Robin's comments
(member since May 12, 2009)
Robin's comments from the Modern Fantasy Readers and Writers group.
(showing 1-20 of 21)
Just so you know - I won't be participating in the "writing" session - I'm very busy atm and besides I'm more of an editor than a writer.
-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)
Well I don't know what Eland - will become. Although I have some "thoughts" what will happen to him. Through this book I know a lot of people thoguht he was one of their favorite characters. For me he was "all right" - seemed pretty stanard - rich kid that is revolutionary etc. Again seen it before but it was not "heavy handed" so I'll not complain too much.
As to the "magic sysetm" - it is by far one of the most creative ones I've seen. .... but I think he "over did it" we definitely understood it early on and he didn't have to keep repeating and reminding us over and over about it. I thought that had a bit of a heavy hand.
-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)
So I was not put off by the "grisly" aspect of the executions - I thought it was "appopriate" in context. As to why he put it in there. Probably to make it more "gritty" and "real". Brought home the real consequences of their situation and enhanced the danger situation.
I always thoght Kelsier would die - I'm not sure that I would classify what happened to him as a "rebirth". My only objection to the death is the end of the book seemed VERY rushed it made for an exciting conclusion but I would have liked some better pacing. I kept noticing I was a scant few pages from the end and ther was still alot that had to be accounted for.
As for pacing - I'm surprised you liked it so much - I personally thought it was a slow build then a fast explosion at the end. Sanderson himself mentioned he was not happy with his pacing and I would have to agree. That being said -- it did not take away my enjoyment of the book.
Overall impressions - very positive - I think he made some good characters and had some great twists. I expectd some things to happen that didn't - i.e. I kept expecting some "bad metal" to make one or both of them sick. Some characters were really great especially Kelsier, Sazed, and Breeze. I wasn't as impressed with Vin - seemed like a standard - waif orphan who discovers a great power. It's been done before but still fresh enough that I consider this a high recommendation to others.
Yes I will read the rest of the series in fact I'm already in Book 2 now
-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)
I'm pretty busy at the moment but maybe in a few weeks I can put some eyeballs on it.
-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)
I read this recently so I won't be re-reading - I think I remember it well enough.
As far as number of questions - I'm open to whatever.
-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)
So,
Michael has already been a "author of the month" on two sites here (SciFi and Fantasy Book Club and Fantasy Book Club) and he has been asked to 6 - 7 face to face book clubs - No worries about honest criticism and/or praise. It is part of the territory - and something that anyone who is getting into writing has to "come to grips with" - I don't think there is a book on the planet that hasn't received negative comments no matter how good it is and Michael is able to take the good and the bad.
Personally, I would be very interested in the conversation because all other groups have been "reader" groups not "writers". I would think it would be interesting to ask things like -- why did you choose to do A instead of B - and did you consider doing C and why did you not? etc...
You make some ineresting points...I personally liked Mistborn - though not to the degree that many have mentioned. My biggest complaints were
a) The pacing - The last 60 pages or so seemed very rushed whereas all pages up to there seemed to unfold at a slower than necessary pace.
b) I personally liked the "magic system" and thought it was quite new and original - but my complaint was that it was explained and re-explained too many times. We "got it" early on and I didn't think Sanderson trusted his reader enough and did some "hitting over the head" that he could have used a lighter hand on.
Jason wrote: "I was a little confused up to this point on who we were following as the main character. I thought it was going to be Kelsier, but started to think it was more about Vin in this section...."
For me the fact that we had both Vin and Kelsier to follow was not a positive - One of my favorite books was "The Stand" and I liked how King jumped between various groups so you were not with one person long and bored but got "breaks" from people and then a reason to want to come back to them.
Jason wrote: "Would there be interest from you and/or Michael to lead a discussion on the Crown..."
Of course....Michael has been the "guest" author at a ton of book groups and writer's groups. Either or both of us would love to participate in whatever way you wish.
Amazon: The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha
Barnes & Noble: The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha
Borders: The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha
You can also buy them from any bookstore. They won't be "on the shelves" from most places just go to the information desk and give them the ISBN and they can order them.
The Crown Conspiracy: 978-0980003437 / 0980003431
Avempartha: 978-0979621116 / 0979621119
Make sure you give them the ISBN for Avempartha - it was with a different publisher (AMI) for awhile but they never "released" it so the AMI ISBN will show not available but the ISBN above from Ridan Pubishing is new and it may be a few more weeks before it is in the bookstore chain but it is in the Ingram sales channel at this time.
You're not wrong - The first book's sample chapter is a Chapter 2 rather than a chapter 1....Chapter 1 does not contain the "main characters" of the story and so when I used to start with Chapter 1 it confused people. So I changed it. They are just "samples" to see if you find the writing interesting etc..I posted Chapter 1 as well.
Crown Conspiracy - Chapter 1
David wrote: "Did you post a sample somewhere?"
Ya the sample chapters are in the post above but for "at your finger's reference"...
The Crown Conspiracy - Chapter 1
The Crown Conspiracy - Chapter 2
Avempartha
Nyphron Rising
What do you think of the way Sanderson drew together all the major players? I liked "the party" here there was a good mix of characters my favorite is probably Breeze - great Bravado. I recently read Neverwhere and the Marquis in that book reminded me of him.
Vin continues to develop in this section, and is starting to come more to center stage. Her power has grown, and her relationships have developed toward Kelsier and the group in general. I start to like Vin more here - the "heavy handed-ish" seems to be relaxed a bit - or maybe I just got used to it.
What do you think of the way Sanderson handled her developement? Pretty good - Again a little "beaten over the head" about her "lack of trust" and not understanding how the team holds together without oppression but as I mentioned I'm liking her better through this portion.
Is there enough evidence/information showing how the group and Kelsier are breaking down her barriers-give examples if you agree and make suggestions if you don't? I think this is done pretty well - I have no real complaints.
Dialogue can really make a charachter stand out. What are your first impressions of Lestibournes (Spook)? It is a nice "spice" and so many author's don't bother to do it. I look at this as a "+" for extra effort but doesn't increase or decrease the book significantly for me.
How do you think Sanderson handled his language? Could you understand what he was saying? There were times that I struggled - but that was fine and I think a plus.
The conflict between Marsh and Kelsier has deep seated roots. Did you feel enough tension between them in their exchange after the group came together? Yes. I think this is one of the very good parts of the book his Kelsier and March's relationship. Both are very different and (I've read the whole book) I think it is one of the better things about the book as a whole. It did not seem forced to me.
This is the third book in my husband's series - it is not released yet - I'm doing editing now - it is scheduled for an October 2009 release.
Nyphron Rising by Michael J. Sullivan (Fantasy Adventure)
ISBN: 978-0980003437 / 0979621143(Ridan Publishing (October 2009)
Previews: Sample Chapter
Links: Website | Blog | GoodReads Group | Signed Copy
A puppet is crowned. The true heir remains hidden. A rogue's secret could change everything.
War has come to Melengar. To save her realm, Princess Arista must reach the leader of the Nationalists and convince him to join forces. She turns to two trusted mercenaries to provide escort, but finds the team on the verge of dissolution.
Hadrian is tired of his lecherous profession and longs for a just cause. Royce knows a secret which could provide his partner a life’s purpose greater than anything his friend could imagine…but is it true? Or is an ancient wizard using them as pawns in his own struggle for power? To unravel the truth Royce convinces Hadrian to join him for one last mission—what they discover could change the future for all of Elan.
SAMPLE REVIEWS (All Reviews)
"The Riyria Revelations is shaping up to be one of the most original and entertaining fantasy
series I’ve seen in years on par, and often better, than anything any of the major publishers have to offer." — King of the Nerds
"I HIGHLY recommend both books, and cannot wait until the next is released! I have to also say that Michael J. Sullivan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!" — Ramblings & More
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Crown Conspiracy is book one of the multi-book saga: The Riyria Revelations. Instead of a string of sequels this six-book fantasy series was conceived as a single epic tale divided into individual episodes. All were written before the first was released so that plot elements are intertwined, yet each is self-contained and can be read independently from each other. The second book Avempartha was released April 2009. The third book Nyphron Rising will be released October 2009.
15% DISCOUNT FOR GOODREADS MEMBERS
This is my husband's second fantasy novel, Again I was one of the editors.
Avempartha by Michael J. Sullivan (Fantasy Adventure)
ISBN: 978-0979621116 / 0979621119 (Ridan Pubishing, Apr 2009)
Previews: Sample Chapter
Links: Website | Blog | GoodReads Group | Author Profile | Book Page | Giveaway
Buy: Amazon | Comparison Shop | Signed Copy
The secret is in the tower. The problem is the beast. The answer is two thieves.
When a destitute young woman hires two thieves to help save her remote village from nocturnal attacks, they are drawn into the schemes of the wizard Esrahaddon. While Royce struggles to breech the secrets of an ancient elven tower, Hadrian attempts to rally the villagers to defend themselves against an unseen killer. What begins with the simple theft of a sword places the two thieves at the center of a firestorm — that could change the future of Elan.
SAMPLE REVIEWS (All Reviews)
"Avempartha is another strong entry that exceeds its predecessor in both depth and scope. The Riyria Revelations is shaping up to be one of the most original and entertaining fantasy series I’ve seen in years on par, and often better, than anything any of the major publishers have to offer. Get reading people!" — King of the Nerds Fantasy Reviews
"In short, “Avempartha” is highly, highly recommended and a novel that raises Michael Sullivan’s The Riyria Revelations to “major league” status." — Fantasy Book Critic
"I HIGHLY recommend both books, and cannot wait until the next is released! I have to also say that Michael J. Sullivan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!" — Ramblings & More
ABOUT THE SERIES
Avempartha is book two of the multi-book saga: The Riyria Revelations. Instead of a string of sequels this six-book fantasy series was conceived as a single epic tale divided into individual episodes. All were written before the first was released so that plot elements are intertwined, yet each is self-contained and can be read independently from each other. Avempartha can be enjoyed by those who have not read the first episode: The Crown Conspiracy.
15% DISCOUNT FOR GOODREADS MEMBERS
This is Book One of my husband's fantasy series - I don't "write" but do his editing.
The Crown Conspiracy by Michael J. Sullivan (Fantasy Adventure)
ISBN: 978-0980003437 / 0980003431 (Aspirations Media Inc, Oct 2008)
Previews: Author's Book Trailer | Publisher's Book Trailer | Sample Chapter
Links: Website | Blog | GoodReads Group | Author Profile | Book Page | Giveaway
Buy: Amazon | Borders | Barnes & Noble | Comparison Shop | Signed Copy
They killed the king. They pinned it on two men. They chose poorly.
Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles until they become the unwitting scapegoats in a plot to murder the king. Sentenced to death, they have only one way out…and so begins this epic tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend. The writing style focuses on characters and plot rather than verbose world building. This first book of the Riyria Revelations is a heroic adventure written for adult readers yet suitable for those 13 and older.
AWARDS
2009 National Indie Excellence Book Award Finalist
2008 ReaderViews Literary Award Finalist
2008 Fantasy Book Critic Notable Indie
2008 Adventure Writers Competition, 5th place
2007 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist for Fantasy
SAMPLE REVIEWS (All Reviews)
"The Crown Conspiracy is right up my alley, traditional fantasy, "good" bad guys, a large dose of humor, lots of character development and plenty of surprises." — Fantasy Debut
"Michael J. Sullivan has written a book I will read over and over again and it most definitely will always reside on my favorite’s shelf." — ReaderViews
"There is so many layers to this story that to explain it in a few words is nigh impossible." — Front Street Reviews
"The Crown Conspiracy is great fun and a romp end to end...Highly recommended and another positive surprise for 2008." — Fantasy Book Critic
"A fast paced and riveting fantasy, "The Crown Conspiracy" is well worth reading." — Midwest Book Review
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Crown Conspiracy is book one of the multi-book saga: The Riyria Revelations. Instead of a string of sequels this six-book fantasy series was conceived as a single epic tale divided into individual episodes. All were written before the first was released so that plot elements are intertwined, yet each is self-contained and can be read independently from each other. The second book Avempartha was released April 2009. The third book Nyphron Rising will be released October 2009.
15% DISCOUNT FOR GOODREADS MEMBERS
What are your first impressions of Vin? Taking just this portion of the book into account I thought she was pretty Stereotypical abandoned orphan who has turned to a life as a thief. I have read the entire book and I think she gets better with time but to this stage I think she is portrayed pretty "cookie-cutter" and there are some things that could have been done to help her break out of her mold.
Is she created in a way that draws you to her/makes you want to read her story? I'm neither drawn in or repelled by what has happened so far. The character of "the survivor" holds much more interest to me.
(What appeals to you? What would you have changed about her first appearance?) I would have "held more back - I don't like the thoughts of her brother entering in - I think the whole "you are so alone" and "others will betray you" is too heavy handed at this stage -- too much tell and not show - we should "get" this by observing her interactions over time.
What were your initial impressions of the Survivor? Very interesting and mysterious - this is what has me "hooked" to find out more about him. Notice that in comparision to Vin - where to much is revealed his information is nicely held back to get me to read more.
Does the manner in which he saves the girl make you sympathize with him and his goals? Or does it make you think he is as much a butcher as the others? On one hand I thought it was a bit "over the top" - on the other hand it seemed pretty "bad-a$$" and wanted me to know how he could do it. I was not put off by the "blood thirsty" nature of it feeling that they "deserved what they got. I did think it showed a very Machevelli side to him where he completely disrupted the entire town with little to no regardsd as to how his action would affect others - but that again was part of what made him interesting.
(How would you have introduced the Skaa struggle differently?) Again I think the Skaa was very "heavy handed" here is a situation where the author has to trust the reader more to come to the conclusions he wants - I felt "beat over the head" about the skaa...to the point that I was saying to myself while reading..."Yes, Sanderson, we understand the skaa are poor, miserable, and oppressed - let's move on".
I would like to participate
I would like to recommend:
I think Mistborn is a great choice especially since if you look at it from a "writing" perspective Sanderson does some very interesting things.
Modern Fantasy Readers and Writers
