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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Feb 2006 : 10:57:55
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Has anyone read any of Elaines Changeling series of Novels?
What did you think?
From the brief write up in Elaines "Plog" at Amazon I got the impression that Changeling was sort of a cross between the Supernatural and Medium TV shows in flavour....
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“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2006 : 16:10:12
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| I have them but I haven't read them yet since I'm waiting for the last one to come out. :) So they are sitting in my stacks to be read. |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2006 : 16:48:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
Has anyone read any of Elaines Changeling series of Novels?
What did you think?
From the brief write up in Elaines "Plog" at Amazon I got the impression that Changeling was sort of a cross between the Supernatural and Medium TV shows in flavour....
I read the first book and enjoyed it very much, although I haven't touched the second one yet.
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
I have them but I haven't read them yet since I'm waiting for the last one to come out. :) So they are sitting in my stacks to be read.
The first one, at least, stood alone quite well by itself. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36798 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2006 : 17:04:05
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| I'm going to have to take a look at these books, myself. I've got a reading backlog going on myself, though. I'm finally reading the latest Drizzt trilogy (though I put it on hold for Realms of the Elves), and then I can finally read the WoSQ books, since I'd been holding off until they were all available in paperback. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2006 : 17:15:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
Has anyone read any of Elaines Changeling series of Novels?
What did you think?
From the brief write up in Elaines "Plog" at Amazon I got the impression that Changeling was sort of a cross between the Supernatural and Medium TV shows in flavour....
They're a bit like the early Anita Blake novels, or maybe Merry Gentry without the sexfest. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31727 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2006 : 17:19:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
I have them but I haven't read them yet since I'm waiting for the last one to come out. :) So they are sitting in my stacks to be read.
That'd be the same for me as well.
I've only gotten as far as the blurbs on the backs of the books themselves .
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2006 : 14:39:03
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Since this is off topic for the Candlekeep board, I assume the thread will soon be closed or abandoned. May I suggest that you visit my webpage, www.elainecunningham.com, and read the sample chapters?
Winterfox's comparison was pretty close to the mark. These are urban fantasy novels, a modern-day setting with magical elements. The stories ARE a bit like Laurell K. Hamilton's in tone, but with considerably less bodily fluids. Another difference is that magic is not overt. In Anita Blake's St. Louis, everyone knows that vampires and werewolves exist. In Gwen's Providence, magic is underground. It's all around, but most people aren't aware of it.
Kuje, this is an open-ended series, not a trilogy. The folks at Tor haven't contracted a third book yet, so I can't tell you when (or if) book three will be out. But Shadows in the Starlight is getting good reviews, and the sales have been fairly decent considering that it's a new series in what for me is a new and very different genre, so I'm optimistic! 
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31727 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2006 : 14:50:51
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I don't think there's any need to close this scroll... we've discussed non-Realms novels by FR authors before without too much problem .
It's valid, so long as it doesn't deviate too much.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2006 : 16:09:26
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Kuje, this is an open-ended series, not a trilogy. The folks at Tor haven't contracted a third book yet, so I can't tell you when (or if) book three will be out. But Shadows in the Starlight is getting good reviews, and the sales have been fairly decent considering that it's a new series in what for me is a new and very different genre, so I'm optimistic!
Oh,
Well then.... I'll have to get to them after I get through these eight paperbacks. I really need to stop visiting the bookstore and replacing the 1 book that I read with 2 more. :) |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
Edited by - Kuje on 13 Feb 2006 17:28:55 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36798 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2006 : 17:21:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
I really need to stop visiting the bookstore and replacing the 1 book I read with 2 more. :)
Heh... You're not the only one! I've also got a backlog of magazines and manga that I keep adding to, as well. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Beezy
Learned Scribe
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 15 Feb 2006 : 08:01:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Kuje, this is an open-ended series, not a trilogy. The folks at Tor haven't contracted a third book yet, so I can't tell you when (or if) book three will be out. But Shadows in the Starlight is getting good reviews, and the sales have been fairly decent considering that it's a new series in what for me is a new and very different genre, so I'm optimistic!
Oh,
Well then.... I'll have to get to them after I get through these eight paperbacks. I really need to stop visiting the bookstore and replacing the 1 book that I read with 2 more. :)
Indeed you are not the only one! I replace every book I have read with 2 or 3 new ones as well. I have around 10 FR books in my unread stack and like 15 non-FR unread in my closet. |
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riverc0il
Acolyte
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - 17 Feb 2006 : 01:52:28
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quote:
Kuje, this is an open-ended series, not a trilogy. The folks at Tor haven't contracted a third book yet, so I can't tell you when (or if) book three will be out. But Shadows in the Starlight is getting good reviews, and the sales have been fairly decent considering that it's a new series in what for me is a new and very different genre, so I'm optimistic!
if we can write to any one important to make a fan's request to keep the series going, please let us know! i am stunned that a third book has not been contracted yet. the second book did not end with a cliff hanger, but there are way too many threads left undone to end there! here's looking forward to book three.
for those that haven't read it, highly recommended. the first book i recall was incredible. i just finished with the second which i really enjoyed. seemed very dialogue heavy, not as many of those knock out descriptions and mood setters. |
-steve |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 17 Feb 2006 : 05:04:33
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Glad you enjoyed the books, RivercOil!
I should hear some news from the publisher fairly soon. I'm fairly optimistic about the chance of a third book. If Amazon.com is any indicator, the books are selling reasonably well, and they are getting good reviews. Shadows in the Starlight was positively reviewed in Publishers' Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Science Fiction Chronicle, and Locus. Hopefully that will engender some positive karma!
So, less dialogue, more narrative next time?
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BlackAce
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
358 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2006 : 07:40:17
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Definetly planning on picking this up elaine. It's not really my usual genre but your name's on it so I know it'll be a good read.
Going to be confusing to talk about though!  |
Edited by - BlackAce on 08 Mar 2006 07:40:57 |
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Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2006 : 12:05:04
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Mmm. I finished reading Shadows in the Darkness some time ago. I liked it -- it's fast-paced and fun, but I think the pace could have used a little variation. Gwen keeps hopping from one place to the next, pursuing this and that clue in rapid succession. I believe someone said that the book seems like it's on a caffeinated high, and I think that's an apt description. The result, I think, is a little unfortunate in that other characters are never properly developed; they are interesting, but they're quick blurs of colors and sketchy. And, going back to the pace, the ending came as something of, well, a disappointment. It doesn't seem to jibe very well with the velocity present in the rest of the novel, giving the impression that it sort of fizzles out toward the end.
But, as an entertaining, quick read goes, it's certainly substantial enough. |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2006 : 15:27:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Winterfox
Mmm. I finished reading Shadows in the Darkness some time ago. I liked it -- it's fast-paced and fun, but I think the pace could have used a little variation. Gwen keeps hopping from one place to the next, pursuing this and that clue in rapid succession. I believe someone said that the book seems like it's on a caffeinated high, and I think that's an apt description. The result, I think, is a little unfortunate in that other characters are never properly developed; they are interesting, but they're quick blurs of colors and sketchy. And, going back to the pace, the ending came as something of, well, a disappointment. It doesn't seem to jibe very well with the velocity present in the rest of the novel, giving the impression that it sort of fizzles out toward the end.
But, as an entertaining, quick read goes, it's certainly substantial enough.
The frenetic pace was a stylistic choice; the editor wanted something that was similar in pacing to an episode of Alias.
In general, I would agree that periods of relative calm would be a good idea. As for character development, there's a bit more light shed on Damian and Marcy in the second book, and if there's a third book, the process of letting other characters move more fully into the spotlight will continue.
I'd also like to work with a more linear plot, and I have an idea in mind that I'm excited about developing. Here's hoping! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31727 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2006 : 15:32:52
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
The frenetic pace was a stylistic choice; the editor wanted something that was similar in pacing to an episode of Alias.
I actually enjoyed that particular aspect of the book itself... despite my earlier reservations.
quote:
In general, I would agree that periods of relative calm would be a good idea. As for character development, there's a bit more light shed on Damian and Marcy in the second book, and if there's a third book, the process of letting other characters move more fully into the spotlight will continue.
Elaine, how likely is a third book at this point?
quote:
I'd also like to work with a more linear plot, and I have an idea in mind that I'm excited about developing. Here's hoping!
Sounds good! Will you continue to follow the story as is... or are you trying for something a little different?
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Jindael
Senior Scribe
USA
357 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2006 : 16:08:47
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Given that I really like the genre (I don’t know what the genre is called) AND I’ve enjoyed all of Elaine’s books, this was a must buy for me.
Unfortunately, the whole genre seems to be (IMO) in some kind of slump. Maybe it’s too many people writing about the same things. Hamilton is about to make me rip my eyes out of my skull (I keep buying them anyway), Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse books do absolutely nothing for me, and Robin McKinley’s Sunshine...there is just far to much baking, and that’s the nicest thing I have to say about it.
I am still enjoying Kim Harrison’s series of books (Dead Witch Walking, etc) but I’m always frightened that it will take a turn into Anita Blake territory. (Not the sex, but the “I am queen of everything that is and will suddenly discover that I am the queen of everything that will be” problem.) Aside from Elaine’s books, I also have the first Harry Dresden book on my shelf to be read. I desperately want something to be good and stay good in this genre, but it seems to me that most characters in these books have a very limited shelf life.
I’m banking on the fact that, over the course of her books, Elaine didn’t have Arilyn Moonblade suddenly gain superpowers and fly across the Realms to dominate anyone who doesn’t agree with her (and kill anyone Blonde). She stayed Arilyn.
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"You don't have a Soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
-- C.S. Lewis |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 09 Mar 2006 : 03:40:27
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Jindael, you've raised an interesting issue. Fantasy readers are wildly divided on the topic of how powerful a character should be. Some readers love characters who are badass fighters or impossibly powerful wizards. Others dislike super high-level characters and dismiss them as wish fufillment Mary Sues. It's hard to find a good balance, and even if you find it, it's difficult to resist the temptation to let the power level escalate.
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BlackAce
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
358 Posts |
Posted - 09 Mar 2006 : 07:02:59
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quote:
It's hard to find a good balance, and even if you find it, it's difficult to resist the temptation to let the power level escalate.
.... Or indulge in a little temporary lobotomisation simply so they don't 'look' powerful.
Yeah, that's a real tough one. Made worse by people's needs to pigeon hole characters.
As for the name of the genre, the girlfriend tends to dub them "Sassy-occult," though I'm not sure that's universally applicable. |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 09 Mar 2006 : 16:26:52
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Elaine, how likely is a third book at this point?
It might sound odd to say that I have no idea, but that's the situation. I'm hoping to hear soon.
quote:
I'd also like to work with a more linear plot, and I have an idea in mind that I'm excited about developing. Here's hoping!
Sounds good! Will you continue to follow the story as is... or are you trying for something a little different?[/quote]
Assuming the series continues, some of the threads will continue, and the style will be similar. But I'd like to work with a different sort of central theme for the next plot. |
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Elaines non FR novels
