Fantasy Book Club Series discussion

Because I suspect there are many people, who are like me (have read through book 5 and awaiting book 6) this is a place where you can talk with others without fear of spoiling anything. In particular it would be nice if people speculated on what may or may not happen in the last book.

I'm moving some of my comments from a previous thread to here. It was in response to some things Bryan said which are provided in quotes.

Bryan said...
I hope that Royce isn't punished too badly for what happened in book five. I believe the EMpress may be lenient, but that's maybe wishful thinking more than not.

I'm very afraid for Royce in general. There were some scenes in the past that talked about him going to "darkness" or "light" and what happened at the end of book 5 frightens me. We know that he doesn't kill himself - thank Maribor ;-) But exactly what form Royce will take when he emerges? I don't know.

As for what the Empress will do...It never occurred to me to think about her role in punishment for Royce. I just figured he would be too hard to catch and might run off to Avempartha and beyond the grasp of the authorities.

But speaking of the Empress...what a great character arc! When I read about Thrace in Avempartha I liked her well enough but bam...she really went through fire and came out strengthened on the other end. It was so nice seeing her come out of her catatonic state. I'm really glad she is in power now...but I worry if that will continue since she's not the real Heir and he is now loose.

Speaking of Degan...What a tool. I thought (or maybe it was just hope) that he would be a good guy worthy of his position...but the way he treated Modina was pretty telling. I would hate to see him in charge of the realm and wonder how he and Hadrian will get on.

I would much rather have Modina in charge than Degan and here's to hoping that things will turn out that way.

It's possible she'll marry the true heir, if that is really him.

I was thinking...the heir and the guardian were together for generations. Their families could have intermixed. It's very possible that Hadrian has a blood line that includes both. It's had me curious. He'd likely be happy to concede the throne to thrace instead.

I was wondering if Thrace would go somewhere, but man...I was impressed with how things turned out...and why she was always sitting in that same spot on the floor. Very well done

Yeah, Degan is definitely a tool. Heaven help the realm if he takes charge. I think Hadrian will finally get over his "protect the heir" bit once things are in perspective. Almost losing Royce, and coming to terms with his feelings for Arista, may make him realize there are more important things.

...and ...here come the ELVES!!! They seem intimidating. Not used to that with elves. Yet again, it's what you don't know and can't see about them...much like Hadrian's sword skills.

As for Royce, he may not care anymore to run away. He may just give up and await whatever comes. *shrug*

This will probably be my favorite thread of he whole folder. I won't be commenting on speculations but I'll be reading and enjoying what is said. I love all the various ideas. This is one of the things I like most about the series is you get to participate by guessing where things may...or may not...go.

Bryan wrote: "It's possible she'll marry the true heir, if that is really him.

Well I hope not! Although this is not something I ever considered. As far as "is it really him" Well Esrahaddon's spell in Avempartha showed the heir...and since Esrahaddon helped Gaunt before his capture it seems to be the case...unfortunately. But I would like it to be someone else.

Bryan wrote:
I was thinking...the heir and the guardian were together for generations. Their families could have intermixed. It's very possible that Hadrian has a blood line that includes both. It's had me curious.

Oh...I like that. Good thinking. I wouldn't be surprised if Michael didn't have something sneaky like that up his sleeve.

Bryan wrote:
He'd likely be happy to concede the throne to thrace instead.

Well if Hadrian IS the Heir I'm not sure how good he'll be at "running things" he doesn't seem very politically savby. Thrace has learned a lot from her lessons by the widow - I think she would be up to the task.

Bryan wrote:
I was wondering if Thrace would go somewhere, but man...I was impressed with how things turned out...and why she was always sitting in that same spot on the floor. Very well done

Agreed...I think in the beginning she was just there because she missed the sky and sun (from when they kept her locked in the dungeon) but all those hours paid off as the conversations eventually sunk in and took root.

Bryan wrote:
Yeah, Degan is definitely a tool. Heaven help the realm if he takes charge. I think Hadrian will finally get over his "protect the heir" bit once things are in perspective.

I'm not so sure. Hadrian is pretty much "duty bound" not as much as say Wesley or Breckton but I think he would just "suck it up and do it". Royce of course would be there to say "I told you so." and he might be able to convince Hadrian to give Degan his walking papers.

Bryan wrote:Almost losing Royce, and coming to terms with his feelings for Arista, may make him realize there are more important things.

Ah...Arista and Hadrian...now that's a love affair I can get behind. They have been dancing around this for ages...and I hope we aren't disappointed in the end. In some respects she's like the woman pilot in the old television series Northern Exposure. Whoever she hooks up with dies...so maybe I prefer that relationship not to turn into something... I couldn't stand it if I lost Hadrian.

Bryan wrote:
...and ...here come the ELVES!!! They seem intimidating. Not used to that with elves. Yet again, it's what you don't know and can't see about them...much like Hadrian's sword skills.

Yes...I've been waiting for them since the end of Avempartha. It is strange as they usually "the good guys" but it looks like they are going to wreck some serious havoc. It will be interesting to see what happens here.

Bryan wrote:
As for Royce, he may not care anymore to run away. He may just give up and await whatever comes. *shrug*..."

Good point...I can see that. We will know soon enough.

Keep it coming Bryan...I love this discussion and hopefully some more people will be joining in.

I've been enjoying the conversation myself Elizabeth. I don't respond as often because I use a voice software to write for me. Normally I never do online discussions because of this, it is a bit cumbersome to do. But I have enjoyed these books so much that it is easily worth it, just bear with me if I take a day or two to respond.

When I made the comment about had Hadrian possibly being the heir, I was thinking possibly that both he and Gaunt (sp?) could technically both be. The magic that (voice software won't write this name haha) Esrahaddon used was not necessarily based off of blood line. It was based on the pendants. Whoever has the present assigned to the Guardian could be considered the Guardian. It could also be based off of job, because Hadrian's dad trained him to be the Guardian even if he thought the heir was dead.

on a random note, I loved Wesley. For a single book character he was amazing. A paragon of morality.

Hadrian, as far as his honor is concerned with the heir...I wonder if Sullivan will delve into the distinction of honor by word or honor by right. Let me explain...guarding the heir would give his life a meaning yes. But helping his friend mend from the Trauma is another meaning to his life. Can we not find life's meaning in always sticking by our friends? One's job I've found does not have to define us. Royce once made comment about how he didn't want to lose Hadrian...and Royce has always had a different view of what the right thing to do is. Perhaps Royce will eventually rub off on Hadrian as well.

I'm just thinking out loud here, hope this isn't too long.
One last topic, the last book. What do we know? There is a horn that is needed. I assume that only an elf can get it since Thranic was necessary to retrieve it. I'm assuming that is why. The heir(?) has to blow the horn in Percepliquis (sp?) to renew the truce. they also have to find the lost city of Percepliquis. Royce will have to make a decisionthat will affect the lives of many.

Correct me on any of this, I'm doing most of it by memory. okay enough for now.

Bryan wrote: "When I made the comment about had Hadrian possibly being the heir, I was thinking possibly that both he and Gaunt (sp?) could technically both be. The magic that (voice software won't write this name haha) Esrahaddon used was not necessarily based off of blood line. It was based on the pendants. Whoever has the present assigned to the Guardian could be considered the Guardian. It could also be based off of job, because Hadrian's dad trained him to be the Guardian even if he thought the heir was dead...."

You are right...it could be that the magic just shows the pendent wearer - though how Degan would get the pendent (if not passed down) I'm not sure. But it does give hope to the fact that he may have been seen only because of it being around his neck.


Bryan wrote: "on a random note, I loved Wesley. For a single book character he was amazing. A paragon of morality.

Yes, I agree. I love the times when he stood up to Thranic even though it could mean his life to do so. I loved the scene where he's declared "in charge" of the boat they salvaged. Royce did some pretty fast thinking there. In many ways he saved both Royce and Hadrian during the big arena fight - if it wasn't for him taking out the witchdoctor they were both pretty outmatched.

Bryan wrote: "Perhaps Royce will eventually rub off on Hadrian as well.

You can defintely see that each is influencing the other. One of the great things between these two characters. Still...if I had it my way it would be for Royce to tend more toward Hadrian. He's lived such a hard life...and now it is so much harder. That' I'm afraid his path of improvement has been seriously derailed.

Bryan wrote: "One last topic, the last book. What do we know? There is a horn that is needed. I assume that only an elf can get it since Thranic was necessary to retrieve it. I'm assuming that is why. The heir(?) has to blow the horn in Percepliquis (sp?) to renew the truce. they also have to find the lost city of Percepliquis. Royce will have to make a decisionthat will affect the lives of many.

I don't think an elf is needed to get the horn. I doubt anyone but Royce knows Thranic is an elf. The elves are being systematically rounded up and killed so I don't think there is any tollarance for elves in the church or the new empire.

Esrahaddon said the heir was needed. But I think only he knows that part of the equation. It could be that if anyone other than the heir tries to use the horn they'll die. It's interesting that in The Emerald Storm Thranic (and party) are left unresolved. My guess is that the Tenkin Warlord probably let his party go after Drumindor was taken (the contract fullfilled) and he is right now running around Percepliquis. From the back of the book (Percepliquis) it would appear that a party of 10 goes down and I can see these two parties havin to fight each other in a race to the horn.

I'm not sure exactly what the horn is/does but I agree it has something to do with keeping the elves "contained"

Your commends just made me put a piece in place though...The back of Percelpiquis is quoting that fortune teller from the jungles in the Emerald Storm.

"I saw a great journey. Ten upon the road, she who wears the light will lead the way. The road goes deep into the earth, and into despair. The voices of the dead guide your steps. You walk back in time. The three-thousand-year battle begins again. Cold grips the world, death comes to all, and a choice is before you."

So there is a party of 10 and Arista (Modina gave her back the robe in the end of Wintertide) leads it. But who are the other 10?...Well Degan - cuz Esrahadodon said he had to go...Hadrian...because he'll follow Degan and Arista anywhere...Probably Alric and Mauvin (as they've always wanted to see it) but...most importantly...ROYCE!! Because the fortune teller is telling his fortune. So altough I don't know what happens to him directly after the end of Wintertide - we at least know he'll be around for the trek to Percepliquis. What his "choice" is who knows. But I'm sure it goes back to that whole darkness / light sides pulling on him. God how I love this book - can January get here already!!

Hello again, been busy with holiday stuff. Hope you had an excellent Christmas.
I had forgotten that a party of 10 was going to Percepliquis. It's possible there could be a separate party traveling as well. will be interesting to see if the good guys and bad guys are in the same party or if there are two parties searching for the same destination

I just looked at the Release date for the last book and saw it was the end of January, which makes me sad as I was hoping it was earlier. Still a nice birthday present for me though.

For some reason I was thinking todayabout Royce's dagger. It makes me wonder if there is something significant about it that will be brought up in the last book and be pivotal somehow. For a random item is brought up a lot.

Michael, if you are reading this I have a question for you. Are you currently working on any other fantasy series for the future? what is your next project? not sure if you can tell but I had to ask.

Btw, I really liked what I Hadrian did in the joust. Him and Breckton. I kept wondering if he was going to find a way out of it, so it was kind of nice to see that he couldn't thwart the plot that he didn't give in either. I admire his strength.

More later. Have a happy new year everybody!!!

Hey Bryan...Here's some feedback.

As to the "parties" in Percepliquis - I won't go there it will be answered soon enough.

Since you've read the first 5 books...you get Percepliquis 2 weeks before Heir of Novron (release date is 16th for Percepliquis) 30 for Heir. The other books showed up in stores early so Heir may also be there around mind month as well. But I already have Percepliquis books in my dining room waiting to ship. For those wanting signed copies - you'll be able to buy from my website soon. Either on the 16th or when I hear Heir is in the stores whichever comes sooner. But in any case we are just about two weeks away.

Royce's dagger is indeed far from ordinary. You should already have a number of clues about it...in particlar Magnus and his obsession. But yes more will be revealed in the last book about that as well.

As to future writing. Yeah I have a number of projects. I've completed a fantasy novel that is outside of Riyria (it is set in modern times). It needs editing but all the first draft is done. I also have a literary fiction piece - but that is VERY different than my fantasy work and I suspect it might not appeal to non-Riyria folks. I also have some ideas for other books in the Riyria Revelations universe that if the books are successful and people are intersted in hearing more could be done. On my website is a WIP (works in progress) area where you can keep up on my writing and even "weigh in" on what you want to see me write in the future.

Yeah Hadrian really couldn't ever kill Breckton...it's just not in his nature. One of my pet peeves is authors who kill characters indiscriminately. Every person that I kill does so because it is necessary as part of the larger plot. Many people were sad to see Wesley die in The Emerald Storm, but his death was necessary to help Hadrian realize a life for a life and helped to tip the scales in Breckton's favor.

Bryan wrote: "Hello again, been busy with holiday stuff. Hope you had an excellent Christmas..."

I had a great Christmas!! But not enough reading time lol.

Bryan wrote: "For some reason I was thinking todayabout Royce's dagger. It makes me wonder if there is something significant about it that will be brought up in the last book and be pivotal somehow. For a random item is brought up a lot."

Well what do we know...

1 - The dwarf REALLY likes it and noticed it was "special" when in the tower at the End of Crown

2 - Hadrian was able to use it to blind the big monster thing even though most weapons don't work on it.

3 - Dwarf thinks it was made in that city that disappered that was given special weapon making knowledge.

Am I missing anything....

Bryan wrote: "Btw, I really liked what I Hadrian did in the joust. Him and Breckton. I kept wondering if he was going to find a way out of it, so it was kind of nice to see that he couldn't thwart the plot that he didn't give in either. I admire his strength.

I actually was concerned that he would end up killing Breckton. After all Arista's life (who it seems clear he is in love with) and Degan's are on the line and so you have love and duty intertwined. I'm so glad he ended up not having to as Breckton is one of my favorite characters. I love his interactions with Amelia.

Well, my copy of the last book came in. I'm finishing something else but hopefully I'll have it read by end of the week!!! I'm stoked.

Sweet Bryan...I'm very anxious to hear what you think!

dude you guys are in for some CRAAAAAAAAZY STUFF!!!!

I am going to throw out a theory before I get reading too much in book six.

Arcadius had the true heir. But the ages don't work out unless another generation passed since then. The heir was a twin that lived, found in ratibor.

What if Royce is the true heir? Arcadius put them together for a reason. Hadrian could protect him, and teach him a better way of living.

It is said Royce's decisions will affect many. Well, he could decide to save the world or not...if he was the one who had to blow the horn.

I truly hope Gaunt is not the heir. Maybe all this is speculation so I don't have to think it's him, cause he is worthless.

I am starting the book, and am on vacation! So it won't take long! We'll find out if I'm right or not about any of my theories!

Hey Bryan...interesting predictions. Come on over to the "final spoiler" thread once you are done..."we'll talk."

Bryan...nice predictions. Glad to see you have finished and have enjoyed your comments in the spoiler threads for book #6.