The Sword and Laser discussion

Even though I said in the topic, there would be spoilers, I'll at least use spoiler tags in this initial post.

After having finished the main story I'm torn in what I'd love for a sequel. The way I'm currently leaning most towards would be to focus on some other characters in this world. Maybe we've seen them before or maybe they're new characters. And they live in Thune and maybe they go to eat at the Legends and Lattes Cafe. So they intersect here and there with the characters from this book, but this book's characters are secondary.

Why am I leaning this way? Well, it seems that Viv has conquered all potential foes. She has dealt with (view spoiler)[ the Madrigal (hide spoiler)], and personally, she has (view spoiler)[come to believe in herself without a need for the stone (hide spoiler)], and I would had for her relationships to backslide after she already went through most of the usual beats.

But, I did love these characters and maybe there's room for more growth? I guess the author could explore her new (view spoiler)[romance (hide spoiler)], but I'm afraid the tropes there could be so tiresome after where we got in this book. I guess there could be something to be said for following one of the other 3 mains?

What do you guys hope for in a sequel?

I'd like to see an anthology of short stories about the shop, its staff and the regular customers.

Have the café as a hub for the stories.

Maybe even push the boundaries with some of the stories being a little less cosy.

ooh, that's such a great idea. It would be easier not to have to maintain a plot for a full book. Also might allow the author to let others play in their sandbox.

I think the backstory of The Madrigal could be fun. It’s a character worth digging into and finding more about I’d say.

There is a prequel coming, due in November IIRC. I'm assuming that it is about her previous found family, the group of bounty hunters.

What would I want for a sequel? Well, the entirety of the book is preposterous, that's kinda the point. I mean, just taking the Madrigal, (view spoiler)[a Mafiosi with a kind heart? That's not how mafia work. (hide spoiler)]

Anyhoo, I could see any of several of the characters have a backstory that comes to the fore. Then the main cast take a supporting role as they help this person. Or even, say, an attack on the city or a pending attack, with the coffee shop used as a common meeting location to discuss strategy. The important part would be to keep the setting, the love of coffee, and the interpersonal relationships.

Franchises!

@Trike I *did* think of that, but wasn't sure... good to see someone else on the same page

Maybe something about 2 elves, an orc and a pizza place?

For some reason I want this series to expand into other foods and drinks? Maybe a vegan restaurant? Or a sushi place?

Oh, oh, oh! Now I know! They could start a theater company! Or a Renaissance Fair!

Or maybe they could expand on the new music! Form a band! Go on tour!

the tour idea is great because they could visit many cities. Also gives me the idea of an A-Team situation where the adventuring heroes go from town to town

Tavern conference!

A fun idea would be to let other authors play with the characters and settings.

Authors like T.J.Clune, & T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon),

Gnomish Tech Startup called FutureNow?

Viking kebab shop? Sagas and Souvlakis? Beserkebab?

Tassie Dave wrote: "A fun idea would be to let other authors play with the characters and settings.

Authors like T.J.Clune, & T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon),"

T. Kingfisher?

Coffee-house bone-cat, sourdough cinnamon roll starter bouncer, gingerbread staff...

Pumpkinstew wrote: "Gnomish Tech Startup called FutureNow?
Viking kebab shop? Sagas and Souvlakis? Beserkebab?"

I like it! Get writing, Bub.