Hi,

One thing that comes up in a few of the Amazon reviews is that people who say they really liked the book also say they were hesitant to purchase it or had some reservations.

I am curious about this.

Obviously I completely get the not interested, or doesn't sound interesting to me thing. There are lots of books that don't sound that interesting to me.

But for people who are tempted, because it sounds like it's the sort of thing they normally like but are "hesitant" for some reason, I'm interested in the reason why?

In particular for those that get the book and really like it, but had reservations at first. I see this as a "marketing" issue.

If you were hesitant, meaning "I should like this but...I don't know..." and something was holding you back, what was it? I'd like to know if it is correctable. I'm a huge reader, so the story part, I think I get, but I'm a crappy salesman so marketing I don't get.


Obviously feel free to elaborate in a message.

Edited by user Tuesday, May 13, 2014 3:03:57 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

It's an awesome book with just the right amount of humor, action, and, well I don't know, everything?. I think the cover just makes people unsure. I share my amazon account with my family and didn't want them to be thinking I'm reading something evil books just because they see the cover I'm reading on their kindles and they jump to conclusions. The second cover doesn't matter as much since the readers will already be hooked. The second book will probably bring in more readers though. Anyway, I like the first books cover but it might lower the number of buyers since it shows a demon which is normally associated with being evil. So the cover kind of doesn't capture the book for the biggest crowd that will enjoy the book. I am so glad I got the book and I want others to get the chance to read it! In summary, the cover art is good. It just makes buyers unsure.

Personally I felt that the art seemed to come from multiple formats in a very limited space.

i think the cover (toms feet(?) aside) and description are fine if you (like me) are looking for something more original away from mainstream fantasy.
while the cover isnt especially well done it does get the main theme across (demons).

i read quite a bit and iam now at a point where i sometimes get sick to my stomach by some of the fantasy "literature" out there.
when i read the description for into the abyss i was pleasantly surprised because it seemed refreshingly different, almost custom-made for me.

so while the description may not convince your average fantasy reader, it probably will convince those who have had enough of tolkien, jordan, etc.

Hmm... While the cover could be better, the demon on it was what actually attracted my attention. Had it been some abstract sigils/glyphs on the cover as many fantasy books have I might've missed the book while browsing amazon. Hell's an interesting theme to me.

P.S. But the hoof and the lamb head have to go...

Edited by user Wednesday, May 14, 2014 9:27:30 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

You don't have to. I already thought of that :D

I did find this novel somewhat refreshing. The formerly human protagonist gets over his obsession about no longer being human and killing hostile humans very quickly. He might not enjoy it, but at least he doesn't let most of his enemies live to try and kill him again. Tal is a really nice guy, but if Tom had met him later he likely would not have tried to reason with him as he a headstrong zealot who fully believes in his mission. He hasn't forgotten who he was, but he has changed without nearly driving himself insane.
In a lot of novel a human or formally human protagonist will choose to side with a humanity that is either actively shunning or hostile to them. Humans might have been or are currently the worst of the races and everybody else just wants revenge. Then the hero who should want the same chooses to save them, despite the fact that the world might have been better if they got knocked down a few pegs.
Don't really hate humans, but when any other species or non-Caucasian race often in fantasy steps out of line they are swiftly crushed without remorse or a second thought. Not saying that's always the case, but dark-skinned or nonhuman races always seem to get the short end of the stick. I have no idea where this story is going, but I hope to see lots of death and chaos and maybe progress for humans. A type IV needs the Rod's greatest knight and 3/4 of their forces to suppress by themselves, a strong four, but still a four. Their are hundreds of IV's and and 100+ type V+ so clearly the demons have the superior fire power, if they could stop fighting each other. They might work together to kill off all the wizards and burn off all their books that have names in them for a time, but chaos is the only true thing keeping them from overrunning the place. The book obviously has power names in it and possibly a method for controlling and suppressing type V+. Near as I can figure passed on a cryptic conversation.
The hero is not a saint and should not be shown as merciful, strong, and kind. A tolerant strong hero who removes obstacles is fine.

Maou,

You hit on some key "framework ideas" I have.

Some of which you won't be able to fully see until later books, but you hit on them here.

1) the value of human life, and how religion affects that
2) the "haves" vs the "have nots" culture/race warfare and discrimination and irrational biases
3) the idea that super powerful entities or countries can just rush in with overwhelming force and solve any problem and impose their "will" and values on others.
4) there is always more than one side to every story
5) everyone is hanging on by the seat of their pants, just trying to do their best to stay afloat (this is how things really work)


Tizzy is going to want you to join some strategy sessions, by the way...

Definitely will do. It's war you know.

Going to finally get back at the DemiUrge for kicking...oops...sorry...that's very late Book II, mainly Book III and IV info...

Stop Tizzing you bastard! I'm weeping bloody tears here because I can't get my hands on the second book right now :D