I'm one of your fans who has only read the "Cast" series, and I'll admit, I initially picked it up because I thought it was more what I expected from "urban" fantasy - our world, only different (usually because of the inclusion of magic and/or magical races).
I suspect if I'd known when I picked up the first book that it had more of a "typical" fantasy setting, I'd have passed it by - much to my loss! I am absolutely hooked on Kayla's story.
But I'm not a big fan of epic fantasy. I seldom read what I consider "true" fantasy. My first exposure to it was Tolkien's Hobbit (hated it). Then someone told me I *had* to read Donaldson's "Thomas Covenant" series. Absolutely loved it (and his second "Mordant" series). But my next foray into epic fantasy was Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, almost 10 years later. And that series has definitely burned me out against committing to a multi-volume series with one main story ARC going on. It's almost 20 years later, still not finished, mired in detail and - some prior fans would say - ego.
The other thing I find difficult with most fantasy that I've picked up is the need for a glossary and/or index of characters. Those books were easier to spend time on when I was still in school and had time for re-reads with each new release. I could spend a week digesting a book, learning how to pronounce (or suffer through) the convoluted names and complicated politics. I just don't have the energy for these any more! Maybe when I retire...
So I could see where there might be a difference for at least some of your fans. You might ask how they came to find you...from epic fantasy or from urban fantasy (or even "paranormal romance"). Some may love both, but some may have to be coaxed to try the other, if it's not familiar.
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branchandroot
Reader expectations
Date: 2007-05-29 12:59 am (UTC)I suspect if I'd known when I picked up the first book that it had more of a "typical" fantasy setting, I'd have passed it by - much to my loss! I am absolutely hooked on Kayla's story.
But I'm not a big fan of epic fantasy. I seldom read what I consider "true" fantasy. My first exposure to it was Tolkien's Hobbit (hated it). Then someone told me I *had* to read Donaldson's "Thomas Covenant" series. Absolutely loved it (and his second "Mordant" series). But my next foray into epic fantasy was Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, almost 10 years later. And that series has definitely burned me out against committing to a multi-volume series with one main story ARC going on. It's almost 20 years later, still not finished, mired in detail and - some prior fans would say - ego.
The other thing I find difficult with most fantasy that I've picked up is the need for a glossary and/or index of characters. Those books were easier to spend time on when I was still in school and had time for re-reads with each new release. I could spend a week digesting a book, learning how to pronounce (or suffer through) the convoluted names and complicated politics. I just don't have the energy for these any more! Maybe when I retire...
So I could see where there might be a difference for at least some of your fans. You might ask how they came to find you...from epic fantasy or from urban fantasy (or even "paranormal romance"). Some may love both, but some may have to be coaxed to try the other, if it's not familiar.
Miki