Fantasy Book Club discussion

I thought I would ask for some early impressions (without spoilers) as it might help to shape some of the discussion in a few days time. I'd also like to thank the group for this opportunity. It's a huge honour!!

So what are your thoughts at this point? Any burning questions? Anything that you'd like to learn more about in the coming discussion?

When is the next book coming out?

I don't know how to write my other questions without spoilers.

I'm working away on it. Wish I had a date at this point, but not yet. (edit to add: I'm hoping to get in some really good writing time this summer, so if I'm lucky maybe early next year. I'm also finishing up editing a children's steampunk fantasy that I would like to get finished by the end of summer as well).

As for your other question, three more days and we start the discussion, unless one of the mods says it's okay to start early. :)

I found the book to be interesting and wondered if it was a book that would appeal to people who have an issue with the Church (i.e., organized religion).

There were aspects of one of the magic systems that put me off as I usually associate these with the darker side of things. This made it difficult for me to identify who the 'bad guys' were. On the other hand, I thought the characterizations were nicely handled and went hand in hand with maintaining that ambiguity. Characters would do things that irked me and then do things that would make me smile. It's nice to have multi-dimensional characters.

I need to get back into it. I am about 50% through and took a break to read some other stuff. I really liked it ... I will think if I have any questions ....

Jeff, you wrote:

I found the book to be interesting and wondered if it was a book that would appeal to people who have an issue with the Church (i.e., organized religion).

I'm glad you brought this up since I plan on posting a thread on the inspiration for the series, so I'm sure we'll have lots to discuss there.

This made it difficult for me to identify who the 'bad guys' were.

This was intentional. I wanted to blur the lines of good vs evil. Again, looking forward to discussing that further.

Regina, looking forward to your questions. :)

LOL David your ready to jump out of your skin with excitement to talk about this book. I think your book will lend itself to a great discussion. There are sooo many points to discuss

LOL! How could you tell?! ;)

I'm really enjoying this. I'm a little more than halfway through and stayed up past my "bedtime" just to squeeze in one more chapter.

There's a LOT of backstory, with each of the main characters as well as the history of the realm. It's a bit much to keep up with as it falls into place, but there's some really intriguing things going on.

David, I was wondering if you've considered doing a glossary or something to refer to to keep the names and places and events straight? I've found that to be helpful for the big book series. Yours is smaller (so far) but there's still a deep history here.

Thanks Chris, glad you're enjoying it! I'm currently working on one as I seem to have quite a number of requests for it! It certainly makes sense, especially as the books progress. :)