Will Wight, New York Times Best-Selling Author of 'Cradle'
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In which we ramble on.
And by we, I mean me.

Winter is Here

10/5/2020

143 Comments

 
Housekeeping first:

All Cradle ebooks are free for the next three days! (Getting them for free SHOULD still give you a discount on the audiobook, by the way.)

10% off all Cradle merchandise sale with the discount code "DROSS" is still going on!

Release stream tonight at 9 PM Eastern during which I play video games and answer your questions! (Please no spoilers from those of you who've already read it, or I'll have to make you walk the plank.)

...and, of course, Wintersteel comes out tonight at midnight! If it isn't already out now in your time zone, of course.

Curse you, time zones, making my scheduling so difficult!

Now, on to your regularly scheduled blog post...


I'm always nervous before a book launch.

I'm excited too. There's a lot of energy building up to a new book, especially with a series as popular as Cradle, because you people seem to really want this book for some reason.

But as the desire for the book builds, so do expectations. Can I meet those expectations?

I don't know, man.

Usually my answer to that is "Heck no." When I wrote my first real short story, it was for a class in my first year of college. I was 18. As I passed it around the class, I told everybody, "Hey, go easy on me, it's my first one, I just wrote it last night, it's probably the worst thing you've ever read, don't hate me, on second thought actually don't take this copy, it will probably give you AIDS."

Something like that.

The point is, I told everyone to lower their expectations because my story was garbage. And then in our next class, when everyone had read it, one of the students gave me advice that I still go back to today: "You shouldn't tell people your story sucks. I went into this thinking it was going to be terrible because you said so, and it was actually okay, but you saying what you did lowered my opinion of the story before I'd ever read it."

That stuck with me. It was the best advice I received in that entire class.

And after the guy said it, the teacher said "That's off-topic. Don't say anything that doesn't relate to the story."

Do I remember any story-specific advice anyone gave me about that story? I do not.

Almost thirteen years later, I'm 17 books into a career that has succeeded several degrees of magnitude beyond anything I ever hoped for, much less expected, and I feel much the same way now as I did then.

When people get excited about the book coming out, I get excited too, but there's still a voice inside me that goes "Yeah, but don't get too excited, because it's not as great as you think."

Every time. Seventeen times now.

Fortunately, I know that voice doesn't have my best interests at heart. It's just here to ruin my fun. If I had continued to listen to the voice, I would never have released any books.

That would have made the last seven and a half years way more boring.

I used to think that when I proved the voice wrong, it would go away, but it never has. I just have to ignore it a little more each time, pushing it further and further into the back of my mind.

That way I can be a little less nervous and a little more excited.

Because hey...I'm releasing a book today!

​So thanks for sticking with me, everybody! Whether you've been around since the beginning or you're just joining us now, thanks for giving my books a shot!

And I hope you love Wintersteel!

-Will
143 Comments
First
10/5/2020 02:45:43 pm

Name

Reply
Eithan Arelius
10/5/2020 02:53:08 pm

My brain has...melted

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???
10/5/2020 05:03:40 pm

I don't understand, either. Lmao

Chris
10/5/2020 08:43:52 pm

Not to rub it in but it is already the 6th here and there is the book!

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Z
10/6/2020 07:08:42 pm

Mental Orgasm

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Liko Puha
10/5/2020 02:45:48 pm

Thank you, Will. I am excited for this new release and grateful to be here since the Cradle beginning.

I believe our upbringing also factors into being humble and self-effacing. I've trained myself to say, "I hope you like it." instead of "It's nothing, really."

Sending you big congratulations and lots of aloha and respect.

Wishing you well, always.

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Erlik
10/5/2020 02:46:22 pm

Can't wait! First!

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Erlik
10/5/2020 02:47:14 pm

Or at least I was, until I refreshed. Curse you slow loading times!

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Jake
10/5/2020 02:47:47 pm

It's amazing. Thanks for sharing this and all of your other books with us, Will.

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N
10/5/2020 02:48:05 pm

Thank you brother. Don't worey about what they want. Focus on telling your own story how you want to. Much love

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Jeremiah
10/5/2020 02:54:01 pm

You know of course we are here to support you. I'm talking my household specifically. I don't know about anybody else but I could guess!

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Henry
10/5/2020 03:00:27 pm

As someone who started and finished the cradle series during lockdown I am suuuper excited I get to experience this launch with everyone!

Youv'e turned me into a crazed fan; as someone who is totally a non-reader and wanted to just do a little more reading during lockdown.

Anyone would think my Kindle was my gildsign the way I've been lugging it around with me everywhere!

Never stop Will... I'm serious, I need you now!

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Jamie
10/5/2020 03:03:57 pm

Oh hell yeah I'm going to LOVE IT!!!

I found you a few years ago when I was sick with pneumonia and was desperate for something to raise my spirits. I was a die hard physical book fan and I boycotted Amazon ebooks for years, but I was too sick to go to my parents' house to rummage through my stored books, I had read everything on my kobo, and I had enough money for either kindle unlimited or a single book. I broke down and got kindle unlimited, even though I hated reading books off of my back lit phone, because I was miserable and needed distractions. I tried the Cradle series and have been in love since, it's one of my all time favorite series and it's my absolute favorite indie series. You're up there with J. R. R. Tolkien, George R. R. Martin, Melanie Rawn, and Raymond E. Feist for me.

I blame you for me getting a kindle. It's your fault, you amazing freaking author you!!

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, your insights, your insecurities, as well as your victories.

Now... write book 9? Since I've done what I do every time you release a book and reread the entire series over again 😂 I haven't put Wintersteel in my hands yet and I'm already pitching for book 9!

Write faster!!

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Bonk
10/5/2020 03:31:57 pm

Curse timezones indeed

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Andrew
10/5/2020 03:42:30 pm

You've managed to keep the attention of your audience for a genre that is notoriously bad for being derivative. All things must end in time, the key is knowing when to let your characters ride off into the sunset. This world youve made still has mysteries that excite us to discover. And you've created characters that we all want to know more about. No one I know wouldnt be thrilled to read the same story from the perspectove of Wei Shi Kelsa for example. You have a fertile garden here.

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Dave
10/6/2020 11:44:15 pm

Exactly! I want to know more about Jai Chen and her crazy madra!

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Drew
10/5/2020 03:57:53 pm

I really appreciate that you allow us to watch your maturity grow. It gives us hope for others. :)

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Steve
10/5/2020 04:00:33 pm

I received my paperback copy today, and I feel incredibly lucky to have gotten it a day early. But beyond that, all I can say is, wow! This book is *incredible* so far (and I've only just finished Chapter 10)!

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Cyberbass22
10/5/2020 04:16:46 pm

Don’t ever listen to the voice. It will probably never go away, but enjoy a crazy fan base and keep writing and we will keep reading. Your style for the written word is amazing. Thank you for all the series!

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Patrick K Wood
10/5/2020 04:17:15 pm

I feel like I have waited way too many years for this book

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Shi Lindon
10/5/2020 04:48:49 pm

WINTERSTEEL over...


Book 9 please start writing

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Bob
10/5/2020 05:03:20 pm

More. Mandra. Must. CONSUME

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Jason
10/5/2020 05:05:13 pm

I have 3 tests coming up tomorrow but I want the freaking book. Guess what i'm going to do? Stay up until the book is released, get my hands on it, read, get 5 hours of sleep, and take 3 tests.

Livin' the dream.

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Micah
10/6/2020 07:53:23 am

I know how you feel dude...I have an assignment due tomorrow and I ended up reading wintersteel instead. No regrets, best book ever!

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Jimmy
10/5/2020 05:15:07 pm

Will,

I'm a firm believer in NEVER listening to the voices in my head. They're usually just trying to get you in trouble.

Some try to hold you back. That's the difference between us introverts and those crazies who prefer the public to home. The voices...

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Kyle
10/6/2020 01:13:32 pm

Poor Dross....

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Michael
10/5/2020 05:15:51 pm

Will,
I jumped on your speeding cloudship right around Blackflame's release...i think. Once I finished obsessively reading Cradle Foundation I saw Traveler's Gate. I was nervous to read it because i didn't see how it could be as good as Cradle. Then I was hooked and hoping for the next Traveler Trilogy (Saga?). Then came OKAK. So far all of your books are out of this world amazing!! Thank you for working so hard on them! Hopefully we as your fans are louder than that pesky Dross....I mean voice.

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Questioner
10/5/2020 06:21:03 pm

Question, is Wintersteel released midnight in Florida or midnight of our various timezones? I'm confused

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ObeseRodent
10/5/2020 08:11:48 pm

I believe its midnight florida. So if you were mountain time, you would have it by now.

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Questioner
10/5/2020 11:16:51 pm

Arghhhh, it's Pacific Daylight Time here and I've been refreshing my kindle every 5 mins for the last 3 hours. Looks like I have to wait till it's midnight here. Not fun

ObeseRodent
10/6/2020 02:55:26 am

Yeah I was really wrong. I was excited to read it at 10 pm, and then I was near tears when I realized I had to wait another 2 hours. Longest hours of my life.

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King Rex
10/5/2020 07:37:59 pm

The rage is on, the crowd shouts and screams, pleading for more then to be given. A star, the sun? not enough? ALRIGHT the Galaxy is next.

What!?

They still want more? Fine, Fine, we will give them the largest black hole that can fit in their pocket, how could they not be satisfied.

Oh, no.

Driven by their unquenchable thirst for wonderful story telling, the readers have consumed themselves...

They still want more...
Sincerely,
The Readers

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AR
10/5/2020 07:58:10 pm

Duuude. This time zone wait business is rough on the blood pressure.

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Kirby
10/5/2020 09:29:14 pm

Right?!?! I tried to find workarounds but it seems amazon is smarter than me. Guess I'll wait a few more hours.

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Brian
10/5/2020 09:30:06 pm

Read it, loved it, and will be doing a reread with the audiobook in the near future.

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Xien
10/5/2020 09:58:49 pm

At such time zone does the release happen?...EST and still waiting for the drop!!! Grrrrth

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BlackMage
10/5/2020 10:13:49 pm

Available now on Amazon UK :)

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Kal
10/5/2020 10:48:08 pm

Just finished Wintersteel. Finally, you stopped shipteasing

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Nerevar
10/5/2020 10:56:45 pm

"That stuck with me. It was the best advice I received in that entire class."
Lol u made it sound like that was the best advice you have recieved within a period of one hour haha.

Cant wait to get of ze work.

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Shane
10/5/2020 11:49:16 pm

Its nearly 3 a.m. and it hasn't dropped for me yet, so as i patiently await this new treasure I've decided to write this. Thanks for the books man! The Cradle series so far has gotten me through what has been the worst year of my life, (about June 2019 to around August this year) and I can't explain the extent of my gratitude to you for your work and big brain. Keep up the good work and can't wait to see what comes with this newest book and future titles :)

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Sean
10/6/2020 12:25:34 am

Halfway through Wintersteel. Amazing. Ju Li, you did the thing. Thanks, Will.

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Lemons
10/6/2020 01:22:52 am

Dude, you do you. I like to think that a healthy measure of self doubt is what keeps us grounded, but I'm glad that you're willing to keep putting yourself out here in front of everyone, because it's been a real good time for all of us.

Also, re-reading Ghostwater this time around really gave me an itch to play more Subnautica, something about those deep sea vibes.

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Shawn
10/6/2020 01:23:50 am

Ugh, I have an exam in a few hours. This is torture! Also pretty dang excited though!

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Charlie from the UK
10/6/2020 02:29:07 am

Thanks for the new book Will, just finished it and have to say I think the new method of less editing and more content worked out well - more flesh on the bones so to speak. I've enjoyed all the series but this is up there with Underlord in terms of climax and I definitely enjoyed Wintersteel more than Uncrowned. Thanks for a great read!

PS. the Suriel blooper was particular fun!

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Sean
10/6/2020 03:36:29 pm

Agreed with all of the above! The extra length and detail was wholly positive in my opinion, fleshing out the story and giving us more time with the characters! Of course, I couldn't put it down, and VERY eagerly await the next book!

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ObeseRodent
10/6/2020 02:58:15 am

Its almost 4 am, and I am gonna cry because I will have to wait many more months for the next book. Wintersteel is now my favorite book. Will, I love you man, but any chance you like stop time and write all the remaining cradle books so I can get them in the next ten minutes.

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Madeline
10/6/2020 03:25:39 am

That was amazing and I cannot wait for book 9 and I am going to pass out now

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A Wandering Stranger
10/6/2020 03:31:34 am

Ok, Wintersteel is *good*. I felt Uncrowned was a bit lacking - too much setup, not enough payoff - but Wintersteel has payoff in spades. Very, very cool. Looking forward to the next one!

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Exarch
10/6/2020 03:33:36 am

OMG IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I WAS BLOWN AWAY. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH.

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Need sleep
10/6/2020 05:05:51 am

I started reading the book at 5am UK time and the only break I took was to go to the toilet so I could finish the book.

Now it's finished, I'm really sad that I have to wait till 'homecoming' to find out what happens next!

I'm going to hibernate now until the next book is due!

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Madeline
10/6/2020 03:41:32 pm

I had to take several breaks to read more entertaining snippets (Eithan's round of the competition) to mom, who was sitting near me. Then two hours in she evicted me from the couch because she wanted to go to bed, and I had to relocate. At some point in the night dad turned off my lamp so that was more time wasted.

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Dave
10/6/2020 11:46:55 pm

Imagine how many more points you could have had...

Makiel
10/6/2020 05:16:27 am

Will,
Wintersteel Rocked me off my feet!!!!!
Started 'Cycling' for the next book as soon as started Wintersteel!!
Write the next one using Ghostwater and a little help from Dross ;)

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Carnimiriel
10/6/2020 05:49:56 am

I am completely energized after staying up all night to read Wintersteel. Definitely one of my favorites together with Ghostwater and Underlord. The badge thing just killed me. Now begins the wait for the next book! Thanks!

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Micah
10/6/2020 07:50:23 am

Will, you have nothing to worry about! Just finished Wintersteel and in my opinion, that was your best work yet... I say that every time I finish one of your books though. The only problem is, I really, really don’t know how you’re gonna top this one...

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Scotch bottle
10/6/2020 08:12:26 am

I’m finished, time to wait again. It was an excellent book to distract from a terrible year. Thanks Will!

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Scott pike
10/6/2020 08:15:23 am

well in my family we always call that little voice in our heads that tells us we're not good enough everything we're doing is wrong and don't bother asking for forgiveness cuz they already hate you we call that little voice the shoulder devil so whenever you hear that little voice just punch it in the face you know pray to God or do something else positive that helps you get out of a funk and get on with your life if you can. Cuz that voice means you no good.
Question about the cover I assume that badge on the surface is the badge for The sage so why is part of it white and part of it gray? Or is that something I find out in the book?

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Sean
10/6/2020 03:39:12 pm

The badge on the cover is described early in the book, whereas a more detailed explanation is provided near the end

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Trey
10/6/2020 08:27:56 am

Will, I’m 22% in and Wintersteel is AMAZING! So worth the wait. I think your new editing approach is working out well, and I’m thrilled by the length of the book. One question, would you ever consider revisiting the House of Blades world? I loved those books too and they were actually the first of your books that I encountered.

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Sam C link
10/6/2020 08:45:07 am

Just finished Wintersteel and love it. Thank you for your creativity, Mr Wight.

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Jeff
10/6/2020 09:04:40 am

Oh, Eithan. Nine seconds. And then being ready for his meal.

Will, you had nothing to worry about. This was great.

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Decorus
10/6/2020 09:05:26 am

Very disappointed where Is Orthos telling Kelswa How I met your Brother?

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Madeline
10/6/2020 03:42:59 pm

I find it funny that after several books of pushing Lindon to BE MORE AGGRESSIVE! THE DRAGON ADVANCES! He's forced to completely change his advice with Kelsa. Kelsa is the opposite of Lindon.

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BlackMage
10/6/2020 09:48:04 am

Nearly a quarter of the way through and it's better than I expected. Some of the plot twists I was expecting did not happen and what actually happened was more interesting! I am considering giving up sleep tonight to finish the book. Will need lots of mind elixirs a.k.a. coffee.

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Rab Moran
10/6/2020 11:50:21 am

SWEET MOTHER OF GOD THAT BOOK WAS INCREDIBLE. WILL YOU'RE A BLESSING ON HUMANITY AND JUST SINGLE-HANDEDLY SAVED 2020

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A fan in awe
10/6/2020 12:02:20 pm

Finished the book by this morning (talking British Summer time) and I just have to say wintersteel has definitely, definitely brought some much needed light to bleak and sad 2020. I woke up in the middle of the night-at around 2 am-realised wintersteel was out and I thought let me just take a quick peek. I took a peek and then some more and I just couldnt stop reading.I fully support this new writing style yes I enjoyed the previous books- exhilarating high speed rollercoasters dipping and swirling at every moment- but I believe writing this part cradle saga was the right choice sometimes you want the journey to be a bit slower to savour the experience. Also,

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A fan in awe
10/6/2020 12:11:23 pm

Also, sorry if this counts as a spoiler but the way Lindon's advancement was linked to the very first book was PURE GENIUS. Listening to the whole explanation from "the character who sees" was such a wholesome moment. And now I'm struggling to not say any more. Thankyou Will and everyone from Hidden Gnome for providing us with Wintersteel-a masterpiece..

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Jonathan
10/6/2020 12:28:47 pm

Had the book pre-ordered, it downloaded to my device at 11pm MT last night. and just finished. Yes, I did read through the night and couldn't finish by the time I needed a small nap.

Will, did you have to leave that cliff hanger at the end?

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Apollo
10/6/2020 12:38:32 pm

Congrats on being number 1 on Amazon's best sellers list!!!

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Sullivan, James
10/6/2020 12:40:25 pm

I Just finished the book, it is an amazing book, much better than I could've hoped. The only thing that was slightly annoying was some of the character growth and pacing though there wasn't much, if anything, that could've been done to fix it, and in the end it wasn't an issue.

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Phil Thomas
10/6/2020 12:49:56 pm

Wow Will what a great book Wintersteel is. Part of me wishes you churned then our a bit thicker as I already want to read book 9 :)

After the disappointment of Jim Butchers latest book you’ve really perked it all up for me in the reading stakes.

Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s a fantastic series and superb writing

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The First Raccoon, returned to the blog-realm
10/6/2020 01:52:39 pm

This is probably the best book you've ever written. Most of my minor issues with the series were dealt with or not present here, and it was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish

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Jean-Jacques Beesley-Edgar
10/6/2020 01:54:25 pm

So when is the next book due roughly?

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Hetelva
10/6/2020 02:47:41 pm

REALLY loved Wintersteel!!!!!! It was awesome, good job dude :) i know it might be sliiiightly early, but any idea when the next one comes out :D I'm looking foward to it!

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Tim
10/6/2020 03:08:45 pm

MOAR. MOAR WE NEED MOAR!!!

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Phil Sullins
10/6/2020 05:52:24 pm

Loved it, Thanks Will. Starting to read it a second time. So much happens!!!

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saul
10/6/2020 05:58:25 pm

my favorite cradle book so far! been reading since the beginning. thanks for your wonderful books. looking forward to the next one :)

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Exhausted_reader
10/6/2020 07:41:52 pm

Will you outdid yourself with this one. Such a frenetic pace, loved the extra volume to the book, I'm not sure what you could have cut and still done it justice.

Loved seeing the changes in the characters and how they grew over the course of the book. Phenomenal book, I'll have to let it sit for a few weeks and marinate on it and see if it matches ghostwater -- but it's definitely in my top 2 cradle books.

You're the best. Take a rest, and thanks for not going bankrupt writing Elder Empire. The background was super interesting.

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Finley Lord
10/6/2020 07:44:19 pm

I just finished wintersteel and im glad it was everything i expected and more, im only dissapointed that it ended... actually heart broken that i finished it... guess its time to read the whole collection again for the 11th time.

thank you will wight

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Bleithan
10/6/2020 08:10:15 pm

Best book so far!

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Randomname
10/6/2020 09:19:04 pm

Just finished it......You have out done yourself!! By far the best book yet. Loved the twist and turns on what happened with lindon and yerin in terms of advancement. My suggestion or comment is that each step of what happened in regards to romance including the ending was very predictable :/ .....Adorable, but still very predictable throughout the book

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Not Random Name
10/6/2020 09:30:33 pm

The books not super about drama developed through romantic relationships, and I think that’s a good thing. Also really glad this didn’t turn into a harem thing. (Looking at you wheel of time).

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randomname
10/7/2020 07:31:38 am

I understand that. Im glad as well that it didnt turn into that. Im happy with what is happenign between lindon and yerin. Im just saying it followed very predictable lines in terms * SPOILERS*


We knew they werent going to kiss at the sage meeting and when that happened we KNEW at the very end of the book that they were going to kiss. Not saying it was bad....just saying it was very cookie cutter. From what I can tell there isn't very much romance if any at all in any of his books and I was merely suggesting that as an area of weakness that showed a bit as a recommendation to work on that area....just constructive criticism in an otherwise amazing book.

Wintersteel is Awesome
10/6/2020 09:25:44 pm

This I my favorite book of any series. I think less cutting was a good idea for sure, and the length of the book was perfect. I’m so looking forward to bloodline.

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Coldsteel
10/6/2020 09:57:07 pm

I just finished Wintersteel and it exceeded my wildest imagination. This is my favorite book in the series now.

Will, you are a writing prodigy and should be very proud. Thank you so much for this wonderful story.

Also, I really think you should stick with this new writing process that you tried this time. Trust your instincts and just write the thing straight thought and edits it later. It works. This is your best work yet.

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Emily
10/6/2020 10:39:22 pm

My current favorite in the series! (Which seems to follow general trend with some exceptions like ghost water being my least favorite and underlord/blackflame tied for second favorite)

[spoilers]

I love love how you handled Lindon/Mercy’s loss. Loved Yerins growth/choice to not be the sword sage and embrace ruby to become a half herald instead. Love getting more Eithan character insights. I’m so impressed that you’ve managed to continue to pull off this character type even while giving us more insight into him.

Honestly the only thing that didn’t work perfectly for me is I don’t get why Yerin didn’t kill a dreadgod. Those are way harder to get killed than a monarch. She has a personal hatred for bleeding Phoenix and Lindon has personal danger from the one about to destroy his home! I mean sure plot reasons we can’t not have Lindon needing to rescue his home...but the choice didn’t make sense to me from Yerins perspective.

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Anthony
10/7/2020 04:57:13 am

[Spoiler]
I think she chose him when she saw that Lindon was fighting soph. Like she was going around and then saw that shitstorm and decided that that needed to stop. Its funny to because i dont think soph knew that her actions would in any way affect her monarch she thought he was already for sure dead, when in reality I think it could of gone a ton of other ways if she had just kept her chill and waited.

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Kel
10/7/2020 06:24:33 am

*SPOILERS*

Anthony, I think you’re exactly right. I think that was made clear when Soph had that clear struggle with herself in what choice to make about fighting and dying or going with the rest of the team. She even hoped to herself if she stayed and died Yerin would see and spare her great grandfather. But, then she doubted that she would even be seen or change the outcome so she chose to go. It was that decision that resulted in Sesh being slain. Soph made it a self fulfilling prophecy.

Emily
10/7/2020 01:14:49 pm

I get that was implied, but it didn't make sense to me. How does Yerin killing the monarch help Lindon in his fight against Soph? Killing the monarch didn't help Lindon in that fight. And Yerin knows she can teleport to Lindon and that she can beat Soph.

Anthony
10/7/2020 09:50:17 pm

She got to kill one of three mass murderers and one of them was holding up a sighn that said "im killing everyone you love next" on it

Nick
10/7/2020 01:15:48 am

Damnit Will, a certain single word sentence that ended a certain last chapter gave me goosebumps. Well done! Bring on Bloodline!

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Vishal
10/7/2020 01:26:24 am

Awesome book Will! You’ve made writing books into an art form. Kudos to you and you should take a well deserved break with a happy and contented chuckle...along with the knowledge that us fans continue to desperately want more!
Only disappointment being the usual one that the book ended! :-)

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Bewildered
10/7/2020 01:38:59 am

All Cradle ebooks are free for the next three days? Awesome!!!

...

Wait, that's not right - someone forgot to make Cradle #8 free. Any chance of that being added to the 3 day freebie?

:-P

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Boeginator
10/7/2020 02:12:47 am

I LOVED it. It felt so much more solid than the other books. Really enjoyed how it all came back together with Unsouled.

I love how Lindon kicks ass and I love how Dross is adoringly annoying. More Eithan background and going back to Sacred Valley!

When is book 9 coming? :D

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Tristan
10/7/2020 02:30:15 am

Cannot agree with you enough! Will does a great job unveiling just enough to keep me wanting more!

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Stewart Love
10/7/2020 04:41:46 am

Just finished and it was brilliant. This is far and away my favourite series, its just so well conceived, written and put together. Also I though the story really benefited from being longer. Mind that is a double edged sword because it will mean a longer wait between books. Well done Will! Great work.

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John
10/7/2020 06:03:04 am

Best book so far IMO. I have this really cool idea though. Maybe for the next book you could write it as a dual release from the perspective of two different cradle characters. I don't think it has ever been done before. Besides, almost sucking on the rain gutters for sustenance really seems to have worked out for you in terms of kicking your survival instincts into high gear and producing Cradle. LOL.

In all seriousness, it was an amazing book and I couldn't be happier for your success and for you being first in the kindle store. Congrats.

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Props
10/7/2020 06:31:11 am

Great addition to the already great Cradle series, Will! I savored this book as I read it. Every time I'd check the percentage/page progress of my ebook, I'd squeal with joy to see how much remained. I adore a good, well-written long book. The next book probably won't be that long and that's fine, if that's what the story requires. As for Wintersteel, by the end, I could see it needed to be bigger because it's the war book of the series.

Also, seeing the name of the next book is always torture, Will. I love it but it tortures me because it also comes with that delicious promise of "Coming Soon" and it's never soon enough, lol.

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Alfonso
10/7/2020 07:36:27 am

Blerin... hahahaha. It was perfect! Reddit (and I) will love you more for this.


Great book. Congratulations

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Aidan
10/7/2020 08:50:29 am

Dude, the book is fantastic, the way it is tied together with all the other books, especially the first one, is phenomenal!

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Kroz
10/7/2020 09:18:03 am

Will, I just want you to know, I'm blasting this news to as many people as I can. I'm so happy you made the 1st 7 books free. I'm going to get so many of my friends hooked on this now.

I just want you to know, two things won me over to Cradle, #1, Unsouled that had such a heartbreaking path for Lindon filled with struggle that had me cheering for him as he was trampled constantly.

#2 The characters. I haven't loved characters like this in forever. I have a favorite, Eithan, but past that I don't know who I love more, from Lindon and Yerin, to even more side characters like Orthos, Little Blue, or Dross. I love them all. Thank you for these books.

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Liko
10/7/2020 11:40:26 am

I love Fisher Geisha! She is just like my own "wise no-nonsense but loves you" grandmother.

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Madeline
10/7/2020 09:21:28 am

Kind of wondering at what point is someone in the Akura clan going to start trying to persuade Eithan and Mercy to get married? Something tells me that it would probably make sense to at least several people whose names are neither "Eithan" nor "Mercy", given the whole "he went from Underlord to Archlord in a couple months and is also an Arelius and you are the heir to our clan" thing.

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Decorus link
10/7/2020 10:01:55 am

Spoilers


So the whole reason why Eithan’s cycling technique will get you killed is it’s a sure path to Sage, but Eithan isn’t a Sage? Also very glad to be proven right that Sage can be achieved without being an Archlord as you just need to be the embodiment of an Icon. How ever Herald requires you to merge with a Spirit to become half human half Spirit. So if Lindon Merges with Dross He could be a Herald Sage Underlord?????

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Martin
10/7/2020 10:19:32 am

Spoilers

I think a Herald Sage is a Monarch. Northstrider was a Sage when he merged with his Remnant and advanced to Monarch, and Fury was Herald when he manifested a Icon and advanced to Monarch. So Sage is someone who is a manifestation of a Icon, and Herald is merged spirit and body, you do both and you are a Monarch.

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Decorus
10/7/2020 10:57:40 am

Spoilers
So Eithan is at a dead end he can’t advance further as he is just an archlord and has no spirit or remenent to become a Herald and no manifestation of an Icon....

Yerin can’t become a Sage until she embodies an Icon.

Lindon’s void icon is because he was nothing, his pure Madra is nothing, his black flame burns everything to nothing and his hunger Madra consumes everything to
nothing. He is going to have a really complicated trip to Monarch.

Madeline
10/7/2020 11:06:40 am

Are we SURE Eithan doesn't have a Remnant? That pure Remnant arm Lindon turned into his hunger madra arm kind of indicates that pure madra artists do have Remnants.

And him not embodying an icon... yet.... isn't necessarily speaking of anything for the future. Just because he hasn't gotten it so far doesn't mean he never will. And like Yerin just discovered when she lost touch with the Sword Icon after becoming a Herald, Icons are related to how one is perceived by others, as well as how one perceives oneself and one's madra. He could very well have been successfully cultivating the Icon of Deception or something until he met up with Lindon and Yerin and had to actually be perceived to be competent, and then completely blew that out of the water when he beat Sha Miara so quickly.

Jonathan
10/7/2020 11:07:19 am

Spoilers

I wouldn't say Eithan was at a dead end. he may not have bonded with a remnant but his own spirit creates it's own remnant which he could bond with. I was really suprised that Lindon didn't at least advance to Overlord, as he realized a major truth about who he is right now.

I agree with the assessment about Yerin though. And all of the advancements require an increase in power although it's not explicitly stated how much.

Martin
10/7/2020 11:39:05 am

Spoilers

Ethan shouldnt be at dead end, Archlord is the stage when most people start having enough mental strenght to comperhand a Icon or fuse with their Remnant. Even if he didnt absorb an Remnant for his gold advancment it doesnt mean he doesnt have a Remnant, and the advancment to Herald its not just an absorbtion of a Remnant but a fusion that changes you like what we saw with Yerin. And about the Icon its not how people percive you but what drives your madra and something more probably but knowing how people percieve you is the one needed for Overlord. Thats why Lindon was confused he was thinking he advaces to Overlord but he actualy got an idea about his Icon or he go even deeper insights about himself, and Yerin lost touch with the sword Icon because her madra is no longer Sword madra but a combination of both Sword and Blood or she changed something fundamental in her core self like overcoming her hate for the Blood Shadow and fusing with it and no longer be an embodiement of Sword Icon.

Best Book
10/7/2020 12:07:27 pm

Eithan has a remnant, his own remnant because pure madra artist do leave behind madra, since the madra engine is built from dead matter of pure remnants (children). So possibly he would be able to merge with his own remnant?

Props
10/7/2020 12:37:06 pm

Spoilers


My impression was Northstrider bonded with his own remnant, not a remnant he took at the lower stages, if he took one at all. But either way works since it's really about supreme control of the material, the spiritual and yourself (see: Yerin). The Blood Sage becomes an even more macabre failure in that light.

The point of absorbing a remnant at the lower stages makes more sense to me now. Eithan is right: it's not necessary at the lower stages for advancement, but having that practice of corralling/bending a spirit to your will likely makes it easier to perform the necessary spirit and flesh merger in later advancements when the spirit is much more powerful, aware and recalcitrant.

How these new details effect Eithan's and Lindon's future advancement, well, I agree with others - Eithan isn't dead in the water in terms of advancing. Obviously if he can manifest his own remnant then he'll merge with that. Barring that, it's about finding a cooperative and compatible spirit. It would seem preferable to find one that has spent gobs of time with you and doesn't mind largely losing its identity (yikes). For Lindon, Dross technically becomes a viable option - he is a spirit after all and their symbiotic relationship default makes him compatible regardless of madra. But I kind of hope it is about manifesting your own remnant/control over your own spirit because now I'm dying to know what Lindon's remnant looks like! What color is it? Does it have a shell? Inquiring minds want to know!!!

Best Book
10/7/2020 10:36:49 am

Also confused why Eithan isn’t a sage, but it might be because he doesn’t have an icon that makes sense for him yet? Lindon’s void icon requires 3 distinct aspects, hunger, riverseed pure madra, and Blackflame (requires might be a strong term here) And while Eithan is following the hollow kings path, I’m not sure he’s ready for an icon. Plus I’m pretty sure dross ties Lindon to the way stronger than most sacred artist seeing as he can Reopen the portal leading to dross.

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Best Book
10/7/2020 10:39:30 am

Also, his consume technique is suppose to bring the authority of those he drains. And he drained a dread god and like 100 other people and things.

Props
10/7/2020 01:11:33 pm

Spoilers



I think Eithan is like Fury with regards to manifesting an icon/becoming a Sage - he's holding back. Fury had his reasons for holding back, both political (Malice, geopolitics, Abidan rules(???)) and personal (fighting). Eithan is the same - he straight up admits he held back on advancement for politics, then to wait for Lindon and Yerin. I think Eithan will do it all in one fell swoop to Monarch, spirit/remnant merger plus icon. If he's not bonding with his own remnant, I'm sure he has a nice shiny spirit already picked out.

Nick
10/9/2020 10:06:43 pm

I'm just waiting for Eithan to manifest the Clown Icon...

Jonathan
10/7/2020 10:37:15 am

Spoilers

Lindon actually has 3 choices for merging, his own remnant, Dross, or Little Blue. It's also possible with 2 cores he has 2 remnants, 1 based on each. I'm betting his ascension to Monarch is going to be quite complicated.

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Martin
10/7/2020 11:58:43 am

I dont think he will fuse with Dross or Little Blue, that will change him too much, if we assume it will fuse their personalities like Yerin and Ruby, with them it wasant a problem since they were almost the same. So its probably the same if its your own Remnant like Northstrider. But it should be possible to fuse with any Remnant, since the Blood Shadow of the Sage of Red Faith ran away and became Herald, it should have found some other body to fuse with.

The thing that puzzles me is why did they expected a Remnant from the dead Dragon Monarch if he already fused his Spirit and Body. Shouldnt a dead of an Monarch destroy both.

Props
10/7/2020 01:19:44 pm

Martin, the only reason I can think of for expecting a remnant from the dragon monarch is that bonding with your own remnant doesn't negate its ability to rise from your flesh. It must mean that the merger doesn't wholly wash away all divisions between spirit and flesh, just most of them.

Best Book
10/7/2020 01:49:39 pm

Martin, it’s also possible that sacred beasts like dragons have a different process for becoming monarchs than sacred artists (also explains how a tree remnant became a monarch).

zc
10/7/2020 10:16:53 am

This was the best book so far. It is now my favorite book. Not just Cradle, or by you, but of all books. This is my favorite.

The book was more than my greediest hopes and for once I wasn't sad a book ended, and just remained hyped up from how awesome it was.

Thank you.

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Andy
10/7/2020 11:34:40 am

I read it in a day, not only IMO the best book in the series but a literary master piece in character development, plot progression and feel. This was the climax that Uncrowned lacked and then some. If you can write every book with the same quality as Wintersteel you are beyond mortal, and I love you..............in a platonic, I appreciate your work and skill kind of way. Not a 250 lbs built like a bulldog scream like a girl and wet myself if I met yoy kind of way. No, not that at all. Eeeee!

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Aanu
10/7/2020 11:37:21 am

Unfortunately, Will has ended up disappointing me again with Wintersteel. How does he have the nerve to make me read that book in just one night and he doesn't have book 9 ready for me to read immediately??? Guess I'll just have to settle for reading Wintersteel again as slowly as possible
Oh, to clarify one thing, Lindon didn't advance to Overlord, he advanced to Archlord! Sages are Archlord's that have insight/icons, so does that mean he skipped Overlord?
Dammit Will, why do you do this to me everytime??

Reply
Madeline
10/7/2020 12:10:10 pm

I read it as Lindon did what Yerin did, only for Sage not Herald. So he's not an Overlord.... because he's also got a Sage's authority. Just like Yerin managed to become a Herald while still an Overlady.

Reply
Aanu
10/7/2020 01:05:08 pm

I would agree with you especially after reading what Eithan said, but this was also written when Northstrider was ascending to Monarch.
"Being a Sage makes this harder. His Remnant has power and authority beyond what an ordinary Archlord’s spirit should. If he fails, he can’t simply try......"

Kenon
10/7/2020 12:40:45 pm

Eithan did say that in the distant past Sage wasn't even considered a separate stage of advancement, just a destinction of a Lord that's managed to manifest an icon.
Malice also said to Yerin that people manifesting an Icon before Archlord used to be a lot more common in the past.
So, technically, Lindon is an Underlord Sage. Probably peak Underlord Sage, but still Underlord

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Aanu
10/7/2020 01:07:02 pm

I would agree with you especially after reading what Eithan said, but this was also written when Northstrider was ascending to Monarch.
"Being a Sage makes this harder. His Remnant has power and authority beyond what an ordinary Archlord’s spirit should. If he fails, he can’t simply try......"

Fred
10/7/2020 12:00:30 pm

Wintersteel is my new favorite book in the series, replacing Ghostwater. I couldn't put it down and absolutely loved it. Great job.

Our desire for each new book in the series is similar to Lindon's desire for each new level of advancement. Sorry if that puts pressure on you, but your books are awesome.

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Aanu
10/7/2020 12:54:00 pm

Don't be sorry, for as Akura Charity said, "without pressure, how will you grow as a sacred artist?"
I need book 9 before December, Will.

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Aanu
10/7/2020 01:19:29 pm

Like Northstrider's ascension to Sage, Lindon's ascension to Sage resulted in an icon in the sky. He can do the spatial transportation thing and we will see in boom 9 if he can access the way.
I don't think Lindon's an Underlord/Sage. He seems to be a full Sage. Remember, he didn't bond Little Blue like Yerin did Ruby, he only formed a contract with her and then he manifested an Icon when he discovered his Overlord revelation.
That is different from what Yerin did.

Reply
Props
10/7/2020 01:54:03 pm

Eh, I think Lindon is an Underlord with Sage authority. I think I get what you mean, a Sage is a Sage is a Sage but by the way the entities on Cradle currently view advancement - where Sage is not a Lord-level distinction but a special level of Archlord - Lindon is still an Underlord. An Underlord with super special icon privileges and a ton of respect coming his way.

Reply
Madeline
10/7/2020 03:40:30 pm

Except he was trying to find out who he is to ascend to Overlord. If this was enough what he is to make him a Sage, surely it's enough to also ascend to Overlord? The description of a Sage seems to be someone who exemplifies an abstract concept, in both their eyes and in the eyes of others. Coincidentally, he realized that an abstract concept best describes his madra, at the same time as Sophara realized he embodies an abstract concept.

Aanu
10/7/2020 04:03:53 pm

Exactly @Madeline. Also, remember Northstrider mused that Underlords could not sense the way enough to manifest an Icon. Lindon was at peak Underlord, discovered the common theme between all his madra aspects. There's no way he's still an Underlord at this stage. He is at the Archlord level and everything we know about Sages so far points to the fact that they are stronger than Archlords.

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Aanu
10/7/2020 04:08:36 pm

Also, an Underlord blitzing Overlords like Lindon did? That's a bit deus ex machina. How many Overlords did Lindon take out without breaking a sweat? Sophara, the two Overlords that were giving Mercy and Pride a beat down? No way he is obliterating multiple Overlords at Underlord.

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Madeline
10/7/2020 04:43:50 pm

Archlord seems to require an additional revelation about one's future. So no, I don't think he's an Archlord. He's just a highly OP Overlord since he's a Sage, rather than a stereotypical Overlord, just like Yerin is a highly OP Overlord because she's a Herald. Xorrus could probably wipe the floor with Yerrin, since Yerrin's just an Overlady. Similarly, Charity could probably crush Lindon, since he's just an Overlord. But neither Lindon nor Yerin are just plain Overlords, they're Overlord + extra

Aanu
10/7/2020 04:47:43 pm

@Madeline That does make sense. Especially since in Yerin's case I think Northstrider confirmed that she wasn't yet a Herald. She still had to get to Archlord before that would happen, so yeah I think you are right there.

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I love wintersteel
10/7/2020 11:19:25 pm

SPOILERS









Does Lindons void icon make him a perfect candidate for Ozriel’s replacement? Complete ability to annihilate anything and leave no trace.

Reply
Oops
10/8/2020 05:16:18 am

Wasn’t meant to be a reply to your post Aanu

Benjamin
10/8/2020 09:51:04 pm

Thanks for this. I had mixed feelings about the last one but I really felt the effort you poured into this latest novel. The extra pages really filled out a lot of character arcs and gave it more depth and details. Reminded me of Blackflame, which was probably my favorite in the seires (or maybe tied with Ghostwater). Now I am honestly not sure which is my favorite book in the series, which in my opinion, is a good thing.

Reply
Fianix
10/10/2020 01:11:15 pm

Don't listen to that voice in your head. It's just nasty nightmare aura. Listen to us instead: WE LOVE YOUR WORK!

Reply
RavenDance
10/11/2020 08:30:54 pm

Boss, it was amazing. I know you might consider the book long, but feel free to give us a 40 hour book lol it really was amazing, I've listened to it 4 times and can't wait to have new questions answered. I love the direction you took with the advancements, very unexpected. I thought I could predict it but man was I off. The only thing I got right was the Norstrider part, thanks for keeping me on my toes. I was completely convinced Aethen was a veiled monarch. I wait for the next installment with high hopes.

Reply
Decorus
10/12/2020 09:41:10 am

Spoilers




I think people missed that Northstrider had a remanent it was of a Dragon he had killed that he fused with.
Eithan when he dies will leave one, but he doesn’t have a Gold sign or remanent from advancing. He is stuck at Archlord until he manifests an Icon and merges with something to achieve Monarch. He just ran right into a brick wall by ignoring his own advice that advancement isn’t the only way to get stronger.

Lindon is an Underlord Sage. He isn’t an Overlord yet. Manifesting an Icon made him a Sage it didn’t advance him to overlord. Yerrin realized she isn’t the Sage of Endless Sword and that catapulted her to overlord. She finally understood why no Sage tries to pass on their path. They will only make a cheap copy of themselves.

Fury did not advance to Monarch to maintain the balance in the world. The Monarchs had an agreement that no faction would have more then one Monarch to prevent a war between the different factions making it impossible for one faction to overpower the others. Ever since Shen killed a Monarch it’s been on an inevitable slide to open war between Monarchs. Fury finally just tossed the balance out the window by advancing since there was no point in holding on to the farce also everyone was sure Soph was going to win and gank Malice.

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Joe K
10/21/2020 02:09:19 pm

The prose was just right. I did not feel like there were lots of pages I needed to flip through or anything like that, so your prior fear of overwriting was wrong. I found Lindon's getting his unsouled badge back at the end very satisfying. I am somewhat curious why you didn't rewicker the novel to have that be the very last page, because reasons.

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Rush
11/21/2020 11:19:28 pm

Dude... I have literally read every book you have written. I have been with you since House of Blades and have actually read the Travelers Gate trilogy 3 times, that’s how much I love that series. I love cradle just as much if not more. I say all that to say that this is my ABSOLUTE favorite book of your’s so far. This was GREAT! I can't even describe how much I enjoyed this book.

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