in Janny Wurts's epic tale of two half-brothers cursed to life-long enmity, now re-released with a striking new cover. The world of Athera lives in eternal fog, its skies obscured by the malevolent Mistwraith. Only the combined powers of two half-brothers can challenge the Mistwraith's stranglehold: Arithon, Master of Shadow and Lysaer, Lord of Light. Arithon and Lysaer will find that they are inescapably bound inside a pattern of events dictated by their own deepest convictions. Yet there is more at stake than one battle with the Mistwraith -- as the sorcerers of the Fellowship of Seven know well. For between them the half-brothers hold the balance of the world, its harmony and its future, in their hands.
Book info:
Paperback: 841 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins UK (May 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0586210695
ISBN-13: 978-0586210697