Last Sunday I finished the second volume, Castling, in the second trilogy, The Invisible Hands, of Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse.
At over 168k words it is the longest book I’ve ever written up until now. A generous size for a gay epic fantasy, and certainly for an m/m-romance.
I can look forward now to several weeks of editing, formatting, map-making and worrying about a good cover. If all goes well I expect the book will be ready for publishing by begin December.
I will try to give you an idea of the story, without spoiling it for people who haven’t read the earlier books. As this is the second part of a trilogy, Castling continues right where Gambit left off. The southern aggressor has been trounced soundly, but hasn’t been dealt a deadly blow. The first chapter opens with dissension in the government about how to repair the situation.
Amidst all the political maneuverings there is still time for love making. Rullio and Merw, Antybion and Yorn, Lexyntas and Thenoclon are all there. So are Rahendo and Ryhunzo in the unlikely role of master spies. Arranulf and Hemarchidas were sent on a covert fact finding mission, and the young duke develops into a proficient and shrewd diplomat. At the end of the book, Lorcko and Timishi reappear. And no, I haven’t forgotten Anaxantis and the love of his life.
Meanwhile in Great Renuvia a conspiracy is brewing…
The second book in a trilogy typically develops the story. This means the next and final part of this trilogy will have a lot more action, while the pieces are put in place in this one.
At this stage of the writing-publishing-process I’m usually worried. I loved writing the story, but will readers like it as well? Is there enough to keep the interest going of those who liked the earlier books in this series? There is love and love making, and plenty of it, but there also is politics and warfare. Is the balance right?
I can only hope so, and by the end of the year I will probably know for certain. Fingers crossed.
I will love reading it! I’m patiently waiting for a excerpt
You know i can’t wait
Buying it as the day you say it’s released. Been waiting patiently
I love Rullio and Merw!
Like the others, I will be buying it the day it is available and I’m sure I will love it as much as the others because I am so invested in these characters, I want to know what happens with them! Looking forward to an excerpt as well!!!
You had also posted on Twitter about having to write shorter books, well, that would involve shutting off the imagination that created this world and that would be a shame if you tried! I realize it is a lot of work with the writing and editing, but it’s an amazing piece when you finish!!!