News from Alterra! (From Archer with love...)

[Archer]

 The latest: We have a fan blog! A very creative and enterprising fan in the UK has started a wonderful blog. You just have to LOVE that!
 


(Time-sensitive announcement)
Click on over to the 'Book Klubs--read with author' thread for the Klubs devoted to the Elfhunter trilogy. Mayhem and Mischief will no doubt ensue...why not get your 'epic fantasy' fix with other wise and witty readers?
Jump in and join!

This is the single thread devoted to things Alterran. Announcements and news can be found at the end of it!  

Okay, so I've decided to post a single promotional thread to assist my Kindlefriends in finding (or commenting on) the trilogy. My thanks to all who have purchased it (and thanks in advance to all who will purchase it). I hope you find it a worthy addition to your Kindle fantasy library. It is also suitable for Y/A, and if you happen to love horses these books are absolute candy for you! There's a sprinkling of romance amidst the adventure, as well (c'mon, you 'manly men'--a LITTLE romance won't kill you!).

I've included a few review excerpts as well as product descriptions. I might also add that the trilogy has garnered three 'Reviewer's Choice' awards in the past two years (from ReaderViews): one for best fantasy, one for best series (all genres) and one for best in Region (all genres). It also received an 'Honorable Mention' from Red Adept (who, regrettably, does not care for 'submersive' fantasy). The books are best-sellers by some definitions--they routinely apear in the top 100 in 'Epic Fantasy' on Kindle.

ELFHUNTER (Book I):

“Best villain since Darth Vader!”

“This tale of Alterra, the World that Is, is truly captivating! The eloquence with which C.S. Marks writes is extraordinary.”

“Breathtaking. Brutal. Brilliant.”

“The characters are captivating and complex; even the horses have personalities!”

“Fabulous adventure…it grips readers of all ages!”

This is the tale of Gorgon Elfhunter, a monstrous, mysterious creature who has sworn to destroy all the Elves of Alterra—until none remain. It is the story of Wood-elven heroine Gaelen Taldin, who has sworn to rid her world of the Elfhunter even as she is hunted by him. The conflict between them is a tangled web that blurs the line between Light and Darkness, love and obsession, free will and fate. Filled with moments both tender and terrifying, thrilling yet thought-provoking, it is a timeless epic fantasy suitable for readers of all ages. Join the Company of Elves, dwarves, mortal men, and delightfully intelligent horses. Come to Alterra—the ‘World that Is.’


FIRE-HEART (Book II):

“This book is an epic in every sense of the word: larger than life, frighteningly intense, and utterly unforgettable.”

“Fire-heart is a throwback to the great fantasy tales of old, marrying a contemporary
sensibility with roots firmly planted in the classics.”

“A complex tapestry of words and images, beautifully written.”

“You won't want to put this book down until the very last word is devoured.”


In the Second of the Tales of Alterra, the World that Is…

…the Company embarks on a thousand-mile odyssey through vast lands both savage and civilized, where they encounter a great variety of strange, sometimes hostile people. Their eyes are opened to many wonders, but evil lurks at every turn as destiny takes them onto unexpected paths. Battling through blood, treachery, fire, and thirst, they reach a safe and peaceful haven only to face the ‘Scourge’—a terrible army of the worst dregs ever to roam the desert—and its nearly insurmountable weapon. Meanwhile, Gaelen of the Greatwood has summoned Gorgon Elfhunter to follow after her, knowing that the journey has only delayed their final reckoning. Should he find her, even the strength and will of the Fire-heart might not be enough!

RAVENSHADE (Book III):

“Explosively climactic!”

“Ravenshade illustrates that this story is foremost the tale of Gorgon Elfhunter, a villain unlike any other.”

“Betrayal, love, loss, and joy are brought to life in ways that few others can match.”

“Woven with deeply moving characters and incredible attention to detail, Ravenshade is the finale readers have been waiting for. It is a story told from the heart.”

“Complex and intelligent, bone-chillingly cruel yet startlingly human in his thoughts and motivations, Gorgon is C.S. Marks' most brilliant creation.”


In the third of the Tales of Alterra, the World that Is…

…the Elfhunter is forced into a confrontation with Gaelen of the Greatwood, setting into motion a tale of deceit and betrayal from which neither may emerge. In an effort to prevail over his wily enemy, Gorgon forms a powerful, poisonous alliance with an ancient, sinister force darker and deadlier than any the Company has yet known. Each side must weave a web of deception that ultimately drives them deep into the ruined northern lands, even as the World of Alterra is plunged into war. Will the armies of Lord Wrothgar overwhelm all who stand against them? Does the fate of the Light rest on the shoulders of one small Wood-elf as Gaelen strives to defeat the Elfhunter at last? At the heart of it all is the Stone of Léir and the mighty but forlorn spirit trapped within it.

SUMMARY:
The strengths of these novels, according to reviewers, are:
--The characters, who are well developed (even the secondary ones).
--The VILLAIN. The series is worth reading for him alone.
--The horses (I can state with all humility that few fantasy authors understand them as well as I do).
--The story itself, which is complex, intense, and may be enjoyed on many levels.
--The illustrations, most of which come through swimmingly on Kindle.

Who might not like them:
--Those who focus on world-building. Alterra, despite being a fantasy realm, is ecologically similar to our own.
--Those who don't care for 'Tolkienesque' High Fantasy. The races are classic fantasy archetypes, though I definitely put my own 'stamp' on them.  Heavy Tolkien influence is acknowledged (and celebrated) from the foreword in book I.
--In addition to the inevitable Tolkien connection, they have been compared with Terry Brooks and Jean Auel (but not by me...). If those authors annoy you, Elfhunter might not be to your taste.


AREN'T SAMPLES WONDERFUL???  I love my Kindle!

[mom2karen]

I've read all three and LOVED them.  I wanted to point out that not only are the books well priced, but they are HUGE.  I'd guess around 600 pages each so you get a lot for your money. 

[Ricky Sides]

I'm currently reading book one of the series. I love the attention to detail, especially where the horses are concerned. As a young man I used to love to read books which profiled dogs. The manner in which the authors of such books laid out the personalities of the animals added a special flavor to the books. I was pleased to find that sort of spice added to Elfhunter.

I was further pleased at the clearly defined racial traits attributed to the Elves. This Lady is laying out the groundwork for an epic fantasy.

[Archer]

Ricky:

Thanks so much! I hope you will stay with me all the way to the end.
Horses are often featured in fantasy novels, but few are actually included as characters. Since I have surrounded myself with them all my life, and now make my living as a Prof. of Equine Science, this is an example of taking advantage of specialized knowledge and experience (in other words, 'write what you know'...).

Everyone else: This is my weekly response to the Elfhunter promotional thread. I still have a few DTB older editions; found a couple when unpacking from a convention that occurred in (ahem!) August. They make very fine Christmas gifts for fans of high fantasy or young adult readers. Reply here and I'll send one to YOU!

(Such a deal!) 

Mom2karen--so glad to have you join me on the journey. New one coming out in a few months...I'll post the first three chapters on my website in December.

[mom2karen]

Ricky:

Everyone else: This is my weekly response to the Elfhunter promotional thread. I still have a few DTB older editions; found a couple when unpacking from a convention that occurred in (ahem!) August. They make very fine Christmas gifts for fans of high fantasy or young adult readers. Reply here and I'll send one to YOU!

(Such a deal!) 

Mom2karen--so glad to have you join me on the journey. New one coming out in a few months...I'll post the first three chapters on my website in December.

Wow!  I love authors that don't make me wait years for their next book.  I can't wait to read the next one.  I also sent you a PM for one of your extra DTB.  I need to hook my nephew and his parents on the series. 

[Archer]

Your DTB is reserved and inscribed. I'll send it out soon! Happy Holidays.
 

[Darned Wizze]

Archer,

I have been lurking on this forum and the Amazon fantasy forum for quite a while now. I am constantly seeing posts concerning you and your works. I finally looked deeper into your works and I must say, I will be buying all three for my kindle. Looks to be right up my alley.

I think the one major reason I want to read your books though resides with you...Who wouldn't want to read a book authored by one who is so involved with their story? I have looked over your website and I must say I am impressed.
Looking forward to starting the trilogy, it has been bumped up to next in line!

If you end up with additional DTBs, I would love to have an inscribed book, it would be icing on the cake!!

ps... I absolutely loved the trailer for your works. Talk about a wonderful way to showcase a book! I loved each aspect of it, and found out later that you performed the music and sang?? Very nice indeed.

[Archer]

How could I possibly deny a book to one who has spoken with such courtesy (plus buttered my ego up bigtime)?
Send me a pm and let me know where to send it and what name should be inscribed.

I'm so pleased you liked the trailer...I kinda stuck my neck out by singing in public there, but the song is an original one from 'Fire-heart'.
There are several songs scattered around the three books--one day there'll be a cd available. (Talk about sticking my NECK out!)

Anyway, thanks again. I'll look forward to hearing from you via pm.

[Ricky Sides]

My son will want to purchase that CD. So will I for that matter.

You are so right. "Write what you know," is an excellent approach. So much of my own series falls back on my survival training and martial arts background that it leaves me in my comfort zone while writing the series.

I imagine you were also in your comfort zone while penning your epic fantasy adventure.

I think I've told you this before, but it bears repeating. One of the unique qualities about Elfhunter that stands out for me is the manner in which you depicted the racial traits of the different races. Without seeming to belabor the point you make the reader well aware of the physical and mental differences between the races. You also make the reader aware of the commonalities. In this regard you may have surpassed Tolkien.

I've been extremely busy lately and haven't had the free time to finish the read, but rest assured that I will. I look forward to writing a review of Elfhunter when I complete that portion of the adventure.

Have a great day,
Ricky

[mom2karen]

Your DTB is reserved and inscribed. I'll send it out soon! Happy Holidays.
 

Thanks a ton!  I can't wait to see the book.  While I love my kindle, there is something about the heft of a great book that I miss.

[Ricky Sides]

Just bought Fireheart and Ravenshade at the Kindle store thanks to the Kindlle for PC program Maria put up a thread about today!

[Archer]

That's so cool!  Let everyone into the Kindle world, says I!
Thanks for having enough faith to try them all, Ricky.
 

[Ricky Sides]

You're welcome of course, but no faith was required. I've read enough of your work to consider it vetted and your Kindle prices are a steal. 

Good of you to sell your Kindle versions at such a modest fee. It's rather like buying the Mona Lisa for a pitance.


Have a great day Ma'am,
Ricky

[Darned Wizze]

Finally finished the Farseer trilogy. Now I can move onto Elfhunter. Have all three loaded up on the Kindle and ready to go.  One thing I noticed (and quite happily I might add), these are not small books.  I am looking forward to them.

[Darned Wizze]

Archer,

One question to you though...

I looked over the kindle book, looks like there won't be any illustrations?  If so, do you have a larger pic of the map of Alterra online somewhere? I looked over the map that is on your website, but it was a bit too small for my eyes to see everything.
And seriously, you did the cover art and the illustrations in the book (besides the map), Jack-of-All-Trades I must say!

[Archer]

Oh...no...have no fear!  All the illustrations should be there. Maps too!
You know that you can click on stuff in the TOC and it will take you there, right? Look for the maps in the back!

Would you like a BIG poster of the Alterran map for your very own? I'll send you one.

[Darned Wizze]

That is really kind of you Archer. A map is important to me, I like to note the direction of travel throughout the story, it helps me "live" through the characters.

I am up to chapter 5. This book has a very quick pace so far. I am enjoying it much. I am eager for our 2 wood elves, but wary for them at the same time.

On a side note, I just finished the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb. She used italics to represent the mental link of the Skill when conversing between characters. It took me a chapter or two to finally break the habit of thinking the elves conversations were being held in their minds when that was not the case at all!

[Archer]

I love maps. And y'know, it wouldn't matter if you imagined the Elvish being unspoken--it would still flow fine.
I've got a cool Alterran poster and one of Tuathas (which is the prettiest of all the maps). You won't get there until you get to Ravenshade, but you'll get there!

 

Hopefully, you've found at least one illustration by now.  they tend to increase in frequency as the book progresses.

[Snapcat]

I'm really enjoying the book, but I also find the italiacs distracting...   Since pretty much the entire book has the main characters speaking in elvish (and thus, italiacs are everywhere), it seems like maybe elvish should be the "default" without italiacs, and perhaps the common tongue or another should be in italiacs...

Anyway beyond that I'm really enjoying the story and characters. I also like the way the horses are portrayed So take that as a small criticism.

[Archer]

As you work through the series, the Elves speak less Elvish (they get more comfortable with their non-elven friends).
 

There are two idiosyncracies of formatting that a few readers have commented on; the use of italics to indicate Elvish is one.  The other is the use of line spaces rather than indenting paragraphs. (It's actually a very common format--just not in modern fiction.)  I did that because I believe the text is easier to read. I'm considering reverting to indenting in the fourth book, just to make it look more familiar to readers. Hmmmm...wonder if I should do that?

[Ann in Arlington]

For the record, neither 'style point' bothers me on the Kindle.

It is possible that it's actually a little more noticeable on the Kindle than it would be in paper because of Kindle's native font.  If you're using one of the alternate fonts available via the "hack" it might not be as obvious.  I just flipped through the paper book (need to wrap tomorrow so can give it to son when he visits this weekend) and the italics don't jump out at all. . .not sure how that would seem if I was actually reading it that way.

[Archer]

Seriously, O Kindlefriends especially those who have received a printed copy:

Does the formatting (line spaces rather than indenting) bother you or look 'odd'?
Would your advice be to revert to a more 'typical fiction' format for the fourth book?

Also: If you requested a copy of Elfhunter and have not yet received one, please let me know!

 

[daveconifer]

Quit badgering us, will ya Archer!  

edit: I hope everybody get's the joke...

[Darned Wizze]

I haven't seen the printed version of the books yet, but as far as I am concerned with the Kindle edition, I think it would be better to stay the course.
I think that once you have read three books all of the same format, to switch would lose a little of what you had intended in the first place.
My vote, stick with what you have been doing.

I am truly enjoying the Elfhunter series so far. Details make a book great for me, and so far this series have them aplenty!

[Archer]

Since 'Outcaste' is the first in a new Alterran storyline, I thought it might be okay to change the formatting. I've gotten a little negative feedback from some readers and reviewers--they stated that the format distracted them for a while, but they got over it.

Anyway, I'll 'stop badgering you', Dave. (snork!)

I just came back from a conference in Lexington (Equine Education) where I was reminded once again of the importance of 'niche marketing'. Equestrian-based events are the best--I practically have to beat the readers back with a stick!
(Instead of 'let me try to convince/cajole/entice you to try my book', it's 'PLEASE, please sell us books! You're not out of books, are you? Oh...I HOPE not!') 

Archer draws a contented sigh.