I think I figured out how to fix The Sorcerer's Ascension

I have had a problem (as well as some of my readers) with book 1, mainly dealing with Maude and her group. I KNOW any publisher or agent is going to insist they be cut out, but I tied them into the story too much at the end to do that. What I plan to do is remove them entirely from book 1 and not put them in until toward the end. I am also going to remove their underwater adventure entirely. This will insert them into the series closer toward the time they hook up with Azerick so they integrate with the primary story much faster and smoother. Once I do that, I can start working on improving the editing and making the series available for print.