Relic of the Gods is the first last book in a series I’ve ever written since The Terran Cycle isn't quite there yet (it’s coming). It was a bittersweet experience throughout, as I had already introduced all the characters and now had the opportunity to just get stuck in, but I was also aware that the end I was hurtling towards was in fact the end.
So… Relic of the Gods. I suppose I have to say it. Asher is dead. That happened. I’m afraid that part was planned from early on when I first wrote the Echoes of Fate prophecy. The burden of destiny was to be the one fated to die for everyone else unfortunately - I know, I’m a bastard. I realise that not everyone will be happy with this, as Asher had a great response from many readers, often reflected in the reviews. As deaths go though, I thought he had the best and most fitting for his character.
With regards to writing this particular book, there was less of a process. In some ways it was the easiest one of the three to start, since I had already written two previous books and the story was coming to its inevitable point. I actually found that a lot more planning was required for Empire of Dirt, with white boards and coloured markers etc. I had originally planned for the first 3 chapters of this book (the dragons attack on Malaysai) to be at the end of book 2, but when I reached the end of Empire of Dirt, I remember thinking it would throw the pace off and divert from Asher and the others in Nightfall. I then realised it would make for a great opening to the last book.
Other changes were made part way through as well. I had originally titled this book ‘Return of the Dragorn’ and book 2 was going to be ‘Relic of the Gods’. In the end I felt ‘Return of the Dragorn’ was too on the nose and ultimately a massive give away. I remember hearing somewhere that Tolkien had been forced by the powers-that-be to call his third book ‘Return of the King’ and that he had challenged it, saying the title spoiled the ending (I could have dreamt that…). Also, there’s definitely a little known film out there called ‘Return of the Jedi’. I kind of felt the whole Return thing had been done, so I settled on giving the name to chapter one instead.
As organic as the story felt in my head, I knew exactly where this one was going to end. I was really hesitant to begin the epilogue, and I remember my fingers pausing over the keyboard. Outside of being a nurse and marrying the best woman in the world (sorry folks), my achievements are on the slimmer side, so finishing an epic, three part fantasy book series was quite a moment for me. I can definitely say that I’m both happy and sad to have reached the end of this particular tale. For so long, I’ve looked forward to finally getting the whole story out of my head and onto the page, but writing that last sentence was closing a door I wasn't ready to shut. Still, like all stories it had to have an end.
Unless…
If you’ve gotten this far then you have already seen that there’s more to come from this world. Now, Echoes of Fate books 1-3 is finished, that story had a beginning, a middle and an end, and I’m happy with it as a closed set, but as I was bringing Empire of Dirt to a close last year, I began to see the future of this saga. The next series in the epic of Verda will take place 30 years later and focus on some new characters as well as keeping up with some of the familiar faces. The sample before this is just that, a sample, it isn’t the prologue or even chapter 1, but I wanted to give you a brief glimpse of what has become of Illian as well as a look at what’s to come.
I’m pretty excited to dig deep into this world and share the stories that take place after this trilogy. I left a few clues here and there, besides the orcs, as to what’s coming next, but I assure you the tale is just as epic, if not more so, than the first trilogy.
If you keep up with me on my Facebook page Philip C. Quaintrell I will keep you updated on releases and future projects. If you find the time to leave a review on Amazon I would be very grateful - every one counts and helps to get the word out.
Until the next time...
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