Around ten years ago I wrote my first fantasy manuscript and titled it The Lord of Emperia and that story began to expand. I explored the origins of the various characters and developed a history for the storyworld that, simply put, became too complicated for a single volume. The Sword of the Dragon series was born. When I wrote the first novel I was forced to split it in two… Well, I’ve done it again!
In the original manuscript for The Sword of the Dragon series I did not have the character of Specter, nor did Ilfedo ever take a journey through the subterranean tunnels under the Resgerian desert. He never discovered the city of Dresdyn. But in my third novel Key of Living Fire I could not resist the many ideas for deepening the characters and relationships in the series. The result has been that the fourth novel In Search of Dragons was divided by two large story arcs that were both necessary to the series.
As I worked on writing the manuscript I came to realize that both stories deserve their own novel. So the result is that The Sword of the Dragon book four gains a new title The Phantom’s Blade and In Search of Dragons becomes book five. The up side to this outcome? There is more story for readers to enjoy and deeper character development.
Cover art for The Phantom’s Blade is under way and I am writing the final quarter of the manuscript. Looking to release this book Fall 2015.
Question: Are you looking forward to The Phantom’s Blade?
CAN’T WAIT Scott!! I’ve enjoy the series and the world that you’ve created and you know what…The more the merrier they say. In a series like Sword of the Dragon the more books that keep the pace, thrill, adventures and wonders presented in every page turn is more than welcomed by me and I’m willing to say as well as your other fans of this series!!
Look forward to continuing this story and journey that you, like Gandalf, have simply nudged me and others out our doors of this world into a journey into another!! Thank you!!
🙂 Glad you’re so excited! There is plenty more to the The Sword of the Dragon stories to keep me busy writing for years to come.
Of course! One of the reasons I love your writing is because of the way you develop your characters, their relationships, and the world they live in. Having another book just means that we get to delve deeper into this fabulous world that you have created!
Well then I guess the consensus so far from everyone is that more books in the series is a good thing. 🙂 I’m good with that!
It is a good thing, and I’m with you all the way! In my opinion, your series ranks far above the Narnia series, both in the way its written, and in its plots and subplots! Hope you’ll keep writing, and that you finish this one soon!
P.S. Is there a website I can pre-order the fourth one from yet?
Thanks Jack! I think you’re really going to like how The Phantom’s Blade deepens the characters and wraps up the City of Dresdyn story arc.
When the book is available you will be able to order direct from this website if you wish. If you haven’t already, subscribe for updates so you don’t miss a post.
Hmm, does ordering from the website mean that you will autograph them? I usually buy used books but I make exceptions for ones that are signed.
Yes! We get to visit Dresdyn again! *Silently prays that the whole “spaceship(?)” thing gets explained*
Hi KT,
Yes, I do sign books that are purchased off my website! As to your “spaceship” question, that will be addressed in a future The Sword of the Dragon novel. That portion of the story hints at a more ancient history than Ilfedo’s and will be pivotal in future expansion novels!
You have no idea how tempting it is to re-buy my Scott Appleton books to have them signed. Oh well, I can force myself to wait until fall.
Ooh, expansion novels! I can wait for an explanation in order to get more books!
When is it coming out?
This book released yesterday. Just follow the Amazon link on my blog sidebar or search The Phantom’s Blade on Amazon.
Is the fifth book out ? If it is I cont find it anywhere
No the fifth book is not out yet. I have some of the material but it is not written. But the good news is that Neverqueen2 comes out in 2 months! and that series is also in The Sword Of The Dragon world. Have you read Neverqueen yet?
I read “The Phantoms Blade” and I am so excited to read the rest of the story! This is my favorite book series so far. I read the first one when I was in fourth grade and I just finished rereading the first four books, they are amazing. After rereading them I understood them way better. These books are just amazing. I must ask, when is the fifth book going to come out?
Hi Seth,
I am thrilled that you are loving the books! Neverqueen is the next continuation of THE SWORD OF THE DRAGON series. Book 5 IN SEARCH OF DRAGONS will be the direct continuation after THE PHANTOM’S BLADE but that one is not written yet. I expect to write it next year.
Did you read NEVERQUEEN yet?