Fantasy Book Club discussion

Hi folks,

Well, it's coming up to the end of April, so if any of the group actually did read Cloak of Magic please feel free to post your comments, good or bad.

I admit to being extremely envious of Michael Sullivan (author of the The Crown Conspiracy etc, a previous month's Fantasy Book Club GR choice). Michael reckons it only takes him a few months to produce a book. It took me 3 years to write Cloak of Magic, and about the same to write Staff of Power. I'm still working away at Spirit of Shehaios - it's that elusive "spare time" that's the problem....

Look forward to hearing from you.

I read it & really enjoyed it. Quite a world. The balance of civilizations & magic was cool.

I thought it was a refreshing fantasy read - a new and different setting. The characters were interesting and pretty well developed. My criticism would be there was a bit too much waxing poetic about the Spirit of Shehaios. I think the message of the people of Shehaios and their spirituality was quite clear and didn’t need to be overemphasized.

The book does have a very good exploration of human nature, how our circumstances shape us and the choices people are faced with.

I can see how much of this may be drawn from the Roman Empire, but the Shehains (sp?) reminded me of some of the American Indian tribes – did you draw any inspiration from their cultures? If not, where did you find ideas for the people of Shehaios?

*****SPOILER ALERT (kinda)*******





Admittedly you completely got me in the end – what a twist! It was very surprising and powerful. Very good use of a tragic element and example of human nature.

I've barely started it....I'm way behind but certainly want to join in the conversation as soon as I get it read.

I haven't had the chance to pick up a copy. It's not carried in my local Borders. I will read it soon though, even if I have to buy it online.

Justin wrote: "I haven't had the chance to pick up a copy. It's not carried in my local Borders. I will read it soon though, even if I have to buy it online."

I am a UK based author so I'm not 100% sure of distribution to the States - however, your local bookshop should be able to order it in using the ISBN number. It's supplied by Lightening Source through normal book distribution channels.

If you don't want to order from Amazon, you can also get it through the publishers http://www.Authorsonline.co.uk

Libby wrote " the Shehains (sp?) reminded me of some of the American Indian tribes – did you draw any inspiration from their cultures? If not, where did you find ideas for the people of Shehaios?"

There are influences from American Indian culture in Shaihen culture, but kinda by accident. I found resonances with all sorts of indiginous cultures (bushmen, Aborigines) but in fact Shehaios is really inspired by the rural paganism/nature worship that rumbles in a rather prosaic way through British folk music. It's a British tradition alive and kicking, evolving through the New Age hippies of the 1970s to today's conservationists and environmental activists. I'm a bit of a 70s hippy myself, mixed with bumbling folkie (no beard, but I have got a pewter tankard....). I write to a soundtrack of Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention, plus far more obscure British folkies.

I FINALLY got hold of a copy. Ye Gods. I'd like to read it as soon and quickly as possible, but the "To Read" list keeps getting longer, and the "Free Time" list was lost sometime last month. I'm still looking for it...

No beard, Sue? I'm shocked.
;-)

I loved the magic. It was so understated at first & then so powerful. Very logical.

I'm curious, is there going to be a discussion thread on this one or is it just going to be this one topic?

John wrote: "I'm curiuos, is there going to be a discussion thread on this one or is it just going to be this one topic?"

I started the thread because Cloak of Magic was the Fantasy Book Club GR Author choice for April for discussion in May. I'm happy to discuss whatever anyone wants to discuss - but so far it seems to be that folk have had difficulty getting hold of it, or getting hold of the time to read it! I particularly sympathise with the latter and it has to be said it isn't a quick read.

It is an interesting read John, I imagine you can just stay in this thread. =)

S.A. wrote: "... it's that elusive "spare time" that's the problem..."

Spare time, spare time, now where have I heard of such a thing? Hmmm... No, sorry. Can't seem to find it anywhere.

Some of us sad to admit have to work at things other than writing.... but just think. After all that hard work, Cloak of Magic turned out to be a wonderful read and I'm sure 'Spirit' will be as well.

Cheers.

John wrote: "I'm curious, is there going to be a discussion thread on this one or is it just going to be this one topic?"

Sorry, been swamped at work and not looking at the boards. I've made the folder - people are free to start as many threads as they desire.