I know how tracking so many of you are with the series, so I wanted to bring you up to speed on where book six stands now.
I’ll go on the record here and say definitively that two books are needed to finish telling this story properly. If you’ve been tracking with my writing progress in other updates, you’ll recall that I’m writing 15 different storylines now, which, when compared to the number of story threads in most other epic fantasies, is like writing 4 books at the same time.
I estimate the denouement of the story will require upwards of 650,000 words to complete. Possibly more like 800,000. (Most of my books are in the 350,000 word range.)
So, as to book six and what is obviously now book seven…
There’s just not an easy way to structurally complete the story if I try to think of it all linearly, telling things in real-time, one chapter flowing to the next, book six flowing into book seven. Each story thread is so interwoven—if not in terms of action then in terms of the things you learn upon one thread that affects your understanding of another one—that I can’t get more than one or two chapters along any character’s thread without needing to advance several other ones at the same time.
So, basically, what this means is that I am writing both book six and book seven at the same time.
I know you’re asking now what that means to you, i.e. when will you get to read it? If it happens that I get enough of the story completed that I can get book six out to you ahead of book seven being finished, I’ll set that into motion. Much depends on how I end up structuring the storytelling, as in, we may need to backtrack to pick up some action that happened out of our view in book five, and then work our way up the timeline back to present book time. But I really don’t have a handle on any of that yet, and I can’t even begin to think about sequencing until much more of the story is written.
Right now, I’m just trying to keep the story flowing forward one chapter at a time. I’m over 600 pages in (usually my books run about 800 pages in MS Word), and none of this is sequenced. It’s a bit of Trell and a bit of Tanis, and a couple of Ean and a lot with Felix (which may end up changing) and some Baelfeir and Vleydis and Shail among a smattering of others… None of these chapters form any kind of cohesive whole.
Every day I look at my page count and ask myself, “What the hell is written so far?” Because it feels like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what is yet to be told. I’ve been saying this for a while.
The story is inching forward. It’s a bit like dragging a galleon ship by its anchor. Or fifteen of them. Mired in sand. In the heat of the day. Only it’s pitch black and I have no idea where I’m going. 🤨
Another challenge of mine is to find a way to keep some of the mortal threads relevant to the larger story when their battles feel so much smaller compared to, say, Tanis’s thread. But microcosms like the king and queen of Dannym’s fight against Morwyk are essential to the allegory that forms the woof and warp of my series. So in addition to telling a lot of the epic backstory you’ve all been speculating about, I’m working to find ways to keep these other smaller conflicts relevant and meaningful.
All of this is to say that the onus is on me to make every story thread philosophically valuable as well as entertaining. If we don’t spend quite as much book time with some characters as I had perhaps been planning, I promise we will take each of their story threads to a satisfying conclusion. Every outstanding story thread will get its closure, from Creighton and Katerine to Lily and Korin and whatever the hell is Gwynnleth’s beef with Phaedor.
So that’s the latest, folks. My deepest thanks to all of you who write in and comment with your encouragement and support. I always appreciate knowing you’re excited (and impatient) for the next and final installment in this epic tale. Your interest fuels my motivation, so thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Thank you for the many ways you endeavor to stay connected to my world. And as always, thank you for reading.
Thank you for the update.Its reassuring to know you are working on this even if it feels like it’s inching forward slowly.
I think collectively as fans of the series we would all agree that we are happy for you to do this at your speed as long as it’s done in a way that feels to you like you’ve conveyed all that you felt needed to be said.
Similarly, I do not think any of us would have a problem if you said 10 books are needed to tell this story.
Please keep doing what you are doing and we will look forward to the end result.
P.S OMG Felix! I hope he and Tanis can team up again!
I appreciate this very much, Samreen. Yes, Felix has quite a few adventures ahead, with or without Tanis. 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to bring us up to speed.
I am delighted to hear the story will continue on to book seven and with my fingers crossed maybe even book eight…
With the extra time we can now re-read the series at our leasure.
It’s my absolute favourite xx
I’m honored to have achieved such a high place in your esteem, Louise. Thank you for your kind words and your encouragement.
This is fantastic news!
At the end of book five, I had two concerns.
1, How is she going to wrap up this many threads in a single book?!
And 2,
How am I going to be able to cope with the ending of this story?
While I’ve been so excited about book 6, I was always scared of it because it meant my favorite series is coming to an end. But now..I don’t have to worry about that quite yet. 🙂
I’m so glad you’re pleased by the news, Ian. You definitely have a bit of time (and a lot of words) before having to face the end. 😉
Your struggles with story length remind me of one of my other favorite authors, Michelle West/Sagara and I will say the same to you as I posted on her blog…it is the care with details that makes your world and characters come alive. I love getting immersed in your books and while anxiously awaiting the next installment, I for one, am more than willing to be patient for the final product. I am hoping that the audio versions will be released around the same time as the print version as I have difficulty with my eyesight. Thank you so much for sharing your world and those that inhabit it with us!!!
I appreciate this very much, Raeann. I’m hoping to be able to coordinate a release with print and audio also. Nick’s schedule is the difficulty there. He’s booked almost 2 years in advance now.
This has to be my absolute fantasy series of all time! Whenever i try to describe it to someone without giving to much away, i always find myself likening it to game of thrones in complexity, without the need to kill off our favorite characters every five minutes just to keep things interesting, and you manage such depth of scenes without making us feal you are lingering on every blade of grass and flower in the meadow! Thanks sooooo much for such a fantastic story, i honestly am happy to have as many books as it takes to get the full story!
David, thank you. I’m honored to have achieved such a high place in your regard. I appreciate your sharing that with me. And I love your analogy in comparison – LOL!
Literally JUST finished book 5. Read all the comments and HAVE TO ASK , being 6 months later…..WHAT is the status of book 6??
Absolutely OUTSTANDING series!
H-A-T-E to see it end but all great things come to an end eventually.
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series, Paul. Sadly not much has changed since my last update. More is done but I’m still quite a ways off from completing enough of the story to be able to publish book six. In the meantime, I invite you to drop in on the Facebook group. It’s an active community of like-minded readers and a great way to stay connected to the world until I get book six finished. Thank you for reading.
Melissa, thank you so much for the update. It was a bright spot in my grey day. You know I’m not disappointed about more books that you’ve written. I’m thrilled to know every thread will have a conclusion and not left undone. Truly my favorite series and Author ever.
Thank you, as always, Celeste. Your words brighten my day also. 🙂
Fabulous reading!!
Great to know and thank you for the update. We have a book club now of about 10 people at our office who are through Book 5. And we have new readers coming in too. Some of our book club members have joined from Germany and Australia!
Love hearing the news and how this is forming up. It makes sense to me that it would be two books!
Can’t wait!
Thanks and happy writing!
Thank you so much, Kim. I’m thrilled to hear about your book club. That’s so fun.
Thank you so much for the effort that you put into writing this amazing series. The way you can keep all the characters together in the timeline is truly beautiful. This particular series has made me look at life in a whole new aspect. The characters, the quotes, everything just works so well together. I can’t wait to see how it finishes and what else your beautiful mind can come up with. Double bonus it’s narrated by Nick Poehdel. He is truly gifted. The way he matches the voices to the characters is almost perfection.
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series, Kyle. Thank you for your kind words. I agree – Nick is an amazing talent. I feel so blessed to have him as the voice of my series.
lol well you asked for it holding it up against WoT lol ….. keep writing them we will read them 6,8,10 how ever many it takes
Thank you, Darren. I’m eternally grateful that you’re happy to read more than one more book!
I am not sure if i am a bit late to this blog post, it has been a few months since you wrote it, but I would just like to add something real quick. Many people are saying they are fine with their being two more books, but really, where is the excitement people! We were just promised more of this series, this is practically a miracle!
I certainly appreciate that, Asher. I’m just happy that my readers want to stick with me through the long writing winter that is book 6.
Awesome , thank you sooooo much for keep this going .
I dont want it to end , i hate reading the last book of a series.
And this Series is a true work of art . more , more , more !
That’s lovely of you to say. I can promise at least two more books. LOL
I am in agreement with everyone in saying how many it takes is how many it takes, so even if 10 doesnt cover it, we would be fine with it. When you are finished and there happens to be other storys of our loved characters that dont really go along with this storyline, i am sure we will be willing to read/devour them like all the rest that was writen. And “Thank You” for this awesome world you have created.
I appreciate that very much, Nathan. I definitely have ideas about where to go once this story is finished.
Brilliant. More books. Look forward to as many as you write.
Phaedor chose Felix to go along with him and that in itself felt like there were much that would happen with Felix in it. Looking forward to seeing more of what he does. 🙂
Also looking forward to Dannym, Alyneri and Morwyck and what happens there.
And of course Tanis, what pact Belfair and Ean will make and what Shail’s grand plan really is.
Love how you’re working through this and how you wish to tie up ends in a satisfactory way. Thank you for that. 🙂 ❤️
Thanks, Kavita. I’m definitely intending to tie everything off with (maybe not entirely tidy) bows, but at least satisfying ones on some level. LOL
Melissa. You’ve got to take as long as it takes and as many books as it takes to give this awesome story what it deserves!! We are fantasy fans!!! No number of books in a good story is too many!!! We will always be impatient for the next installment though!
xx
Steve, I appreciate very much your unwavering support and encouragement. Thank you. 🙂
Great update, thanks for thinking of us all!
Do you think you will make a by Xmas 2021 publishing date or will you need to go into 2022?
It’s easy don’t stop at 7 if you need 8 I’m sure nobody will mind.
LOL, Joshua. Duly noted. 🙂
Boy oh boy how do u do it!I’d be sitting in the corner head banging the wall.well I’m sure glad we get 2 more book (at least)thanks for the update Melissa much love and stay safe
Thank you, Fidel. I will endeavor not to bang my head too much or too hard. 😉
Thanks as always for your update, for those of us that love this genre we accept that world building, character development and quality story telling takes time and you are up there with the best of them.
Take your time we’ll wait!
I appreciate that very much, Peter.
I have thoroughly enjoyed living in your world. So a few more books are needed to tell it like you want it? Excellent!! It proves the characters live within you and demand proper introduction to the rest of us!
Thank you so much, Virgel. My characters are definitely demanding! LOL
The pace and complexity of the story is what makes your writing so unique and spellbinding. We’ll enjoy as many books in the series as you care to write.
You’re too good to me, Anna. Thank you.
Thank you for this update. I can’t imagine how you can create theses amazing stories and keep them all moving forward. I truly enjoy the amazing systems and way to see the world and need of balance. I eagerly look forward to where the story goes. Please take your time and write as many books as are needed. I’ll read them all!
And I’m very grateful for that, Elliot. Thank you. 🙂
I haven’t read a series that’s compelled me as much since WOT, so I definitely dont mind reading more books. I’m worried about what I’ll do when the saga is over as you have set a bar I believed to unobtainable. Thank you for rekindling my love of reading/fantasy epics and I cant wait to see where this all goes. Cheers and thanks for the inspiration
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sammy. I really appreciate your support and encouragement.
I’m with you all the way on those comments. Truly good fantasy relies on multiple characters with complex depth. WoT did it very well…I read through the entire series in hardback four times before finally putting it all on my Kindle. As for this series, I have re-read each book as a new one comes out, so I will be re-reading all five so far when six is ready. WoT went to 14 volumes…please, Ms. McPhail, take as long as it needs. There were a couple of denouements in 5, but now that all three sons are restored, I can’t wait to get back the queen and her infant. Take your time…you’ve done it right so far and it keeps getting better!
Thank you so much, Edith. I think the general consensus is to take the time the story needs, which I appreciate greatly, since I couldn’t really write it any other way. 😉 Thank you for reading and have a happy new year!
Well. I suggest that you convince Phaedor to hep you with the anchors of these ships and blow some wind in the sails!! We all aren’t getting any younger !
Seriously though, can’t wait for the continuation of the story and a conclusion in some book. Pretty sure Tanis is tired of hanging in limbo.
Tanis has more patience than I do, to be honest, Peter. 😉 I think he’s fine.
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date Melissa. I admit, I did a little happy dance at the thought of at least one more book than I was expecting.
I trust you will give us plenty of notice so we can sneak in a refresher reread.
I love those happy dances, Jo. 🙂 For sure – you’ll get plenty of notice! LOL
Well, I was hoping for more! It seems your heading in that direction!!!! Yea for me!!!! As I’ve said from the beginning. Take your time. There is no pressure. (Don’t listen to the publisher)!!!! LOL We readers will enjoy each and every thread that is printed!!! I am so grateful to have found you as an Author!!! You truly rock!!!! Looking forward to the release date and I’ll do my pre-order now!!!! I refuse to allow my conceptions on how I think the book should go and allow you to work your magic. Because nothing i say will come close to what you type. Looking forward to my reread of the entire series. So please give me a 3 months heads up when you think your in that range please!!?? Nothing but book love coming from me!!!
You’re the best, Jim. Thank you, truly. I will definitely give you lots of notice on book six’s release. 🙂
Long-time reader, first-time poster;
Melissa i am with the others in saying that if it takes longer or more books than seven, then so be it. We will read(or media of choice) whatever is published when its published.
With that being said, this may become an unpopular opinion, but it may need to be said. If you are feeling overwhelmed or are needing to take a break in order to collect your thoughts, please do so. None of your fans want you getting burnt out or anything else that may effect your health.
We ARE here waiting as patiently as we as individuals can. Some are salivating at the mouth, others are attempting to focus their energy on other things, and still others are trying to find that delicate balance between the two.
We ALL love you for sharing this universe that you’ve created. I am fairly certain that your fans will not be let down or disappointed in the next installment of your epic tale.
Take care of yourself, please continue on with the story(ies). If you have to publish book six and seven closer than the norm, we will devour them and beg for more.
This turned out to be a longer message than was planned or thought out, so ill close it out.
Please take care of yourself, and dont go faster than what is needed. This epic journey that we are all along for will get finished. Again, we all love you and your work. Thank you for the update. You are a beautiful being. See you in the FB group
Thank you for your kind words, Vernon. I greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness of your message, and thank you also for you posting it here.
Thank you for the update. It is greatly appreciated. I totally understand that it is not easy keeping all the plotlines going and if you need more than 8 books to do that, then I am sure all your fans will be really happy to read them. I can’t wait for the next installment. Absolutely love the series. I can honestly say that I have never read a more interesting, well written & constructed series.
I greatly appreciate your kind words about my series, Ursula, as well as your encouragement and support. In truth, we trust it takes as long as it takes to tell a good story. Right now that’s still looking like a book six and seven, but I’ll rest easier knowing 8 would be okay with you also. 😉
Melissa, you gave birth to a whole universe. I am sure I am not alone in wishing you would just keep the portal to this beautiful universe open to us ongoingly so we may continue to share in experiencing the lives of such rich and engaging characters. I dread the ending of this tale as much as I anticipate the next book! I think your satisfaction with the weave of your yarn is most important and I happily wait as you practice your craft and appreciate every word, page, chapter and book and thank you for the gift of sharing in your creation.
So beautifully stated, Mara. Thank you. I’m honored by your thoughtful words.
Melissa,
Thank you for being so open, honest and vulnerable with us about your writing process. You truly make your fans feel like they are your friends. I’m sure this is at least partly why all of the comments you get are supportive and encouraging instead of the “you owe us another book and I’m really upset it isn’t done yet” type of comment I’ve seen too many of with other unnamed authors you can probably guess at. 🙂
I join with the ranks of those waiting anxiously and patiently and will be thrilled with 2 or more additional books. Take time to nurture yourself and your family. I marvel at your ability to tell such an interesting, well-written tale woven with multiple layers of meaning and characters that hold a place in my heart – interspersed with lovely humor and insights.
My best,
Wendy
You may be right about this, Wendy. I also think the subject matter of my series attracts thoughtful, like-minded people. I don’t think people stick with my series unless they’re the kind of person interested in self-discovery, and those types of people, I’ve noticed, generally don’t cast stones at others. 😉
I very much appreciate your kind words, support and encouragement. Thank you for all of your interaction and feedback, and thank you for reading.
I was so excited to see this pop up on my newsfeed! It had been a while since I saw anything and assumed you were busy writing or taking a breath of fresh air. I can’t even begin to imagine what it takes you to write this fantastic story. I tried reading another series and stopped to go back and re-read yours. I love this story so much I downloaded the audible versions. I’m not supposed to wear earbuds or anything at work but sometimes I’m in areas where I can sneak in a few hours listening. Yes, it’s that bad (or good). As with others here, however long it takes or how many books, I will eat it up like a rabbit eating a carrot. I am and always will be in awe of your talent and this story you have magically put to ink and paper. Thank you so much!
I have definitely been busy writing, Kelly. I’m honored by your kind words about my series (and a little worried about you getting in trouble at work! LOL).
I actually think having two books is great news! I look forward to being able to read them. Keep up the great work. You will get there!
Thank you so much, Marni. I appreciate the vote of confidence. 🙂
Since “The wielder is limited by what she can envision,” I am glad that you are looking at the big picture before publishing book 6! That should make for a much better story and experience for us readers and a more satisfying tale for you, Melissa! It is a testament to your art in the craft of writing.
I look forward to all of your future books, whenever they come!
Thank you so much, Ben.I appreciate your support and encouragement.
Thanks for the update! I am enthralled by the story arc of so many characters! You’ve brought them to life in my mind. Excited for the newest addition to the story. Seriously you are one of the best writers of our time!
What ever happened to that bird woman? Per Tania’s agreement with the Worlock. He was supposed too let her choose to go or not?
Nathan, currently Merethe is undecided on whether or not she wants to leave Sinarr. 🙂
Melissa,
You are a superb writer, and a true professional. You seem to have an amazing life (love the estate) and a beautiful family. Most authors I follow live awful looking lives, and most I would never want to meet or know, mainly because of what I already know about them. They take EONS to write a good book, and don’t seem to take it seriously enough. The time you take is just fine, honestly i don’t know how you do it. Keep up the good work, and keep enjoying life. You are appreciate!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Nick. I appreciate your reading my books as much as you appreciate my books – trust me! 🙂
Hey Melissa, I love your books and can’t wait for more. It’s absolutely my favorite series and I’m so grateful for all the time and effort you put into writing! Your characters are all so unique and have so much depth. I was just now wondering if you ever have chapters or POV segments that are technically a finished product but get edited out for whatever reason. I know you’ve said you tend to edit each chapter into an essentially finished product before moving on to the next, so it’s possible that you don’t. If so, I was questioning if (hoping ) you might eventually release them. I can’t get enough of this story! Anyway, hope you’re well and wanted to say that I loved your interview with Heroic Books.
Thank you very much, Tina. I’m honored by your kind words about my series and characters. I occasionally have cut scenes that I hold onto because sometimes (many times) they’ll make it back into the story in the future, sometimes in a slightly altered permutation. I have considered releasing some of them once the current book is closer to being done, as there won’t be any more future books to use those scenes in.
Thank you for watching the interview with Heroic. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I honestly don’t remember how I found your series but I’m so glad i did. Your storytelling is amazing and I’m so excited to read the next book!
So am I, Savreen! 🙂
Keep up the good work. Your story is by far the favorite of my partner and me. We are happy to hear there will be two more books. We will be a little sad when it does come to an end but all good things must come to an end.
Thank you so much. I’m working to make the ending a satisfying conclusion for everyone. 🙂
Yay, I just wanted to know how many books will be in series, which I know is hard to tell. I love this series so much, the complexity and ah ha moments are amazing. Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to reread the whole series!
I think we’re fairly set on seven, Jenn, but nothing’s true until it’s written. 😉
Hi Melissa, I’m your new biggest fan! 🙂 I am pretty much bed bound and most days, the only way I can escape my bed is to get lost in other worlds…and I’ve just recently found yours and I wanted to say “Thank you thank you thank you!”. I’ve been having a tough go with pain and energy levels and to be able to just curl up with my eyes closed and listen to your books has brought me hours of joy and escape. I’m just starting book three…so PLEASE keep inching forward…I’ve dabbled at writing and have an inkling at how tough it can be…but know that your writing makes a difference in lives you know nothing about…you are giving us a gift and I am so thankful to have found another epic writer who keeps me entranced for hours! <3
Oh, I’m so thrilled you’ve found refuge in my world, even as I do. I appreciate so much knowing that my series has helped you in any way. Thank you for reading – and keep me posted as you head through books four and five. 🙂 God bless.
I’m so happy you chose to write several more books. To me there is nothing worse than trying to dump so many story lines into one book and becoming so anticlimatical. I’ve been a fantasy reader for years and your books and stories are so beautifully written and twist around so much I can’t ever seem to predict what will happen next, which is a breath of fresh air! Thank you and keep on writing!
I’m very glad to hear I can still surprise you, Jenny. I’m not sure I chose to write more books so much as that’s what the story demanded, but either way, I intend to finish the story properly, with everything tied up in satisfying ways. Thank you for sharing your experience with me, and thank you for reading.
This is my favorite epic fantasy series by far! I love it when I can an author has thought in detail about storylines and reveals a book or two ahead and I’m delighted to hear you are doing this. I also really appreciate the philosophy you have woven into your storytelling and I think that a deeply moral story is much more compelling than straight world-building. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter are a delectable treat and I like how varied they are — some make you laugh, others make you think. I’m just as eager as anyone else for the next installment, but I’ll happily wait for a quality experience. Holiday cheer!
Thank you so much, Eric. I’m thrilled to know you’re enjoying my series, and especially that you appreciate the quotes. Coming up with 70+ random witty, thought-provoking or insightful quotes after so many books has become the bane of my existence. LOL Glad to know they’re appreciated. 🙂
Never try to out-stubborn a cat.
Think that might be my favorite
Hahaha, that is excellent, David. 🙂
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Tanis and Sinarr’s story arc. It really made me think about my own perception/assumptions of people in general as well as any first impression I may have of those I meet. I hope we will get to see more of them together in the books to come! 🙂
Oh, thank you so much for sharing that with me, Brian. I think it’s safe to say we’ll see more of Tanis and Sinarr and how their relationship will grow in the coming books.
Thank you for a great story and the combo of felix and pheador. I hope you dont cut to much of felix out. He is one of my favorites. I can’t wait to see how everthing concludes.
Felix plays an important role in the final story, Kyle, never fear. The zanthyr wouldn’t be with him for no reason. 😉
Dear Melissa,
I started out with the series by the time the first four books had already been published.
Actually, I was looking for books performed by Nick Podehl (and perform he does!!) at the time.
And holy Moly did I get sucked into the story.
I rarely go through all books of a series in sequence, as I need to listen to something else inbetween. No choice here, though, I could not stop.
I am a great fan of Brandon Sanderson’s work, meaning I will get any new book from him, no questions asked (to me he is the reference regarding fantasy titles).
The same will now apply to you, since I’ve started this series.
The man has nothing on you, I think your work is just as awesome!.
It’s a completely different world, I think it’s a different style too.
But it’s just as complex and captivating.
In short, I love “A Pattern of Shadow and Light”.
Please keep writing.
And THANK you for giving us all something so captivating and enjoyable.
big fan from Germany here 🙂
I’m honored to have attained such a position in your esteem, Stefan. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series. I have definitely tried to make my world unique from others – although I suspect everyone tries for that 😉 – and it’s rewarding to know you feel that way. Thank you for letting me know you’re enjoying my work, and thank you for listening.
Cannot thank you enough for keeping your fans/readers informed! It makes the journey that much better and makes us feel a (very small) part of the process. Can’t wait for the next book!
The appreciation is mutual, Dovid. Thank you for reading.
I just reread the series from start to finish and it was more captivating the second time around. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your books! I have shared them with every reader I know and we all feel the same way. Cannot wait for the next book! Any ideas on when it might be released?
I thrilled to hear you enjoyed the story again on your reread, Courtney. I did write the series (especially the early books) with rereads in mind. There’s too much information on your first pass through to be able to catch every nuance and hint, primarily because you don’t know what’s going to be important. By the second pass, you do. 🙂
I’m nearly through with book six in terms of volume of content, but as I mentioned I need to finish both books (or at least get closer to the end) before I publish them. So it’s still too early to say exactly when I’ll have a finished version ready for consumption.
Melissa,
I know your characters have tendency to want to go off and do their own thing rather than follow the path you have in mind for them, how have they been behaving over the last six months?
They’ve been mostly compliant, Darrell, but it is still very slow going, I’m afraid.
Lovely story telling! I am on audible book 5 now! I love the story thus far and will have to wait very very patiently it seems for the others to arrive lol! Nick does a great job at bringing your beautifully written story to life :)! I really need a painting of this world and characters of yours constructed lol, it would be epic!!
We’re working to some degree on both of those, John – paintings of the world and characters, that is. My assistant has been compiling a companion book to the series. And of course I’m doing my best to weave this story together out of all these disparate threads. 😉
I wish some day your work could become a movie or series but I dont think anyone could properly bring to life the amazing imagery and descriptiveness that you convey about what is going through a characters mind or how they feel or what a certain look a character gives is meant to convey. I hold your work up to Dune and believe that a pattern of shadow and light should be in the top 5 fantasy/sci fi books/series ever written. Thank you for your hard work and the wonderful story you have created. Its unlike anything else I’ve read or listened to. I listen to 2 or 3 audiobooks a month and I am now listening to your series in its entirety for the second time. Nick poedel does such a phenomenal job and that’s actually how I found your book. I liked him as a narrator and searched his other works and came upon yours. I am so glad I did. Thank you again! I can’t wait for the next book or two!
I’m honored to know my series has gained such a place in your regard, Shane. Thank you for your kind words. I definitely strive to make my series original. And I feel very lucky to have Nick as the voice of my series. What an incredible talent he has. I don’t know how he keeps all of the voices straight!
Take your time….it will be well worth the wait!!!!!! You are amazing….
Thank you, Amanda. I appreciate that very much.
It is now mid August 2021, wi we be seeing / hearing book 6 yet this year?
I understand the complexity and depth you have built into this series and hope you start out again in book 6 with a reminder of where all the characters are again, that was well needed by me and thank you.
Just that 3 or more years is quite a time in between books for most of us to remember what we read.
It sadly isn’t going to happen in 2021, Brian, but I’m hopeful for 2022.
Melissa, the fact that you take the time to give updates says a great deal about your desire to give us the complete story. Thank you for taking the time to do so! There’s a couple of other authors I could name who I wish would do likewise.