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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Jul 2007 : 17:08:53
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
Paul really does an excellent job of making the story compelling as a whole. Its not just the "RSE" elements that make you want to keep reading this, but the personal development of Cale and his allies, and the interesting new characters that show up, like the paladin of Lathander.
One of the challenges in writing a big story is balancing the "character issues" with the plot elements. An author has only so many pages and I decided when writing this book that the plot (no matter how big the events) could not and should not outrun the characters. I fear I'm being somewhat unclear, but what I mean is that the characters cannot be simply the device by which the plot gets illustrated and advanced. Instead, the plot, no matter how big, must be seen through the lens of the personal and the reader made to feel how the characters experience the plot. I'd always hoped that, if people talked about Shadowbred, they would talk more about the characters and the personal moments than they would the large scale events.
Does all of that make any sense? I'm struggling with how to articulate my thinking. |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 10 Jul 2007 17:29:54 |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2007 : 17:19:52
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Actually it makes perfect sense to me Paul, and I think you did a really good job of making sure that the spotlight falls on the characters and not the events.
The events should be important and exciting, but I think you can lose a lot of the impact of the events if the characters don't come across as people you care about and want to know more about. |
Edited by - KnightErrantJR on 10 Jul 2007 17:20:28 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2007 : 18:24:49
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quote:
Originally posted by shuman
I know I have seen stats for Riven, Cale, etc. but has anyone attempted a writeup of Magadon? Just curious. Paul? Oh Paul? Some clues perhaps? Thanks for the wonderful fiction!
Shuman,
Sorry for the delay in responding. I've been away from the boards for a bit.
I'm not aware that anyone has done a formal write up of Magadon. There was an interesting discussion on the WotC boards regarding the stats for Cale, Riven, and Mags. Tom Costa contributed to that discussion and "stat out" and his work is stellar. Here's the link, if you're interested (it's a long thread): http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=751216&highlight=erevis.
As I mention there, I don't detailed write ups of my protagonists/antagonists, but I do have an idea of what they are in game terms. Magadon would be a multi-class ranger/psion (telepath), with more emphasis on the psion than ranger, and with the major fiendish bloodline. His feats would be focused primarily on his archery, and would include rapid shot, precise shot, psionic shot, greater psionic shot, and the like.
Paul |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2007 : 18:25:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Conlon
I picked up this book this week and finished it a few days later. I also had meant to hold off on it, knowing how long I would be tortured awaiting its sequel.... It appears as though my willpower is not what it should be, for now I find myself dragging my weary, tortured carcass around, mumbling nonsense about Mephistopheles, Rivalen, and being trapped in the Source.
Anyways, in my opinion, this was a fantastic book. It really sucks having to wait so long for the sequel, but I'm confident that it will be worth it. If you are reading this Mr. Kemp, please be careful crossing the street, chewing your food, and in the handling of any firearms. For God's sake man, finger off trigger, and watch that muzzle control! If, God forbid, anything were to happen to you or George R.R. Martin, I just don't think I could bear it!
Ha. Thanks, Conlon. I'm sincerely pleased the novel worked for you. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jul 2007 : 02:35:23
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
One of the challenges in writing a big story is balancing the "character issues" with the plot elements. An author has only so many pages and I decided when writing this book that the plot (no matter how big the events) could not and should not outrun the characters. I fear I'm being somewhat unclear, but what I mean is that the characters cannot be simply the device by which the plot gets illustrated and advanced. Instead, the plot, no matter how big, must be seen through the lens of the personal and the reader made to feel how the characters experience the plot. I'd always hoped that, if people talked about Shadowbred, they would talk more about the characters and the personal moments than they would the large scale events.
Does all of that make any sense? I'm struggling with how to articulate my thinking.
Yes it does, and I personally agree that big events are far more interesting when the reader gets to see how they affect individual people. I do generally believe that characters are more important than plot--I can't speak for everyone, but I always remember characters more than plot details. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 21:38:38
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Best read I have had in years. I absolutely love Rivalen. Excellent antagonist. Watching Tamlin keeps me wondering if he is eventually going to realize he is a tool, and wrong. First, he seems like his character is growing a bit(Twilight falling), then he takes a giant leap backwards in this book. Almost to the point that I want to pull my hair out in frustration.
All in all, best book I have read in years. Love it and cannot wait for Shadowstorm |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 23:58:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
Best read I have had in years. I absolutely love Rivalen. Excellent antagonist. Watching Tamlin keeps me wondering if he is eventually going to realize he is a tool, and wrong. First, he seems like his character is growing a bit(Twilight falling), then he takes a giant leap backwards in this book. Almost to the point that I want to pull my hair out in frustration.
Tamlin truly is a tool in more ways than one, if you catch my meaning...
I thought Cale gave him the benefit of the doubt when he kept assuming that Tamlin was saying and doing all the stupid things he was because of his advisor's influence. The truth, as I saw it, was that Tamlin was just...being his normal, unlikeable self--to hell with the advisor. One of the funniest things in that book was the fact that he ended up as Hulorn precisely because he's an idiot who can be easily manipulated, not in spite of it. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 16 Aug 2007 00:07:05 |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 01:00:40
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I still hope his character can be somewhat redeemed. At least before he dies. Somehow, im sure before the end of the series he will see the error of his ways and make amends, either giving his own life, or saving Cale in some way. His character HAS shown some signs of possibly growing. Its just going to be a "Cale was right" learning process.
He is a competent spellcaster, and could possibly be useful if he learned to follow instead of think he was always right, or listened to reason.
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 01:38:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
I still hope his character can be somewhat redeemed. At least before he dies.
You do? Ahem, well, I'm just a bit more cold-hearted than that... My attitude often is simply:
quote:
I still hope...he dies.
On a more serious note, I suspect things will play out much as you described. But then again, Kemp's books have a way of confounding expectations. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 16 Aug 2007 01:40:46 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 14:32:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
Best read I have had in years. I absolutely love Rivalen. Excellent antagonist. Watching Tamlin keeps me wondering if he is eventually going to realize he is a tool, and wrong.
Firestorm,
I'm delighted you enjoyed the story. Tamlin's near-term course becomes clear by the end of Shadowstorm, so you'll have (at least a partial) answer then.
I hope you enjoy it when it hits shelves. I'm quite eager to hear what folks think of it. |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 16 Aug 2007 14:34:05 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 14:34:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Tamlin truly is a tool in more ways than one, if you catch my meaning...
Ba dum ching!  |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 23:22:18
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
Best read I have had in years. I absolutely love Rivalen. Excellent antagonist. Watching Tamlin keeps me wondering if he is eventually going to realize he is a tool, and wrong.
Firestorm,
I'm delighted you enjoyed the story. Tamlin's near-term course becomes clear by the end of Shadowstorm, so you'll have (at least a partial) answer then.
I hope you enjoy it when it hits shelves. I'm quite eager to hear what folks think of it.
Hehe. Im still in awe that I can actually talk to authors on this site. Im relatively new to this forum, but have been a fan of the realms for years:) Its great knowing my thoughts are being received.
Thank you for your response, and your hint about Tamlin. I Have the book preordered and will likely devour it within 2.5 hours of getting it, then post my thoughts here. Unless I work that day:(, at which point, it will be after I get off work(It will be so hard to get anything done knowing that book is burning a hole in my briefcase)
Ill most assuredly post my responces then. All positive I have no doubt. |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2008 : 12:33:01
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I was complaining about the 'cheap' death of the Silkirk brothers. Not a real fight and all that... Well, I must say, I was compensated for that in full! The last chapters were so captivating - I rushed through them not being able to put them aside until I finished the entire book. One event lead to the next, the wheel of events spinning ever faster it seemed. And Paul - what I have read on the last chapters: that's what I call a fight. The Kraken vs. Yhaan! The capture of Endren! and above all else: Cale vs. Rivalen! Great!
And all this ploting, scheeming, misleading! I feel a certain depth to all this - a well thought through plan, a whole picture behind all even though I cannot make it out entirely yet! Shadowstorm will hopefully help in filling out the picture a bit more. I will start reading at once..........
Thank you, Paul, for a truely enjoyable read!
Question: I wonder where Cale got his weapon. Is there a story detailing that? and does that weapon have special properties that helps Cale fight the Shades? It seemed to be more effective against them than the attecks Riven made... Is it somehow tied to the events of the Avatar trilogy (meaning: mighti t be the same weapon that Mystra gave Mask to fend off Kezef? Lastly: the power infused in the sword by the Source - did it stay in the weapon indefenitly or was this just a temporary effect?
Clarifications are much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Ergdusch |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2008 : 13:58:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Ergdusch
I was complaining about the 'cheap' death of the Silkirk brothers. Not a real fight and all that... Well, I must say, I was compensated for that in full! The last chapters were so captivating - I rushed through them not being able to put them aside until I finished the entire book. One event lead to the next, the wheel of events spinning ever faster it seemed. And Paul - what I have read on the last chapters: that's what I call a fight. The Kraken vs. Yhaan! The capture of Endren! and above all else: Cale vs. Rivalen! Great!
And all this ploting, scheeming, misleading! I feel a certain depth to all this - a well thought through plan, a whole picture behind all even though I cannot make it out entirely yet! Shadowstorm will hopefully help in filling out the picture a bit more. I will start reading at once..........
Thank you, Paul, for a truely enjoyable read!
Question: I wonder where Cale got his weapon. Is there a story detailing that? and does that weapon have special properties that helps Cale fight the Shades? It seemed to be more effective against them than the attecks Riven made... Is it somehow tied to the events of the Avatar trilogy (meaning: mighti t be the same weapon that Mystra gave Mask to fend off Kezef? Lastly: the power infused in the sword by the Source - did it stay in the weapon indefenitly or was this just a temporary effect?
Clarifications are much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Ergdusch
Ergdusch,
I'm delighted that you enjoyed the novel. I hope Shadowstorm works for you, too.
As for Weaveshear, Cale comes by it in the first book of The Erevis Cale Trilogy, Twilight Falling. Essentially, his sword is transformed via its...contact with a particular item. It is, arguably, a "gift" from Mask.
It's powers are generally best used against those who draw power through the Weave, rather than the Shadow Weave, which is why its absorption power was not initially effective against the Shade Princes' spells. Near the end of Shadowbred, when Magadon uses the Source to infuse Weaveshear with additional power, that particular weakness is temporarily eliminated. |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2008 : 19:42:55
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Ergdusch
Question: I wonder where Cale got his weapon. Is there a story detailing that? and does that weapon have special properties that helps Cale fight the Shades? It seemed to be more effective against them than the attecks Riven made... Is it somehow tied to the events of the Avatar trilogy (meaning: mighti t be the same weapon that Mystra gave Mask to fend off Kezef? Lastly: the power infused in the sword by the Source - did it stay in the weapon indefenitly or was this just a temporary effect?
Clarifications are much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Ergdusch
Ergdusch,
I'm delighted that you enjoyed the novel. I hope Shadowstorm works for you, too.
As for Weaveshear, Cale comes by it in the first book of The Erevis Cale Trilogy, Twilight Falling. Essentially, his sword is transformed via its...contact with a particular item. It is, arguably, a "gift" from Mask.
It's powers are generally best used against those who draw power through the Weave, rather than the Shadow Weave, which is why its absorption power was not initially effective against the Shade Princes' spells. Near the end of Shadowbred, when Magadon uses the Source to infuse Weaveshear with additional power, that particular weakness is temporarily eliminated.
I will look out for further refereces of this weapon as I read on. Thanks for the fast answer, Paul. |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2010 : 08:42:19
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While I find the first few chapters so dragging and boring, I am relieved that from the middle to the end the excitement starts and rarely wanes. This has easily become one of my favorite FR novels.
Paul, your introduction of the Shadovar to the story was well played out. And I think I should mention that the main reason I read this and the next two books is them.
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Every beginning has an end. |
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Shadowbred: Chapters 14 - 17
