Fantasy Book Club Series discussion
Wars of Light and Shadow
>
Introduction to the 'Wars of Light and Shadow'
date
newest »
newest »
Just read this over at GoodReads Feedback: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...
So we can now have spoilers in posts and reviews (view spoiler).
Actually, it doesn't - the cursor doesn't shift into a'link' for me, when passed over the 'view spoiler'...wonder why? Are there still bugs?
Janny wrote: "Actually, it doesn't - the cursor doesn't shift into a'link' for me, when passed over the 'view spoiler'...wonder why? Are there still bugs?"No, it doesn't shift, but if you click it it reveals what's under.
Almost done with 2nd book in series. Have to say, this is almost as good as the malazan books of the fallen series. Really enjoying it.
Benjamin wrote: "Almost done with 2nd book in series. Have to say, this is almost as good as the malazan books of the fallen series. Really enjoying it."LOL, glad you like it. I think it's better than MBOF by far.
Sandra aka Sleo wrote: "Benjamin wrote: "Almost done with 2nd book in series. Have to say, this is almost as good as the malazan books of the fallen series. Really enjoying it."LOL, glad you like it. I think it's bette..."
MBOF is hard to top! Must be a great series for ya to think it does. Making me even look forward to it more to keep on reading the series.
There are now two short stories up in eformat on Janny's webstore page. They are Sundering Star and Reins of Destiny, both prequels.Here's the link:
http://www.paravia.com/catalog/index....
Welcome to an 11 volume tale designed to unfold in five structured story arcs, and developed as a labor of love for more than three decades.
Is this story for you?
These books are not a light read, but fashioned for intensity, depth of insight, and unforgettable impact. Expect no Dark Lord, No Elves, no farm boys who come of age and save the world, No Vampires/Werewolves/Fairies, no oversimplified conflict of Might makes Right, and no evil monsters. This is a mature read, but due to its complexity, not romantic smut. It has edges, but is neither cynical, nor fluff. Expect it will span the full spectrum of emotion, and balance the darkest moments with the sublime, humor with sorrow, grace with the grit. It will unfold in progression and not make you swim until you figure it out, but do expect your presumptions will be unpredictably upended. If you are looking for young adult simplicity, or black and white morality, these books are not for you. There have been teen readers who liked this, but they are in the minority.
The story instead evolves around a tightly focused cast of characters. It will deepen and heighten, not sprawl, as the layers are peeled back with each volume. The style will not permit skimming, and an overly impatient reader is likely to miss critical details and get lost, or trip as initial presumptions get stood upside down.
There are not cheap shot cliff hangers - each volume ends at a strong pause point. Expect the pacing to progress to a half point climax, then converge strongly to a fast paced finish. Each arc comes to a resounding finish. Seen as a whole, each arc will follow the same open/two-punch climactic pattern, and seen as an entire work, the series will do the same, also. Expect a slight gear-down in pacing at arc openings, as the story re-stages for the next phase, and every volume will revise what you saw in previous installments. Many of what appear to be 'classic' set ups - won't be.
Here is a link that provides an excerpt with only a mild spoiler for the story as a whole to see if you like the style: Sample from Fugitive Prince
Review of the series at Fantasy Literature
The Wars of Light and Shadow
Arc I - sets the stage and establishes the central conflict.
* The Curse of the Mistwraith
Arc II - evolves the conflict with tight focus on the main characters.
* The Ships of Merior
* Warhost of Vastmark
Note: if you acquire the US hardbound edition, both books are in one binding.
Arc III - (Alliance of Light) - takes the conflict to the next level, and worldwide impact.
* Fugitive Prince
* Grand Conspiracy
* Peril's Gate
* Traitor's Knot
* Stormed Fortress
Arc IV - (Sword of the Canon) - sets the stage for the mysteries.
* Initiate's Trial (written and due for release shortly)
* Destiny's Conflict (under contract)
Arc V - Song of the Mysteries
- finishes the series in one volume (under contract).
All the books are in print and available in the English language worldwide. Many have translations. Those are listed at the: Paravia Website
The site also holds links to excerpts from subsequent volumes, and MP# audio links to Janny's readings under 'Podcasts', but be warned, if you check those ahead, there will be spoilers.
Volumes from the third arc forward are available as e books, with the rest forthcoming, and many libraries carry the hardback editions. Finding the titles in any venue should not be problematic.
The author will be available to interact with the group and answer questions, both on the stories themselves, and on the industry, based upon personal experience.
If you decide to join us, Welcome to Athera!