Well, time to start something new just as we are getting near the end of something else.

Sand and Bone 1: Running Away

Writing series is hard. The first book is easy because there is so much potential but nothing already set in stone. Characters can be whatever they want because they haven't been written except in the author's head. Each book after the first is held down by the weight of the books before it. With this one, I'll admit, I was encumbered by the previous two books both in the characterizations of the individuals of the story but also in the story.

This novel takes place five years later. Rutejìmo is a father now, a happy one that has “found his way” as it were. He knows who is he is and what he is willing to do. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not going to disrupt it. This also means that the novel is fifteen years, a lifetime, after the events in Sand and Blood. It is five years after Sand and Ash.

This “weight” will cause me problems with my plan for R5-D4 plots but not as much. This series is tightly coupled to the stories before it, but there are other ones that are only loosely touching it that have a lot more leeway in how they mesh together. We'll find out, there really isn't much connective plot at this point though there are hooks in all three of Rutejìmo's stories.

This novel has a number of influences like the first one (Lord of the Flies and Catcher in the Rye) and the second (Deeds of Paksenarrion, Wizard of Earthsea). In this case, it is the Seven Samurai or its various incarnations such as the The Magnificent Seven. This isn't a romance, it is action and tragedy with strong samurai drama influences. It will also dove-tail into Desert Child when (and if) it is written.

Read Sand and Bone 1: Running Away at https://fedran.com/sand-and-bone/chapter-01/.

For the $1/month patrons and higher, I've release the entire novel.

Flight of the Scions 35: Enthusiasm

This chapter is one that reflects the stress that the three teenagers are underneath. Maris, when Damagar threatens her family, foolishly rushes forward even at the risk of ruining their transportation. Kanéko lashes out because it is the only thing she knows how to do.

These are kids who are cracking and falling apart.

Damagar also understands a lot of the philosophy behind the Art of War and The Price though, and separating the teenagers makes them a lot easier to control.

Read Flight of the Scions 35: Enthusiasm https://fedran.com/flight-of-the-scions/chapter-35/ (subscribers)

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