The last six weeks have been hectic… brilliant, but hectic as I promoted The Four Realms. Seeing your debut novel released to the world is a nerve-racking experience. Obviously your publisher believes in the book otherwise they would not have offered to publish it, but what of the wider public?
I’ve been genuinely delighted by the response. People seem to be enjoying the novel and saying lovely things about it.
A Fantastic Librarian says “Faulkner’s debut managed to deliver a host of interesting and some downright compelling characters” ( http://www.afantasticallibrarian.com/2013/01/adrian-faulkner-four-realms.html)
WarpcoreSF calls The Four Realms “a thoroughly enjoyable mystery that mashes up modern urban fantasy with aliens and a more traditional fantasy world that’s in a state of gradual modernisation.” (http://www.warpcoresf.co.uk/the-four-realms.php)
All Things Urban Fantasy says “I would highly recommend THE FOUR REALMS to anyone who wants a twist on the usual sword and sorcery.” (http://allthingsuf.com/2013/01/review-the-four-realms-by-adrian-faulkner.html)
The Eloquent Page says “Faulkner has created a great plot that’s very easy to get caught up in. The cast of characters work well and the world that the author has invented is consistently interesting.”
I’ve been interviewed over at The Qwillery (http://qwillery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/interview-with-adrian-faulkner-author.html), My Bookish Ways (http://www.mybookishways.com/2013/01/interview-adrian-faulkner-author-of-the-four-realms.html), Civilian Reader (http://civilian-reader.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/interview-with-adrian-faulkner.html), and Manga Maniac Café. (http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/?p=7939).
I’ve even been on the HeadSpace podcast talking about my writing process. (http://www.writersheadspace.blogspot.co.uk/)
Manga Maniac Café also hosted a novel extract. (http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/?p=7970)
I’ve written a number of guest posts: One on the origin of my 82 year old protagonist, Maureen, for A Fantastic Librarian (http://www.afantasticallibrarian.com/2013/01/guest-post-adrian-faulkner-maureen.html) and another on my Worldbuilding for Civilian Reader (http://civilian-reader.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/guest-post-worldbuilding-of-four-realms.html)
But it’s not just bloggers who’ve been talking about the novel, general readers have been leaving reviews at Amazon and Goodreads as well as contacting me direct.
Reader Neil says “Discworld meets Underworld, I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading it”.
Kevin says “I really enjoyed your book and was unhappy when I finished and realized I would have to wait for book two”.
Dornon says “I’ll certainly read more from this author. There are touches of genius in this book and it is worth a read so I do recommend it.”
But it’s still not over. I’ve got another interview and there’s at least one review from a professional outlet forthcoming. No wonder the last six weeks have gone by in a flash!
Of course, now the aim is to build upon this and write a new book that’s even better received. I reckon that’s going to be a tough job but I’m glad to say I’m already well into writing the next book in my perceived series.
And finally, just had another great review over at The Troubled Scribe!!
http://troubledscribe.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/liam-reviews-the-four-realms/
Adrian Faulkner, February 2013.
