The Rune of Unmaking: A DARK SACRIFICE -- FIRST REVIEW!!! (pg 3)

[The Procrastinator]

K, I'm intrigued, have just ordered the first book, Hidden Stars. Haven't spotted your books before, Teresa, lucky for the internet hey! If the above comments are anything to go by I will be forced to order Dark Sacrifice directly afterwards.

[The Procrastinator]

And as it turned out, I was.

Now I can't wait for the third one. I don't suppose its being published next week?

Bit of a cracking pace, the second book - I got through it quite quickly because I couldn't put it down. Very good series so far. It took me a little to get into The Hidden Stars, in the sense of feeling comfortable and oriented with the story - or inhabiting the world with the characters, I suppose. There was a lot of back story, or history, to get the head around to fully appreciate where the characters were coming from, and the compact nature of the writing gave me the feeling of jumping into a pool - a bit of transition shock? But it did not last long, and before long I was dog-paddling, and as the story went on I became more and more absorbed.

I very much enjoyed the way the story, the characters, and the historical grounding seem to be opening up like a flower in the morning, slowly unfolding as everything progresses. I have high expectations of Book 3...

To satisfy your curiosity, Teresa, I had my "aha" moment about Maelor early in A Dark Sacrifice - I think it was the first chapter where he featured.

My favourite characters so far are Sinderian and Cuillioc, (Spoiler: I Knew he wasn't dead!), followed by Camhoinhann and Ruan. I am picturing resemblances of Eva Green as Sinderian, a young Miranda Otto as Winloki, and Nicole Kidman as Ouriana.

I'm not really sure what I think of Winloki - she doesn't seem "solid" in my head yet - sometimes she seems a bit too much like Sinderian - but this may well be deliberate. Also, perhaps I will pick up more on a second reading.

Yes, this series has been classified as "worthy of reading again".

(By the by, Teresa, having bought some of your older books, I realised that I have in fact come across some of them before, in second hand bookshops years and years ago. I realised as soon as I saw the covers. At the time I did not buy them as the series was incomplete and I don't like buying Book 2 first then hunting around for ever looking for the rest - this was before the internet. How convenient is the internet?)

[Teresa Edgerton]

Thank you, Procrastinator!

I had to look up Eva Green, who doesn't seem to be as well-known over here as she is elsewhere. In most of the pictures I found online she was obviously trying to look seductive (and succeeding quite well) and of course that's not like Sindérian at all, but her features certainly look right for the part if she was wearing dark contacts.

Winloki's character is supposed to be still a bit unformed. I know that can make things difficult in terms of readers sympathizing or identifying with her, but it works for the overall plot. I hope that readers will think that was a good choice by the end of Book Three.

As for Maelor, that was about the point that I hoped readers would begin to catch on.

I don't want to say more than that about any of the characters you mention, for fear of giving something away. (The temptation to do so being very great at this point, since the new book has what I think are some very exciting developments.)

[The Procrastinator]

Oh, good - so it wasn't just me about Winloki. Always reassuring to know you are reacting as the author intended.

I've only seen Eva Green in a few things, but she seems capable of a certain vivacity and has a certain presence which fit her well with Sinderian in my mind. Also, I think she would do an air of distracted moodiness well, which would suit. Mind you I do not envision her slathered with makeup, so she would be a bit freckly - there are not enough freckly people in books. She was in Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven, looking sultry, seductive and overly edited (one of these days I must try and get the extended edition of that, as I've heard it is quite the improvement on the theatrical release, character-wise) and had the chance to stretch her legs a little more as the mysterious Vesper in Casino Royale (a Bond I very much enjoyed on character terms as well as adrenalin, which is not something you can say for every Bond).

Most of the others I visualise as "invented" people - but I'm curious to know whether you have anyone in mind for Prince Ruan.

As for your last, you are one of those frustrating writers who says she is tempted but in fact just wants to drive her readers up the nut, aren't you? How can you sit there and say there are very exciting developments coming, and hint that you are tempted to spill something, knowing that we are all on tenterhooks??? Just one tiny, teeny incy wincy little titbit...come on...you know you want to...

(Can't blame a gel for trying )

[Teresa Edgerton]

Actually, I don't really have anyone in mind for any of my characters. I often think of certain scenes and how they would look on film, but when I try to cast the characters I can never come up with anyone. This may be because I don't see many movies. I'm always interested in the actors and actresses other people might pick.

As for your last, you are one of those frustrating writers who says she is tempted but in fact just wants to drive her readers up the nut, aren't you? How can you sit there and say there are very exciting developments coming, and hint that you are tempted to spill something, knowing that we are all on tenterhooks??? Just one tiny, teeny incy wincy little titbit...come on...you know you want to...

Actually, I love to talk about my writing. I'm just wary of letting spoilers slip out where readers who don't want to know might see them. Especially people who are still reading HS or DS.

But anyone who already knows or doesn't mind knowing who is alive by Book Three, you can highlight the following to read:

There will be some emotional scenes between Sindérian and Ruan. Sindérian doesn't come back from the dead as quite the same person. (No, not a Gandalf-like transformation. She and Ruan will both be taken aback by the changes.)
Cuillioc has a much larger and more important role to play. He and Maelor meet again, and Cuillioc's path in life is altered by some major revelations.
Camhóinhann plays a much larger role. Readers should begin to see him in a somewhat different light.



I don't know if that's the sort of thing you were looking for.

[The Procrastinator]

Ooooo yes that's perfect, thank you very much! Exactly the sort of tantalising glimpses I like - and it lets me know my expectations and speculations for Book 3 are pretty much on track, which is always gratifying. (Files note away for future reference: Teresa is susceptible to pleading and guilt-inducing rants. Heh, I know you aren't really, I was just being a ratbag - but thank you for caving in to my ridiculousnesses. I promise not to press you for more - its enough to know that I am thinking in the right direction. )

I have noticed that you love to talk about writing and the writing process. I am (very slowly) making my way through some of the threads you have in this folder - not only is there a lot to read, there is a lot to load, and I have a snail-like connection. Its very interesting to read this stuff. Not everyone is able to articulate thoughts on writing so well - but then I guess that's why you are a writer.