Book Discussion - Progeny by R.T. Kaelin

I guess since I suggested it, this will be the spot to discuss Progeny by R.T. Kaelin!

I'm not sure if there are enough people reading it right now to warrant both a spoiler and a spoiler-free thread but for now maybe people can just label their individual posts with spoiler warnings (?).

If that's a breach of Green Dragon protocol, my apologies I'm just guessing at this point it's easier to have everyone chatting about the book in one place.

I finished the book yesterday and really enjoyed it but I'll be back later to weigh in with my own thoughts! Chat away!

(Also, touchstones are totally not working for me right now so for those that want to check it out, the book's page is here: http://www.librarything.com/work/book/69231882 )

Just got a text message from Amazon.com a few minutes ago. My copy of Progeny: the Children of the White Lions will be delivered today. I ordered it last week, and have been waiting for it with bated breath.

This is a story whose characters have kept on living after I closed the pages. They are very real and likable as well. That doesn't happen for me with too many stories.

Mr. Kaelin, I don't want too many spoilers here from the second book. :) Just keep inspired and writing. ;)

I can't afford to buy it ($25 for a paperback?!) and, surprisingly, my library doesn't have it. Maybe next time!

#4 I bought mine for the regular price, but Amazon did have a Kindle version for under $10.00. I can't remember if you have an ereader.

>5 millhold: Nope, no ereader. Not until I can borrow all the ebooks I read from the library.

It's a big book and a self-published title, so the per book cost is high.

B&N.com has it on sale for $18. Kindle version is $9.99.

If it gets a following and the great reviews keep coming, the goal is to get a big publisher to release it for industry standard prices.

No rush. I want to read it someday....maybe I can coax my parents to buy it for me for Easter, but I don't live with them, and I'm wayyyyy too old for Easter presents.

Oh, no! Never too old for presents, especially from parents. Perhaps you could suggest you need an Unbirthday Present. They are quite popular amongst the literary set, don't you know.

You could register for the last giveaway for the book at GoodReads:

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/8107-progeny-the-children-of-the-white-li...

Looks like close to 1000 entries this time around. It'd be nice if a Green Dragon member won a copy.

Started on the sample offered for the Kindle. It's an intriguing beginning.

>9 maggie1944: Funny, I was thinking of getting an Unbirthday present too......

As I was writing this evening, my PC began to act up (one of those viruses where a 'fake' antivirus program is installed). I went through trying to remove it and have got to the point where my only recourse is a repair of Windows.

It's 12:45 AM, and I'm babysitting the repair.

I am soooooo hoping I didn't loose all of my extra stuff for the books. I have some backed up, but... I'm worried.

Holding my thumbs for you.

Wow, good luck with that, been through that so many times, changing my operating system(s) helped quite a bit. :) Good luck with the repair, let's hope you lost nothing, and that it underlines the importance of backup! God knows I've lost more pictures/documents than I can count. ;)

So sorry R.T.! Hoping you didn't lose too much.

omg, back-up! back-up! Wait...I'm not writing a book. I most just surf the web on this computer. I've got nothing to back up...oh, yes, I do. Photographs!!!!

Fingers crossed for you, and praying everything works out. Be sure to let us know how it goes.

Crisis semi-averted.

Had to reinstall Windows, but did it in a way I was able to get at all of my files. I must reinstall every single piece of software again, but I did not lose anything at least... I was worried. The last place I had a copy of the second in the series only had it up to about 14 chapters ago. Got it all at least.

Now...let's use the thread for what it was meant for: feel free to talk about the book. :)

First off, I have to say that I never would have read this book if not for readafew's fab review. I love that LT is a place where I can be persuaded to read something just because people that I've never met but am vaguely familiar with online tell me how great it is. :)

And readafew's review was right - the book was pretty awesome (which was stated much more eloquently in said review...). My review is here if anyone wants my more detailed thoughts, but in short, I can definitely be sold on a book if the worldbuilding is well done and I think that was one of Progeny's greatest strengths. I loved the landscape and the system of magic was really unique and creative. (The characters and story were nothing less than stellar, but when a fantasy author can draw me into an interesting and original new world, consider me a fan!)

For others who've read it already, what impressed you most: worldbuilding? characters? story?

For me it was the characters, but I think that is because the worldbuilding was like an excellent movie score, it gave a firm foundation without drawing obvious attention to itself. It was a natural place to be and follow the characters in.

#21 - the worldbuilding was like an excellent movie score

I never thought of it that way, but that's a really great analogy! And the characters were great - Who was your favorite? (It's hard to choose, but I keep flipping between Broedi, Nikalys and Nundle. I liked Kenders but I didn't really connect with her, hopefully the second book will peek into her head a bit more.)

I was on vacation last week, so didn't see the start of this thread. While my intent in my review and the author chat was to drum up interest for Progeny (because I REALLY liked it). I have been surprised at how many have taken me up on it.

20 > I always like being right! ;)

For me, my most important part of a book is the story telling, then the world building. I like depth and details, but not bland descriptions.

For me, Patrick Rothfuss's Name of the Wind was about as perfect a storytelling example as I can get. I think with a little practice RT can do that was well, though RT's world building is pretty darn good.

Favorite character? Broedi and Nundle are near the top, the guy who escaped the Orcs was quickly ascending.

Favorite character for me is Jak. I always go for the the "man doing his best with the limitations of being just a man" character. That's why I love Boromir in LotR as well.

ETA: Having said the above, R.T., if you heroically kill Jak, I'm coming after you!

ETA2: Just kidding, I would never dream of telling an author what to do/write. But don't. ;)

#23 - I think that's the third rec' I've heard for Name of the Wind in the past week! My mountainous TBR list already hates me, but hey, what's one more drop in the ocean? ;)

#25 - I was really glad to see Jak develop into a hero in his own right and I found myself wanting Sabine to choose him over Nikalys.

21 - That's a great compliment, thanks. I have spent a lot of time on making Terrene feel 'real.'

25 - Jak is one of my favorite characters to write for that very reason. PS - I think you'll like what is in store for him...

26 - If you liked the Sabine/Jak/Nikalys thing... Well... :)

Seems people have a variety of favorites... Jak, Nik, Broedi, Nundle, and even a vote for Zecus (that's who you're talking about, readafew).

#27 - So who's your favorite??? (Or is that like asking a parent to choose between their children? Maybe a better question, who's story/perspective did you most enjoy writing?)

Favorite character to read or write?

Jak and Nundle are the most fun to write, but for very different reasons. Jak is very close to my own personality so writing the chapters from his point of view is very easy and we have the same sense of humor (along with periods of brooding). Nundle is fun for a few reasons. First - he's the underdog - totally out of his element most of the time, but yet he pushes forward. And when the story calls for it, his "stream of consciousness" ramblings are a blast to write. Basically, I start with quotation marks...and start typing away, saying whatever comes to his/my mind.

Favorite character to read is different, though: Nikalys and Kenders. As both characters are modeled after my own children, I can't but help apply their mannerisms and root for them. Even though I read through Progeny a thousand times (but would still like one more crack at it, especially the first 3 chapters), I still enjoy watching their story progress.

Oh, and Helene gets an honorable mention. Young kids and their innocent take on the world is the source of many smiles. Nikalys and Kenders in the book are me envisioning my children in fifteen years, Helene is an amalgam of them both right now.

I will say this: as I am deep into writing the second in The Children of the White Lion series, I have found another character that rivals Jak and Nundle for 'Favorite to Write.'

PS - Stay tuned... I'll be making an announcement in the next few days about something I think fans will really enjoy. Something I think will draw even more people into the story, too...

I have an announcement of sorts to make.

It has been three months since the print edition Progeny was published and a month since the Kindle release. The excellent reviews of the book have been more than I could have hoped for and are most definitely welcome.

One of the things many of the readers I have heard from after they are finished reading, or when they are done, is how much the love the feeling of the world the book takes place in. Take for example this excerpt from the review by Her Book Self book reviews (LT and our very own Green Dragon member elbakerone):

“The characters flourish in the expansive fantasy landscape that Kaelin has created. A single village or kingdom is not enough to contain the story, so the setting is an entire nation with multiple terrains, laws, races, and cultures. Along with a pantheon of gods - good, neutral, and evil - the story refers to seasons, history, education, politics, ancient prophecy, customs, and legends of the land, all of which contribute to bringing the world to life.”

A few readers had even made the comment they would almost rather see a prequel to Progeny rather the next in the series (which I am actively working on – first draft nearly complete).

So, in an effort to respond to the fans (and an attempt to draw others into the world) I am announcing The Terrene Chronicles.

The Terrene Chronicles will be a series of standalone short stories – released every other week or so – that investigate the history of the world in which Progeny takes place. Key moments in the past will be explored in depth in each short story, giving fans of Progeny a peek into what shaped the people, countries, and history of Terrene.

Some stories will look at characters familiar to readers of the book and examine past events only alluded to briefly in Progeny. Others will simply be a look at historical events, rich cultures around the world, or something entirely unique and different not even addressed in other writings. Readers can expect to get a glimpse of the lives of Halflings in the Five Boroughs, the melting pot of the Commonwealth of Cartu, life in the desolate deserts of Yut, as well as events that led to the founding of the Oaken Duchies.

Each story will be available free at my website. Additionally, I will be bundling a few together at a time and releasing them for purchase on the Kindle. I would like to do it for free, but the Kindle store requires me to charge at least $.99. I will also make them available for as many ebook formats as I can.

So, stay tuned. The first story is nearly complete and will be released shortly.

Good days ahead.

And good memories behind! (that's how it goes, right?)

Definitely stoked about the short stories!
:)

What fun! I really want to know more about razorfiends (hoping I am remembering the right name for them), they intrigued me.

What a great idea!

> 31

Yup - you got it.

> 32

Noted. After a half-hour brainstorming session, I have ideas for close to two dozen stories. Investigating the razorfiends was not one of them, but I think it's a good idea.

elbakerone and readafew should be happy with the first entry (which comes out 3/8)

Well, I have finally gotten to beginning the book. I was hooked immediately and am thinking about it during the day when I really can't be reading. I have two toddlers attached to me and they don't really let a person concentrate. Darn.

I find the characters, so far, to be very engaging and likable.

Cool! Great news. When you finally get picked up by a big publisher you'll be able to collect them into an anthology!

#35 - Be warned, the story only gets more captivating as it goes along!

#34 - I just realized 3/8 is TODAY!!!
First short story available here:
http://www.progenythebook.com/The-Terrene-Chronicles.html

SWEET!!

I was going to stop by and mention that, but apparently, elbakerone already did.

(PS - It's about Nundle... as is all of the first bundle.)

Fun stuff!

Another short review came out today: http://livingpeacefullywithchildren.wordpress.com/

(Permalink: http://livingpeacefullywithchildren.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/progeny/)

FYI - The second short story of the Terrene Chronicles came out today, too: http://www.progenythebook.com/Terrene-Chronicles-no2-Festival.html

And like the first, it's Nundle-centric.

Congrats on the review on Living Peacefully With Children. That looks like a very cool site, and I imagine you are proud to be associated with it.

The first three short stories are available now for the Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/Merchant-Terrene-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B004T50LE2/

I've been affectionately calling it the "Nundle Bundle" even though the official title is Merchant. All three stories follow one of readers' favorite character from Progeny, Nundle Babblebrook, years before the events of Progeny.

Bought it! How could I resist? I am nearing the end of Progeny and I know I will want to know more! Good writing, my friend.

#42 - "Nundle Bundle" *snicker* love it!

I've been christened!

I got my first 1-star review over at goodreads. She really did not like it. :)

maggie - saw your post in your journal thread - glad you liked it as much as you did. I hope you enjoy the Nundle Bundle.

Off to a very rainy and wet day at Epcot with the real Nikalys and Kenders.

I have started reading the first of the bundle but am distracted by the Theodore Roosevelt on the Amazon book. River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey Oh, my, they are on a steamship steaming down the east side of Central America and South America. Such a life it was in the early 1900s.

>45 rtkaelin: You can't keep everyone happy. There's been some "great" books I've read that was really horrible. The most recent: The Time Machine by H G Wells.

47 - No, you can't, can you? That's okay - everyone is entitles to their own opinion.

Still pouring down here at Epcot. Just had lunch in Morroco. Nik and Kenders weren't thrilled with the food, but my wife and I sure enjoyed it. Moorish coffee next and back into the monsoon.

In case anyone is lurking out there (and I know you are - I'm a big lurker on other forums/posts) and you'd like a chance to win a signed copy, stop by this giveaway:

http://familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com/2011/03/progeny-book-reviewgiveaway-foo...

PS - Disneyworld trip was part success/part failure. We had 6 inches of rain yesterday (not kidding) along with a sick little boy (poor Nikalys) who ran a 103 degree temperature for two and a half days. The best part was we made it home on the plane today with no yucky accidents (which we did NOT manage to do for two days in the hotel room). Good news, you ask? I got lots of writing on the iPad done (don't like writing on it) as well as editing on the second book in the series - got to the point where I mention the Green Dragon... :)

oh, I hope Nikalys is feeling much, much better. What a drag to be sick at Disneyworld!

The Lord knows how much I love recieving free books, especially ones that I want like yours. I kind of want mention that you have yourself as a favorite author. I bet you knew that, but it kind of made me laugh.

I already have a Signed Copy! Muhahaha! ;)

> 51

Hey - self-confidence is necessary in this industry. I like me very much. :)

Funny thing - I used to HATE to read my own writing... still do to a point. I pick it apart even after reading it for the 10th time.

>52 readafew:

Rub it in, why don't you?

I think I see a relevant entry in the Terrene Chronicles in your future...

>53 rtkaelin: Yeah, self-confidence is important. Just don't become so confidant that the universe becomes egocentric instead of heliocentric. Ha, pretty good scientific joke, if I say so myself. Also, I wonder if you heard that the last book in the Inheritence Cycle by Christopher Paolini is coming out November 8th of this year. I think you'll be interested, because he is one of your favorite authors apparently. The work on LT is here: http://www.librarything.com/work/book/71718867 .

I think I've just been threatened. hhmmm, must make a plan for revenge and have it ready and waiting for what ever it is I'll need to avenge myself for! ya, that's the ticket!

>54 DragonFreak:

Yup - saw that...I had a bit of a heads up on that announcement.

Oh - and trust me, do not mistake confidence for arrogance. I'm the most down-to-earth guy there is.

-R.T.

>56 rtkaelin: I can see that.

Thought I'd share a couple Disneyworld shots of Nikalys and Kenders:


She wanted to wear her princess dress everywhere.


Breakfast at the Tusker House in Animal Kingdom - hours before Nik would get sick, forcing the little guy to spend the next couple of days in the hotel.


Both kids with Pocahontas.

It was a rough trip - sick kids, rain, and even tornado watches. Still, we had fun. :) Got a lot of editing/writing done - enough so that I released the next short story today: http://www.progenythebook.com/Terrene-Chronicles-no4-Fate.html.

Little darlings! Don't tell Nik I said that. ;)

Actually, he'd be the one to tell you that. Except he'd say, "I'm handsome, daddy." Of course, he only started saying that after my wife and I continuously would tell Kennedy she's beautiful.

Had an "ahhh, dang it" moment today. The little guy asked, "Dad, can we go back to Disneyworld now that I'm not throwing up?"

Poor kid.

FYI: No. 5 in the Terrene Chronicles is out today, Union:

It's the second entry in the second short story bundle. Fate came out on 4/4.

The third and final in the bundle, Tragedy, will be out sometime next week. For those of you who have read Progeny, you will get a great glimpse into some things in the past, and maybe the future...

Glad you had fun despite the setbacks! :)

And thanks for the heads up about the latest short stories!

A new review at www.bookgateway.com:

http://bookgateway.com/2011/04/progeny1/#comment-151

Imagine my surprise to find it was done by an 11 year old! It seems she picked it up from her father's desk and read it before he got around to reviewing it.

Color me impressed an 11 year old read a 672 page novel!

I know some people had asked in the about additional ebook formats

As of today, after a rather arduous process, everything - Progeny as well as the short stories - are now available for the nook.

Link for Progeny
Link for Merchant, #1 in Terrene Chronicles
Link for Family, #2 in Terrene Chronicles

I really don't/didn't want to be 'that guy' to revive a dead thread (especially about me/my book), but I received some encouragement to do so from a fellow GDer, so...

People have asked in the past for a non-Kindle/Nook ebook version of Progeny. It's available via Smashwords now in plain epub or sony reader format.

That's all.

(PS - if anyone's coming to Origins this weekend in Columbus, come by The Library and say 'Hi')

Thanks for that!

Also, if anyone still hasn't read Progeny - R.T. Kaelin is graciously sponsoring a giveaway through my blog, Her Book Self. You can win a paperback copy of the book and a really cool bookmark to match!

Open to US and Canada mailing addresses from now until July 7th!

Details here:
http://herbookself.blogspot.com/2011/06/merchant-plus-progeny-giveaway-indie-in....

(And if you win and would rather I contact you via LT profile comment than email that's totally cool, just let me know!)

Or... Buy a ticket to Columbus, OH right now and come to Origins!

Visit me in The Library. I've already met two people from LibraryThing!

It's a shame that you have to be in the US or area around there for most giveaways. =/ *shakes european fist*

#69 I agree! And out in the schticks here we can't get to buy the books either!

Let me email elbakerone and let her know to open it to anywhere. It might take a while for it to reach you, but I'll be happy to send it.

#71 - Check! I'll edit the blog post - Contest now open internationally!

Great! :D

Done, thank you! :D

This is so cool, and one more great example of how much fun The Green Dragon is! Woo hoo!

Promised I wouldn't do this ever, ever, ever...

But I got home, went to check sales before starting on editing book 2 in the series, and... wow: Top Rated in Fantasy for Kindle.

Granted... I'm number 17. But it's been a steady climb to get there. Thanks to all the Green Dragon people who I know have read and recommended the book. It's really neat to see this.

YAY!!

Cool!

I love it!

Congrates!

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the good wishes.