Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave

At long last, a new Fire Emblem in the recently announced Fortune's Weave!

As the Crest Stones, Heroes Relics, but mostly Sothis herself makes fairly clear, we are back in Fódlan. With Sothis' age indicating we are either in the distant past or a future so far flung that the events of Three Houses and, seemingly, even the nations of that era are ancient history. Hence the current debate is simply whether Fortune's Weave will be a sequel or a prequel, with my money being on the former. But what I find most interesting, and tantalizing, is a common theme I see in the Youtube comments. Let me share a few:

"The Divine Sothis will grace us with another 5 years of Three Houses discourse."

"Crazy how the discourse for 3 houses lasted longer than the actual war in 3 houses."

"4 more years of 3h discourse!!"

"YOU'LL NEVER ESCAPE IT!
THREE HOUSES DISCOURSE IS ETERNAL!!!"

Pretty much. Three Houses being as filled with grief, trauma, and world-shaking choices as it was, the Fire Emblem fandom has been hotly debating the ethics of the characters and choices ever since. For myself, twice I fought beside Edelgard von Hresvelg and the rest of the Black Eagle Strike Force so as to build a world where none need ever again hide from the sun because they know too much, were a failed pawn, or have abilities that "threaten stability". A place where a Shadow Library of banned books need not exist underground or dance to the tune of a Church built on deliberately told lies. Twice I left Fódlan united and free from an antiquated class system under Edelgard's meritocracy, with Those Who Slither In The Dark and the Immaculate One dead. As Edelgard famously said, "When humanity stands strong and people reach out for each other... there's no need for gods." Thus do I declare that, sequel or prequel, come what may, I will gladly and proudly fight again to achieve the world she envisioned.

I have finished The Waking Fire, book one of Anthony Ryan's The Draconis Memoria trilogy

I have finished The Waking Fire, book one of Anthony Ryan's The Draconis Memoria trilogy.

The world is divided, half ruled by the tyrannical imperialism of Corvantine Empire and half by the corporate ideology of the Ironship Trading Syndicate. Both fueled by the blood of drakes and powers they below upon their Blood-Blessed drinkers. Yet deep in the Interior of Arradsia slept a terrible power that feels naught but hate towards humanity. A power, a drake labeled myth, that while dreaming killed or Spoiled tens of thousands. A drake now terribly awake, bringing the ancient Seer's prophesy dark fruition. War is coming, revolution is nigh; and Lizanne Lethridge, Shareholder and trained spy, Claydon Torcreek Longrifle and betrayed, and Corrick Hilemore, acting Ironship Captain and negotiator, must ride the waves to end the coming storm. For the White knows no mercy.

No Grimdark here and I absolutely intend to finish this breathtakingly unique masterwork.

My father and I just finished The City Beyond the Stars by Zohra Nabi

My father and I just finished The City Beyond the Stars by Zohra Nabi, sequel to her The Kingdom Over the Sea.

"Beneath these stars and on this sea,
An ancient spell once carried me."

So Yara Sulimayah ended the Alchemists' rule, with storytelling and friends brave and true. From refugee Settlement to the Grand High Sorceress' home, to ancient Manat where brass Griffins roamed. With heart and bravery, sorcery and skill, and a most indomitable will, she saved Zehaira for those with magic and without, and her choice was right beyond doubt.

Rhymes aside, that was incredible. Dad and I have read countless Fantasies, and this one shown like a magnificent ruby for its heart. From the prologue of The Kingdom Over the Sea to the final pages of The City Beyond the Stars, we felt their struggle to the bone. From terrible griefs and soul-shattering revelations, to daring rescues and friendships turned so deep they become family. To the terrible choices we have to make to protect those we love and the need, the gritty non-magical determination it takes to build a better future after crushing tragedy.

May the stars watch over you Yara, Mehnoor, Rafi, Ajal, Leyla, Meri, Ismah Parveen, and Aaliya. May you rebuild Sultanate of Zehaira into the place of magic and science, healing and community, it deserves to be.

An excellent Reedsy review

Another special ad image for my book, this one depicting Noridris of the Five Towers,
Flaming City and Capital of the Archipelago of Cynnahu upon Alagor Isle.
(Tis not a perfect image, but it serves).

My book The Last War just launched on Reedsy, accompanied by an excellent review from one of their top reviewers:

"The world-building in this story stands out and is truly remarkable. Adler brings the settings to life, like when describing Cynnahu: “Constructed from marble and flamestone, the city presents a stunning view, its high buildings rising with a dignity that commands respect and pride from both residents and newcomers. Atop each [tower] flies the banner of the Order—a vivid red flame on a blue background, bordered by four golden dragons.” These vivid descriptions anchor readers in the story’s sense of place. It’s not a quick read and demands your whole focus—and perhaps a second reading—as Adler delves deeply into topics like prophecy and ancient magic. Still, the depth pays off.

Character development is another strength. Emrys and Sakura are thoughtful and determined, despite their youth, and grow more as the novel progresses. They may live in a fantasy world, but their struggles—like figuring out who they are, feeling the pressure of expectations, and trying to find their place—are universally relatable. The fight scenes are also another strength and are exciting! Plus, who doesn’t like a good fight scene? They’re easy to visualize, as seen throughout the battle in chapters 33-34. It's intense, fought between the human defenders of the fortress of Cynnahu and the invading Naga, who were savage and described as serpent-like creatures that came in using huge, long boats known as the Black Fleet. These action-heavy moments are well-paced and balanced with quieter scenes that let readers connect more deeply with the characters.

The Last War is an ideal pick for fans of immersive fantasy grounded in rich legend. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age tales wrapped in magic, mystery, and high-stakes adventure."

Worldbuilding through music

Some of us build great tales in songs instead of books. Here is an exemplary taste of such by a true master Bard and tale-spinner:

"In the developing history of our story “The Lost One and the Seeker,” the events of this song take place after the fall of the Seye’Lahn, and before the Negankerdak saga.
Eronan was the first city built by the fathers of those who would become the dwarven people, before returning to the west and establishing themselves in the Golm Mountains.
The Hunter is believed to be one of the “lesser Guardians”, associated with wild and predatory animals.
The ruins of Eronan lie near the northernmost point of the Alinbar (West Jaw) Mountains in the region of Terimbar."

Read this page while ye can, for now I enact a requested plan. Stories Third Year and on will not yet be here, because somewhere else shall they appear. Watch the page to when ready learn when, for this Riddle Maker always has a plan.

A new ad

No one ever said self-publishing was easy. In fact, most quite rightly say the exact opposite. So I created a special ad image for my book. Took some doing and tis hardly flawless, but I like it.