Hi Ian,

i have just been told about your Monument book and ordered it from Amazon. I am really looking forward to reading it. Do you have any signing tours or anything of the such as i like to have two copies of my books 1 signed and a reading copy ;o)

Thanks

Aaron

I am a newcomer to DGLA, although not to David Gemmell and science fiction and fantasy.

By chance I picked up Monument at a second-hand book stall the other day - the blurb intrigued me as did the jewel illustration - which I later learnt was a sivis.

And I'm glad I did. Altough Davikd Gemmell's Rigante series remain my firm favourites of all time, I've been somewhat of a LE Modesitt (Jnr) and CJ Cherryh fan. Anhaga Ballas somehow doesn't fit either of their hero moulds.

But man you can write! You don't lose the thread through all the potential pitfall opportunities for sentiment to muddy the waters of the plot and the action. You hold the course firmly and wind it up tightly and convincingly, bringing the threads together in an unexpected, but logical way. And you don't mess with the ending.

I had heard that you were busy with a prequel, maybe one that deals with the young Dallas and how he becomes a Hawk. I also heard that you had decided not to write any more. 

It would be disappointing if the latter were true. Despite the thousands of books I have read, only a few writers have had the story-tellers' ability to hold me awake through an entire night. And not leave me slumped with disappointment at the end.

Monument is the best debut fantasy book I have read. It also stands alone as one of the best, first or not, fantasy novels on my shelves.

Language use, short, sharp writing style, absence of meaningless interlude descriptions, taught dialogue and a harsh, abrasive take on "nice" considerably enhance the impact of the book.

You can write. Please continue to do so.

Many thanks for the response Ian. I am delighted! The most difficult stages in a book are the beginning and the end (the endless checking and proof-reading and trying to accommodate the editor's bright - admittedly often useful if in good hands - ideas and suggestions). Strength!