Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion

The book, not to be confused with mouth yeast. ;)

The Darkling Thrush

What do you think about the story over all? How was the world building? Did you appreciate Josh's incorporation of known geography into the story? Would you have rather seen it in some other realm completely of his own making? How did you like the language created? Did the use of magick of the world add to your enjoyment or distract from it? What was your gut reaction to Septimus' confession on why he traveled to the island? Given where the story ended, do you see Colin and Septimus remaining together? What was your reaction to the use of Unseelie?

And why was I immediately drawn back into the story just looking for tidbits to write questions? (Now I have to read it again, darn it all.)

I just bought this yesterday from FW sale. Will read it after I finish Vintage Affair.

Merith wrote: "The book, not to be confused with mouth yeast"

Lol

In a posted comment to the 'what are you reading' topic, the title of the story was questioned. Lyrical but not readily understood in its meaning from the book.

Initially, I didn't realize it most likely came from the poem by Thomas Hardy The Darkling Thrush. But, I got the idea that the thrush in Josh's novel continuously appears when Colin needs him most to appear. The thrush gives him hope when the world seems its bleakest to him; when he's feeling his worst. The poem is about a person giving up on the world, a dark and dreary place. But the thrush though battered and weary rises up and sings, showing the speaker there is hope even at the darkest moments.

Not sure if this was the intent of the book, but it's what I got out of it.

i liked this one from like chapter 3 on... the world building was a little too slow for me in the first couple chapters

I'm always disappointed when an author I follow releases a fantasy book. It's a wasted book for me, I can't stand fantasy. I bought DT by mistake (or by stupidity) because I didn't read the blurb. I thought I'd give it a try since it's Josh's but I couldn't go farther than several pages :(

I love fantasy and this book has been hovering near the top of my to-read list for the past month. Thanks for starting this thread, Merith--that'll remind me to dive into this book this weekend. :)

Merith wrote: "Not sure if this was the intent of the book, but it's what I got out of it.
..."

That's it exactly!

Suhi wrote: "I'm always disappointed when an author I follow releases a fantasy book. It's a wasted book for me, I can't stand fantasy. I bought DT by mistake (or by stupidity) because I didn't read the blurb. ..."

Aw, that's too bad. But you can see why authors like to try different stuff? It's just a way of keeping the writing process fresh -- and hoping to find new readers too (while not losing old readers). I'm certainly not going to switch over and only write fantasy or anything. I like mixing it up.

Bubbles (Dane) wrote: "i liked this one from like chapter 3 on... the world building was a little too slow for me in the first couple chapters"

That's the challenge with fantasy. How much world-building? I try to keep it relatively minimal, but there are some things that just have to be explained. Plus I think it always takes the reader to sink into the world and figure out how it works?


I don't want to lose story or character at the expense of world-building.

Josh wrote: "Suhi wrote: "I'm always disappointed when an author I follow releases a fantasy book. It's a wasted book for me, I can't stand fantasy. I bought DT by mistake (or by stupidity) because I didn't rea..."
Trying different stuff is great. It's just I happen to dislike this specific genre. But I'm all for historical, war and anything other you'd like to try out :)

I liked it a lot, but it felt like the beginning of a series and then it wasn't. What I mean is there was a lot of world building for the amount of story, and the romance didn't feel quite wrapped up to me. I get that Septimus loves Colin, but does he now respect his abilities? Consider him an equal?

Did anyone other than Alyosha and I :) get at steampunk feel with this book?

I didn't really get a speampunk feel. When I think of steam engines and futuristic gadgets. I don't remember that in this story. But there was a train...lol I don't know why I can't remember this book!! I think I was thinking alternate universes with magic, maybe

I read a lot of fantasy so the world building didn't bother me. It just seemed like a lot of work for this not to be a series

Merith wrote: "Initially, I didn't realize it most likely came from the poem by Thomas Hardy The Darkling Thrush. "

Doh! I should have googled -- it sounded familiar.

Thanks for sharing that, it infused a lot more into the book for me. I need a second read, clearly, before discussing further!

I leant upon a coppice gate


That's the first line of the Thomas Hardy poem...I kept reading it while I read this book and it was quite interesting to compare.

I thought this was the most passionate romance I've read of Josh's...Septimus was such a force...so passionate...I could almost see him seething in the office while Antony and Colin carried on their affair....those kisses, and how he was just so open about loving Colin...Colin and Septimus are two of my all time faves.

The ancient pulse of germ and birth
Was shrunken hard and dry,
And every spirit upon earth
Seemed fervourless as I ... Colin's time at the castle?

Josh i get setting up the world and all that introducing everything but i get bored easily... as a reader and i am probably one of the few like this but i would rather be a little confused in the world setting at some point then bored in the beginning reading about blah blah. which is why i now skip most descriptions and skim through world building in fantasy books

Suhi I would try reading this book from like chapter 3 or 4 on since you already bought it. the story was great once you get into it

Bubbles (Dane) wrote: "Suhi I would try reading this book from like chapter 3 or 4 on since you already bought it. the story was great once you get into it ..."
I'll give it another go, surely, but only when DT is my last unread Josh's book :) )

:) have you read ? I think you said you liked historicals. I think it wAs in the 20's or 40's or something. I just remember I loved Julien

Bubbles (Dane) wrote: ":) have you read ? I think you said you liked historicals. I think it wAs in the 20's or 40's or something. I just remember I loved Julien"

This was a good one it was in the 20s, I loved all the stuff about prohibition and all the stuff people did to get around it :) Whistling in the Dark is another good historical...

Bubbles (Dane) wrote: ":) have you read ? I think you said you liked historicals. I think it wAs in the 20's or 40's or something. I just remember I loved Julien"
Ah, I loved "The Dark Farewell"! I especially like the 30-s and the prohibition. I don't know why... Maybe because it has such a surreal atmosphere about it. And I like that the story was told from the top's (David) POV. It's a rare treat :)
"Whistling in the Dark" looks good, thanks!

I liked the world building in this book, sometimes in a fantasy there is too much and therefore not enough is left to the imagination, but The Darkling Thrush had just enough for me to picture. But then again, I do tend to like fantasy in general.

I enjoyed the mystery and the storyline with the historical touch. After I finished reading it yesterday I looked for the next book and obviously didn't find one. I think there is more story for Septimus and Cole,they were just getting started.

Snowtulip wrote: "I liked the world building in this book, sometimes in a fantasy there is too much and therefore not enough is left to the imagination, but The Darkling Thrush had just enough for me to picture. Bu..."

That was my thought... more was needed. Here Josh built up this fantastic world, hinting at so much more than just magic book hunters/archivists, and now there's nothing more.

Maybe he'll think of revisiting his world one of these days. Maybe 2012??

Barb wrote: "And so to Darkling Thrush I go,
The general plot I do not know,
Avoiding posts written above,
So what will I think?
Like? Hate or Love?

.... Let you know tomorrow ;)"

You are so clever! :D I hope you love it.

Barb wrote: "And so to Darkling Thrush I go,
The general plot I do not know,
Avoiding posts written above,
So what will I think?
Like? Hate or Love?

.... Let you know tomorrow ;)"

I say love...

Barb wrote: "Well I am feeling particularly blue today :( so I need something to perk me up..."

Sorry about the blues...have you read Sno Ho, that is perfect for a chuckle :)

Barb wrote: ".... Nope - will have a look , thanks"

Okay...you must read it! It will have you smiling in no time!

Lauraadriana wrote: "Barb wrote: ".... Nope - will have a look , thanks"

Okay...you must read it! It will have you laughing your ass off in no time!"

Barb wrote: "I do have particularly bendy arms - you seem to have realized this :)
Thanks xx"

Yepsss!! Get it...you won't regret it! Hey, that rhymes :P

Barb wrote: "Got it ;)
... The rhyming and the book!"

Yaay...good woman!

TDT will probably end up being the first book in a series. As a matter of fact, I almost ended up revisiting the world (not the characters) in a project for Blind Eye Books that ultimately didn't materialize. I agree it was too much work for a one off, plus I did want to follow up with the coming conflict in the faery world and all that.

But fantasy is really taxing to write (I find), so I'm leery about announcing another series and then waiting years in between the installments.

Josh wrote: "TDT will probably end up being the first book in a series.

This is very good news...I loved being in Colins's and Septimus' world and look forward to more with them.

I thought when I finished it, I want to know more of this world...the seelie court, the chocolate eating goblins, and what exactly are the Vox Pessimeres...Yay more Septimus!

Barb wrote: It worked - I laughed!! But the ass is still there sadly! I'm glad you laughed, that book made me laugh so much. I loved it. Glad you still have your ass though, a displaced ass is no laughing matter ;o)

I have just downloaded Snowball in Hell, which I intend to start tonight, and then will get back to TDT.

I got it as well, but am planning to wait for some other buddies and start it on Tuesday, wanna wait and read it together?

I'm glad you're liking TDT, I loved it, but you've seen my ramblings in this thread so you know :) I find that first books in fantasy series are a lot hard work, sometimes I skip and start with #2 and go back to #1 once I'm really into the series.

This did not happen to me with TDT though, which apparently is a series WOOT!

So you are getting a steampunk feel too? Cool!

Barb wrote: "Have you read Iron Duke? It is very good ... I can't wait to start Snowball in Hell

Enjoy! We can chat about it later.

I have read the Fever series, LOVED those books!...ahhh Mr.Barrons...*sigh*

Barb wrote: "Have you read Iron Duke? It is very good ... I can't wait to start Snowball in Hell

Enjoy! We can chat about it later.

I have read the Fever series, LOVED those books!...ahhh Mr.Barrons...*sigh*

Edina wrote:The Vocabulary in the TD is the best! It is funny and very beautiful to hear, and with the same roots as English or French (latin), it sparks my imagination.

I know Edina, I am so happy to hear we will get more of this world. I keep talking about how much I loved the language...my mother tongue is Spanish, so the words spark something with me.

BTW-I've been using veneficus too LOL!... the other my SO said, "So you're just making up words now? And I said, "NOO!!, Josh is" :) He just laughed and said "I'm going to have to read this guy's books" :)

Barb wrote: "Aah yes JZB :) and death by sex seelie LOL what a world!"

Have you read the Gail Carriger? I've been curious about her stuff...

Now I'm using "veneficus" at home and my daughter is starting to use it too. It is funny. I love it.

I can't tell you how much I love that!

Josh wrote: "But fantasy is really taxing to write (I find)"

I love creating a fantasy world, a society and its characters. Yes, it's hard work, and it takes time (even with a brain that never shuts up, not every information I need appears when I want it to), but it's wonderful to see the pieces of my puzzle slowly come together :)

Just finished this today. And all I can say is.. wow... what a journey. This is my review:

This is definitely one of the best M/M fantasy out there and one of the best Josh' work. The setting is beautifully described. Reading this book feels like being in a dream, everything is surreal and beautiful. The suspense in real and the plot twist is something I never expect. Only one problem... which is common when you finish Josh' works.... I want more! Sequel, pretty please?

I just came here and am pleased to read Josh is planning a sequel. I really really want to read more Collins & Max. they are very beautiful together and I was close to tears when Max thought he had to kill Collin and Collin acceptance of it.

BTW-I've been using veneficus too LOL!... the other my SO said, "So you're just making up words now? And I said, "NOO!!, Josh is" :) He just laughed and said "I'm going to have to read this guy's books" :)

THAT could be interesting. :-D

Anita wrote: "Josh wrote: "But fantasy is really taxing to write (I find)"

I love creating a fantasy world, a society and its characters. Yes, it's hard work, and it takes time (even with a brain that never shu..."

It is very satisfying. Nothing more challenging to write than fantasy, in my opinion.

Cleon wrote: "Just finished this today. And all I can say is.. wow... what a journey. This is my review:

This is definitely one of the best M/M fantasy out there and one of the best Josh' work. The setting is b..."

Thank you! That's wonderful. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Just had the best night out - went to a great concert featuring Tiny Temper and The Script.... But damned if I could stop thinking about Septimus Marx !! That has to be the best name ever! Pure magick! ( and that makes me think of Selwyn Froggitt... For entirely different reasons LOL

I am not a fan of fantasy per se and yet I love the world building of the Fever series and Ilona Andrews Magic books, if it wasn't that I have taken up permanant residence here in Joshlandia I would probably never have picked up this book.... but I did and I loved it! I always laugh the way Andrews says to just skip book 1 because so many people struggled with the world building - I sort of did, but that never bothered me - the penny always drops eventually! And then on subsequent rereads even more becomes obvious. I am in awe of a writer that can create a world like this and make it feel so real! I loved the lingo my daughter laughed when I said "please reach me the telefon", I am still figuring out how to slip a venificus in too ;) it was magick! and I feel like Septimus said at the end ~ "new beginnings", I want more, more of Irania Briggs and where she went, and more about the extent of Colins powers ! Thanks Josh another winner!
also in a time where everything is emailed it does make you really feel the history of the written word is being lost - when Colin peruses books it is so special, picking up the history of every person to have touched that book .... says she who read this on her kindle LOL
i lived in the UK and was tickled to see the word duvet! yeah, small things, small minds! and at the end when Irania shouted "Basil" in my mind i saw Sybill from Fawlty Towers! Sorry ...

Book 2 - a Septimus Quest would be Bliss ;-) sheer bliss!

Book 2 - a Septimus Quest would be Bliss ;-) sheer bliss!

Especially with more Colin/ Septimus mushiness... :D

Merith wrote: What do you think about the story over all?

What was your gut reaction to Septimus' confession on why he traveled to the island?

I enjoyed this story--I loved Colin's voice, his talents in psychometry, and his annoyance with being stuck behind a desk, even if he was immature about it. (Ok, I liked him even better for that immaturity. I can sympathize.) And, yeah--I found it impossible not to like Septimus.

But I have serious issues with Septimus's occupation. I didn't believe his claim that he was an executioner, not a murderer. So the idea is to kill anyone who might unleash magic too powerful to control? In our world, would Septimus have gone on a mission to systematically murder everyone involved in the theory and creation of the atomic bomb?

And how would this have played out if Bliss hadn't mentioned seeing the fey woman? What if Septimus had never found out Bliss had the blessing of the Seelie Court? I think he was in too deep to murder Colin by that time, but the whole situation didn't improve my opinion of the Vox Pessimeres.

Colin, meanwhile, accepts Septimus's 'duty' with less shock and horror than I expected--and he reconciles himself to it pretty quickly. He seemed to have a harder time with the idea that Septimus would destroy a book than that he would murder someone, himself included! I guess that's just as well if these two men are going to have a successful relationship. At least they both share the same priorities. :P

How was the world building?

Excellent. I'm glad Josh has talked about revisiting this world, because I agree with a number of other people here: all this world-building deserves more than one book! I'd love to revisit Colin and Septimus and find out more about the goblins, the Seelie Court, etc.

Did you appreciate Josh's incorporation of known geography into the story? Would you have rather seen it in some other realm completely of his own making?

Known geography is fine; a completely different world than ours is fine. I can take my fantasy either way. :)

Given where the story ended, do you see Colin and Septimus remaining together?

Probably. As I said above, Colin wasn't nearly as shocked or horrified by Septimus's mission as I thought he'd be. So I think these two will deal very well together--though I'm still hoping Septimus finds a new line of work.

I'm guessing Septimus will remain condescending and Colin will remain annoyed--but I don't think that's a deal-breaker for these two. Heck, if Colin doesn't mind the fact that Septimus came close to murdering him, I can't think of anything that would be a deal-breaker!

Heck, if Colin doesn't mind the fact that Septimus came close to murdering him, I can't think of anything that would be a deal-breaker!

It all comes to individual and values, I think. In some cultures or subcultures, death or murder is not the ultimate betrayal. Considering that Colin believed that Septimus really did not want to do it and only planned to do it because of his obligation, I could perfectly see he could forgive him. Besides, Septimus was frank with him. I don't think Septimus is redeemable if he had tried to hide the fact that he was ordered to kill Colin.

How Josh handled this difficult situation is what makes me give this book a 5 stars. It's so easy to make this plot turned into cliche angsty romance "I love you but I have to kill you". But Josh handled it beautifully. Septimus grief, but still honest to Colin, and Colin's reaction to it. He didn't want to die, he didn't give up, but he didn't make a huge drama out of it. It also didn't stop him from loving Septimus.

Cleon wrote: It all comes to individual and values, I think. In some cultures or subcultures, death or murder is not the ultimate betrayal.

Hmmm. I got no sense that murder isn't a really, really bad thing in this culture--in fact, Septimus didn't want to be branded a murderer. He insisted that he was an executioner.

Considering that Colin believed that Septimus really did not want to do it and only planned to do it because of his obligation, I could perfectly see he could forgive him. Besides, Septimus was frank with him.

Yeah, there's something to be said for frankness. However, I still think Colin reconciled himself to Septimus's mission much more easily than I would have! But that's fine, and it goes to show that these two guys are basically on the same page. That's why I think they'll make it as a couple; they understand each other and they're cut from the same cloth.

It's so easy to make this plot turned into cliche angsty romance "I love you but I have to kill you". But Josh handled it beautifully. Septimus grief, but still honest to Colin, and Colin's reaction to it. He didn't want to die, he didn't give up, but he didn't make a huge drama out of it. It also didn't stop him from loving Septimus.

Agreed. I, personally, have an issue with Septimus's career--but I don't have an issue with Colin reconciling himself to it and loving Septimus despite his own life being on the line because of it. Just goes to show how well-suited these two are.

Meanwhile, Septimus's career didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. It just gave me pause as it brought some interesting moral questions into the mix.