First Sword

[rune]

I'm half way through this book so far Must say I thought the beginning of this book was the best so far too.
Parts of this story does remind me of Gladiator

 

[Mark Robson]

I'm half way through this book so far Must say I thought the beginning of this book was the best so far too.
Parts of this story does remind me of Gladiator

Glad you're enjoying it. Out of interest, I'm interested to know if you think I've managed to give each book a different flavour without breaking the continuity of the characterisations and storyline. That was the original intention. So many series that I've read seem to be either one big story broken up for convenience sake, or the same formula in each book with subtle changes in characters or plotlines.

 

[rune]

I managed to get this book finished last night.

I do feel you are giving the reader a slightly different angle with each book. At the same time I would say it's a little frustrating too, because there is info dropped into each book about The Choosen One and the Darkweaver amulet, but we get sidetracked onto what is happening to some of the other characters.

Such as, Bek and Jez been sent to the arena in this book, and the majority of the story focusing on them.

Of course I seem to gravitate towards the magical element of stories, so was eager to know what Selkor was up to (and we only briefly touch base with him in this book). And also Perdimonn's attempts to get to the Key Warders before Selkor. This part of the overall plot (for the series) is included, but not as indepth as I wanted to know about. For me this series is about the power/magic of the darkweaver.

However, there are other storylines. So yes I would say that each book does have a slighly different perspective on the overall series.


I think out of all the books so far in the series, this as to be the most frustrating (for me)
I did enjoy Bek's trials in the arena, and thought the fight scenes were well written. As I've already mentioned, I did think about The Gladiator movie whilst reading about the arena. Bek's winning over of the arena crowd, his skill against the other ranked fighters and the relationship he built with the other fighters - all reminded me of Gladiator. I started seeing Russel Crowe's face when reading about Bek

As mentioned, I personally would have liked to explore the magic of the darkweaver, and how it was affecting Selkor.

I felt Calvyn's time with the Magician's Guild was also a little frustrating,, and never really got anywhere.

The ending leaves things open to finally draw a few loose ends together. I'll be interested to see just how the magical side of the series is dealt with

 

[Paradox 99]

Glad you're enjoying it. Out of interest, I'm interested to know if you think I've managed to give each book a different flavour without breaking the continuity of the characterisations and storyline. That was the original intention. So many series that I've read seem to be either one big story broken up for convenience sake, or the same formula in each book with subtle changes in characters or plotlines.

I'm about half way through First Sword now.
Started to read through it about 3 days ago and was really taken by it - your best in the series so far.

As far as your question is concerned, I'd say yes and no.
Thinking of your books in terms of good meals (odd, I know), It's like going back to the same restaurant and trying out three different meals.
Same style, different flavours.

As each book seems to major on a particular hero, there's going to be a different feel to each one, naturally. But i think too that with each new novel your writing has improved and your stories have become a little more complex each time as your confidence has grown.

I'll post more when I've finished, but so far it gets a big thumbs up from me - I know it's building up to a big fight with Serrius and Bek, and I'm really looking forward to that. The prologue was a superb opener.

 

[charles]

i think that one problem with books and fils is that the good guys always win so you can perdict the second half the book from the first half, not always exaclty but you can kinda get the idea.

 

[Mark Robson]

I'm about half way through First Sword now.
Started to read through it about 3 days ago and was really taken by it - your best in the series so far.

As far as your question is concerned, I'd say yes and no.
Thinking of your books in terms of good meals (odd, I know), It's like going back to the same restaurant and trying out three different meals.
Same style, different flavours.

As each book seems to major on a particular hero, there's going to be a different feel to each one, naturally. But i think too that with each new novel your writing has improved and your stories have become a little more complex each time as your confidence has grown.

I'll post more when I've finished, but so far it gets a big thumbs up from me - I know it's building up to a big fight with Serrius and Bek, and I'm really looking forward to that. The prologue was a superb opener.

Thanks for the feedback, Paradox. I feel that way about my writing as well. With each new book I've learned a little more. I still feel my best writing is yet to come. I think the day I feel as if I've written the perfect story will be the day I retire! I cannot ever imagine that day coming, so I shouldn't worry about the prospect of that being imminent.

I will be intrigued to see what you make of the last in the series as well as the rest of First Sword. Also, no one has really made any comparisons yet between the writing in Imperial Spy as opposed to my earlier books. In my own mind, my writing has become cleaner and tighter with every book. I feel sure that Imperial Assassin will demonstrate that I'm still improving, but I still feel that I have a long way to go before I'm ready to tackle anything really serious in the way of fantasy epics.

Oh, and Charles, don't be so sure about all the good guys getting to the end and winning ... I may be about to change the rules ...

 

[danny]

I think this is really good because it is about Bek! He is my favourite character. Anybody elses? It was the best in the series, I think.

 

[Paradox 99]

** SPOILER ALERT **

I think this is really good because it is about Bek! He is my favourite character. Anybody elses? It was the best in the series, I think.

I've just finished reading First Sword and, having only read the first three up until now, I have to agree with you danny. It's the best so far.

Knowing that Mark has a particular fondness for TOTH, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I do believe that this one is the highlight of the Darkweaver Legacy so far. I'm gagging for The Chosen One now!

The plot is much more intricate than the last two. Although the central story of Bek v Serrius is simple enough, the plots woven around it are blended very well. And man, does he know how to write a fight scene! And we were treated to lots of them too. And the fight we were waiting for? There was no way that book was leaving my hand until I'd turned the last page.

Well done Mark.

I can't wait to see what happens between Bek and Calvyn when they meet up. It all depends on the circumstances, but now he has that ring, if he does get into a fight with Calvyn, that's going to be a hum-dinger! Don't tell me... I'll find out soon enough how it pans out.

Having said all that, there was one part of the book that I felt a tad cheated by. I'm wondering Mark if it was a part you wrestled with when it came to the POV.
I'm thinking of the bit where Selkor confronts Arred for the secret of the Fire Rune key. I didn't feel completely convinced that I was totally in Arred's POV and so, when the narrative referred to Selkor as Perdimon, I trusted it. I was suspicious though, having felt that you gave us a hint with the swapping of scenes directly from Perdimon asleep on the ship, to him suddenly being on the island. I really don't know how I would have approached that POV issue other than completely internalising the scene to Arred, but that would have deviated from your usual style and therefore made it too obvious.

Aside from that minor niggle, I really loved this book.
I'll be off to Amazon for the next one right after I've finished "Eldest".

Oh, and p.s. Femke was the character that really intrigued me, I hope we see more of her.

 

[Red Phoenix]

Hmmm...


i don't know why but this book just didn't "latch" onto me as much asthe other books did;. im surprised to say i enjoyed the first book the best?!?!?!


maybe ijust have it in a glorified view...

 

[Mark Robson]

Hmmm...


i don't know why but this book just didn't "latch" onto me as much asthe other books did;. im surprised to say i enjoyed the first book the best?!?!?!


maybe ijust have it in a glorified view...

Everyone's different, Red. I'm glad that Paradox feels that my writing and plotting is improving as the series progresses, but I perfectly understand that some stories will appeal to one person more than another. I tried to theme each book in the series differently, so people are bound to find favourites.

More than anything, I'm just glad that people are enjoying the stories. That's what it's all about at the end of the day.

 

[Joel007]

This book made me get in trouble for being late off my lunch break

I was on the last fight and i couldn't put it down, this is the first time i feel justified in using the word riveting to describe the story!

A fantastic piece of work Mark, you're right, they do improve: from awesome to stunning.

 

[Mark Robson]

I can feel my head swelling again! It's no use, I'm going to have to buy a bigger hat.

Thanks for the feedback, Joel. It's great to hear you enjoyed it so much.

There are a couple of cracking fight scenes in my next book as well - the running battle between Reynik and several assassins towards the end of Imperial Assassin is one of my favourite pieces of writing to date.

 

[Red_Dragon]

i agree with you mark they are great fight scenes. with reynik runing around without knowing where the assasins are and all of a sudden they all pop up and try to kill him.