Fantasy Book Club Series discussion
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Theft of Swords
The Riyria Revelations
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The Riyria Revelations: Thoughts on Characters
What I really like about this book is that there are a large number of characters...some that start out small and have huge roles later on. But unlike some fantasy series they are introduced a bit at a time so it doesn't overwelm you. I'm going to give my impressions of the characters as they evolve so I'll be hiding comments in spoilers.Book 1: The Crown Conspiracy
Hadrian - what's not to love about him...loyal to a fault. Honorable. Handsome. Maybe a bit naive (or maybe he just "wants" to believe in the good of people). I think his interactions when taking the job in Crown says a lot about him. He just wants to do something for the "right" reasons.
Royce - Riyria's darker half. He's mysterious, quick witted, and you don't want to be on his bad side. They say girls always go for the bad guys - but I love both equally - they are two halves of the same coin.
Myron - is a true treasure. Innocent, sensative, and sheltered he provides great comic relief as he discovers life outside his sequestered monestary. Also a handy guy to have around as he is so well read. (view spoiler)
Arista - smart and capable...but probably not quite as smart or quite as capable as she would appear. (view spoiler)
Alric - Arista's brother and new king of Melengar. In the beginnign we see him as many people in his position are ... pampered ... unresponsible ... insensative ... and acting before he thinks. This of course gets him in trouble along the way. (view spoiler)
Esrahaddon - 1,000 year old wizard locked away for committing unspeakable crimes. (view spoiler)
I really like our main duo too. Some nice aspects have come out in Avempartha. I liked the naming of Royce's horse how he ridiculed it but kept the name anyway.
Helen wrote: "I really like our main duo too. Some nice aspects have come out in Avempartha. I liked the naming of Royce's horse how he ridiculed it but kept the name anyway."Thanks Helen. Royce and Hadrian are very fun to write. Royce and Mouse will have a long history together. It was a cute scene...I'm glad you liked it.
Helen wrote: "I really like our main duo too. Some nice aspects have come out in Avempartha. I liked the naming of Royce's horse how he ridiculed it but kept the name anyway."I think that is a really good example of Royce having a tough exterior but his bite is being tempered overtime. A great scene showing this is when they meet Thrace for the first time and she hugs him (Most people wouldn't dream of doing so). I can really picture him standing there all stiff and asking Hadiran to "get her off him."
Indeed, they compliment each other very well don't they.
My inspirations for Royce and Hadrian come from the old "I Spy" television series with Bill Cosby and Robert Culp. Also Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid which was a favorite movie of mine when it came out.Have I just dated myself too much?
Hmmmm...never saw I spy I wonder if it is on DVD.
Myron is wonderful. His "girls are even prettier than horses" line is one of the funniest lines in the book, and the scene in which he leaves the cloister and says goodbye to his friend's tree was the most moving part. Of course I had to identify with the most bookish character in the series!
So 90% of my "favorite scenes" are actually in the last book - but "The Squirrel Tree" is indeed one of my favorites. A friend of mine was reading it on a plane and cried in front of strangers. I got "what for" once the plane landed. I must say that in general Myron and Royce do indeed get "the best lines."
I read that scene last night - it is indeed very touching. Myron became one of my favorite characters almost insantly. (view spoiler)
I remember laughing at the girls/horses line.
I very much loved the first book/half. The main duo were easy to develope a connection to and enjoy their easy going comradre. The comment that Royce is the "darker side" I don't necessarily agree with. I personally see hints that this is all really just an act, that really he has the biggest heart of the two. The hints to his background give me reason to believe he hides it for a reason and there is certainly more to the two of them than is readily seen. A quarter into the first half I'd already made some predictions about the roads certain characters were going to take and who they really were in the grand scheme of things. The second book only made me like the duo more, and re-inforced my beliefs about story archs.And I have to say, Myron is still my favorite and I can't wait to see more of him.
Hey Raberta - I'm glad you are liking the characters - and love when people speculate about where the tale will go - there are so many choices at any given time and I hope it makes the stories more "paticipatory". Myron does indeed come back...but it will be a bit of a wait (he is missing from books 3 & 4 and returns in 5 & 6).
I'm enjoying the characters (and the story) a lot so far! The interchanges between Hadrian and Royce are my favorites. The discussion of becoming fishermen (and then realizing it might actually involve WORK) is one example - very enjoyable!
Michael wrote: "Hey Raberta - I'm glad you are liking the characters - and love when people speculate about where the tale will go - there are so many choices at any given time and I hope it makes the stories more..."You succeeded with the participatory stories!
Sometimes I read it as a Choose your own adventure Book (I hope I picked up the good translation here) : I often find myself thinking "so, if Royce is an elf, then he could...", "if Esrahaddon is a real villain, he could...". I read your story and imagine ten little stories of mine along the way. This explains much of the pleasure I get with your books. :)
Edited to say - nothing too specific, but potential spoilers through to the end of book 4, so be careful :)I've only read through to the end of The Emerald Storm, but so far I think Hadrian is possibly my favourite character. He wasn't very happy for most of Nyphron Rising / Emerald Storm though, so I'm hoping to see him feeling more satisfied by the end of the series. I sense a burgeoning romance for him, and only hope I'm correct... I'm a big fan of happy endings I'm afraid!
Myron is fantastic, really hope to see more of him in the final two books - same for Magnus, now I come to think of it. And I like Arista too. For me, she's much more realistic than a lot of other fantasy-genre princesses. Yes, she goes camping and travelling with Hadrian and Royce, away from comfort and servants for the first time in her life - but she's not perfect, she does struggle. Call me cruel, but I actually liked the fact that she cried herself to sleep under a blanket the first night outdoors. She's never done anything like that before, and it makes sense that she should find it difficult. I think that she's really grown throughout the series, especially by the end of Emerald Storm.
On the whole I think the absolute best characterisation shines through when Hadrian and Royce are together. I absolutely adore these scenes. Chapter 9 (The Guardian) of Nyphron Rising was, for me at least, just the epitome of these two characters. I loved the way that Royce finally broke the news to Hadrian, Hadrian's reaction, the way they worked their way out together. Also signs that Royce is 'learning' - "so it was good I didn't slit throats" (I loved this line). If I had to choose a favourite chapter (so far at least!) I think that would be it. Dashes of humour and excellent characterisation.
I can't wait to get my hands on Heir of Novron!
Suzanne wrote: "I'm enjoying the characters (and the story) a lot so far! The interchanges between Hadrian and Royce are my favorites. The discussion of becoming fishermen (and then realizing it might actually i..."Thanks Suzanne...Royce and Hadrian's constant search for a "different profession" is a theme that comes up often right up to the final book (and perhaps even the last chapter - I forget now). They are a fun pair.
Hélène wrote: "Michael wrote: "Hey Raberta - I'm glad you are liking the characters - and love when people speculate about where the tale will go - there are so many choices at any given time and I hope it makes ..."That's great Hélène and exactly what I was hoping for. There are a million different ways things "could play out" and in the end I choose the way that matched my sensibilities the best. Since Heir of Novron is now shipping and Perepliquis goes live on Monday...I guess we will soon know.
@Rachel - I don't think it is too much of a spoiler to indicate that both Myron and Magnus return for both books 5 and 6. As to hopes for happy endings or burgeoning romance I of course will have to remain moot to that...for now. One of the things that I'm absolutely the most excited about is that this group will be reading the whole series. That is an unusual gift to an author as most of the time we only get a chance for book 1 as a reading and as this series has always been one very large story in individual episodes I'm anxiously awaiting what people think when "all is said and done".Your favorte scene - from Chapter 9 is one of my wife's favorites as well. She talks of it often so it must be a "girl thing". I'm glad you found it enjoyable.
My favorite character is Royce. I just have a thing for sarcastic rogues. Although not in real life.I like Hadrian but I hardly ever go for the warrior-barbarian types.
I liked Myron too. His lines were funny.
I like Arista as a character but I read the two books weeks a part and got a little confused on the political aspects of her storyline. But as far as character goes, yeah. She has a nice blend of youth and maturity. Feminine and toughness.
I'm intrigued by Esrahaddon, but like Arista got somewhat lost.
And I actually ended up liking Magnus even though I thought I wouldn't.
@Traci - well then I accomplished one of my goals because I wanted the reader to "like" these characters. Myron (and Royce) do get all the best lines. Magnus is an interesting character. My wife kept expecting that Royce would put Alverstone thorugh his neck at some point and I had to keep him alive but "with good cause". She agreed that given the circumstnaces Royce wouldn't have killed him. He does show up again in the last volume in both book #5 and #6 as does Myron.
Raberta wrote: "I very much loved the first book/half. The main duo were easy to develope a connection to and enjoy their easy going comradre. The comment that Royce is the "darker side" I don't necessarily agree with. I personally see hints that this is all really just an act, that really he has the biggest heart of the two. You make a very good point - I think Royce works to keep his exterior personana but inside...I do think he struggles. He's had a rough past and it has hardened him. I don't think he wants to risk exposing "the real him" as rejection of "that" Royce would be too painful. I'm probably further through the series than you are - and you can definitely see the influences that Hadrian and Gwen have on Royce.
A quarter into the first half I'd already made some predictions about the roads certain characters were going to take and who they really were in the grand scheme of things.
I'd love to hear your predictions...feel free to send me a direct message. And I'll be sure not to give any spoilers. All I can say is ... DON'T TRUST MICHAEL... I love ya Michael...I really do...but he has a way of using sleight-of-hand and while he occupies your attention with the right hand he is certainly up to no good with his left.
And I have to say, Myron is still my favorite and I can't wait to see more of him.
Oh Raberta you've got some great Myron moments coming up. I'm sorry to say that you'll have to wait a bit as he doesn't show back up until Books 5 & 6. He's hot the "same Myron" but in many ways - so much more improved. He is great!
Suzanne wrote: "I'm enjoying the characters (and the story) a lot so far! The interchanges between Hadrian and Royce are my favorites. The discussion of becoming fishermen (and then realizing it might actually i..."Yes! Throughout the series they keep talking about "alternate professions" but I'm glad they do what they do...as they do it so well ;-)
Hélène wrote: "You succeeded with the participatory stories!Sometimes I read it as a Choose your own adventure Book (I hope I picked up the good translation here) : I often find myself thinking "so, if Royce is an elf, then he could...", "if Esrahaddon is a real villain, he could...". I read your story and imagine ten little stories of mine along the way. This explains much of the pleasure I get with your books. :)
Hélène - your English is fine - I know exactly what you mean. Yes there are many ways Michael could go with thigs and I love making predictions - although he's fooled me on many, many, occassions. The nice thing is his choices make perfect sense after they happen...but I never see some of them coming. Still...when you do figure out someting - you feel pretty good about yourself (as long as Michael dosen't pull the rug out from under your feet - by twisting things yet again.
Rachel wrote: "I sense a burgeoning romance for him, and only hope I'm correct... I'm a big fan of happy endings I'm afraid!"Rachel if you are talking about (view spoiler) - I'm so on the same page! I've even threatned Michael with bodily harm if this doesn't come to pass. Well maybe not bodily harm - but he will have to rewrite the book...Hmmm I feel a little Kathy Bates coming over me...Michael better avoid snowy mountain roads. I'm starting to feel a little like "your biggested fan"
Rachel wrote: "And I like Arista too. For me, she's much more realistic than a lot of other fantasy-genre princesses. I think that she's really grown throughout the series, especially by the end of Emerald Storm..."I so agree...and she is even more amazing in Percepliquis. Michael really stripped her of all the privlege of her nobility and turned her into a very down-to-earth person. It's funny because I'm reading both Theft of Swords and Percepliquis togehter and they are two very differnt women...but having read teh whole series the transition makes perfect sense and was done masterfully.
Rachel wrote: "On the whole I think the absolute best characterisation shines through when Hadrian and Royce are together. I absolutely adore these scenes. Chapter 9 (The Guardian) of Nyphron Rising was, for me at least, just the epitome of these two characters. I loved the way that Royce finally broke the news to Hadrian, Hadrian's reaction, the way they worked their way out together. Also signs that Royce is 'learning' - "so it was good I didn't slit throats" (I loved this line). If I had to choose a favourite chapter (so far at least!) I think that would be it. Dashes of humour and excellent characterisation.You are so dead on - a great scene to be sure.
I can't wait to get my hands on Heir of Novron!
Have you gotten it yet? You must - simply must! I'm having a ball babbling in the "last book" thread but I need other people to talk about it with. READ FASTER!
Traci wrote: "And I actually ended up liking Magnus even though I thought I wouldn't. Magnus is an interesting character. I won't say more in this book as it would spoil others but yes I like what Michael has done with him so far (I'm in the last book - about 1/3 of the way through."
Sorry for a bunch or replies all at once - I've been busy spending any free time I have (and even losing some sleep) by reading the last book.
Elizabeth...I'm shocked to see that you think I can't be trusted. I would NEVER lead anyone astray ;-pAnd yes Arista goes through a nice progression over the series. I think she was always shown as intelligent and capable but she struggles with doubt from time to time and never has been very lucky in regards to her love life.
Elizabeth wrote: ""I'd love to hear your predictions...feel free to send me a direct message. And I'll be sure not to give any spoilers. All I can say is ... DON'T TRUST MICHAEL... I love ya Michael...I really do...but he has a way of using sleight-of-hand and while he occupies your attention with the right hand he is certainly up to no good with his left. "I'm so sorry I didn't see your response! I actually finished the whole series yesterday. I couldn't wait and had to get myself a copy of the last book as soon as I could! I have to say I very much enjoyed the books and agree about your not trusting michael. :P I questioned my originally thoughts very often because of him. :D Kept thinking "am I just hoping things will come out this way when he's not going to make it happen?" :D
Again, very happy with the character development.
Wow Raberta...you finished the whole serie!? That was fast. I'd love it if you made a few comments in your ratings - as I'd love to hear what you thought of them. Or...if you are not comfortable in putting your impressions out "publically" just send me a private message.
Elizabeth wrote: "Have you gotten it yet? You must - simply must! I'm having a ball babbling in the "last book" thread but I need other people to talk about it with. READ FASTER!" I'm all done! :D I scoured all the bookshops near me, just in case it was out early (I needed Heir of Novron as I hadn't read Wintertide). No luck - but then last week I tried again and found a single copy, much to my delight.
All I can say right now is that I absolutely loved it. I devoured both Wintertide and Percepliquis in about a day. I wanted to wait to comment until I'd read it again at a slower pace, and had some time to let it sink in. Very nearly done on my second more leisurely stroll through both :)
And also, @Michael, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my comments. I didn't reply before as I was deliberately avoiding goodreads in case of any spoilers before the last book :)
I have to say that Myron is my over all favorite character for his outlook on the world and life in general. I have read the entire series now and all I can say is I want more from this world/universe. I really don't want to let these characters go.
Michael wrote: "Wow Raberta...you finished the whole serie!? That was fast. I'd love it if you made a few comments in your ratings - as I'd love to hear what you thought of them. Or...if you are not comfortable in..."Yes, I really did. I'm a fast reader and when I'm enjoying something I have a hard time putting the book down. Your books were that way for me. So much in fact that I suggested this group to two other friends and made my husband put down Hunger Games to read the books. :D
I struggle sometimes with giving comments, but I'll do my best. :D
Rachel wrote: "All I can say right now is that I absolutely loved it. I devoured both Wintertide and Percepliquis in about a day. I wanted to wait to comment until I'd read it again at a slower pace, and had some time to let it sink in. Very nearly done on my second more leisurely stroll through both :)And also, @Michael, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my comments. I didn't reply before as I was deliberately avoiding goodreads in case of any spoilers before the last book :)"
See, I'm not the only one! I will also be doing a second read through because I also devoured the books - I enjoyed them that much! I also visited around town trying to find copies because I was reading the books at such a swift pace.
Its also why I missed Elizabeth's comment to me, I was so intent on the books that it totally slipped my mind to stop by goodreads. :D
Rachel wrote: "I'm all done! :D I scoured all the bookshops near me, just in case it was out early (I needed Heir of Novron as I hadn't read Wintertide). No luck - but then last week I tried again and found a single copy, much to my delight.Hey Rachel,
Yeah Heir of Novron is not officially released until the 31st but some places do have it. I've not seen it pop up at any stores near me but I have seen pictures and heard people reading so yeah it's still hard to find right now.
And no worries - I'm glad you stayed away from spoilers - I want people to experience it as it was meant to.
Poor little Heir has only one Amazon review at the moment - so I would like to ask people who have read that version to go out and leave a review and a few comments - doesn't have to be a full on review, and certainly I would prefer no spoilers. I just want "new readers" to the series to get the impression that the series as a whole is worth looking into.
Genna wrote: "I have to say that Myron is my over all favorite character for his outlook on the world and life in general. I have read the entire series now and all I can say is I want more from this world/unive..."Thanks Genna...Yes Myron is great and quite formidable in many ways as he is so content that you really can't threaten him in anyway.
As some people already know...I won't be adding on more books to the end of this series. It ended exactly as I wanted it to and to tack on more would ruin the last book for me. I do have some potential idea for either short stories or novels that are "earlier in time". The deciding factor will be how well the series does to determine if there is enough of an audience to support the effort. I'll put you down in the "yes" category ;-)
Raberta wrote: "Yes, I really did. I'm a fast reader and when I'm enjoying something I have a hard time putting the book down. Your books were that way for me. So much in fact that I suggested this group to two other friends and made my husband put down Hunger Games to read the books.I'm so glad you are suggesting the group to other friends. It really is one of the best part of this whole experience to hear people talking about the books and being able to FINALLY interact after so many years caught in the cone of silence. And foregoing Hunger Games...that's quite the compliment. I recently read that book and found it to be very good.
As for making comments....that would be GREATLY appreciated.
Raberta wrote: "See, I'm not the only one! I will also be doing a second read through because I also devoured the books - I enjoyed them that much! I also visited around town trying to find copies because I was reading the books at such a swift pace.I predict the re-reads will be a lot of fun...I've enjoyed seeing Elizabeth's comments on doing so. There are a lot of little things that weren't meant to mean much the first time around but should be seen in a new light now that everything has been "revealed".
I just got the last book & will try to start re-reading the series soon.
LOL! what's funny is I had alread read the entire series 3 times before Percepliquis came out and now I have to go back and read everything YET AGAIN to see how it fits with the end!Michael, why not make more shorts like the Viscount and the Witch? I loved that!
Jim wrote: "I just got the last book & will try to start re-reading the series soon."Glad to hear it Jim...I'm looking forward to disscussing it with you - especially the ending which you've not rea yet.
Isaac wrote: "LOL! what's funny is I had alread read the entire series 3 times before Percepliquis came out and now I have to go back and read everything YET AGAIN to see how it fits with the end!Michael, why not make more shorts like the Viscount and the Witch? I loved that..."
haha Isaac - well you don't HAVE to but I'm sure you will find some fun facts.
More shorts are defintely a possibility...probably the most likely if the series flops. If people like it enough to want more then I'll write full-length novles. But if it does only marginally I'll do a short here and there but I'll have to spend the majority of my time trying to find "the next thing" that people want to see from me. I'm really enjoying writing for a living so I do have to keep in mind to provide what the public wants to read...and novels of course don't just spring fourth without a significant investment of time.
Michael wrote: "Isaac wrote: "LOL! what's funny is I had alread read the entire series 3 times before Percepliquis came out and now I have to go back and read everything YET AGAIN to see how it fits with the end!..."
I honestly can't see how this series could possibly flop with a majority of positive reviews. I'm an Indie Filmmaker and I can easily see Hollywood jumping on this one as a family adventure flick ala Pirates of the Caribbean. I've already envisioned it from my perspective behind the camera and I have to say I'd love to see this if I wasn't worried about Hollywood screwing it up.
I've seen books that have had less coverage than yours being picked up by top name producers and directors. I've honestly been waiting for you to announce something hahahaha. I'm sure you could sell the series off a well done teaser/trailer for this.
And don't give me excuses about needing money for that...I've made damn good shorts on around $300. Definitely less than $1,000. Not sure how the film industry is there but down here you find no shortage of people willing to work for cheap or free on something badass.
this is the short we made on $300: http://vimeo.com/18336574
think about that man, I'm sure I'm not alone in saying we'd all love to see this on the big screen :-) hell any screen. straight to DVD for all I care as long as I get to watch it :-)
I actually do have a television/movie rights agent working on this. Her name is Josie Freedman and she his the co-head of the books-to-film division at ICM. I don't know one "player from another" but from what I hear ICM is pretty "major" in Hollywood. Still things like this take a lot of time.I really enjoyed "Lady Fingers" very cute - well done!
Thank you for the compliment :-) I've worked on tons more, but you got other stuff to spend your time on :-PI just wanted to use that as a point. Good movies can be made for cheap, it's Hollywood that screws up the process >:-|
and coincidentally my moniker/handle is also ICM :-P
small world hahahahaha
so dude, who would YOU want to play Hadrian and Royce? I've given some thoughts to that, but I'd really love to get your take on it :-)
I can soooooo imagine Bruce Campbell as Degan Gaunt! BWAHAHAHAHA
So long...long...ago I did have actors picked out - but it's been more than two decades since I started the books so all the people I had selected are now too old. I'm not up on the current batch of actors...I don't see as many movies as I used to so I really have no idea. People have given up their opinions of them in the past - and some of them are pretty funny. But no...I don't have anyone picked out - sorry.
Out of curiosity, who DID you have picked out?I grew up in the 80's so I'm sure I'm familiar with anyone you had in mind. I'd love to see what your ideas were :-)
NOTE: Please hide anything too "spoilerish" by warpping it in [spoiler]This is stuff to hide[/spoiler] where you need to substitue < for [ and > for ].