Chap 23 - A Blizzard in Summer

[Michael]

Discuss the chapter here.

[Jeremy]

This chapter was particularly heart-rending. Kile finally loved a person, truly and deeply. Then he had to kill her. Muriel saw and RAINED feathers on him. I take that as a sign that she was trying to comfort him. The blizzard probably was enough to fill the bag she gave him and then some, but readers of the Ryria Revelations will know that he's STILL seeking redemption hundreds of years later. What an ending *slow clap* *quiet sobs*

[Michael]

Thanks! I'm particularly proud of it.

[Beverly]

I am glad you changed the scene from the beta version to "show" how Kile (Malcom) took Farilane's life rather than leaving it to the reader's imagination. Some things need to be told. You did it beautifully.

[Ruth]

This is definitely one of my favourite chapters (if not the favourite) chapter in the book. I reread it multiple times. I really appreciate the part where Kile is talking about the potential future that he saw and how wonderful it was. For me, that dialogue cemented the extent of Kile's sacrifice and threw the focus back out to his arc over all of the series released so far. But also, as a lover of happy endings, it gave me something to hold onto, an alternative world where the characters we love weren't so noble.

[Michael]

Beverly wrote: "I am glad you changed the scene from the beta version to "show" how Kile (Malcom) took Farilane's life rather than leaving it to the reader's imagination. Some things need to be told. You did it be..."

Thanks! To be honest, what I was really doing there is fulfilling Robin's (and the beta reader's) request for a kiss. Doing so had the added benefit of making it 100% certainty that she didn't somehow escape her fate.

[Michael]

Ruth wrote: "This is definitely one of my favourite chapters (if not the favourite) chapter in the book. I reread it multiple times. I really appreciate the part where Kile is talking about the potential future..."

I'm glad you liked it! This book's ending is very controversial - but I felt strongly that it was the "right way" to go. The good news is that for both those who love it (and those who hate it) the emotions are strong. So much better than a "meh" ending ;-)

[Sherry]

It was so emotionally heartbreaking, yet kind and tender. I read it during my lunch hour at work and am thankful I was alone in my office because tears were shed!!!! Not the ending I had hoped for but a poignant and beautiful one nonetheless.

[Beverly]

Michael wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I am glad you changed the scene from the beta version to "show" how Kile (Malcom) took Farilane's life rather than leaving it to the reader's imagination. Some things need to be tol..."

:-) Yeah, that too.

[Michael]

@Sherry - I'll take "poignant and beautiful" anytime! I'm glad you enjoyed Farilane.

@Bev - ;-)

[Christomir]

Wow, I admit I didn't expect this ending. :O

[Mari]

this chapter. this book. it's been a few months since finishing it and the final emotions I felt have stuck with me to this day. I think my heart might still be cracked a little. It's the "shoulda's" "coulda's" and "woulda's" that spoke to me thorough these final pages. Do we live with regret for decisions we've made that perhaps there was no real "choice," or at least a choice between two evils which is no choice at all. The guilt and despair spilled out.

I ended the chapter in tears, feeling vulnerable and yet with so much compassion for someone having to go against their "wants" or "needs" for the sake of the greater good.

If it's not obvious from my blabbering, I think this is Michael's best work. Writing that can touch the soul like this is special.