I was on chapter 5 before I thought to look at the table of contents, and discovered that there was an epilogue. It makes more sense, now. This is a wonderful story, so much more than a typical battle saga - you flesh out the story with whole characters, people who love, fear, have families, they're so much more than warriors. You make us care about these characters and think of them as real people. Excellent work. I'm looking forward to reading the next half...
I’m humbled. Thank you so, so much. I go back and forth on whether to include the Epilogue, honestly, given the risk of starting decades in the future for thirty seconds and then going all the way back haha. I’m glad it worked for you.
I think it gives a perspective on the rest of the story, and also a much needed ray of hope. At least at the halfway point, it seems like an unrelenting tramp towards disaster. It's a relief to know that some will survive to go on into the future. The pregnancy is a nice touch.
The “deer meat” sentence is among my favorites. A collab with my wife, who looked at whatever my first draft was and said “Hmm…” and punched it up to this in seconds. (I married very well.)
Just brilliant. Glad I waited for the whole book to come to Substack before I started, regretting that I didn't wait for the whole saga to hit the site. This prose just thrusts you right into the scene.
so far this episode is like a keystone. it is giving stability to the structure. great scene setting. the feel of the place is forming. the names of things adding to the shape and texture of what the story promises. fantasy is not my first choice of genre for reading or writing but this is well written and intriguing 😀
Thank you, brother. I hope it lives up to your standards.
Oh boy, this is so fleshed out — I am so excited
I was on chapter 5 before I thought to look at the table of contents, and discovered that there was an epilogue. It makes more sense, now. This is a wonderful story, so much more than a typical battle saga - you flesh out the story with whole characters, people who love, fear, have families, they're so much more than warriors. You make us care about these characters and think of them as real people. Excellent work. I'm looking forward to reading the next half...
I’m humbled. Thank you so, so much. I go back and forth on whether to include the Epilogue, honestly, given the risk of starting decades in the future for thirty seconds and then going all the way back haha. I’m glad it worked for you.
I think it gives a perspective on the rest of the story, and also a much needed ray of hope. At least at the halfway point, it seems like an unrelenting tramp towards disaster. It's a relief to know that some will survive to go on into the future. The pregnancy is a nice touch.
The “deer meat” sentence is among my favorites. A collab with my wife, who looked at whatever my first draft was and said “Hmm…” and punched it up to this in seconds. (I married very well.)
You did indeed, and she described prenatal nausea very well!
Just brilliant. Glad I waited for the whole book to come to Substack before I started, regretting that I didn't wait for the whole saga to hit the site. This prose just thrusts you right into the scene.
The saga is very much a work in progress haha. 2/3 of the sequel and about a quarter of a prequel are in the can.
Thank you thank you thank you, hope you enjoy the rest of this first novel.
so far this episode is like a keystone. it is giving stability to the structure. great scene setting. the feel of the place is forming. the names of things adding to the shape and texture of what the story promises. fantasy is not my first choice of genre for reading or writing but this is well written and intriguing 😀
I’ll take that all day. Thank you, brother!
Great stuff, man. Late start, I guess, but glad I'm here now!
Honored to have you along. Hope you enjoy it!