Oct Fantasy Thread - NO SPOILERS - Curse of the Mist Wraith - Wurts Joining Us!
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1Morphidae
Janny Wurts will play with us as we read her book Curse of the Mist Wraith!
If you want to check out the book before deciding to join us, Janny has offered the following links:
Written Excerpt including ebook formats:
http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/website/Excerpts/CurseOfTheMistwraithExcerpt.h...
Audio Excerpts:
http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/Version3/Audio/Readings.html
If you want to check out the book before deciding to join us, Janny has offered the following links:
Written Excerpt including ebook formats:
http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/website/Excerpts/CurseOfTheMistwraithExcerpt.h...
Audio Excerpts:
http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/Version3/Audio/Readings.html
3Jarandel
Read it recently enough so I probably won't be rereading it unless the need arises for more detailed recollections, but I'm looking forward to the discussion :)
4JannyWurts
Morphy, thank you kindly for choosing this title, I am thrilled and pleased to participate among so many friends.
New readers: I know, it's a FAT BOOK and start of a series... however, my word in advance: I NEVER WRITE CLIFF HANGERS. My titles are carefully layered and build in stages, but there is always a climactic finish point.
Been in the Green Dragon pub here for a very long while - I lurk daily, and post sparingly. Not known to bite, or intimidate (heh! not yet, though I've longed to sic a roomba on smurfs, and take bets). ;) If anyone has any questions they want answered from the author's viewpoint, or to clarify something encountered in the story, please direct that question, in this topic, to me - otherwise, I'm inclined to let the discussion to flow as the readers would, naturally.
I don't mind sharing insights on the creative aspects of the story, the prose, or the cover art (Yes, I illustrate professionally also and did paint the book jackets for all of the English language editions and a few of the translations) or the industry.
It's a tremendous privilege to be here among so many reading enthusiasts, in particular in a group I respect, represented by so many different backgrounds, nationalities, and reading tastes. The Curse of the Mistwraith isn't a fluff read, but there is an 'over the top' quality that calls for playful thinking and a sense of humor to offset the more serious passages.
My part (the writing) is done, it's all your story now - enjoy!
New readers: I know, it's a FAT BOOK and start of a series... however, my word in advance: I NEVER WRITE CLIFF HANGERS. My titles are carefully layered and build in stages, but there is always a climactic finish point.
Been in the Green Dragon pub here for a very long while - I lurk daily, and post sparingly. Not known to bite, or intimidate (heh! not yet, though I've longed to sic a roomba on smurfs, and take bets). ;) If anyone has any questions they want answered from the author's viewpoint, or to clarify something encountered in the story, please direct that question, in this topic, to me - otherwise, I'm inclined to let the discussion to flow as the readers would, naturally.
I don't mind sharing insights on the creative aspects of the story, the prose, or the cover art (Yes, I illustrate professionally also and did paint the book jackets for all of the English language editions and a few of the translations) or the industry.
It's a tremendous privilege to be here among so many reading enthusiasts, in particular in a group I respect, represented by so many different backgrounds, nationalities, and reading tastes. The Curse of the Mistwraith isn't a fluff read, but there is an 'over the top' quality that calls for playful thinking and a sense of humor to offset the more serious passages.
My part (the writing) is done, it's all your story now - enjoy!
5catzteach
Oooh, this one sounds right up my alley.
ETA: checked the library and Barnes and Noble website. Couldn't find it on either. :( How do I find a copy?
ETA: checked the library and Barnes and Noble website. Couldn't find it on either. :( How do I find a copy?
6streamsong
Try spelling it as MistWraith rather than as two separate words. That worked for both my library and B&N.
7catzteach
Thanks streamsong! I found it on B&N and my ereader store. My library doesn't have it, though. I'll buy it for my ereader. :)
8Morphidae
Yeah, I had to get it from Interlibrary loan myself. This one might be a bit challenging to find.
9JannyWurts
#8, Morphidae - wince - challenging to find? - ack, I hope not!! ;-)
The books have been issued as hardback and paperback, are currently in print in English, in paperback and e-version, and have, time to time, been translated into several other languages. (Germany - note, the book was split into two volumes).
The hardback may have been stolen from libraries by now, and perhaps require an interlibrary loan - and on the shelf at your local used bookshop, yes, they may be a bit rare, because readers tell me they tend to be keepers... ;) - but there ought to be plenty of listings online.
#6 streamsong - I wasn't aware you had to spell it differently to find the listing. That's scary...
The books have been issued as hardback and paperback, are currently in print in English, in paperback and e-version, and have, time to time, been translated into several other languages. (Germany - note, the book was split into two volumes).
The hardback may have been stolen from libraries by now, and perhaps require an interlibrary loan - and on the shelf at your local used bookshop, yes, they may be a bit rare, because readers tell me they tend to be keepers... ;) - but there ought to be plenty of listings online.
#6 streamsong - I wasn't aware you had to spell it differently to find the listing. That's scary...
10The_Hibernator
It's not that we have to spell it differently, right? The word is "mistwraith" and not "mist wraith," as Morphi spelled it. As long as we type it as one word, it should pop up.
11Sakerfalcon
I have been looking forward to this for ages! Must fish the book out from its pile under the bed ...
12sleo
Love this book. I've read it several times and was planning on a reread soon, so will keep an eye on this discussion!
13reading_fox
Bump!
One of my favourites, and a favourite series too which isn't always the case! From my review "Rich, deep, vivid and vast this is one of the most enthralling epic fantasies I've ever read. Make sure you have plenty of uninterupted time, find somewhere comfortable and let the Curse of the Mistwraith swallow you for hours."
It is a big book and needs a bit of uninterupted reading time to get into, but well worth the effort.
One of my favourites, and a favourite series too which isn't always the case! From my review "Rich, deep, vivid and vast this is one of the most enthralling epic fantasies I've ever read. Make sure you have plenty of uninterupted time, find somewhere comfortable and let the Curse of the Mistwraith swallow you for hours."
It is a big book and needs a bit of uninterupted reading time to get into, but well worth the effort.
14maggie1944
Well, we are approaching Oct. 1 and since there is a Read-A-Thon this weekend I think I should be able to clear my decks and read this puppy. Looking forward to it! Just bought it from B&N for the Nook. Love my Nook. I'm going up to Orcas Island for a weekend in the middle of the month so I should be able to read this as well as some other stuff. yay!
15Sakerfalcon
I've already started because I wanted to make sure I'll finish it in time to comment during October. So far I'm loving the rich prose and gradual plot build.
17maggie1944
Janny, there are several covers, and as I've put the book on my Nook I can choose. I'd love to be able to choose one that you did as the Illustrator. Can you describe your cover art for us, here?
18Jarandel
>17 maggie1944: 
Those for the rest of the series that feature Arithon and/or other characters in a similar style are hers.
My cover for Curse of the Mistwraith is rather more nondescript, with some statues in the mist (from the same painting above actually, but what was initially the back cover part), and Alithiel floating in the air across/behind some scene in a circle.
Those for the rest of the series that feature Arithon and/or other characters in a similar style are hers.
My cover for Curse of the Mistwraith is rather more nondescript, with some statues in the mist (from the same painting above actually, but what was initially the back cover part), and Alithiel floating in the air across/behind some scene in a circle.
19maggie1944
Ha! That is the one I'd picked, tentatively, until I could verify it was hers. Thanks, Jarandel.
20Jarandel
I wonder why they hid the characters in that later run of covers my copy of Curse came from.
Even if I'm not generally too sensitive to covers (well, as long as they're not outright off-putting), that of Fugitive Prince was probably part of the reasons why I picked the book and was introduced to the series. Arithon felt, I don't know, alive and quirky.
Even if I'm not generally too sensitive to covers (well, as long as they're not outright off-putting), that of Fugitive Prince was probably part of the reasons why I picked the book and was introduced to the series. Arithon felt, I don't know, alive and quirky.
21JannyWurts
Wow! what a way to start out the day!
I am thrilled to bits to see old readers and new, here. And those of you I know so well - Thank you for giving this book a whirl; I have read your personal reading thread, every one, for a long time - there is quite a bit of overlap, in shared taste (can mention where, only if you want).
Welcome all!
I will address the cover stuff in another post to keep this short.
#16 - Morphy - with regard to your apprehension about the style -- I've watched readers with this since the book first came out. The richness set into this book was purposefully done - to slow the 'rush read' down enough to let the story build with more intricacy. Readers who are not accustomed to visualizing, sensing, experience at this depth go through a reorientation: some say it takes five chapters to 'catch' and then, catch it does - they become immersed, and it reads extremely smoothly after that.
Patterns I have noticed:
1) Readers accustomed to skimming, or who rush, 'expecting everything to be exactly explained up front' are going to skip over the surface and not encounter the reverses and unveilings as they develop. They will fall prey to 'assumption' of what they are seeing, and hold to that; when assumptions get busted with regularity - so the story will confound and frustrate them.
2) Assumptions of any kind (everyone leans on them, it's human nature) are going to get busted, guaranteed (even the setting - it 'looks classic fantasy' but when the series reaches world view, (analogy) you will find you are not in Kansas anymore....this is all done gradually, and when the underlying structure unveils at last, there is (hopefully!) an awesome encounter for the reader). Readers who are adamant about This or That, decide early on what THEY think, and are disappointed/even maddened when the story takes them elsewhere, or they have no patience with what the story is doing, and don't wait to see why.
The pace is designed to bring the deep themes, the deep emotional denouements to a graphic sense of EXPERIENCE. And this takes a careful build. I will let other readers tell you how it worked, or didn't. (It's your story now.)
3) While parts of this work are dead serious, OTHER parts are sheer play - on words, or on the ridiculous - some readers fall into the 'too serious' trap, and then miss the 'over the top' tone that emerges in comic relief - the playful exaggerations; the plays on the absurd and the ridiculous. The 'larger than life' aspect gets missed; or the converse, the 'epic' tone doesn't suit them.
3) Some readers who are younger, or enraptured with the quicker development of YA - this series was not written for that audience; the outlook is a bit more mature (not x rated!! for complexity - it's the layers of meaning and the intricacy of the philopsophy and outlook - occasionally teens do read these books successfully - but I've also gotten plenty of mail from ones who tried, bombed out, then picked the book up a decade later and were totally blown away.
For the reader in a hurry, for one who cannot give the book time to establish, or for the one who just can't grasp a sense of common ground at all to 'get into the spirit' - this work is not for you. And that is OK, I was not writing this work for 'everybody' - my feelings are not going to be slammed.
4) I write for the ENDINGS. The half-point starts the convergency, and many fall out before they see the threads knot together. The pace picks up faster and faster, and the ending (last chapter SETS) delivers the punch.
I promise only this: for those who finish - you will never forget this book. That seems to be the pattern.
I am thrilled to bits to see old readers and new, here. And those of you I know so well - Thank you for giving this book a whirl; I have read your personal reading thread, every one, for a long time - there is quite a bit of overlap, in shared taste (can mention where, only if you want).
Welcome all!
I will address the cover stuff in another post to keep this short.
#16 - Morphy - with regard to your apprehension about the style -- I've watched readers with this since the book first came out. The richness set into this book was purposefully done - to slow the 'rush read' down enough to let the story build with more intricacy. Readers who are not accustomed to visualizing, sensing, experience at this depth go through a reorientation: some say it takes five chapters to 'catch' and then, catch it does - they become immersed, and it reads extremely smoothly after that.
Patterns I have noticed:
1) Readers accustomed to skimming, or who rush, 'expecting everything to be exactly explained up front' are going to skip over the surface and not encounter the reverses and unveilings as they develop. They will fall prey to 'assumption' of what they are seeing, and hold to that; when assumptions get busted with regularity - so the story will confound and frustrate them.
2) Assumptions of any kind (everyone leans on them, it's human nature) are going to get busted, guaranteed (even the setting - it 'looks classic fantasy' but when the series reaches world view, (analogy) you will find you are not in Kansas anymore....this is all done gradually, and when the underlying structure unveils at last, there is (hopefully!) an awesome encounter for the reader). Readers who are adamant about This or That, decide early on what THEY think, and are disappointed/even maddened when the story takes them elsewhere, or they have no patience with what the story is doing, and don't wait to see why.
The pace is designed to bring the deep themes, the deep emotional denouements to a graphic sense of EXPERIENCE. And this takes a careful build. I will let other readers tell you how it worked, or didn't. (It's your story now.)
3) While parts of this work are dead serious, OTHER parts are sheer play - on words, or on the ridiculous - some readers fall into the 'too serious' trap, and then miss the 'over the top' tone that emerges in comic relief - the playful exaggerations; the plays on the absurd and the ridiculous. The 'larger than life' aspect gets missed; or the converse, the 'epic' tone doesn't suit them.
3) Some readers who are younger, or enraptured with the quicker development of YA - this series was not written for that audience; the outlook is a bit more mature (not x rated!! for complexity - it's the layers of meaning and the intricacy of the philopsophy and outlook - occasionally teens do read these books successfully - but I've also gotten plenty of mail from ones who tried, bombed out, then picked the book up a decade later and were totally blown away.
For the reader in a hurry, for one who cannot give the book time to establish, or for the one who just can't grasp a sense of common ground at all to 'get into the spirit' - this work is not for you. And that is OK, I was not writing this work for 'everybody' - my feelings are not going to be slammed.
4) I write for the ENDINGS. The half-point starts the convergency, and many fall out before they see the threads knot together. The pace picks up faster and faster, and the ending (last chapter SETS) delivers the punch.
I promise only this: for those who finish - you will never forget this book. That seems to be the pattern.
22JannyWurts
For#17 - Maggie1944, an#18 Jarandel (thank you for posting the original US cover images) here is the About the Covers.
I did the artwork for all the English language editions: this includes the portrait style one shown in #18, and the original landscape style of the older books in the UK, and ALSO the new graphic style covers seen on the reissues. The different images were selected by the publisher's preferences. When this book came out, landscapes were the going style in the UK, the readers there responded better to that, so the British edition (which exported to Australia and NZ too) were done for that market. In the USA, readers responded to character based images - so the cover shown here was done to suit.
For the reissues - the going theme seems to be to wrap adult fantasy in a graphic format; that this would be less embarrassing for readers seen with their books in public - that the earlier styles were, perhaps, not sophisticated enough to reach their fullest potential audience. You will note that George RR Martin, Robin Hobb, Guy Kay - writers of that ilk are now being packaged in graphic formats. I used a 'layered approach' in these editions - each graphic image is made of three paintings, with the seardluin gargoyles as 'frame' for continuity. This symbolizes the layers of the story, and the interlocked intricacy with which it develops. The Paravia website (gallery section) shows the graphic paintings, split out of composite, in full. For fun, there is also a Paravia Sketch book with renditions of various places, in black and white pencil. There is also an INTERACTIVE MAP - if you skim the cursor over the map, images and info will pop up. Read the directions, first: they'll explain how to expand the size for detail, and also, show you ahead how to interpret the spoiler flags so if you want, you can avoid them (recommended).
For the record: all this artwork is mine - only the cover for the UK version of Fugitive Prince (the landscape version) is not: that image was done by my husband, Don Maitz, because (that year) I had to paint FOUR covers, one for the 'split' paperback of Ships/Warhost, and three for a reissue of one of my (unrelated) trilogies. The writing was way behind schedule to make room for all this easel time; and Don filled in for the one cover I could not schedule. And he did an awesome job!
For the record, also: there were no models for the characters; they are painted as I imagined them. Each of the covers has a LOT of symbolism within the images/set into the interior art as well. That can become a point of discussion, as you wish.
I did the artwork for all the English language editions: this includes the portrait style one shown in #18, and the original landscape style of the older books in the UK, and ALSO the new graphic style covers seen on the reissues. The different images were selected by the publisher's preferences. When this book came out, landscapes were the going style in the UK, the readers there responded better to that, so the British edition (which exported to Australia and NZ too) were done for that market. In the USA, readers responded to character based images - so the cover shown here was done to suit.
For the reissues - the going theme seems to be to wrap adult fantasy in a graphic format; that this would be less embarrassing for readers seen with their books in public - that the earlier styles were, perhaps, not sophisticated enough to reach their fullest potential audience. You will note that George RR Martin, Robin Hobb, Guy Kay - writers of that ilk are now being packaged in graphic formats. I used a 'layered approach' in these editions - each graphic image is made of three paintings, with the seardluin gargoyles as 'frame' for continuity. This symbolizes the layers of the story, and the interlocked intricacy with which it develops. The Paravia website (gallery section) shows the graphic paintings, split out of composite, in full. For fun, there is also a Paravia Sketch book with renditions of various places, in black and white pencil. There is also an INTERACTIVE MAP - if you skim the cursor over the map, images and info will pop up. Read the directions, first: they'll explain how to expand the size for detail, and also, show you ahead how to interpret the spoiler flags so if you want, you can avoid them (recommended).
For the record: all this artwork is mine - only the cover for the UK version of Fugitive Prince (the landscape version) is not: that image was done by my husband, Don Maitz, because (that year) I had to paint FOUR covers, one for the 'split' paperback of Ships/Warhost, and three for a reissue of one of my (unrelated) trilogies. The writing was way behind schedule to make room for all this easel time; and Don filled in for the one cover I could not schedule. And he did an awesome job!
For the record, also: there were no models for the characters; they are painted as I imagined them. Each of the covers has a LOT of symbolism within the images/set into the interior art as well. That can become a point of discussion, as you wish.
23MrsLee
This is one I really did want to read, even though I had not planned to purchase a book for awhile. I have several of Janny's waiting for the right time to read them. Then I saw it on Kindle at a price I don't feel guilty about, so, easy-peasy, I'm in the read now, too.
25Jarandel
>24 Narilka: Not yet made I think, as it's not even October.
27Seanie
Oooh I'd love to join in this group read, but I'm in the middle of Harry Potter - eek! Decisions! I might pause my Harry Potter series read after this book (& wouldn't you know I'm reading Goblet of Fire which is about twice as long as the others, lol) & join in the group read...
28JannyWurts
#27 O_o - fat book wars!!! (duck!)
29Seanie
Are you pleased to know you won the war Janny ;)
As posted in the spoilers thread, I'm looking forward to this read & to the discussion too :)
RE: Artwork, I really like the cover of the version I have (which I assume is the UK version?), & I like it even more knowing that the author is the illustrator too! I hate it when there's a disconnect between the cover & the story (when you get to the end of the book & still cant figure out what the picture on the cover is all about), I expect that's not likely to be the case here :)
As posted in the spoilers thread, I'm looking forward to this read & to the discussion too :)
RE: Artwork, I really like the cover of the version I have (which I assume is the UK version?), & I like it even more knowing that the author is the illustrator too! I hate it when there's a disconnect between the cover & the story (when you get to the end of the book & still cant figure out what the picture on the cover is all about), I expect that's not likely to be the case here :)
30majkia
I'm trying to hurry to finish The Bonehunters, even fatter than Curse - 1200 pages- but as soon as I can I will start Curse of the Mistwraith.
31maggie1944
I'm sneaking up on this book. Maybe, as I have a day off, tomorrow will be the start day, and I'll try to read fast! And catch up!
32C4RO
I have picked this up on kindle. Hopefully I will get time to read it this month and follow along!
33JannyWurts
If anyone is curious about the inspiration and the foundational ideas for Curse of the Mistwraith and the series in general, this was just posted at Bibliophile Stalker today.
http://charles-tan.blogspot.com/2012/10/guest-blog-inspiration-when-chafe-point....
http://charles-tan.blogspot.com/2012/10/guest-blog-inspiration-when-chafe-point....
34MrsLee
I think you met your goal, at least in the first book! As much as I hated reading about the battle, it certainly rang true. Which is why it was so hard for me to read.
35reading_fox
"Let Athera be a world where you might want to live, filled with causes that, but for the grace of knowing multiple sides of a conflict, will not flinch from difficult questioning of the pat answers. May the tables be turned, not once, but many times, and as a last flip off to the laziness of quite a few of my respected peers – let me never EVER rely on the cheater’s tactic of cliffhangers! "
^^^^ This.
That's alovely little snippet Janny on the How and Author Gets Their Ideas. Put it on your website, and hand it out before QnA sessions to avoid having to answer it ever again!
^^^^ This.
That's alovely little snippet Janny on the How and Author Gets Their Ideas. Put it on your website, and hand it out before QnA sessions to avoid having to answer it ever again!
36NorthernStar
I'm still hoping to get a copy of this through interlibrary loan, but no succes yet.
37JannyWurts
# 36 NorthernStar - or anyone else who may get a copy whenever - I am a regular in this group, have been for years, so I would always be accessible to a reader.
Post or message me, either way is fine.
Post or message me, either way is fine.
38JannyWurts
Morphidae, and everyone who checked out the title and posted here, or in the spoiler topic - Thank you for the privilege!
Morphy for organizing the group read, and all of you in the Green Dragon - it has been a pleasure to interact with you and have you discuss Curse of the Mistwraith. There is no finer fun for an author than to see what readers make of a work - pro and con.
I am a regular member of this group, and will be here for latecomers - and anyone can message me at any time, I have never been unapproachable.
Happy November Read to you all! This has been such a pleasure.
Morphy for organizing the group read, and all of you in the Green Dragon - it has been a pleasure to interact with you and have you discuss Curse of the Mistwraith. There is no finer fun for an author than to see what readers make of a work - pro and con.
I am a regular member of this group, and will be here for latecomers - and anyone can message me at any time, I have never been unapproachable.
Happy November Read to you all! This has been such a pleasure.
39JannyWurts
For any who may be interested - the E book version of Curse of the Mistwraith is temporarily ON SALE in all formats, from US venues, for .99 cents.
And in the UK, (at least from Amazon, I'm not sure about other formats there) for L1.99
Also: E formats of Ships of Merior are sale priced at $1.99 and Warhost of Vastmark $3.99, a brief opportunity to get the first two arcs of the Wars of Light and Shadows. Plenty of humor unfolds with the twists and turns of the continuing volumes (what you THINK you see at the start but definitely wasn't the full picture) - Happy New Year and do enjoy!
And in the UK, (at least from Amazon, I'm not sure about other formats there) for L1.99
Also: E formats of Ships of Merior are sale priced at $1.99 and Warhost of Vastmark $3.99, a brief opportunity to get the first two arcs of the Wars of Light and Shadows. Plenty of humor unfolds with the twists and turns of the continuing volumes (what you THINK you see at the start but definitely wasn't the full picture) - Happy New Year and do enjoy!
40sleo
Prompted by some posts on Janny's website discussion forum at Paravia.com, I started rereading this book a few days ago. I hadn't read the series in a couple of years - did a reread prior to the release of Initiate's Trial.
At any rate, I am flat out AMAZED at how clear it all is to me now. I remember struggling the first time through, with unfamiliar names, places, terminology, and Janny's writing style. Now I breeze through it with barely a pause except perhaps to savor and think. It's just such a lovely story and such a brilliant series. I wish everyone would give it the time and effort it deserves.
I just read a few posts on Janny's reading journal page and was interested in the comments on Dunnett, who is my other favorite author. I struggled with her books the first time through; especially The Game of Kings, but was so hooked that I just had to read them again. And again. Both of these writers put forth such rich and vivid stories and such amazing characters that they are well, well worth the effort.
At any rate, I am flat out AMAZED at how clear it all is to me now. I remember struggling the first time through, with unfamiliar names, places, terminology, and Janny's writing style. Now I breeze through it with barely a pause except perhaps to savor and think. It's just such a lovely story and such a brilliant series. I wish everyone would give it the time and effort it deserves.
I just read a few posts on Janny's reading journal page and was interested in the comments on Dunnett, who is my other favorite author. I struggled with her books the first time through; especially The Game of Kings, but was so hooked that I just had to read them again. And again. Both of these writers put forth such rich and vivid stories and such amazing characters that they are well, well worth the effort.
41Alissa-
I am finishing Traitor's Knot so I am more than half-way through the series and seamlessly enjoying the journey so far. The latest developments of the story really prompted me for a look back at the series from where I am. I loved the series but after this book I am cherishing it even more. It is an epic fantasy journey of extreme delight.
I'm completely hooked to the series, Wurts has proven herself a master of suspense, the delivery is there, and with each title in the series, it builds tighter and faster.
Destiny's Conflict is going to be published soon, cannot wait!!!
I'm completely hooked to the series, Wurts has proven herself a master of suspense, the delivery is there, and with each title in the series, it builds tighter and faster.
Destiny's Conflict is going to be published soon, cannot wait!!!
