I'm still getting the hang of figuring out pages with the eBook (I'm using the Nook copy.) I think this should give us around 50 pages to start. I'm excited for this discussion. I think we're going to have another good one with Erik and Shadowbane.
I do not know if I mentioned the cover yet--totally awesome! Raymond Swanland did another amazing image for this book--really fantastic.
Also, I think the amount of bonus content in this book should be awknowledged as well--not only the fantastic map by Robert Lazzaretti, but all the sample chapters from other books, Readers Guide to Luskan, and the stat bloks for Abyssal Plague demons and stuff--just a very content rich book & I really appreciate WotC going the extra mile with all of this stuff.
Prologue Dwarves selling steel to Gang Scum in the back streets of Luskan! 'Men who share blood, women, anda wall be the best of friends' indeed! This is off to a great start--the early introduction of the Real Threat is suitablly scarry. I liked the poetic interlude.
Chapter One We meet Myrin who has drunk herself to sleep with dwarves--a band of dwarves--including a BARD! Several of the characters mentioned in the Novella show up here--Fayne in particular. A great fight scene errupts--Myrin's magical skills are no use against the dark axe-weilder. This is a very fast chapter with a lot going on in it.
Chapter Two Some good history on Luskan. A fun gaurd post description--the minor characters are very skillfully fleshed out & Rhetegast Hawkwinter in particular is just a fun awesome character [I hope we see more of him]. Kalen Dren, Shadowbane, rides up and there is a very well paced sword fight. So far, the combat scenes in this novel are all very well done--they are not rushed & seem to move in phases, creating a lot more tension then is normal for a fight this early in the book in which the winner is fairly obvious. I guess the 'wins' come with a price, which I appreciate.
Chapter Three Kalen, now in Luskan, begins his investigation. BRUTAL techniques follow! "Kalen drew back his blood-spattered fist from the half-orc's battered face. It had felt entirely too good, splitting the Dustclaw's graish skin with a punch" is a random taste of our Hero in action...Ebbius the Rake is a fantastic villian, who under durress gives a quick overview of the Political structure of Luskan--and it is a bloody mess by any standards. The Italic spouting plurality reemerges at the end to close out the chapter & bring the prologue back into focus.
So far this book is moving very quickly, I actually read through chapter five in one sitting.
The story has a lot of elements--the Rescue the Damsal story is clearly a back drop to several much more significant story elements [abyssal plague, anyone?]--all of which are very well tied to specific character actions. Believable character actions.
So far there have not been a lot of pull the rug out from under the reader moments, but if the Novella is any indication, I think the next section is going to see a lot of those as all of the impressions that I have so far get turned up side down! Also, I anticipate a lot more blood shed in this story!
This novel feels very well paced--the character development is still very open, the plot is unraveling very deliberately, the mysteres all seem very well placed, etc--thus, my question is a writing question for Erik...might be because I am just finishing up NaNoWriMo...Erik, assume you write from an Outline? How detailed is that outline? Does your editorial team review and modify the outline with you? How much revision did this novel require? Who were your editors? From first draft to final draft how long did this book take? What percentage of the outline made it into the final work?
Just wait until he meets the Witch-Queen of Luskan.
I did indeed write from an outline, which was pretty detailed (about a page per chapter, basically telling the story with some key dialogue sprinkled in). This book actually saw several editors who had big or small roles in checking it over. My outline was edited with my long-time editor, former WotC editor Susan Morris (she's now at Amazon), who came back as a freelancer to do an edit late in the process. Interim WotC editor Liz Mills took over and provided the main initial edit on the book, and I had some editing oversight from Erin Evans and Nina Hess. All of them are mentioned in the acknowledgements section of the book, btw.
Note that this doesn't mean there won't be typos. No matter how much editing you do, no book is ever going to be flawless!
I wrote the first draft over a period of about two months, then sent it off to editing (which took a while, as the editorial team was in flux at that time), and finally did my second draft edits in about the space of one month. My books always diverge from the outline to some extent, but I think this one stayed pretty true to the big points.
Some scenes I was happy with in the outline didn't work the way I wanted them to when I had written them. I combined a few scenes that were addressing some of the same material and just seemed repetitive, or sometimes I challenged myself to write a scene from a different perspective than I had originally planned. For instance, when you get to it, chapter 14 was originally written with KALEN doing what the perspective character is doing, which would change the entire meaning of the scene and seriously affect the plot. I might actually release the original version for Valentine's Day (yes, it's THAT kind of scene!).
Pacing and the slow reveal are two things that benefit from the revision process. Certain scenes might be placed placed too early, revealing too much, too soon. Sometimes it's a matter of moving them farther back in the novel or keeping something hidden, though sometimes they happen way too early. There's a combat from later in the book (chapters 21-22) that I originally outlined and wrote to unfold in such a way that's too early in the series to occur. That particular confrontation belongs later on. So I rewrote it to keep things more grounded in this novel, leaving the diversion for later (otherwise it's just distracting and confusing).
This is all extremely common writerly stuff that happens. You write the first draft of a novel with your heart, and the second draft with your head. And hopefully you get something 100% better through the process.
I'm with David about the cover. Kalen looks pretty awesome there. I like how he looks like the Shadowbane Inquisitor from Complete Adventurer (and the DDM figure). Was he depicted that way in Downshadow?
This novel really starts at a fast pace, and I'm glad I had "Chosen of the Sword" and the week of discussion to meet some of these characters. In "Chosen", Kalen was very much wavering in his romantic pursuits; that he immediately rushes off to Myrin's aid suggests to me that, barring some big twist, their connection is going to win out over the others.
Kalen here is extremely brutal! Maybe it's because his fights in the novella were against a minotaur, a vampire, a crowd of thugs, and his possessed apprentice, but I didn't quite get a handle on how vicious he could be until now, when he's in combat against more typical non-monster humanoids. The writing implies that perhaps he's a little more on edge than is typical, whether because of the incident with Vaelis, his concern for Myrin, or perhaps a return to his nasty childhood home. For the record, Luskan has always seemed like a truly awful place, ever since the descriptions of it in some of the earlier Drizzt books (I'm thinking specifically of a horrendous scene in Spine of the World).
So, in the last thread, I wondered about the crazy possession magic that had got Vaelis. We see some of that again here. And then I realized that I had forgotten something important - in addition to this being a sequel to Downshadow, this is an Abyssal Plague book! Duh duh DUUUUUUUUH!
I'm with David about the cover. Kalen looks pretty awesome there. I like how he looks like the Shadowbane Inquisitor from Complete Adventurer (and the DDM figure). Was he depicted that way in Downshadow?
I really like the cover. That is indeed how he looked in Downshadow (though the cover of that novel doesn't depict him--it's actually the Grim Statue from Undermountain, though I think it's thematically appropriate, seeing as that's exactly what Kalen's disease seems to be turning him into). He goes through sort of a wardrobe shift in Shadowbane, but it's also still ultimately appropriate. You'll see what I mean when you get there.
Ultimately, I consider the cover to be what Kalen looks like at the climax of the novel.
This novel really starts at a fast pace, and I'm glad I had "Chosen of the Sword" and the week of discussion to meet some of these characters. In "Chosen", Kalen was very much wavering in his romantic pursuits; that he immediately rushes off to Myrin's aid suggests to me that, barring some big twist, their connection is going to win out over the others.
Pretty much. Rayse is in the past, and they've both kind of moved on. Fayne is obviously bad for him, and she leaves him at the end of "Chosen" (for a last glimpse of that relationship, see "A New Purpose," the short story in the back of the ebook bundle). Which leaves Myrin, who seems maybe best suited for him anyway. (Though an argument could be made for any of the three.)
Just wait until Eye of Justice. It gets more complicated.
Kalen here is extremely brutal! Maybe it's because his fights in the novella were against a minotaur, a vampire, a crowd of thugs, and his possessed apprentice, but I didn't quite get a handle on how vicious he could be until now, when he's in combat against more typical non-monster humanoids.
He's kind of a brawler, isn't he?
The writing implies that perhaps he's a little more on edge than is typical, whether because of the incident with Vaelis, his concern for Myrin, or perhaps a return to his nasty childhood home.
Good pick up. Exactly my intent, though I never said so in as many words.
For the record, Luskan has always seemed like a truly awful place, ever since the descriptions of it in some of the earlier Drizzt books (I'm thinking specifically of a horrendous scene in Spine of the World).
I hope you enjoy my vision of the city. It's grown considerably worse since Wulfgar worked at the Cutlass.
So, in the last thread, I wondered about the crazy possession magic that had got Vaelis. We see some of that again here. And then I realized that I had forgotten something important - in addition to this being a sequel to Downshadow, this is an Abyssal Plague book! Duh duh DUUUUUUUUH!
You know, what's not to love about dialog that includes things like "Bane's Blazing Balls!"
I'll add my praise to Raymond Swanland as well. He does awesome work. I also was going through my minis the other day and found the Shadowbane Inquisitor. It looks a lot like Shadowbane.
I liked the two homages in the section with the Dwarf bard. The reference to Thibbledwarf Pwent from Salvatore's books and the song about the "Ghost and the Maiden" which I assume is about the Ghostwalker (Erik's first novel) - it's been a little while since I read that one.
I find it interesting that Kalen gave up Vindicator. I think that may account for additional "brutal" fighting tactics. He's limited now to his dagger and his fists. He's going to need to get Vindicator back if he has any hope of defeating Sithe and her axe of doom.
I forgot that Kalen has those magic boots that let him jump really far (not sure if the others, not having read Downshadow, picked up on that). He aquired those at some point in Downshadow, right Erik?
I think Kalen's love life is most interesting when he's caught in the middle of all these women, so I'm all for him not settling down. Clearly he's in love with Myrin, but I don't see Fayne sitting around idle and letting them get all happy. (Speaking of Fayne, I read the short story in the back and I'm intrigued about who her new "patron" happens to be. I wonder if she's working for this Sithe.) I'd also like to see Rayse back in the picture, and I'm glad she's at least hovering around Luskan so we can probably expect to see her at some point.
I too forgot this was an Abyssal Plague novel for a moment, then it occurred to me that whatever is possessing people and making their eyes red (I think they called it The Rage) sounds a lot like the kind of tactic Nu Alin takes (the demon who was in multiple Plague books). I think that creature is going to be our plague link in this story.
I notice that for once, no one is behind on their reading! I'll give most of the credit to Erik's awesome writing, but it is interesting how having this novel on an eBook gives me more access to read it at times where I wouldn't necessarily have a book with me (like at my desk at work - shhhhhhh).
You know, what's not to love about dialog that includes things like "Bane's Blazing Balls!"
Heh! Thinking up Realms curses is the best part.
Did you catch what Shieldlar Galandel says about Shar and Cyric toward the end of chapter 2? (Double heh!)
I liked the two homages in the section with the Dwarf bard. The reference to Thibbledwarf Pwent from Salvatore's books and the song about the "Ghost and the Maiden" which I assume is about the Ghostwalker (Erik's first novel) - it's been a little while since I read that one.
RAS was one of my motivations to start writing in the first place, and I thought, why not his legendary heroes be legendary? The reference was a little more expansive in the first draft, wherein a little of the song was described, and Myrin was CERTAIN it was vastly exaggerated.
"Ghost and the Maiden" is a stylized folk ballad based on the famous "Nightingale's Song," by General Arya Venkyr of Luruar, itself written about the events of my novel, Ghostwalker. "GatM" is sort of a fairytale version in which a princess called "Nightingale" meets and falls in love with a ghost, with a romantic and/or tragic ending (depending on who sings the song). "Ghost and the Maiden" was originally written and put to music by Catalan the Mad (a.k.a. Alin Cateln), a far-traveling bard with a reputation for eccentricity, originally from Cormyr. (This is another easter egg, actually!)
I find it interesting that Kalen gave up Vindicator. I think that may account for additional "brutal" fighting tactics. He's limited now to his dagger and his fists. He's going to need to get Vindicator back if he has any hope of defeating Sithe and her axe of doom.
Indeed! Kalen's relationship with the sword--and with the demands of the Threefold God--is of paramount importance in the novel. We'll see how it goes.
I forgot that Kalen has those magic boots that let him jump really far (not sure if the others, not having read Downshadow, picked up on that). He aquired those at some point in Downshadow, right Erik?
He had those before Downshadow, actually--maybe one day I'll tell the story of how he acquired them.
I think Kalen's love life is most interesting when he's caught in the middle of all these women, so I'm all for him not settling down. Clearly he's in love with Myrin, but I don't see Fayne sitting around idle and letting them get all happy.
I think of Kalen as being in love with Myrin but not knowing it. Also, the romance has to evolve a little beyond his paternalistic need to protect her all the time before I can let them be together. This is sort of what's going on in the novel.
(Speaking of Fayne, I read the short story in the back and I'm intrigued about who her new "patron" happens to be. I wonder if she's working for this Sithe.)
It's a mystery!
I'd also like to see Rayse back in the picture, and I'm glad she's at least hovering around Luskan so we can probably expect to see her at some point.
Keep an eye out!
I too forgot this was an Abyssal Plague novel for a moment, then it occurred to me that whatever is possessing people and making their eyes red (I think they called it The Rage) sounds a lot like the kind of tactic Nu Alin takes (the demon who was in multiple Plague books). I think that creature is going to be our plague link in this story.
Nice theory. You've read Sword of the Gods, no? Could be significant.
In regards to the plague demon in this book - I'd suggest everyone go back and reread our discussions on Sword of the Gods. I think Dado and others hit on something in them that is turning out to be true. One of those "too convenient" things that was wrapped up in the end may have been unwrapped.
I meant to comment on the loss of Vindicator earlier; I'm very curious to see how that turns out. Also, it'll be interesting to see what, if any, further role Rhett might have in this book.
One other thing - when Myrin was casting, her spells to me seemed kind of dark and shadowy. Is there any explanation for that beyond those are just the spells she chooses to sling?
In regards to the plague demon in this book - I'd suggest everyone go back and reread our discussions on Sword of the Gods. I think Dado and others hit on something in them that is turning out to be true. One of those "too convenient" things that was wrapped up in the end may have been unwrapped.
It's entirely possible. Bruce and I did consult on the transition from his book to mine (which happens a few months later, I believe). Readers of Sword of the Gods will definitely recognize aspects of the big bad in Shadowbane.
One other thing - when Myrin was casting, her spells to me seemed kind of dark and shadowy. Is there any explanation for that beyond those are just the spells she chooses to sling?
Well, Myrin's spells are somewhat limited, in that she knows the spells that she sees herself casting in her stolen memories, or that she learns/absorbs from others. That said, it's not entirely a coincidence what spells she has--her mysterious origins are one gift I'm unwrapping slowly.
The spells she uses in the first chapter of Shadowbane are roughly supposed to correspond to versions of magic missile, shield, dimension door (shadow door), and phantasmal killer (which goes very wrong). May have missed one or two--it's been a while since I wrote it.
