Fantasy Book Club discussion

The next book is tentatively titled The Blood of Isis. Want to know a little more about what's coming? I can't give too many details as I don't want to spoil it, but I think I can field some questions around this. :)

Are there any additional mythologies you'll be working into the story?

Absolutely! I want to bring in some Persian, Greek, Hindu, and Egyptian mythologies. The trick is introducing them in a way that works with the existing story. The way I drafted the books out I think I've got it. I've been doing research on prophecies in various cultures and trying to entwine those appropriately as well. It's definitely a lot of fun.

Please tell me that we are going to be understanding the characters a bit better (which side their on)!

Pam, some of the character's motivations will take them to an even darker side than they're on now, so perhaps that will help. It was a deliberate move to make that line between good and evil blurred. :)

I was happy to read in another thread that you did do this deliberately. I thought that I was missing something while I was reading! ;o)

You know, I think that maybe in reality the line between good and evil is blurred. Kind of like the Robin Hood effect.

Exactly. We all have wants, and we are all willing to take certain measures to get them, but up to a point. And where we draw that line is different for everyone. So for this series, that line can shift as the characters get closer to what it is they desire the most.

Some will go clean over it.

It sounds like you are exploring issues of ethics.

Since our ethics are often based on our cultural and religious influences, yes. And bringing back some old cultures will introduce some interesting conflicts in ethics. :)

Is there anything you want to see resolved or answered in the next book?

From reading Janny Wurts's books I've discovered that the end of a book is not the most valuable accomplishment. But rather the journey on which the author takes you is to be enjoyed, relished and anticipated. So I'm willing to wait for the next book and not second guess where your mind is going to take me.

I will say, given the title, that it is likely for Egyptian gods to appear on the scene. I've always had a soft spot for Egyptian mythology even to naming cats Isis, Sekhmet (I and II), Anubis and Osiris. I'm also somewhat familiar with Greek and Hindu (I had a cat named Kali). I'm not familiar with Persian mythos so I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with all of these in the coming books.

Regarding the cat named Isis who owned me many years ago. I'm absolutely convinced that she was an incarnation of an aspect of the goddess. No doubt you are familiar with T. S. Eliot's "The Naming of Cats". (I paraphrase) 'A cat has three different names, the name you give it, the name you call it and the name it tells to no one at all.' This cat had the same name for all three. :)

That's great! And I love that your cat owned you. Our dog owns us! ;)

I feel the same way about the journey, and six this is mapped out as six books, I felt pretty good about leaving things where they were for the first book. I tried to tie up a few loose threads by the ending to give a sense of an ending, but wanted to leave things here to be ready for the next book.

As for the Egyptian mythology, I hope you'll like how it comes into play. I'm enjoying incorporating it. I tend to put something of a dark twist on things, so I hope folks will enjoy what comes out of it. :)

I am all for more (dark) twists :D My Egyptian mythology is a bit patchy though (apparently, I spent a semester studying this at uni?!)

Like Pam, I am just looking forward to understanding the characters a bit better in the next book.

As the series progresses, you'll certainly learn more of them as well as some of the secondary characters.

Any guesses on what is to come in the next book? :)

I have absolutely no idea where you are going with the next book, especially the talk of Egyptian and Greek mythology. I can tell you that I am anxious to read it.

Glad to hear it, thanks! I've been drawing in a few other mythologies as well, but trying to do this without overwhelming. Very fine line.

Don't want to sound like I am nagging :-P but when can we expect the next book?

I'm hoping for early next year. So much writing, so little time... :)

Cool! My reply to that would be, so much reading, so little time :)

So anyone have guesses on what's to come? Any requests? ;)

I am really looking forward to the next book! Really a fascinating amount of directions it can go in.