A Note From Castle Carbonek

[merlinscribe]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am alive and well. My daily life has actually changed very little, but I am keenly aware of friends and family who do not have my options. Stay safe, everyone.

—James

Comments

Book 3 of Dragon Prophecy

[(Anonymous)]

Heyla James, is book 3 going to be released soon? Its an awfully long time since book 2 and you said you weren't going to do what the Game of Thrones author did making his readers wait years. Guess that hasn't happened. Any hints of a completion date????????????????

Re: Book 3 of Dragon Prophecy

[merlinscribe]

You know, I read a rumor on the internet the other day that I had only written three chapters of DP3. [insert hollow mocking laugh here] I currently have about 175,000 words of manuscript--a mere 50,000 words more than Tor is expecting--and I have about another 10-15K to go to wrap things--which means I will turn the book in this year then it's up to Tor. I'm currently doing an "untangle continuity" pass through the book before I flesh out the outline I've made of the ending. Which means more of bits like this:
* * *

He watched as Garmund hesitated over his sword and reached for his whip instead. He urged his palfrey toward Harwing and raised his hand to strike. Harwing raised his hand and cast Fetch. The whip flew from Garmund's hand to Harwing's.

"I am Lightborn, trained in the Sanctuary of the Star, member of the Warhunt, and disinclined to deal with your posturing. You do not wish to offend me. I am Hamphuliadiel Astromancer's envoy to the Western Shore, and without me you do not have heat, light, water, or defense from the Beastlings, who—may I remind you?—have overrun the West. If you can tell me there's a better place to make camp within a halfmark's ride, I will be willing to go there, but I doubt you can. Further, I need this time to see to your destriers, so if you will be so good as to tell me what you did with the Quieting charms, I can begin."

Over Garmund's shoulder he could see Alleth heading toward the destriers, with Belfarna behind him. Alleth was carrying the destrier's bridle and Belfarna the saddle.

"I will kill you in your sleep," Garmund rumbled, his face turning dark with rage.

"Did I mention I rode with the Warhunt?" Harwing said. "What do you imagine that is? If you were a true and real komen I would ask where I faced you in battle, but I know the answer to that already. Now. The charms, please. Or I bespell you and send you back to the Sanctuary stripped naked and tied backwards on your horse."

Garmund dismounted from his palfrey and took a step toward Harwing. Harwing did not move. He cast a complex series of spells—they had crafted such spell-series' for entertainment during their Sanctuary training and oh how long ago that all seemed now—and Garmund's dagger slipped gracefully from its sheath to hover above Harwing's outstretched palm, spinning slowly end-over-end. "Lightborn," Harwing repeated. "I call no one my master. Not even Hamphuliadiel."

[(Anonymous)]

Mr. Mallory,

I personally am glad to read you are well, though I recognize I am nearly two months late to your statement. I’m sure I speak for many of your fans when I wish you my best during these strange times. Like yourself, my own life has been affected minimally in comparison to others, but I am grateful to have your literary works to fall back on as comfort. Thank you for the many hours of joy you have given me (and the hours have been many) and thank you in advance for the hours I readily anticipate.

I hope your writing goes well, and with few moments of writer’s block, as I eagerly await the next entries in your oeuvre

All the best,
Matt M.

[chichiri]

Glad to hear you're doing well!

Glad to hear it!

[(Anonymous)]

Have you added you finished up your 15K addition yet in the few months since your post?

Patiently waiting

[(Anonymous)]

I have gone back and listened to all of the previous audio books.....twice. I am getting excited for the post that says book three has been sent to TOR. I may have gotten my boys excited for its release as well, if only so I shut up about it. Please take pity on the poor teenagers.

Wings

[(Anonymous)]

Dear Mr. Mallory,
I'm a huge fan and your Obsidian books are one of my favorite series.

I'm so glad to hear that Wings is near completion. I love the chapters you posted. I went back and carefully read the previous books and finally have all the characters in my head (not an easy task). I tried to figure out on the map where everyone was heading, but I'm not sure it's correct as it doesn't have any rivers or X's for the Shrines. Any chance you have a personal copy with dashes for the route that Vieliessar takes to reach the Unicorn Throne and the way Runacar's army marched? Also, since it is the only map in the Elven universe, I tried to figure out Kellen's journey, but the only thing I could relate to Obsidian was Dragon's Gate.

I notice that there is a link to "your" website but that you don't have one. I found merlinscribe by accident. Are you going to start either an author's web page or FB page? I wouldn't want to miss any announcements about publication dates or any self-publishing you are doing.

I also noticed in some earlier messages that you had some novellas featuring the Obsidian characters but they don't seem to be up anymore. Might you re-post so that I would be able to read them?

Thank you for your postings.
Gail

[syriem]

I realize that this is a "second verse, same as the first" comment/query, but I too am curious as to when the 3rd book in this series will be released. I just finished re-reading the "Crown of Vengeance" & "Blade of Empire" books. I loved the premise of Vielissiar as the High King & her journey to an understanding of what the acceptance of her fate & responsibilities that arise from that acceptance entail. I was also engrossed in the tale of Runecar engaging with the Beastlings & seeing them as the people that they are. I can't wait to see how they bring the Elves & the Others together to fight the Endarkened & expose the "bones of the earth". Should be exciting! So, dates on a release, yet? Thank you!