Wednesday, August 27, 2014

The Dying of the Light

The final book.

The last Skulduggery.

I've been writing these books since 2005, so for me it's been nine years of living with these characters, in this world. I knew saying goodbye was not going to be easy...

But I haven't had to say goodbye yet. Not really. I wrote the book. I edited. I went through it again and again. I decided on covers, on approaches. I approved tour schedules and special events. I prepared. I tweeted. I blogged. I kept busy. I kept looking forward...

But now... now (most of) the preparation is done. I just have to turn up now, and talk, or sign, or talk and sign, and meet people and go places.

It's going to sink in NOW. I can feel it.

No more Skulduggery Pleasant.


I'm going to give my usual "No Spoilers" speech now. So, like, no spoilers, people. The comment section above is for spoilers, not this one.

But even outside of this blog, please be considerate of your fellow Minions. Don't go blasting spoilers on Facebook or Twitter or Tumblr. Be subtle about it, and if you can't be subtle, go LOUD with the spoiler warning.

And when I say spoiler I don't just mean" "Oh my god, I can't believe THIS CHARACTER did THAT to THAT OTHER CHARACTER!"

I also mean spoilers in a more general sense. For example, saying things like: "Derek, I can't believe you did that! I'll never forgive you! How could you?? That was my favourite character!!"

Or: "I'm so delighted! I loved it and the ending was just what I wanted!"

You have friends, Minions, who know your hopes and dreams. They know your favourite characters. They know what you're dreading. So don't confirm any of these things when you comment, even if you make sure not to get too specific. If you love the book, tell me. If you hate the book, tell me that too. But keep in mind that other people will be reading, and if you give away what kind of ending the book has, you've just cheated them out of finding out for themselves.

I love your enthusiasm. Your enthusiasm makes these books what they are. So while you're being considerate of your friends, be sure to revel in your enthusiasm, and your excitement, and your dread, and your horror, and your happiness and your despair.

I hope you like it.

4,959 comments:

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Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(CHIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TACKLEHUGS* HELLO! HOW GOES THE PLANNING? HOW GOES THE LIFE? HOW ARE YOU?)

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: So you were inside the mind of a man who was slowly turning into his own nightmare?



*hugs Ashlea* ... Are you okay?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Indeed. Not a pleasant experience.

Ashlea: *hugs Leri back* I'm fine. You?

Chione Asahina said...

((The planning? *hugs tightly* I'm good, how are you Silente?))

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(Party planning.
I'm ill, tired and hungry so over all I'm fine. ZaffyTC hates SilTC! She sentanced her to death! Yey! XD)

Star Inkbright said...

CHI!!!

THERE IS A SPOILER POST FOR A REASON!

:(

Guys, this is the very last SP book I'm ever gonna read for the first time . . . plus don't wreck it for me . . .

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: That's fucked up. No offence.


... I'm alright... *cuddles her*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Its fine. I agree. Although I might use different terms.

Ashlea: *snuggles into Leri*

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Because you're polite.




*snuggles back against Ashlea* I love you...

Adra Cruciatus said...

*Sways gently to herself on a .circular and roofed platform in the grass*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: yes. Because I'm polite.

Ashlea: I love you too Leri...and I'm sorry so many people want to kill me...


(Brb gotta get cat food.)

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: *continues to dance* Politeness isn't good in all situations.



... It's fine... I'd put myself in any kind of danger for you...

Alastair Cruciatus said...

*appears a few steps away from Noelle* Hello, love.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Is it not?



Ashlea: but I don't want you in danger....*hugs her tightly*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(hello Alastair. Hello Noelle)

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: No. Trust me.



*hugs Ashlea tightly, back* ... If people want to kill you, I'm not going anywhere...

Adra Cruciatus said...

Hi, Alastair. *Gives a tentative wave*

Chione Asahina said...

(Why are people wearing dresses and suits? did I miss something?)

((Star that wasn't a spoiler! you don't even know if was about Zaffy or not. I promise I won't spoil anything.))

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: if you say so. I'll admit I have yet to experience a place where politeness was not necessary. Then again I have no seen what you have and therefore cannot claim to know better than you.

Ashlea: just...please don't get hurt because of me...I wouldn't mind if you just ran and left me in danger if it meant you were safe...

Chione Asahina said...

((Btw Sil, I'm writing up a chapter of my fanfic, I'm in a writing mood. I'm bored.))

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(Its the ball Chi.)

Star Inkbright said...

Yeah, but I have a horrible feeling about soemthing now. :P

And it's okay. :) *hugs* I do trust you - and all of you - pretty well. :)

Chione Asahina said...

(People had a requiem ball here...and I missed it...?)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(YEY! FANFIC! *smiles happily* I like your fanfic. Still waiting for me to show up in it *winks* joking.)

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Sometimes you have to look into the face of your enemy and tell them to go to hell. It's as simple as that.



... I'm not going to run away... We... we face any problem together...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(No you haven't missed it. This is day two of the ball. You haven't missed it at all.)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *nods* Very well. *keeps dancing*

Ashlea: so long as you don't get hurt because of me...

Chione Asahina said...

(Ahhhh but I missed the start of it! darnit.)

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: What has been your most irritating patient?




... Even if I do... You're worth it...

Alastair Cruciatus said...

May I ask why you're out here, by yourself?

Adra Cruciatus said...

*Shrugs* It was too loud inside. Didn't feel right being there..

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(yeah..you might of missed the beginning...)

Manuel: irritating? The time they brought another sensitive to me. Took me almost a week to even get into her head. And when I did there was very little to fix but a lot of attacks. Or possibly miss tempest. She is quite and irritating case..


Ashlea: no...I'm not worth you getting hurt...not in a million years. *hugs her again, tightly* don't get hurt for me...

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: I've killed her quite a few times.



*hugs Ashlea tightly, back* ... I will if I have to...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: I know you have. Me and miss tempest have weekly sessions. Not that she remembers these.


Ashlea: no...not for me...please?

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Has she said anything about me?



... Ashlea, I'm sorry but... If you're in trouble... I have to do something...

Alastair Cruciatus said...

I understand. It's hardly reminiscent of a ball, really. But however far it's strayed, it is still a ball, in theory. *offers her his hand* May I have a dance?

Adra Cruciatus said...

*Cautiously takes it* I don't dance very well..

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Occasionally. You realise I'm meant to have doctor patient confidentiality here?


Ashlea: ..but I don't want you to get hurt...

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: *shrugs* What does she say?



... Ashlea, if I have to get hurt to protect you, I will... And nothing will change that... *holds her close*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: That depends upon which time you would be talking about. Sometimes she curses your name. Occasionally she'll commend you. She respects you though. I know that.

Ashlea: *hugs her* ..just...don't do it unless you have to...

(brb food.)

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: *laughs* Cursing sounds about right. Not sure about commending.


*hugs Ashlea back* ... I won't...

Chione Asahina said...

((Has John been on?))

Dragona Pine said...

(Not that I've seen.)

Alastair Cruciatus said...

That's quite alright. Shall we join the others, merely for use of the ballroom, or seek out another?

Adra Cruciatus said...

Well.. *Looks around* Why not right here?

Chione Asahina said...

(Thanks Dragona...)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(back)

Manuel: Oh yes. Occasionally. Although usually it was slightly begrudgingly.

Ashlea: good.

Star Inkbright said...

Saphire Hunter. :)
Hunter is my main character now, but a few years ago I used to have a main character called Sapphire . . .
Wow, Chi, are you in my head? XD

My mum met a girl once (with work) and asked her what her name was, and she instantly replied "Saphire. With one P."
And my mum said that was just AWFUL because clearly her parents had just spelt the name wrong but she'd had to go through her entire life having to correct people . . .
WHat my mum didn't think of and I did was that maybe her parents had just preferred it with one 'p', but. :P

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: What's the worst insult she said?



... Do you want to dance, Ashlea?

Star Inkbright said...

Sapphire/Saphire is a beautiful name, in any case . . . I love it. <3

Chione Asahina said...

(lol Star. I may be in your head. You never know :P)

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Alright. What is your favorite dance?

Adra Cruciatus said...

*Blinks* I don't really have one. As I said, I'm not good at ballroom.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(i called my cat Sathron then later was told its spelt Saffron...I prefer Sathron.)

Manuel: The worst? *smiles* There have been many. A lot of them in French. Picking the worst would be hard. nd also I'd rather not offend you with her sat in the same room.

Ashlea: of course Leri..

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: I didn't get to Commander by being unable to take an insult, Manuel. *continues dancing*



*holds hands with Ashlea*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(Lol. Khione - Saphire Hunter, Reader of Star Inkbrights Mind.)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *spins Sophia* I know. However some of them seemed rather personal. Even miss Tempest herself regretted saying then afterwards.


Ashlea: *smiles and settles into a slow dance with Leri, staying close to her*

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Now I want to know even more than before. *moves back to him*



*puts her helmet on Ashlea's shoulder*

Inky Flame said...

Hey

Star Inkbright said...

Chi, my head is kind of private. Get out of it. XD
. . . Actually, stay in there. You might be able to make it work better. :)


@Silente: XD You're good at thinking up titles.

And I prefer Sathron too . . . Saffron is too fluffy. Sathron is cool. :)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(hey flick! @Star mm. I dont even know WHY I came up with Sathron...)

Manuel: You do? *smiles when she comes back on her own before quickly snuffing it out back to the neutral look*

Ashlea: *smiles, kissing the top of Leri's helmet gently*

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Which do you know, then?

Inky Flame said...

what is everyone up to?

Star Inkbright said...

@Silente: It reminds me of Sauron. :)

Star Inkbright said...

Hey Inky!

Um, drawing. :)

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Of course. It isn't every day I get personally insulted. Well actually, it happens more than I'd like, but that still doesn't change the fact I want to know.



*moves as close as she can against Ashlea*

Inky Flame said...

Cool Star, Im listening to music XD
got kung fu later

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: You have many enemies then?


Ashlea: *smiles, pretty much just swaying as opposed to dancing* love you Ler...

Adra Cruciatus said...

Uh.... :/ *Shrugs* I don't really remember, it was a long time ago.

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: *laughs* Yes. Yes, I do. So what was it Silente said?



*sways with her* ... I love you, too... So much...

Inky Flame said...

(Hey Sil, just noticed ur ded

brilliant XD)

Star Inkbright said...

@Inky: I'm going to start listening to music with my drawing . . . I just keep getting distracted on the way. :P

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *smiles at her laughs and the fact his distraction didn't work* Hmmm..let my try think of one of the less bad ones...


Ashlea: I'm glad...I don't deserve you but I'm glad I have you...

Inky Flame said...

I love drawing creepypasta
I drew eyeless jack eating a kidney sandwich, but in chibi form

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

Hey peeps!

Star Inkbright said...

I don't think I can draw chibis. :P

Hey Dugglyn! :)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(Being a Gentern in Repo...it'd be a compliment but It would be SOOOO weird... O_o)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(hey Duggie.)

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: I want to know the worst.




... Of course you deserve me... You haven't done anything not to deserve me... I'm yours...

Inky Flame said...

(you should totally watch it)

Inky Flame said...

(hewwo Dugg)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(I want to Flick)

Manuel: The worst as it was said or the worst...watered down?


Ashlea: no, I really don't deserve you...but I'm glad you're mine. And I'm glad I'm yours too...

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

*walks over to Ashlea and Leri*
Hey guys, I just want to say I'm sorry. I have no idea what happened to me and I would never want to hurt you Ashlea. I don't even remember want happened. It's this blank spot in my memory. Almost as if someone messed with my emotions.
*she stops, her eyes widening*
My emotions......
*her eyes fill with fury*
Erica...

Inky Flame said...

(has anyone seen the trailer for pride?)

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Alright. *pulls her into frame, and leads her through a waltz step* How is this?

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: As it was said. Word for word.



... You scared me, Dugglyn... And you hurt Ashlea...
... Erica? ... Erica did this? Bosh'tet...

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

(No I haven't Inky..)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Ashlea: its okay Dug...its...*shys away when her eyes fill with anger* D-Dug?

Inky Flame said...

(Just wondering cos I saw it in the flicks today and it is set in wales...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZfFvsKDuUU)

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

*hangs her head*
I'm so sorry....
I understand if you don't forgive me but I had to say sorry and I want you to know I will help protect you guys from anyone who tries to hurt you.

*she looks up*
And yes, Erica makes sense...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Okay...empty your mind please.

Dragona Pine said...

... I... I forgive you Dugglyn... It wasn't you who was doing it... It was Erica... Thank you...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Erica and James: *are at the food table*

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Why?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Ashlea: it was Erica?

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

Oh, Ash that wasn't for you! It was Erica. I'm pretty sure she was responsible for this....

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: You said you wanted it word for word. The best way for me to do that would be to project it into your mind. That is if you aren't opposed to that?

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

I'm gonna talk to her....
*walks over to Erica*
*her voice is hard*
Hello Erica.

Inky Flame said...

*bursts in* Hellloooo

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Yes, I'm opposed to it. If I wanted to get mindfucked, I'd go and get myself indoctrinated. I just want to know what she said.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Erica: Hello Dugglyn darling. You're looking well.

Star Inkbright said...

"I'm so sorry....
I understand if you don't forgive me but I had to say sorry and I want you to know I will help protect you guys from anyone who tries to hurt you."
That was a really good apology. :O

Adra Cruciatus said...

*Moves through it slowly with him, looking down at her feet to try to move correctly*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *blinks* Oh. Forgive me. I..didn't mean to intrude. 'What does that worthless metal bitch know about me! She's even more screwed up. Why is she even fucking here no one wants her here! No one likes her! Not her boyfriend, i bet her parents were happy to get away from that trigger happy psycho of a failure!' That was one of her worst. *steps slightly away from Sophia, making the gap between then bigger*

Inky Flame said...

*hiccups* s s soooo *slurs* w w whaaat isssss yooooouuuu tallllking aboooout?

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

(Thanks Star! :))))))
Oh yes, thanks Erica.
Especially for yesterday.
What was that all about?!
Why would you do that, disrupt the ball and make me hate Ashlea?!
And give me at least one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right. Now.

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Hm. I expected it to be a bit more insulting, if I'm honest. She called me metal?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Erica: *laughs* forgive me Dugglyn. I simply couldn't resist making a little drama.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *is looking at his feet now, as if he needs to concentrate on his steps* I presume the ones in French are worse. And yes, she was referring to how you usually are in your armour.

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: I've had worse. *moves closer to him again* Thanks for telling me.

Inky Flame said...

I better get ready byii

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *looks up when she gets closer* Of course. You asked, what else was I to do? The information involved you. You had a right to know.

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

*is about to attack Erica when she stops*
I'll be right back...
*walks over to Sophia and Manuel*
Sorry for interrupting but Sophia, if someone lets just say Erica, were to make you really hate, and try to kill someone, let's just say Ashlea. Afterwards would you be allowed to kill Erica?

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Still.
*looks at Dugglyn* I'm not stupid. I was there last night. You don't have to speak theoretically. Of course I would be allowed to kill Erica.

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

Soy sauce, I felt like it. So can I do it? Or at least hurt her?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *looks at Dugglyn, stepping slightly back from Sophia* We are at a ball remember. Not a brawl.

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Kill her. *rolls up her dress and draws one of her pistols, and gives it to Dugglyn*

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Manuel, are you scared of me?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Of course not Sophia. Why do you ask?

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

*gives an apologetic to Manuel. She hadn't realized what had been happening*
I know, but she made me try to kill Ashlea and almost got me killed!

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: You step away from me as soon as we mention violence.

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

*takes the gun*
Thanks!
(Brb breakfast!)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: No. I do not fear you. I was simply trying to be respectful.

Alastair Cruciatus said...

*pulls her closer, so she can't look at her feet* Proper form is to look up and to the left, not down, love.

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: It's no problem, Dugglyn. Just take her out as soon as you get chance. Don't mess around. Kill her before she has chance to manipulate you.

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Respectful, how?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Respectful as in not intruding on personal space.

Adra Cruciatus said...

But I'll mess up if I don't look!

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: Ah. Thank you.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: You're welcome. I meant no disrespect towards you.

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: That's good. Shall we continue dancing?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Indeed. *takes up position again and resumes the dance* Have you gotten used to the dress yet?

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: I think so. *starts dancing again* I still would rather be in my armour. And I still don't like the back of it. But it isn't too bad.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *nods* At least you are slightly more used to it now. That way it won't be a distraction should anything happen. *spins her*

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Have faith in yourself. You won't have to look if you follow my cues. Step back when I lean forward, forward when I lean back, and to the side when I move you there. *leads her through a few basic steps, not letting her look at her feet*

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: *moves back to him again* What kind of things would it distract me from?

Adra Cruciatus said...

*Stumbles a little through the steps, but tries her hardest; she's done this before, but it's always been hard to do*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Any number of things that could happen. Even a slight distraction can be dangerous after all. And you are on guard are you not?

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: I am. It's a reflex. I am always ready.

Alastair Cruciatus said...

There, darling, you haven't messed up yet. *attempts to lead her through a turn*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: *nods* Not a bad reflect to have. Unless you allow it to prevent you from relaxing now and again.

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

(Back!)
*hides the gun in the folds of her skirt and skips over to Erica*
Hello! I'm back!

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: I don't relax. I'm bad at relaxing.

Dragona Pine said...

(Food brb.)

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

(Kk Draggie! ^.^)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(Kk.)

Manuel: You should. Relaxing can sharpen your senses. Make you more aware and more focused. It's good for you.

Adra Cruciatus said...

*Does her absolute best to do it correctly, and likes to thing that she did it well, though she can't tell*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Erica: *pulls James close and whispers something to him*
*the both disappear, James returning a moment later without her*

Dugglyn Carzainia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dugglyn Carzainia said...

(Forget that!)

Dragona Pine said...

(Back.)

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

*manually curses*
*smiles at James*
Where'd Erica go?
(Gtg. Going on a boat. Will be back in about 30 minutes (?)))

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: How can relaxing make me more focused? Relaxing will make me less focused on what actually matters. I don't need a rest.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: Allowing your brain time to relax rejuvenates it. It's much like if you stay awake all night you are tired and struggle to focus in the morning. But if you allow yourself to sleep you aren't.

Dragona Pine said...

Sophia: I am fine. *continues to dance*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Manuel: If you insist. *spins her* although you should relax at some point.

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

Almost filled this post!

Elleni the Ghost said...

GOING TO CHURCH BAI MY DAD LOOKS LIKE GOKU

Dugglyn Carzainia said...

GHOST CHICKENS IN THE SKY!!!!!!!!!
I know you want to eat my mom and I don't know if you want it to be neighbors and friends house is not that I!

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