The Codex Alera

[Highlander II]

It seems all of the threads here center around Dresden (which does seem to be the more popular of Jim's current works), but he does have this other series. It's a high-fantasy series (sort of in the vein of the Tolkein types) and it's called The Codex Alera - generally shortened to just 'Alera'.

It starts with The Furies of Calderon and progresses through the next several books (I think there are five, currently), with the sixth being the last in the series. (I'll double check the number of books, but I think 6 is the last one.)

I've just gotten started working on this series - I'm usually focused on Dresden - and getting into the first book takes a little while. It's a little slow and spends some time setting up locales and such, but it's starting to move along here in chapter 3.

I think you also just have to be 'ready' to read the series or it won't be interesting. (Esp'ly if you're not typically a fan of the high-fantasy genre.)

Anyone else working their way through Alera?

[Taltos]

Thought about it ... as I'm running out of Dresden books. I'll probably order the first book soon.

[Highlander II]

I've had 'Furies' since it's release... actually, I joined Jim's mailing list right about the time he put the first chapter or so up for 'preview' before he sold the book, I think... (don't quote me on that part) - but I couldn't get into it then... and I tried. I really did.

It's only just recent 'clicked' for me to get into it. Not that I didn't *get* it, I did, it just didn't interest me until recently. Which is cool - b/c now I have something to read between Dresden releases.

[Bibliophile]

I had the same experience. It didn't click for me either at first. I was in the Dresden mindset. Now however I am awaiting those releases with the same anxiousness as the new Dresden books.

[Highlander II]

I figure, by the time I get through the first Furies book, the series will be done and I can read 'em all as a one-shot.

And, IIRC, Jim's working on another book series. The man just has so many ideas!

[Bibliophile]

Wow. Another series would be great (assuming the Dresden books kept coming out on schedule). I am glad he is relatively young. With all the tragedy that has been affecting my favorite authors lately (Jordan, Pratchett, Asprin) it's nice to read someone so inventive that (hopefully) has many years left!

[Highlander II]

I think Jim's a perpetual writer!

Dresden has about 10 - 12 more books to come. So we should have those for a little while yet.

Then, I think he's got another series in the hopper. At least one. I'm sure he's got several ideas hiding out in his wicked little brain.