SPOILER ALERT!!!

Hi Jim,

I actually picked up a copy of this book a while back and just got around to reading it. For the most part, I liked it, but I do have one question; were you trying to piss everyone off with that ending? You left it wide open and don’t tell your audience whether or not Xaphine get’s reunited with Piero! What gives?? Come on, help us out!

Thanks,
Lucas

Hi Lucas,

I nearly fell out of my chair when I read this. I didn’t expect to see someone write me about one of my older books. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they’re still making the rounds as I worked hard on them. This one especially as General Xaphine was one of my strongest characters.

Okay… where to start…

To answer your question, I am not trying to piss my readers off anymore than the next guy who leaves the book open. However, I did it for a reason. See, when I wrote Divinity and it’s follow-up, it was my intention for the story to be a direct criticism of church leadership and blind faith. Given the recent problems with the church covering for pedophiles, this is particularly relevant today.

To that end, after laying out my case as to why we should meet the teachings of our elders and religious leaders with a healthy dose of skepticism, I thought it would be hypocritical of me to make the decision for God as to whether or not Xaphine earns her redemption or not. I wanted the reader to look at the evidence, look at the surrounding details, factor in General Xaphine’s war record, her crimes after the war, her mental state following her exile, and her motives. I also wanted them to look at the God I created for the book, based on my own interpretations of multiple religions, and decide the answer to this questions for themselves;

“Would God forgive someone who had fallen so far? Is someone who has done what she’s done and guilty of her crimes, worthy of being redeemed?”

So I’ll turn it back to you. Based on what you read, what you learned, and how you felt, is General Xaphine someone who should be forgiven for her crimes? Does she deserve a second chance? Was her turn away from evil enough to remove the stain from her soul? Don’t let anyone tell you one way or another. What do you believe?

Did she redeem herself and spend eternity with the one she loves?

or

Did the darkness win out at the end and consume her?

Your answer is the answer and no one can take that away from you.

Anyway, I hope that helps! Readers, how do you handle open endings?

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.

jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com

I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.

Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Also, feel free to check out my works of Fantasy and Historical Fiction, Available on Amazon and where ever books are sold. See the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/James-Harrington/e/B00P7FBXTU

Note:
If you have read my books, PLEASE log into Amazon and post a review. I really love to hear everyone’s thoughts and constructive criticisms. Reviews help get my book attention and word of mouth is everything in this business!

Thanks friends!

Catch you on the flip side!

-Jim