Reading | Blackace wrote six books. Have you even read that many last year?

By rerixo Go To Posthas anyone tried nanowrimo before

I never tried but a lot of people that have.

You thinking about it?

yeah i find writing is a good way to blow off steam, just writing about the shit that annoys me and mocking it, but i never dedicate any time to it, so thought maybe nanowrimo would give me something to hold myself to account to. sounds like it could be fun, but not sure how to approach it, don't really have any plans on what to write or anything. worried it'll just turn into a 50k word long rant lol

By rerixo Go To Postyeah i find writing is a good way to blow off steam, just writing about the shit that annoys me and mocking it, but i never dedicate any time to it, so thought maybe nanowrimo would give me something to hold myself to account to. sounds like it could be fun, but not sure how to approach it, don't really have any plans on what to write or anything. worried it'll just turn into a 50k word long rant lol

I wouldn't worry about that. If you got the itch and need something structured to reach some goals, do it.

If it ends up being a rant, who cares.

By blackace Go To PostHonestly, thank you for the support. It is really helping.

No problem man it's not a thing. I personally think effort should be rewarded. Writing and constructing a story is something I'm not gifted with but I can appreciate the personal drive involved to do so.

By blackace Go To PostI wouldn't worry about that. If you got the itch and need something structured to reach some goals, do it.

If it ends up being a rant, who cares.

true, i'll just try to have fun with it.

are you still planning on releasing an audiobook version of your work btw?

By rerixo Go To Posttrue, i'll just try to have fun with it.

are you still planning on releasing an audiobook version of your work btw?

I am planning to release 1/2 as a compilation audiobook 3/4 and 5/6 the same way

I have an e-reader coming in next week blackace, ordering the book the second I get it.

By Lupercal Go To PostI have an e-reader coming in next week blackace, ordering the book the second I get it.

This means the world to me 😢😢

Anyone else grabbing the new Kindle Paperwhite that’s coming out at the end of the month? I have the 2018 model, but I wanted the warm light feature and it’s a better option than the Oasis. I really wasn’t feeling the Oasis’ design and prefer the symmetrical design of the Paperwhite.

I never use the light so probably not. I will cop on a sale maybe.

By LuminaryGhost Go To PostAnyone else grabbing the new Kindle Paperwhite that’s coming out at the end of the month? I have the 2018 model, but I wanted the warm light feature and it’s a better option than the Oasis. I really wasn’t feeling the Oasis’ design and prefer the symmetrical design of the Paperwhite.

I ordered a Kobo H20.
Colleague had one aswell and looks and work great.

Earlier this year I purchased Book 1 of "Scourge of the Five Kingdoms". I purchased a LOT of copies to support the homie, still got 4 unredeemed. If anyone wants a link let me know.

By gotemrunnin Go To PostEarlier this year I purchased Book 1 of "Scourge of the Five Kingdoms". I purchased a LOT of copies to support the homie, still got 4 unredeemed. If anyone wants a link let me know.

Me please.

By LuminaryGhost Go To PostMe please.

Just messaged you the link.

Looks like it only works if you live in the US unfortunately. Thanks though! It’s okay, I’ll buy the book eventually when I have a chance.

By gotemrunnin Go To PostEarlier this year I purchased Book 1 of "Scourge of the Five Kingdoms". I purchased a LOT of copies to support the homie, still got 4 unredeemed. If anyone wants a link let me know.

Oh man, I didn't know you did that.. Got me in my feels fr..

By blackace Go To PostOh man, I didn't know you did that.. Got me in my feels fr..

Gotta support the family bro.

Just bought "Scourge of the Five Kingdoms"

First book I've purchased since the Scholastic Book Fair

edit: this shit is almost 300 pages?!

By s y hulud Go To PostJust bought "Scourge of the Five Kingdoms"

First book I've purchased since the Scholastic Book Fair

edit: this shit is almost 300 pages?!

Appreciate this mane!

I shared in the discord but I got a great review for my book and was super happy about it!

https://www.stevesbookstuff.com/2021/12/arc-review-scourge-of-five-kingdoms.html?m=1

Really broke down the book, and hit all of the main points.

Ok people. So taking of a bunch of stuff, book two: Dogma of the Five Kingdoms finally has a date. March 24th, 2022.

And I am going to need ARC readers again if people are willing to give it a go.

Just so you know, the ARC readers really helped me last time. I actually reordered the chapters in book 1 to make it a much better experience and it wouldn’t have happened without that feedback I received.

Anyway, anybody is welcome, but keep in mind this the direct sequel so you might be lost you did read book 1.

Fill out the Google doc if you are interested.

Thanks!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/160sWIVJrXa4WT6gFcgx7gtqM4-hw8plh1EbV3_KMEB0/edit

Just submitted the Google Doc, looking forward to it.

sometimes i wish i had the work ethic of Brandon Sanderson.

By Koko Go To PostJust submitted the Google Doc, looking forward to it.

Awesome! I was really hoping you would be down! I will get it out to you soon

By DiPro Go To Postsometimes i wish i had the work ethic of Brandon Sanderson.

I kinda wonder how goods the books are.

By blackace Go To PostI kinda wonder how goods the books are.

new ones or in general? i like most of his work.

By DiPro Go To Postnew ones or in general? i like most of them.

The four? he is kickstarting.

i meant his books in general.

By DiPro Go To Posti meant his books in general.

A little bit of work ethic, and one of the biggest fantasy ever to fall in your lap is all you need. lol

By Koko Go To PostJust submitted the Google Doc, looking forward to it.

Koko, just sent you the ARC let me know if it opens correctly.

Will he have quotation marks this time?

Yes, of course I am still working on THE WINDS OF WINTER. I have stated that a hundred times in a hundred venues, having to restate it endlessly is just wearisome. I made a lot of progress on WINDS in 2020, and less in 2021… but “less” is not “none.”

George just give it up and do what you want man lol

Life is precious

lol

Filled out the Google Doc, if it's not too late. I didn't get around to reading the final version of the first book but hopefully I can still give some useful feedback

By sohois Go To PostFilled out the Google Doc, if it's not too late. I didn't get around to reading the final version of the first book but hopefully I can still give some useful feedback

No problems! Let me get it to you

Edit: I knew I forgot to do something, give me a day or so to knock up that PDF

By sohois Go To PostFilled out the Google Doc, if it's not too late. I didn't get around to reading the final version of the first book but hopefully I can still give some useful feedback

Just wanted to let you know, I sent a copy. Just let me know that you could open it and all that.

By blackace Go To PostJust wanted to let you know, I sent a copy. Just let me know that you could open it and all that.

I got it, no problem with the file

By sohois Go To PostI got it, no problem with the file

Perfect! Cheers!

Ok! wow.

Book 2 is now live on Amazon!

However, I had do a lot of stuff on the publishing end, long story I ended up having to republish book 1 under a new ASIN. The good news is that I won't have any of these problems again and everybody who purchased it before will have access to it forever. but the bad news is I lost all the traction I gained over the last year.

Everyone who supported me.. I would like to ask you to re-download book 1, I am running it free for 5 days, so it won't cost anything.

If you have an Amazon account, even if you do not have a kindle, it would greatly help me if you just gave me a download.
Here is the link for book 1:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VK3JZ8V

and if you do enjoy or did enjoy the the first here is the link for the second book: Dogma of the Five Kingdoms
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VKC3TRR

I appreciate all of the support.

Damn blackace, I think I bought your book 3 times now :D
No worries though, can we do it on multiple Amazon versions?

By Lupercal Go To PostDamn blackace, I think I bought your book 3 times now :D
No worries though, can we do it on multiple Amazon versions?

That's why I love you guys!

Yes, you can!

Book 2 has already been published? I need to pick up my reading speed. I presume there's not too much difference between the ARC and the version on Amazon?

I brought both, but don't actually have a Kindle so I'll continue with the pdf version

By sohois Go To PostBook 2 has already been published? I need to pick up my reading speed. I presume there's not too much difference between the ARC and the version on Amazon?

I brought both, but don't actually have a Kindle so I'll continue with the pdf version

Yeah, nothing changed, yet.

Thanks it means a lot!

Just got both books! Excited to make these my next holiday read.

By barber Go To PostJust got both books! Excited to make these my next holiday read.

Oh! I appreciate it, and I hope you enjoy them when you get around to them!

Apologies for the lateness, but I have finished going through the ARC for Dogma of the Five Kingdoms. Much of my recommends might already have been fixed, but hopefully there is still some use.

Given that this is the second book, I looked out more for typos and weird writing than more foundational issues, as much of the story is likely to be set in stone. That being said, if there are any large change I could recommend:

1. A lot of the characters speak with the same voice. This would be an issue even if they all didn't come from different kingdoms with different cultures. I don't think it is feasible to have different languages at this point, or at any point, but it would be a good idea to perhaps develop some quirks for the different kingdoms to easily differentiate them. As an example, another fantasy novel I read differentiates one race by having them add yes? or no? to the end of every sentence. Simple, but effective. This is probably too late to fix, but something to think on.

2. It might be that I just read the two novels too far apart, but I struggled to remember everyone from the first novel and what they were doing. This is particularly an issue with all the noodle guys who have very similar names. This is very much personal choice, but you may wish to add a bit more recollection of the first novel.

3. Alternatively, what would be great is to add a map, and maybe even a brief description of each kingdom, to the start of each novel. This will help a lot to keep in mind the different appearances, culture and locations for all the books.

Those are the main things I could recommend that are broadly applicable. Now, onto typos/writing recomendations.

I have included the page number of the pdf, but I don';t know how useful that will be.

A few times Grang is spelt as Grand - I stopped recording this, you may just want to do a find and replace
Similarly, Gilitine and Giltine are often used, but I don't actually know which is the correct spelling. Again, find and replace.

p.4 Deamon > Daemon
p.6 He was infamous for his cunningness and cruelness > a slightly weird sentence, I would say "cunning and cruelty"
p.8 Under the tree sat Xandran beggar > Under the tree sat a Xandran beggar
p.15 He gathered his belongings and belted his broadsword to his hip before donning his dusty brown traveling cloak before stepping out the door. > before this before that, why so many befores?
p.18 Interaction here is a bit strange, I know Gaiaus is supposed to be impulsive and out of control but his reactions to Tohmas just make him seem like an idiot
p.21 Under all of your useless bolster > I don't know, what even is useless bolster?
p.31 he about how different the man was > he thought about?
p.32 Haz-Ar was probably on the other side of the door, pausing when Haz-Ar’s lessons on situational awareness jolted him fully awake. > ?
p.41 Fortexxt agreed, despite not detectingwhat > missing space
p.41 He looked at the problem from different angles then a thought hit him. > when a thought hit him?
p.44 Krinal approached the table and spoke. “Kavi should be here shortly, father.” Krinal shook his head and quickly corrected his mistake. “Nevi.” > I don't really understand this part
p.45 had his red steel battle ax > had his red steel battle axe
p.45 “You are correct, Nevi Zo’Lor. > Seems like it should be Za'Lor?
p.47 “Now, why would you wonder that I wonder?” Haz-Ar asked. > wonder that I wonder? just an awkward phrase
p.49 He found the stables and a young Xandran there who had the demeanor of a kid who seemed to be taken by the idea of being a trade member in Xandelfi’s underworld and dressed the part of one > just an awkward sentence, rewrite
p.58 From its eyes project a spectral image of Ta’Lin. > A spectral image of Ta'Lin projected from its eyes
p.58 he exclaimed excitingly > excitedly
p.60 he decided that he wouldn't have too much taking the brute force approach and going through them > he decided that he wouldn't have too much trouble taking the brute force approach and going through them
p.71 The cult of death has infiltrated the Five Kingdoms ruling class has also summoned an undead army > The cult of death that has
p.82 Major Halard, you may rest easy, knowing that the thought of you nor father caused me any worry > Major Halard, you may rest easy, knowing that the thought of neither you nor your father caused me any worry
p.88 and I need you to make he cannot > and I need you to make sure he cannot
p.92 He has been turning to that jug more > He had been
p.92 “Listen, and listen well, Himley, because I will only teach you this lesson once, Silz said > missing end speech marks
p.92 You will serve, in life or death,” Himley said > should be Silz said
p.95 Hamlet felt his consciousness slipping > Himley, not Hamlet
p.106 They were in the room of whorehouse > room of the whorehouse
p.115 Arcanus had a feeling that Haz-Ar already knew that Arcanus didn't know > that he didn't know
p.118 He couldn’t help but smile each time his eyes fell on a sensory-overloaded, young lordling who was probably embarking on that same journey > sensory-overloaded is an awkward adjective, change
p.120 Haz-Ar Darkare was known to use a mace > Darkmare
p.130 He was not what manner of beast it was > He was not sure what
p.141 One was thin and long with black hair and tawny-colored skin. While the other was stocky, bald, and had a few, sickly complexion > not sure, but these 2 sentences are clearly wrong somehow
p.142 Lothar picked at his charred fished > charred fish
p.150 I understand getting operate tax-free > getting to operate
p.161 You are a little too well-breed for my services > too well-bred
p.177 - 179 - the line spacing here suddenly gets weird, might just be a pdf issue
p.180 “Arcanum? Are you sure that this is the best course of action? > Arcanus?
p.181 They moved together in only what Haz-Ar could describe as organized chaos > They moved together in what Haz-Ar could only describe as organized chaos
p.209 Ta’Lin, from Dr. Luv’s would-be the assassin > would-be assasin
p.224 However, it was I endured knowing that I would never have to deal with your pettiness again > ?
p.231 They both sat in thought as the twin suns forebodingly set > forebodingly set? What is that? Change this
p.241 just in case his relationship with Lordship became sour > with the Lordship

The only other specific book thing I can recommend is the plot thread around the gang leader Del Gato. It's presented as a barrier to Hazar becoming the Amir-Al, but in the end resolves very simply and just makes this Del Gato character look like a complete idiot. I would suggest either removing Del Gato as an obstacle or improving his reaction, instead of the overly simple resolution that is currently there.

I hope this helps

By sohois Go To PostApologies for the lateness, but I have finished going through the ARC for Dogma of the Five Kingdoms. Much of my recommends might already have been fixed, but hopefully there is still some use.

Given that this is the second book, I looked out more for typos and weird writing than more foundational issues, as much of the story is likely to be set in stone. That being said, if there are any large change I could recommend:

1. A lot of the characters speak with the same voice. This would be an issue even if they all didn't come from different kingdoms with different cultures. I don't think it is feasible to have different languages at this point, or at any point, but it would be a good idea to perhaps develop some quirks for the different kingdoms to easily differentiate them. As an example, another fantasy novel I read differentiates one race by having them add yes? or no? to the end of every sentence. Simple, but effective. This is probably too late to fix, but something to think on.

2. It might be that I just read the two novels too far apart, but I struggled to remember everyone from the first novel and what they were doing. This is particularly an issue with all the noodle guys who have very similar names. This is very much personal choice, but you may wish to add a bit more recollection of the first novel.

3. Alternatively, what would be great is to add a map, and maybe even a brief description of each kingdom, to the start of each novel. This will help a lot to keep in mind the different appearances, culture and locations for all the books.

Those are the main things I could recommend that are broadly applicable. Now, onto typos/writing recomendations.

I have included the page number of the pdf, but I don';t know how useful that will be.

A few times Grang is spelt as Grand - I stopped recording this, you may just want to do a find and replace
Similarly, Gilitine and Giltine are often used, but I don't actually know which is the correct spelling. Again, find and replace.

p.4 Deamon > Daemon
p.6 He was infamous for his cunningness and cruelness > a slightly weird sentence, I would say "cunning and cruelty"
p.8 Under the tree sat Xandran beggar > Under the tree sat a Xandran beggar
p.15 He gathered his belongings and belted his broadsword to his hip before donning his dusty brown traveling cloak before stepping out the door. > before this before that, why so many befores?
p.18 Interaction here is a bit strange, I know Gaiaus is supposed to be impulsive and out of control but his reactions to Tohmas just make him seem like an idiot
p.21 Under all of your useless bolster > I don't know, what even is useless bolster?
p.31 he about how different the man was > he thought about?
p.32 Haz-Ar was probably on the other side of the door, pausing when Haz-Ar’s lessons on situational awareness jolted him fully awake. > ?
p.41 Fortexxt agreed, despite not detectingwhat > missing space
p.41 He looked at the problem from different angles then a thought hit him. > when a thought hit him?
p.44 Krinal approached the table and spoke. “Kavi should be here shortly, father.” Krinal shook his head and quickly corrected his mistake. “Nevi.” > I don't really understand this part
p.45 had his red steel battle ax > had his red steel battle axe
p.45 “You are correct, Nevi Zo’Lor. > Seems like it should be Za'Lor?
p.47 “Now, why would you wonder that I wonder?” Haz-Ar asked. > wonder that I wonder? just an awkward phrase
p.49 He found the stables and a young Xandran there who had the demeanor of a kid who seemed to be taken by the idea of being a trade member in Xandelfi’s underworld and dressed the part of one > just an awkward sentence, rewrite
p.58 From its eyes project a spectral image of Ta’Lin. > A spectral image of Ta'Lin projected from its eyes
p.58 he exclaimed excitingly > excitedly
p.60 he decided that he wouldn't have too much taking the brute force approach and going through them > he decided that he wouldn't have too much trouble taking the brute force approach and going through them
p.71 The cult of death has infiltrated the Five Kingdoms ruling class has also summoned an undead army > The cult of death that has
p.82 Major Halard, you may rest easy, knowing that the thought of you nor father caused me any worry > Major Halard, you may rest easy, knowing that the thought of neither you nor your father caused me any worry
p.88 and I need you to make he cannot > and I need you to make sure he cannot
p.92 He has been turning to that jug more > He had been
p.92 “Listen, and listen well, Himley, because I will only teach you this lesson once, Silz said > missing end speech marks
p.92 You will serve, in life or death,” Himley said > should be Silz said
p.95 Hamlet felt his consciousness slipping > Himley, not Hamlet
p.106 They were in the room of whorehouse > room of the whorehouse
p.115 Arcanus had a feeling that Haz-Ar already knew that Arcanus didn't know > that he didn't know
p.118 He couldn’t help but smile each time his eyes fell on a sensory-overloaded, young lordling who was probably embarking on that same journey > sensory-overloaded is an awkward adjective, change
p.120 Haz-Ar Darkare was known to use a mace > Darkmare
p.130 He was not what manner of beast it was > He was not sure what
p.141 One was thin and long with black hair and tawny-colored skin. While the other was stocky, bald, and had a few, sickly complexion > not sure, but these 2 sentences are clearly wrong somehow
p.142 Lothar picked at his charred fished > charred fish
p.150 I understand getting operate tax-free > getting to operate
p.161 You are a little too well-breed for my services > too well-bred
p.177 - 179 - the line spacing here suddenly gets weird, might just be a pdf issue
p.180 “Arcanum? Are you sure that this is the best course of action? > Arcanus?
p.181 They moved together in only what Haz-Ar could describe as organized chaos > They moved together in what Haz-Ar could only describe as organized chaos
p.209 Ta’Lin, from Dr. Luv’s would-be the assassin > would-be assasin
p.224 However, it was I endured knowing that I would never have to deal with your pettiness again > ?
p.231 They both sat in thought as the twin suns forebodingly set > forebodingly set? What is that? Change this
p.241 just in case his relationship with Lordship became sour > with the Lordship

The only other specific book thing I can recommend is the plot thread around the gang leader Del Gato. It's presented as a barrier to Hazar becoming the Amir-Al, but in the end resolves very simply and just makes this Del Gato character look like a complete idiot. I would suggest either removing Del Gato as an obstacle or improving his reaction, instead of the overly simple resolution that is currently there.

I hope this helps

Thank you! We caught most of these, but there were still quite a few fat finger typos we missed and that SUPER helps.

I really appreciate you taking the time to read it and the feedback is also noted as I update!

Maps and stuff are coming.

Was there anything you enjoyed?

By blackace Go To PostThank you! We caught most of these, but there were still quite a few fat finger typos we missed and that SUPER helps.

I really appreciate you taking the time to read it and the feedback is also noted as I update!

Maps and stuff are coming.

Was there anything you enjoyed?

For me the best bits were always the stuff around the 'main' characters of Hazar and KirLor, they're both constantly interesting when the focus is on them

My sister recommended me two books for my vacation and I read Sharp Objects on Monday (which I loved) and Recursion by Blake Crouch today.
I just finished it a few minutes ago (it's 2:30 am) and it has to be one of best Sci-Fi stories I ever read.
I thought the story seemed pretty much done by halfway of the book but it kept going and it went to some incredible places.
It actually made me think how fucking creative people can be.
Really good book, can't recommend it enough.

Nice, will give it a try!