Without a word to my fellow Wonder Wenches, I'm trying something a little different -- responding to comments as a principal post. Let me know if this is a Good Thing or a Bad Thing. And if you think that's a Martha Stewart reference, no, it's 1066 AND ALL THAT. If you haven't read it, hunt down a copy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1066_and_All_That
I quote from the above.
"Although the subtitle states that the book comprises "103 Good Things, 5 Bad Kings and 2 Genuine Dates", the book's preface (which is compulsory) mentions that originally four dates were planned, but last-minute research revealed that two of them were not memorable. The two dates that are self-referenced in the book are 1066, the Battle of Hastings and the Norman invasion of Britain, and 55 BC, the first Roman invasion of Britain under Julius Caesar. However, when the date of the Roman invasion is given it is immediately followed by mention of the fact that Caesar was "compelled to invade again the following year (54 BC, not 56, owing to the peculiar Roman method of counting)", thereby adding the extra two dates that clearly are not memorable.
A joke typifying the humour is listing Shakespearean histories as kings of England, such as Kings Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2. Famous phrases from the book include "This was a Good Thing"; "This was a Bad Thing"; "Wave of saints"; and "Do you consider yourself a Good King or a Bad King?". It also contains several joke test papers interspersed among the chapters, which contain nonsense instructions including the famous "On no account attempt to write on both sides of the paper at once" and "Do not attempt to answer more than one question at a time"."
Is it a wonder that I ended up weird when raised on that, the Goons, I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again, and Monty Python.
However, to comment on comments, yes, Wylene, the MIP is about Dare's sister and the man who hates the Rogues. Wouldn't that make a neat title? THE MAN WHO HATES THE ROGUES. No one in NY would go for it. Let's not get started on titles. BTW, though, it'll almost certainly appear on many shelves a week or so early,so late August, just as LORD OF MIDNIGHT will probably appear in a couple of weeks. Ack!
Starting to read the Rogues. It really is best to read them in order if you can because some threads do run through. An Arranged Marriage has just been reprinted, so even if it isn't on shelves, you should be able to order it. If not, let me know. The order from there is on my website.
http://www.jobev.com/booklist.html
Truth. Dare is the last of the Rogues to be settled and I knew that was significant. I was half way through the book, however, before I realized that it is the true end of a long story arc of 14 books written between 1990 and now. (That's not considering that I wrote the first draft of the first book in 1977.) Incidents in the first book have set up ripple effects that won't be over until Dare is fully healed and happy.
This does not mean that a reader has to have read them all to enjoy it. I'm not just saying that. The story itself stands on its own. It's that there are little touches here and there that those familiar with the books will appreciate, an underpattern, perhaps. Not necessary to understanding the story, but pretty neat. I say that as someone who had no clue until characters mentioned it.
I'm off to See-see the dragon, Ruar of the Dragon's Womb, and the pissed-off Princess -- "No one said I actually had to do the virgin sacrifice thing!" -- Rozlinda.
Jo :)