Part VII:The Thrilling Climax--Chapters 28-31

[Archer]

Ch. 28, 29:

--All of Gaelen's actions henceforward will require a very disciplined mind.  Do you believe this will be more or less difficult for Gaelen than for the average Elf?

--How has Llewellys' attitude changed toward Orogond in this section?

--Llewellys isn't really interested in being King of the Greatwood. Do you believe he will make a good king some day, and if so, what qualities has he displayed that convinced you?

--What do you think of Orogond's plan? A lot depends on Gaelen. Do you believe she is strong enough to succeed?

--What 2 characteristics of Gorgon will ensure that he 'takes the bait'?

Ch. 30, 31:

--How has your impression of Amandir changed?

-- What do you think of Gaelen's 'Lighting of the Maglos'?--Was the battle scene believable/plausible?

--Do you believe that Orogond will 'get his Elf'?

--Now that you have finsihed, who was your favorite character?  Do you identify with anyone in particular? Are you satisfied with the ending?

--Would Elfhunter function as a 'stand-alone'?

This section contains perhaps my favorite 'Gorgon Moment'--when he is wondering what his fate will be after death. How do you feel about him during his exchange with Gaelen?

[Winter9]

It's nearing end! I'm going to bed now and taking Elfhunter with me

[Archer]

Well, goodnight, my Norwegian friend! Hope you enjoy the ending!
 

[Winter9]

This so exiting, and I had to sleep  I wish I could stay home and finish it now, but I can't. Hopefully I will be able to read more in the afternoon! I had to be really strong to put it away tonight!

[Winter9]

I finished it! I had some time today, and I was able to read. I wondered what would happen, of Gorgon would indeed be killed. Now I'm reading some Alterra History.

It made sense when I learned of Arialde, what she is. Now I think even more that Meryl Streep would be the best for the role!

Still don't know if Gaelen will say yes to Orogond, but I thought I read it here somewhere? I'm happy she is free from the ring, it was starting to destroy her.

Would you say the religion and history of Alterra is based on christian telling of God and the devil?
What other influences have you had when you wrote the book(s)?

[Archer]

EXCELLENT questions, Winter.
I was raised in a Christian household, and I was exposed to the idea of the 'devil' from an early age. The idea that Lucifer's pride condemned him to as eternity of darkness struck a very strong chord, and the influence of that idea is VERY prevalent in all of my books. Pride is the enemy of Love. Love (God) is always there, but we must choose it. To choose it, we must forsake pride.

Wrothgar is simply an embodiment of all who would lead others astray from light and enlightenment. He represents pride, delusion, ignorance, arrogance...the elements that make one vulnerable to Darkness. He is NOT the ultimate evil in the Universe--there's no single embodiment for that.

The Asari are like angels in some respects. Kotos is probably the closest thing to a 'Satan' figure...there's an anthology of short stories about to be published featuring one of mine--The Unbroken Mirror--which deals with the downfall of Kotos. (If you like Alterran history, it's a corker!) I was asked to do artwork for the cover and illustrations for the inside. I'll share when the cover's done.

As for other influences, I'm sure there are plenty (I might not even be aware of some of them). When you get to the ending of Ravenshade, you'll understand.  

[Winter9]

...and exellent answers