Jamesb asked Sebastien de Castell:

I am enjoying the greatcoats series, I am currently on the 4th book, for the first book traitors blade I was wondering what was your inspiration for the trio's specific characteristics? 2 would you consider a 5th book maybe a story about the the Rangieri and maybe expand the map to other countries bordering Tristia?

Sebastien de Castell I began quite simply with wanting Falcio, as the main character, to perpetually feel outclassed by his closest friends. Kest is vastly better with a sword and never suffers the doubts that Falcio does, and Brasti is more handsome, charming, and able to enjoy the world and relate to its people. So Falcio always has the sense of being somewhat awkward, which made it easier for me to make his talents and qualities obvious to the reader but less so to him.

I'm not writing a fifth book in the Greatcoats series as it ended exactly as I wanted it to (and poor Falcio needs a break from all his many injuries.) I am, however, writing more Tristia books, starting with a new series built around the intricacies of judicial duelling, titled Our Lady of Blades.

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