Head in a book, most definitely NOT squashed…maybe.
Head squashed in the mud - that wasn't mine…not! 
Hard to be visionary as an ostrich…
I am nearly done the next chapter set…nearly…if I have an extraordinary day, it could finish the set. Then I get to paint for fun.
Teaser, eh! Such as - ah - Fionn Areth encounters Sidir???
originally posted by Trys
quote:Really?! I can't imagine that anyone who reads this series could in any way, shape, or form be considered a 'dumbo'.Surely there must be something new that can be found even by a dumbo like me
Trys
originally posted by Hunter
Ooohh… that's a nasty teaser… it's probably too much to ask *where* they meet…
originally posted by Nathan
Hi Janny, just finished Traitors Knot for the second time to try and quench my thirst for the good stuff that only you can provide.
I've got to find something to tide me over now until the UK launch of Stormed Fortress (I know, I know, it's finished when it's finished!)
For some reason I've never gotten around to reading the Empire series, do you think that will do the trick for a while?
The problem being if I eek the three books out over the next year or so that will only give me 4 pages of goodness a day (torture!)
What's a man supposed to do?!?!? I'm afraid I must demand that you write more books for me to enjoy or at least recommend someone elses work that will keep me out of trouble until your next instalment.
Keep the good stuff coming, it never disappoints!
Best Wishes
Nathan
originally posted by Sean Monahan
To read the Empire series, you should probably read some Feist, at least Magician(Apprentice and Master, though sometimes they are in one volume). This adds some more pages to your total. Then you can read the Empire novels. With any luck, you'll like Feist as well, and there are currently something like 15 Midkemia books.
The Empire books also can stand totally alone.
Wierd time for me to stop in, but well, I finished that chapter set. Start a new one tomorrow.
originally posted by Hunter
Although set in the same worlds and running largely contemporaneously, the Riftwar saga (by Feist only) and the Empire series (Janny and Mr. Feist) have very different viewpoints and feel to them and whilst there are common events, they are from totally different viewpoints and experiences. You don't need to read the Riftwar saga first.
If you want another door stopper series to work through, Kate Elliot's Crown of Stars series will provide that.
originally posted by Lyssabits
I actually read the Empire series many years before I even knew the Midkemia books existed. (I never thought to wonder if this Feist guy had written any other books at that point.) I found it much more amusing to read the Empire books first, and then the Fiest books after, as the Empire books explain some of the weirdness of the way the Riftwar goes. 
originally posted by nathankemp
Glad to hear you have finished the chapter set as you had hoped Janny, sounds like it's all going really well (can't wait!).
As for the Riftwar saga, that was my first stop many years ago after finishing your Cycle of Fire, I've reread both series recently and enjoyed them both nearly as much as the first time. Cycle of Fire is very special to me because it marks my first real venture into Fantacy and transformed me from a student who read begrudgingly to a man who can't be without a good book.
Thanks for the tips you lot, it's nice to converse with other people who get as excited as I do about Janny's work.
I think I shall start the Empire books this evening (5 month old daughter permitting).
originally posted by Auna
I recently read the new Riftwar saga books - at least one had more stuff in it that was cut earlier. I had a blast rereading the series.
Sidir… who was that again?.. I hate not remembering people I just read about not too many weeks ago 
originally posted by Blue
Sidir is one of Jieret's Companions, introduced in PG. Jieret asked him to return to Halwythwood to serve Jeynsa as War Captain, in case she had to take over as Caithdein, because of his experience and his tactical ability.
originally posted by Auna
Ah, that's right… thanks… so hard to remember all the side characters at times.
originally posted by Soltari
Empire is just fine on its own. Though I didn't really know the significance of Pug until reading the Riftwar series.
originally posted by HJ
George R R Martin's "Song of Fire and Ice" books are really something special. I also love Julian May's books, "The Many Coloured Land", "The Golden Torc" etc. These are two authors you can really get your teeth into.
Or their work, rather!
originally posted by Sean Monahan
Janny, I didn't mean to suggest that the Empire books can't stand alone, they certainly do. I just felt that while both series are great by themselves, having some idea of what is going on on the other side of the rift adds another layer to the books. Plus, I tend to immerse myself in the worlds. I read all of the additions to that universe because the characters and nations appeal to me, and I want to see what happens to them.
Of course, I feel you are a better writer than Feist, for certain in areas like vocabulary, imagery, detail, and weaving plot threads. This doesn't mean I enjoyed his books any less, but I've now gone way off topic, so that's all I say here.
Sean - it's not a "competition" - Ray's an excellent writer.
It was the "should read" rather than "could read" that I responded to - letting readers know that one series was not a prerequisite to either of the others. They are concurrent in time, but the events stand separately in each case. Yes, you are right - both series lend depth to the other one.
The permutation doesn't matter - Riftwar first will lend insight into Empire second. Empire first will lend deeper insight into Riftwar second.
Readers can choose their point of entry as they wish.
originally posted by HJ
I read Daughter of the Empire before Magician, and vividly remember lots of things falling into place reading the Riftwar second. Can't remember the order thereafter!
I adored reading the Imperial Games part from two different perspectives in the two books. I re-read Riftwar - for the first time in 8 years or so - only recently (I'm going the whole hog and am now on "Shadow of a Dark Queen") and had forgotten what a cracking read it is! Was going to read some Harry Potter stuff next but I think the Empire books are well overdue another read. They made a massive impact on me! Arakasi, Lujan, the Cho Ja. Tremendous stuff!
originally posted by Blue
One thing I really liked, aside from Janny and Ray's collaboration on the Empire series was Don Maitz's gorgeous paintings of Mara on the covers, especially for Mistress of the Empire. Mara matured before our eyes on those covers, from a young girl into a goddess.
I only wish it were not so time consuming for authors and artists to do graphic novels, because I would sure love to see more of that artwork, and see the inside action executed as lovingly and beautifully by the talented Mr. Maitz.
Of course, chaining the talented Ms. Wurts to her easel for a lovingly and beautifully executed graphic novel version of WoLaS would LIKEWISE be a treat.
Tip to Janny: I may have created a monster by suggesting this - I think it's time to fortify your house, and train your horses to become attack ponies. That, or stock up on cheese to fend off the ocean of whine from graphic novel fans like me.
Another main chapter is drafted.
Also, the countersigned contracts arrived, today, for Stormed Fortress and the first volume of the next arc. Fully Official.
Page count is growing…
originally posted by Nora
Woo!