Fun fact:
Every fiction book has flaws, including (gasp) my own.
The Divided Region’s biggest unique selling point — the thing that appeals most to the majority of my readers — is its modern pacing. My novels are short by fantasy standards, fast in pace, and pick up right where the previous chapter leaves off in many cases.
All said, not a shabby thing to be known for.
However, this also draws the carrion birds.
AKA, the sceptics.
The problem with writing fast-paced, lean fantasy is that — invariably — it raises concerns around there being sufficient worldbuilding, lore, and rich, sensory detail to suck readers into the world.
This usually results in me presenting a wall of reader reviews that gush about the worldbuilding and appreciate how succinctly it is portrayed, leaving just enough for their own imagination to chew on, BUT…
As for there being pages upon pages of exposition explaining the rich history of Estos, the beasts that inhabit it, or the thousand-year-old conflict that shaped the lands of Vlencia and Elron?
Their concerns are valid.
While, yes, important lore is peppered into the books…
They are not laden with it.
So what is an Overlord to do?
Ignore the concerns of epic fantasy lovers?
Write chunky books with a boatload of lore and exposition?
Or is there a solution that falls somewhere in between?
Well, my ever-loyal Legionnaire, I might just have an answer.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been compiling my very own lore book for The Divided Region.
Inside this book, you’ll find a staggered timeline of Estos — from the First Settlement all the way to the present day. You’ll learn the grim details about The Great Betrayal and the battle against Vraqor a thousand years ago. You’ll uncover all of the beasts that roam the realm (some you’ve met already and others you haven’t… yet), the factions and organisations that govern it, a deep dive into the cities that occupy it and their respective cultures, and so much more.
It even includes a glossary and pronunciation guide.
No stone has been left unturned.
And given that there’s still a couple of books yet to write, more could very well be added to it (which will come free of charge, obviously), though I’ve done my utmost to have this puppy as complete as possible.
As for its name?
Lore and Order: Chronicles of The Divided Region
Quite the nifty title, eh?
Honestly, a lot of work has gone into making this supplementary compendium guide worthy of a place on your e-reader. It promises to shed light on the smaller details, provide answers to any lingering questions, and grant you new insights into the world of Estos itself…
All without spoiling the storyline.
This is as close to a win-win as one is going to get.
It allows me to keep doing what I do best, which is writing action-driven fantasy without being bogged down with details while simultaneously providing more context to those who seek it.
It’ll be available in eBook format to begin with (I might do an audiobook version down the line, though I’m undecided as of yet) and, for a limited time, if you act quickly and decisively, you’ll save a few buckaroos in the process.
A privilege only afforded to members of the Legion.
If that doesn’t grant me a shrine in your home…
NOTHING WILL.
Anyway, I did originally aim to have this available before the end of the week, and, unless a small miracle lands on my lap, I fear my ambitions have overshot my reality.
Early next week is looking more and more likely to be the time I will soft-launch this puppy.
All said and done:
If any part of this email has got you itchy, and if you’ve yet to traverse the gritty realm of Estos, then what in Mordor are you waiting for?
Grab the Starter Bundle below, which now includes the digital world art for that extra bit of immersion.
Don’t say I don’t look after my disciples:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/TDR-Bundle
DJJW