I’m excited to announce that Kingdom Blades, A Pattern of Shadow & Light Book Four, will be released for Audible on February 28th. At this point it’s not yet listed in Audible’s system for presale, but it will be available for pre-purchase as soon as they have it listed.
Thank you so much to all of my audiobook listeners for making my series on Audible such a success!
THANK YOU! I have had the good fortune of discovering this series on Audible about 6 weeks ago. 95 hours later my only disappointment is that I have to wait for the next instalment. The depth of your characters was incredible, each thread of the story had my total attention. I have read and listened to thousands of books, A Pattern of Shadow and Light shares the podium with the best of them. You are truly blessed with a wonderful gift once again thank you,
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying A Pattern of Shadow & Light on Audible, David. Thank you for writing to let me know. I feel very blessed to have Nick Podehl as the voice of my series.
I think there are those writers who would write whether or not anyone reads their work, simply because they have this story that must be communicated. I’m honored that so many others have connected with my characters and world.
I would love to know your thoughts once you get through Kingdom Blades. Thank you for listening!
I listened to this series on the way to and from work in my car. I have over 150 fantasy audio books and your books were the only ones in the series to make me yell Noooo! And cry in sadness and happiness. I’m a new father of twins and I almost had to pull over at the end of book 4. Well done. The world you created started so small and has grown so mind blowingly big and full of life. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thank you.
Tim, thank you so much. I’m honored by your kind words in praise of my series. It’s such a joy to me to be able to share this world with others, and then to find that they love adventuring in it as much as I do is icing on the cake. Thank you sharing your experience with me, and thank you for listening.
Congratulations Melissa, I am in wonder of your gift; to create such an incredible story. An amazing talent! I didn’t rush through this book knowing once it was finished I will have a long wait for book 5. Nick Podehl’s performance was flawless, he made each character come to life. Thank you so much, and now the waiting…
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series on Audible, David. I agree, Nick is quite the talent. I’m blessed to have him as the voice of my series. Thank you for sharing your experience with me, and thank you for listening.
Just finished book 4 on audible, wow!
I loved how your foresight meant a smooth narrative, depth of characters was a much appreciated effort especially as there were so many.
Thank you for an amazing series
Really looking forward to book5
Nicks performance was absolutely superlative!
Every character was so distinct and nuanced, I felt their moods ands idiosyncrasies
Really really loved it
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed Kingdom Blades on Audible, Maryama. I agree, Nick is an amazing talent. I’m so lucky to have him as the voice of my series. Thank you for sharing your experience, and thank you for listening. 🙂
Melissa, I’ve never encountered as enthralling a series as you’re writing now in shadow and light. I’ve re-read all of them multiple times, I just escaped into kingdom blades for my full 3rd reading. The way you write, your character development, it stirs my emotions greatly. It’s amazing! I wish I could pay you millions to do nothing but write for me, in this series, allowing me to read daily. Ha! Keep up the good work, I’m impatiently waiting to see justice served upon Mir.
Thank you so much, Kevin. I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the series. I kind of feel already that I’m mostly being paid to do nothing but write for your entertainment (about which I have no complaint!), but I admit the millions part would be very nice. 😉
I’m grateful and honored by your praise. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you’re loving my series, and thank you for reading.
As I said in my review words are useless this has been by far the best series I have ever read I’ve tried to see when a release or a start date to work on a book 5 would be. am I not looking in the right place or has nothing been released as of yet
I’m honored by your praise, Guy. Thank you.
I am planning book five now. I don’t have any idea of a release date yet, but I will post to my blog as I have new information for you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in a review and speaking to others about my work, and thank you for reading!
I am so relieved to hear that the next installment will be released soon. I am a huge fan of the series and have only the best things to say about these wonderful books and the incredible world you have built. Thank you for creating this story, and working diligently to pen it. It is a story that has me so enthralled, I feel compelled to read it…Maybe some of the fourth has been woven into it’s pages? Or does picking it up trigger the gossamer threads of the labyrinth to take hold? I rather think that likely as I have spent many evenings without dinner as I was caught up in the story…
Is there any chance that this story will be adapted for the screen?
What a lovely turn of phrase you use to describe your experience, Heather. 😉 I’m so glad you’re finding things to love in my story. It’s a great joy to me to be able to share it with others and to know that they’re finding connections with my world and characters.
At this time I have no plans to expand the series into any other medium, although I’ve had fun trying to “cast” the series on Pinterest. Thank you for sharing your experience in my world with me, and thank you for reading.
I just wanted to say thank you for your hard work on such an amazing series! I devour audiobooks at a rate far faster than intended, and your books have made their way into my top five series.
I’m currently relistening to them in anticipation for Kingdom Blades, and it’s even better the second time around noticing all the subtle hints dropped in.
Can’t wait for it to drop!
Jonathan, I appreciate your thoughtful remarks about my series very much, and I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying it. I’m so grateful to Nick Podehl for bringing my series to life on Audible. I know it is enjoyable to listen to much due to his considerable talent. Thank you so much for reaching out to let me know your thoughts, and thank you for listening. 🙂
Melissa, I just recently finished reading “Kingdom Blades”. I loved it! You have quickly become one of my top favorite authors, up there with Brandon Sanderson and George Martin. I’m so glad I decided to click on that random Facebook add that popped up one day while mindlessly browsing the Internet, the one that recommended “A Pattern of Shadow & Light” to me, which at the time I had never heard of. I tore through your series at breakneck speed, devouring it like my favorite food. I can’t praise you enough for the brilliance in the way you write. I’ll highly recommend you to anybody I know who reads.
I have one question – I know book 5 will be the last in this series. I was wondering if you plan to write more when it’s done? Either set in Alorin or a brand new series in a different world. I hope so, because I will read anything you write in a heartbeat.
Thanks Melissa!
Britton, I’m so happy to know you’re enjoying my series. Thank you for your kind words. I’m honored to be at the top of you list, and very glad you clicked on the link also! I sincerely appreciate your sharing my series with others. This is the way bestsellers are made.
After I finish A Pattern of Shadow & Light, I will likely continue exploring the same universe. I have prequels in the works and also some side stories. I’ll also be surveying to find out what tertiary characters my readers would most like to read about. If you have a vote ready to cast on that front, let me know. As always, thank you for reading.
I’m ashamed to admit, I picked up the first Audible book in your series because of Nick Podehl’s narration (love his work), the genre, and the length of playing time. (I commute more than 3 hours every day through Los Angeles traffic.) After having rapidly consumed all three released audiobooks, I came to your website hoping to hear than the 4th was close at hand (and it is – happy day!) But as long as I was here, I wanted to leave you a note thanking you sharing the world you’ve built with your readers. And while the world and the magic system have both been rich, detailed, and a joy to explore, your characters are what keep me sitting in my car listening after I should already be walking to the office. Like others, you’ve vaulted into the top echelon my “to read” fantasy writers with Brandon Sanderson, Michelle West, David Hair and Patrick Rothfuss.
I’m looking forward to Kingdom Blades and everything that comes after it. Keep up the amazing work!
Paul, thank you so much for stopping by and taking a moment to share your thoughts. I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying Nick’s narration. I feel blessed indeed to have him as the voice of my series. I’m honored to be included among such other great writers in your esteem, and equally so that you’ve grown to love my characters as I do. Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for listening.
Just finished listening to book three this morning and have loved it as I did the previous two, so pleased that when I searched for the next release it’s due in just a few days
I definitely like leaving my readers/listeners pleased, Andrew. 😉 I guess you got started at the right time! I’m so happy to know you’re enjoying the series. Thank you for listening.
Dear Melissa McPhail what wondrous patterns of stories and deep truths you have weaved! 🙂 I just finished book 3 and I hunger for the forth which soon becomes available on audible.
When it comes to the “rape allegations” I feel compelled 😉 to say the following: I think that some people reacted this way mostly because they have been struck by the disillusionment they felt. Meaning the idealized love story between Ean and Isabel, what we all secretly fantasize about, isn’t going to provide easy answers and quick fulfillment. Isabel’s painful path shattered that illusion.
Being married from a young age and for over 20 years to one person, and heaving gone through my share of difficulties, near divorces, and my own disillusionment about Hollywood’s version of love but remaining ever more grateful and happy in my relationship I found at first that the love story between Ean and Isabel, and others as well, were almost infantile and annoying. This is why I find the way you are building those threads is very lifelike, ever seeking greater self awareness and depth.
Your ability of world building rivals that of Brandon Sanderson in scope and even surpasses it in philosophical delivery. Thank you very very much for your work, after reading so so many books your passion for symbolic language and inner growth is refreshing and inspiring.
Best regards,
Alex
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective on these scenes and relationships, Alex. I am trying to capture certain elements and show them with reality. The fact that Ean and Isabel began with a bang – well…now we understand why. And it’s been my experience that even “true love” takes work to make it work when the honeymoon phase is over. I’m glad you’re finding parallels with real life in their storylines now.
Thank you for your kind words about my series, and thank you for listening.
Thank you for your response. I cannot wait for the next installment which looks massive 🙂 Only 8 more days!
Just finished listening to book 4. Oh dear, I cannot describe the joy and anticipation. The reunion at the end was simply overwhelming, even though expected… I cried like a babe. But its such a cliff hanger ending I regret I started this series only two months ago and not when the final book has been published. ( I only waited 10 days between 3 and 4 ). Your writing and the world you have woven is addictive but at the same time so steeped in deep understanding of Our own search for the meaning of life. Waiting for the next instalment is like waiting for my next ‘Returning’ 😉 Thank you. Will the next instalment be finished this year or the next?
I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the series, Alex. I’m honored by your emotional investment in my characters.
I am interested if you truly do regret starting the series or if it was more a figure of speech. Occasionally I get a potential reader contacting me who doesn’t want to start into a journey before a series is finished. I’m usually of the mindset that “it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all,” which roughly translates into “I would rather know the characters than not.” But I’m interested in your viewpoint on this. Do you feel like you would rather not have met these characters now? That you would really rather have waited?
I’m hoping to have book five out in a similar timeframe as the first four – i.e. within two years – but it’s never easy to say at the outset how long it will take to weave this whole story together.
In terms of leaving you hanging, I’m sorry about that, but a fourth book in a five book series is like the second in a trilogy – it’s almost canon to have a cliffhanger ending. But please don’t fret. Having traveled through four books with me, you should know by now that all things are not as they appear. 😉
Thank you for reading!
I suppose my “regret” is only another form of attachment, addiction even, to your characters and to the world I have been living in through your books for the past few months. Nevertheless, I know that eventually everything must end… And something new begins. I probably will feel even more empty and heart broken when the time comes to part from your story for good. But I know it is so with all great books/stories that grace our lives, whether imagined or real doesn’t matter. ( Like in the shadow world 🙂 )
But I must say that in some cases, especially when something is written so close to your own understanding and perceptions of the spiritual path we walk in this world, it is harder to wait. Its about immersion and flow and as it relates to your specific story it will truly feel like I will have to “reincarnate/return” into it with a slightly dimmed memory of what went on before after such a long brake 😉
I look forward to it nonetheless.
And once again, Thank you from my the bottom of my heart for the joy and wonder you gave me.
Alex.
I get it, Alex. Thank you for clarifying your thoughts on this for me. I’m so glad to know you’ve connected with the story, characters and philosophy. It’s my honor to share the world with you.
Audible finally has Kingdom Blades available for pre-order! Only 15 more days of waiting…
Haha, you beat me to it, Heather. I think the last time I checked was on Saturday. I look forward to your feedback!
Tomorrow is the day! Just knowing that I will be listening to Kingdom Blades on my way to work tomorrow has me excited for the commute 🙂
I’m excited for your feedback, Heather. Thank you for listening!
Wow. I love this series. I tried to pace myself and savor the 4th book. It was such a delight; watching the characters develop and change, watching them choose to follow their paths, and finding that all is not as it at first appears is incredible! This story has such depth, the characters fashioned so intricately that they feel real! It is astonishing and I have been recommending the series to my friends (and encouraging my library to add it to our collection).
Thank you, Melissa, for crafting this incredible series, for creating unique worlds and systems of magic, but beyond that, for being so approachable. It is really incredible to be able to directly communicate with someone about their art. I really appreciate it!
I wish you the very best as you continue the series and eagerly await the final volume in this truly epic story 🙂
Thank you so much, Heather. I’m honored by your kind words and appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts about my series. It’s very meaningful to get that feedback and know that my million-plus words have been well received, even savored.
I love all of the interaction with my fans – even when they’re upset with me – because I learn from it. There are potentially as many points of view as there are people in this world. I cannot hope to assume all of those viewpoints, but each new one that’s shared with me informs my perspective.
Thank you for sharing me series with others (Truly! That’s how bestsellers are made), thank you for reaching out to me with praise (always well received 😉 ), and thank you for reading.
Hi!
How many books do you have planned in this series ? I’m intrigued but I prefer finished novels…
Robert, there will be five books in the series, with four out so far. I’ve had many readers who began with a similar mindset. Most of those who decided not to wait for the finished series have told me they were glad they went ahead and started reading/listening. Thanks for your interest.
When I started this series, I was quickly attached to the multitudes of characters that you created. I became a major fan and put your works up there with David Eddings and Raymond Fiest. I cannot wait for the 5 book. I hope that it will be coming out sooner than later. Addicted to this series and cannot wait for the conclusion.
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series so far. I wish I had some forward view to book five’s release, but it’s too early to commit to any time frame other than to say I hope to have it out as soon as possible. I’ve managed two years between books so far. I definitely won’t do a GRRM and make my readers wait for a decade. 😉 Thank you for reading!
I am so very happy to read this! Having just finished Kingdom Blades, I am deeply desirous for more. After a few days of withdrawal—I read all four extant books in the last month or so—I found myself here, searching for news of the next installment.
As others have noted, I find your writing to be of the highest quality. Absolutely on par with the stories on your recommended reading list. What amazes me most though, is the scope, the scale, the emphasis on balance and patterns which hold beautiful meaning in my own life and my work in the mental health field.
thank you for what you have created and know it is greatly appreciated!
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series, Neal. It’s such a joy to be able to share this world with others. I feel very lucky that they want to spend as much time with my characters as I do.
Thank your for your kind words. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. Thank you for reading.
Thank you, i’m really enjoying listening to the series and the narrator is outstanding (fingers crossed he also narrates book 5). 1k+ pages of quality writing with several view point weaving in and out in 2 years is really good going.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series on Audibile, Rosh. I’m so blessed to have Nick Podehl as the voice of my series.
Thank you for noticing the time frame I spent writing and publishing book four. I was really sweating that 2-year deadline for a while! 🙂
11 hours and 50 minutes remaining of Kingdom blades on audio book, hoping and praying this is not the last book in the series. Just don’t want the story to end! Thank you so much for bringing such an epic and entertaining world into existence.
Ps.. Nick is also awesome!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my series on Audible, Tomi. I am planning five books in A Pattern of Shadow & Light. Thank you for listening.
I only recently discovered audio books. Now my husband finds earbuds in my ears constantly. I love that I can enjoy a book and accomplish so many other things. Much to my dismay, I consumed this series and now must wait for the next installment….sadly, you cannot create as quickly as we can read/listen. I am enjoying how the various characters are being intertwined through the tapestry of the story, as well as all of the smaller stories that weave into the larger one. More importantly I am enjoying the various philosophical explorations along the way, and how the various characters are defining who they are in spite of circumstances that create dismay and bitterness in others. As others have commented, I also feel that Nick Podehl, helps to bring the characters to life in the way he gives each of them an authentic voice. I look forward to book five of this series, and hope that you explore writing more. Perhaps along the prequel line exploring many of the immortals, their roles, and the earlier histories that created the foundations of the series, that you alluded to throughout.
Thank you so much for the feedback on my series, Mandy. It’s a wonderful help to me, knowing what you’re enjoying about different aspects of the story. I agree, Nick does a fantastic job of bringing my characters to life. I’m so lucky to have him as the voice of my series.
I do have prequels in mind for the next possible books in this universe, but in truth, there are many possible explorations. I’m looking forward to diving into many of the ideas you suggest.
Thank you for reaching out to me and sharing your thoughts and ideas, and thank you for listening.
I have so enjoyed the series. I am anxious awaiting for the next book. I was engrossed in the characters growth as I read through the books. The paths being represented as thread in a tapestry was at first intriguing. But as I continued to listen I began to see the tapestry design change based on the choices and consequences by each character decisions. I was thrilled how the characters opinion and beliefs were influenced as their paths were shared/intersected often finding common ground.
I also would like to comment on the Audible narrator Nick Podehl. He gave specific voices and emotions to each character giving additional depth and substance. I would find me my emotions very involved in his reading. I laughed, cried, was surprised and fearful for the characters as the paths were revealed. I hope he will be availble for the next book in the series.
I like the suggestion of prequels, histories of the immortals (sun dragons, warlocks, whisper lords, zanthers), the royal geneology, different ages of the world of light/darkness, the various religions and the myths , even a love story of Arian and Isabel over the centuries. When I become in entrenched in a series I read all that is available on or about the series.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series on Audible, Shelli. I feel very lucky to have Nick Podehl as the voice of my series.
Thank you for your feedback and suggestions for story threads you’d like to follow in the future. It’s so helpful knowing what my readers and listeners are most interested in. Thank you for listening!
I am still Blown Away how much depth is in your books. Like seriously you really have the Epic Fantasy genre down. How can you do so many different characters so well. Doesn’t your head hurt after awhile lol
Thank you so much for this break from reality.
Thank you so much, Patrick. It makes me very happy to know you’re enjoying my series. Sometimes I do get a bit fuzzy-headed trying to keep up with everyone. It’s made it impossible to write the story sequentially – I have to write in threads instead (each character as far as I can go with him/her, and then switch to the next). This is not the easiest way of writing a book. I keep copious notes at the beginning of each chapter, as in “This chapter has to come before Tanis goes to such and such and after Trell fights so and so but before Darshan…” You get the idea. 😉
Thank you for reading!
I’ve already finished book 4 (on Audible) and now will be impatiently waiting for Book 5. I started this series in January and can honestly say that I really love the books and your writing style. I’ve grown quite attached to the characters in this series…I can’t wait to see what Book 5 brings. Thank you for the series!! And while I know and realize that it takes time to create a work of art, I admit that I will be impatiently awaiting the arrival of Book 5. Lastly, I’ll add that I wholeheartedly agree that Nick Podehl truly enhances your characters and hope that he will be narrating Book 5 as well.
Thank you so much for letting me know, Stephanie. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of being a writer to get positive feedback on their work. You put out a lot of communication, and often it feels like it just vanishes into the aether. So I really appreciate hearing from my readers/listeners.
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series on Audible. We definitely intend to keep Nick as the voice of the series through the conclusion.
I’ll be working as diligently as I can to get book five out. That’s about as much as I can say right now. Thank you for listening. 😀
These have got to be my most favorite fantasy books of all times. I am not even sure who my favorite character is. I love the humorous exchanges between characters. I love the cliff hangers at the end of the chapters. I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to see how each story would play out. I love how you wove in spiritual/quantum scientific concepts. These books are intelligent as well as exciting to read. Your an amazing writer. Thank you. I can’t wait for the next in this series. When can we expect the next one?
Thank you so much, Roni. I love knowing that you’re finding lots to appreciate in my series, and I’m very honored by your kind words. It’s been a fun game for me, trying to weave earth science into a fantasy setting. I’m glad you’re enjoying it also.
I can’t yet give a realistic outlook for book five, other than to say I’m trying to keep to the same interval of two or so years between books.
Thank you for reading. 🙂
Hey if you’re looking for more feedback from your fans and readers
Why dont you get a Facebook page? It’s where I follow most of my favorite authors
Thanks for the recommendation, Patrick. I do have a Facebook page, and it’s been a wonderful way of interacting. What a different world it is from 20 years ago!
Great series! All of the characters are their own vortices pulling you into their stories. I’ve really enjoyed listening to this series on Audible. I just wanted to say that you made a great choice with Nick Podehl as the narrator. I’ve never read any of your work before but Nick Podehl was the narrator for The Moontide Quartet by David Hair and I loved Nick’s performance so much that I found this series by looking for more works performed by him. Can’t wait for book 5!
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series on Audible, Lionel. I agree – Nick is a treasure. I feel so blessed to have him as the voice of my series. Thank you for listening. 🙂
I have just finished book four in your series and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The cast of characters and the worlds you have created are truly a work of art. I can’t wait for the fifth book in the series.
I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the series, Susan. Thank you for your kind words. I’m grateful that so many others want to spend time in this fantasy world of mine. Thank you for reading.
Loving APofS&L thru 4 books (am I the first to refer it that way? If so, TM!)! Easily one of my top 5 series, and I’ve read nearly all the big boys of epic and high fantasy. It’s up there with Malazan, Stormlight, and Riyria when it comes to great characters to root for in my (worthless) opinion!
Anyway, I think it might be time for a blog post with a Book 5 status update, many inquiring minds are interested (in my family at least) 😀
I think you’re right about that, Matt. I’ll get a post together soon, though I fear there’s not much to tell yet.
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series and honored to be included along other great authors in your esteem. Thank you for reading.
Oh my God, I want to thank you and then thank time as well, the first time I read and fell in love with your work was when Cephrael’s hand came out and I stumbled on it by accident back i think in 2015,I had hoped for an audiobook but didn’t find any and you confirmed it to me as well. I was sad as I usually listen to my novels due to the nature of my work and have not much of a free time, so the way I enjoy a fantasy novel is by listening to its audiobook.
Imagine my surprise when I found that not one but ALL of the four books are now, wow JUST WOW, you managed to get four huge, intricate and detailed books in just SEVEN YEARS , not only that but you have time to read and answer your fans and in details, I love how you react with us and love SIMPLY LOVE your novels, i truly hope once book five comes out that you will hopefully continue to write in this amazing world.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU.
Allow me to enthusiastically thank you in turn, Farah. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series on Audible. I am very lucky Podium Publishing was interested in the series. They handled the entire production, including securing Nick Podehl to be the voice of my story. It’s quite an honor to have him.
Thank you for writing to me to share your excitement. Interacting is my pleasure. Feel free to communicate any time to share your feedback and thoughts.
Thank you for listening. 🙂
And Thank you for answering, its really thrilling to know that my favorite author is there and is reading what we write and entract with us amid their crowded schedule , i can’t wait for the fifth book.
the Audiobook is amazing, Mr. Podehl is one of my favorite narrators and to have him voice Trell, Tanis ,Ean and the others is just so amazing,he brings extra life to an already vibrant and rich world that you created.
Gonna go listen to Kingdom’s Blade, just finished downloading ^_^ .
I really love strong female characters and you have written some of my favorites ,Alyneri is so far in the lead <3
Thank you for introducing us to this fantastic world.
My pleasure, Farah. Keep me posted on how you like Kingdom Blades. 🙂
Sure will, diving in it now ^_^ the 2 hours ride home will be a blast .