Julie Moran asked Peter A. Flannery:

I am thoroughly enjoying Battle Mage. I'm at about 33% in and I do have a quick question. I'm a bit confused as to the ages of Falco, Malaki and Byrna. Would you mind clearing that up for me?

Peter A. Flannery Hi Julie
Thanks for the question, and I'm glad to hear you're enjoying Battle Mage :)
I think of Falco, Malaki and Bryna as being on the cusp of adulthood, so they would be about 18 or 19 years old. Maybe 20 by the time of the 'training campaign'.

This might seem young but if you're familiar with 19yr old rugby players, you will know that some of them are physically very impressive.

Some people have commented that the young heroes in BM seem very young to be taking on leadership roles, but again, this has some basis in reality. If you look back at military officers through history, you often find that the officers are younger than the men they lead.

Take WWI for example... Any man over 18 from a public school was considered officer material and given special training. Some of the junior officers who died in that conflict were shockingly young.

And it's always worth remembering that Alexander was 20 when he rose to power and only 22 when he won the battle of Granicus.

So, Julie, that's about the age of it. Hope that answers your question and gives you a bit of context.

Thanks again for dropping me a line and I hope you enjoy the rest of the book.

Peter

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Julie Moran Thank you so much for this!

I got to the “training campaign” section last night, and the battle that ensued, and I loved the detail of their prep prio Thank you so much for this!

I got to the “training campaign” section last night, and the battle that ensued, and I loved the detail of their prep prior to their departure, and the minor battle that followed when they came upon the village near the river, the inhabitants returning from a wedding, the rear-guard of the residents brandishing weapons, casting furtive glances at the forest they exited, and how Falco keys in on it. So not to give spoilers, I will just say, that was fantastic! Janek coming into his own, was good to see. I wasn’t sure what would happen, how his training would manifest when the chips were down, wondering if he would run or stand and fight. I was glad you gave him his due, and that he and his mounted light infantry performed, and the resulting grudging respect he affords Falco. Can’t wait to see how that takes shape later…

Can I just add, that there seems to be a theme, with Faco, Janek and Meredith, that they may be products of their fathers, but they don’t have to BE their fathers. As a mother of two sons, who are now grown and making their own way, who were left without a good father-figure, I strike that note with them all the time; you are not him. You can do better. This theme resonates with me at a very personal level. Now if only Falco would come to the same conclusion… Falco is certainly a person worth rooting for, and judging by his experience while riding Nathalie’s dragon, there are more buried memories that may prove useful later in the book, and I look forward to uncovering them!

I love that you have anchored the ages of your characters to historical references. I’m a history buff, a military brat, and can’t help but love the battle details and particularly brothers-in-arms stories. Friendships forged in battle are unlike any founded in peacetime. They are stronger, deeper and longer lasting. And when you have friendships that are truly grounded in implicit trust, like that of Falco and Malaki, the training campaign battle and Malaki’s obedience to his friend was a thing of beauty, especially when the other knight, coming from a place of pride and prowess, rebuked Malaki’s decision to defer to Falco.

Anyway. Thank you again for responding. And I know you said in a different comment, that you were a slow writer, but I do look forward to seeing more from you when you can! ...more
Sep 26, 2019 09:35AM · flag

Hey, how are you? Keeping well? Keeping busy? Just chillin' by that typewriter by any chance? Btw, I'm done with sitting back and decided I'd be all types of encouraging again (no Peter, not annoying!). Seriously though, I do hope you're well and I'm eagerly awaiting the next update. Take care

Amith Somasekharan asked Peter A. Flannery:

Hey Peter, I just finished reading Battle Mage. I must say, its definitely one of the best fantasy books I've read in a while. I absolutely loved it! Will there be a sequel? I'm quite happy with the ending but I can't help but wanting a lot more stories of Falco and Sidian and the others!!

Scott asked Peter A. Flannery:

Peter please! write a second one this is by far and away the best fantasy novel I have ready in 25 years since i grew up with the David Eddings series and its been a long time since I didn't have to read a book that the words just took on a life of their own and brought the images to my mind I so want to see this adventure continue as I fell in love with the characters! I have heard many asking for it, will you?

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I am thoroughly enjoying Battle Mage. I'm at about 33% in and I do have a quick question. I'm a bit confused as to the ages of Falco, Malaki and Byrna. Would you mind clearing that up for me?

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Hey, how are you? Keeping well? Keeping busy? Just chillin' by that typewriter by any chance? Btw, I'm done with sitting back and decided I'd be all types of encouraging again (no Peter, not annoying!). Seriously though, I do hope you're well and I'm eagerly awaiting the next update. Take care

Hey Peter, I just finished reading Battle Mage. I must say, its definitely one of the best fantasy books I've read in a while. I absolutely loved it! Will there be a sequel? I'm quite happy with the ending but I can't help but wanting a lot more stories of Falco and Sidian and the others!!

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