Thursday, July 26, 2012

Spoiling...


Okay then...

For those of you who have read KOTW, first of all, I'm glad you seem to be liking it, but I'm going to have to ask you to be careful. And for those of you who haven't read it- which is the vast majority of you- I'm going to have to ask you to be EXTRA careful. There are spoilers all over the place, on forums and Facebook pages and Tumblr... 

The heartening thing is that these spoilers don't pop out of thin air. Everything is tagged with spoiler warnings, which I really appreciate. But I know you lot. I know how impatient you can be. I know that if you're on a forum and you come to a post that's hidden behind a spoiler warning, and all it takes is one little click... I know how tempting it is to just sneak a teeny tiny peek...

Which could ruin the entire book for you.

We have, what, 35 days until it's widely available? That's a lot of days for mistakes to be made, or for something to slip out...

So be careful. I was never a fan of releasing this book so far in advance of the Ireland/UK date but I was convinced it was necessary in order to facilitate the tour. If it doesn't work out, it won't be happening again. I don't know what that would mean for any future Down Under tours, but I'll deal with that if it crops up. 

So, I want to thank everyone for behaving themselves as far as spoilers go, and ask that they continue to be very, very careful about what they say. 

And also, some of those spoilers (of which I am allowed to read, because, y'know, I wrote the book) and your reactions to them have made me grin...


4,879 comments:

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Niamhy Jay said...

@Avotica You don't like Valkyrie either??

Nixion Strange said...

I dedicate this to hoping that the fact I know the biggest plot twist in the book doesn't mean the book isn't enjoyable!

Mary Contrary said...

NJ! *glomps*
NO!
Don't Go!
I wish to speeaaak to youuu...

I agree, Avotica.
I've always doubted Valkyrie's reflection as simply a reflection.
I often pictured it as Darquesse, actually...

Bye Lynxia! *waves madly*

Avotica said...

@NJ-really long name
No I don't like her
You don't like her?
I'm not alone...

Mary Contrary said...

I don't like her, either. Valkyrie, I mean.
Just like to point that out. ^^

Niamhy Jay said...

Nixion, why did you spoil that on yourself when you only had to wait like 3 days??
I know one teeny tiny spoiler.
I was told "2"
But I refuse to believe one of them to be true. So it isnt.
Not until I see it in the book anyway :P

Mary Contrary said...

I haven't seen any spoilers. Yet.
I plan to hide from anything Skulduggery Pleasant related. Just for a little while. Not the Blog though. Of course. But, Facebook and such...
I'm not having anything ruined again...

Niamhy Jay said...

I hate her.
I actually can't stand her anymore.
I used to but it slowly started going down hill for me but then book 6 happened and she just plummeted off a cliff into the rocky abyss for me.

Also you can just call me NJ everyone does :)

Niamhy Jay said...

Hey Taia!!
*hugs*
How are you??

Avotica said...

Don't know any spoilers
Because I'm too much under the rock to notice the world of spoilers

Pink Stephanie I don't think would be Darquesse, but maybe some shade of her. I imagine her being much more dangerous than she appears. Hense not telling Stephanie all of the memories. Not a glitch. It was purposeful. It's her life and she will have the power to take her own life, get rid of the double. Which one is real?

Nixion Strange said...

It was an accident!
It was because this person had been putting their stories under this spoiler tag, and it was a joke, because he was acting like it was part of the actual series, but on this one spoiler tag, it was the actual spoiler

Avotica said...

I never liked Stephanie from the start, or Valkyrie. She was just not likable. Not in the way that other characters are, like Bella from a twilight who had no character, but rather her character overshadows other characters to a point where everything is about her when it's not. Hense being the main character.

My friend once said I was a bit like Valkyrie. Granted this was after the second book, so she wasn't fully developed. I was still insulted. He apologized later though.

Niamhy Jay said...

Maybe he or she made it up?
:P

Nixion Strange said...

No, because a few other people posted beneath it (without mentioning it) Oh yeah, that one really surpirsed me when I read it and stuff like that

Avotica said...

I also really, REALLY, disliked the name Stephanie

I wonder if Derek reads these comments anymore because when he first started the blog I pretty much spammed him about how much I disliked Stephanie/Valkyrie and how frustrated I was that there was so little information about the reflection, even though the hints were not subtle but not revealing either.

Niamhy Jay said...

SAME HERE!!
I have been told the same. I just glared at the person and said, "Take that back, and walk away."
And they did.
:D
I love China! She is my favourite Female Character.
And as you can tell by my name, I love Fletcher. A LOT.
To me, you cannot truly love Fletcher, unless you hate Val, especially after book 6 :L
But that's just me.

Mary Contrary said...

I'm okay, thanks NJ. *hugs back*
How're you??

Nixion, I came across a couple of Spoilers for Death Bringer because there was, for me, quite a delay between the release of the book and my getting hold of it...
So, I haven't a clue which Spoiler you're talking about. :P

Nixion Strange said...

For KOTW Taia

Niamhy Jay said...

Well don't tell me what it is Nix :P

Nixion Strange said...

I'll tell you, fine, stop baggering me

Avotica said...

NJ is going to dislike me now because I hated Fletcher. I mean, it was an interesting character but I didn't like him at all. I just wanted him to go away. I was half expecting him to do a Rory and become lovable for me but it didn't happen. Calaen or whatever the vampires name was, he was hilarious.

I was a Tanith fan, but I also wish Derek got to kill her off in the first book like he wanted to because it's just traumatizing watching what he's doing with her.

I liked Ryan.
Poor Ryan.

Niamhy Jay said...

I am good. Happy there is another person on here who hate Val as much as I do.
:D

There are people on Twitter who hate her as well and there is a forum specially dedicated to disliking Val. I think it's brilliant!!

I talk to ones on twitter who are part of this Fandom SO MUCH FUN!!

Mary Contrary said...

Ah. That makes more sense, Nixion. :P:
NJ, when I finally get around to continuing my FanFiction, I plan to have you and Fletch there, on several occaisions. ;)

And, I actually liked the name Stephanie, I think. Not so much the character.
In my opinion, the series could do with more Clarabelle....

Avotica said...

Twitter eludes me. I tried it but it got too complicated and all that
I don't even like Facebook
I am a horrible stalker
I have a good stalker friend, so I ask her to stalk for me
She rarely does. Mostly stalks for herself. Accidentally sometimes.

I dislike Stephanie more than Valkyrie, but neither of them are people I would be friends with

Niamhy Jay said...

I hated Caelan.
At the end of every book he was in I was like
"Please die Caelan, please die.... NO!!"
That was DD and MC for me
Then in DB I was like "Please Die Caelan PLEASE JUST DIE YOU FREAK!!.... YES FINALLY!!!!!'"
And I danced and Celebrated his death :P
I really hated him!

Avotica said...

And Clarabelle is hilarious

Nixion Strange said...

Dinner
Bye!

Mary Contrary said...

I like Tanith.
And I still have a LOT of theories as to how she'll be coming back...

I think Valkyrie tries too hard.
At everything. She tries to hard to win, to cast shadows over everybody else, and to act like she's hardly trying at all...

Niamhy Jay said...

I'm sorry but what I have to say is true:

Valkyrie has her head shoved so far up her own arse it's sticking out the other end again and going round for a 3RD time!!

Niamhy Jay said...

I love Clarabelle.
She is so hilarious!
She makes me laugh so much!

Niamhy Jay said...

I like Tanith as well.
She is one of my Favourites.
I cried when she got possessed.
I really did.

Mary Contrary said...

NJ, Caelan's Death Bringer experience came as a spoiler before I'd read it, for me. It wasn't nearly as enjoyable as it might have otherwise been...

Clarabelle has to be my favourite character in the series. Right next to Desmond and Finbar.
They're just too good to be true...

Avotica said...

Have a nice dinner, Nix

I agree with Taia. She's not a bad person, but she tries too hard to impress everyone and she's become this thing that's probably not even her.

Really didn't need the visual, NJ...

Mary Contrary said...

LOL NJ!
Well, that's one way of describing Valkyrie, I guess. :P

Bye, Nixion! *waves*

Niamhy Jay said...

It is figurative speaking.
You don't have to imagine it. :P

Avotica said...

I love Finbar

He amuses me to no end

Niamhy Jay said...

Bye Nix!!

Niamhy Jay said...

Finbar is Brilliant.

Anyone else here Love Ghastly??

Avotica said...

It's a bit hard to not imagine something when it's written I'm such a vivid manner, my dear

Kribu said...

I don't think I'd like Valkyrie as a person very much, in real life.

I love Valkyrie as a character - to a very large extent because she's so very far from perfect. She's self-centred, lacks empathy, has occasionally a far too high opinion of herself (granted, she's also got some reasons for that), and generally isn't very likeable, but I love that she's so complicated - that she's such an awesome mix of being a complicated, self-centred teenager on the one hand, and yet still struggling to do the right thing and try and not give in to the evil in her too easily.

She's not a very nice person to hang out with (unless one is Skulduggery), but at least she does occasionally recognise her faults. She's just so... interesting. Multi-faceted.

It's really not very surprising she doesn't have all that many friends, though (and didn't even before meeting Skul and finding out about magic or her powers).

Avotica said...

How can you not love Ghastly?
I almost had a heart attack when he died in Death Bringer

Niamhy Jay said...

SAME HERE!!
I love him!
He is like me in that he drinks LOTS of tea!!

Avotica said...

Kribu raises a good point

She's an interesting character
I just don't like her

I wanted Doctor Nye to dissect her some more
I like how creepy Doctor Nye is

Mary Contrary said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mary Contrary said...

I love Ghastly.
One phrase that I almost always find myself thinking is 'I'm not one of life's greater conversationalists, so you'll have to help me out here.'
Or, something along those lines.
He drinks tea, and doesn't tend to keep up long conversations.
Reminds me of myself...

Avotica said...

The Ghastly and Tainth situation pains me
A lot

Niamhy Jay said...

Same!

Niamhy Jay said...

I cried for Ghastly.
I will cry if anything happens to him! I really will!

Avotica said...

Poor baby Alice

I like the name Alice

Hey...
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, anyone?

Mary Contrary said...

I never cried, for anything that's occurred in the Skulduggery Books.
Maybe that makes me sound heartless, but it's true.
Derek has yet to force tears from my eyes with the words on pages of a book...

Niamhy Jay said...

Love that!!
Have you read the book??
Have you read Through the Looking Glass?

Kribu said...

I like Ghastly, too.
And Tanith.
And I love China.

Skulduggery, China and Valkyrie are my favourite characters, though - I like almost everyone, but it's those three who have been the most constantly complex and interestingly grey throughout the series.

The others on the "good" side are great people, but slightly less intriguing as characters; the best of the bad guys make for great comic relief, but apart from some moments here or there, they're also pretty straightforward.

I love those characters the most who make me wonder and think and speculate, and that's been Skul, Val and China for me.

Avotica said...

I can't remember if I finished Through the Looking Glass
I remember starting it
They didn't make much sense, Disney tried to give them meaning but there really isn't any

Raechel Hudson said...

I have a question for the illustrous Mr. Landy! Would it be at all possible for you to explain some of the fighting moves that the action scenes in the books have? I notice that you use the phrase 'he/she flipped them over his/her hip'. I love the action sequences, don't get me wrong, but when I get to that particular move, the film in my head stalls and my brain goes "We got nutin' captain!"

Avotica said...

I was a bit of a Mr Bliss fan
Until..
Well, you know

Avotica said...

Raechel... That confused me too
Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't know how to flip someone over their hip like that...

Mary Contrary said...

I always preferred less major characters in books. I think, because they're so perplexing.
Not everything about them is laid out in front on you, so there's a lot to work out. A lot to think about.
It's good, because you can decide for yourself why certain things happen, or how and why they'd react to certain things in certain ways.

Niamhy Jay said...

I love China!
I WANT HER LIBRARY!!
I love how she is just cold. Although she has secrets and stuff she isnt Fake, if you understand what I mean.

Avotica said...

I agree, Taia

I have to take a shower. The Internet distracted me.

See you guys later.

Niamhy Jay said...

That Taia is why I love China.
You can wonder to yourself what Drove China to such Evils. There had to be something to Drive her.

Niamhy Jay said...

Bye Avotica!!
Nice to meet you!!

Mary Contrary said...

*nods*
I do like China.
But I also don't, sometimes.
I don't like the exquisite dressing, and how far she'll go to get what she wants. I find it almost distressing, in an odd kind of way...

Niamhy Jay said...

LoL

Mary Contrary said...

Bye Avotica!
It was nice meeting you!!

Avotica said...

I am nice to meet, aren't I?

I never really liked China... Though I'm not sure why... Maybe it was because I dislike it when people use others emotions to hold power ofer them. I assume she can't really help that though.

Anyway, off I go

Nixion Strange said...

WAKA WAKA WAKA WAKA WAKA WAKA WAKA

Niamhy Jay said...

Bye!!

Niamhy Jay said...

That makes me think of Shakira's Song Nix :P

Nixion Strange said...

PACMAN! How could you not get that?

Mary Contrary said...

But, I do like that China realised that what she'd believed all of her life was wrong, and left it.
I like the use of symbols, too. I think they show that she values each part of something, and not just one. You have protection, and aggression, and speed, to use whenever you wish. I think she realises that each can't really exist without the other. I liem that.

Niamhy Jay said...

I don't play PacMan

Niamhy Jay said...

I love the Sigils!!

Nixion Strange said...

*rolls eyes*
No one does, but everyone knows what WAKA WAKA is

Raechel Hudson said...

What kinda games do we all play then?
Personally, I love Minecraft! :D

Nixion Strange said...

Which reminds me, I need my new character depretely

Mary Contrary said...

*nods* That what I disliked about China, too, Avotica.

*blinks at her last comment* "I leim that"?
That'd make more sense as "I like that"...

Nixion Strange said...

I tried minecraft for the first time today
I didn't like it, mainly because I had no idea what I was doing

Niamhy Jay said...

I personally don't play video games.

Raechel Hudson said...

First step: Punch the trees! :D

Nixion Strange said...

It took my ages to figure out how to punch

Mary Contrary said...

I play PacMan in my IT classes, when I'm just too bored to create spreadsheets for another hour...

And, if we're speaking of games, now, I have a lot to talk about. :P
Final Fantasy IX is epicality, on so many levels.

Niamhy Jay said...

I'm gonna go for a bit.
I haven't had breakfast yet and it's half 12 in the Afternoon. :P
Mmmm... Food...

Any who, BYE EVERYONE
*hugs*

Mary Contrary said...

Aww, Bye NJ!
*glomps*


It's half 12? Maybe I should go find some breakfast, too...

Mary Contrary said...

*nods* Yeah, I'm hungry now. :P
Might be back later...
Bye all!
*hugs*

Nixion Strange said...

Bye NJ!

Nixion Strange said...

Bye Taia!

Star Inkbright said...

Hi people!

*laughs at the Val haters* You DO know that Derek based Valkyrie off his irl friend Laura, don't you? I think you all just insulted Laura . . .

Star Inkbright said...

And when you said it was no wonder Val had barely any friends . . . What does that say about Derek?

Star Inkbright said...

I will be here, albeit distantly, until I say otherwise.

Kribu said...

People who have higher than average intelligence (I don't think many people doubt that Val's pretty smart for her age, and as problem-solving or thinking on her feet goes), exceptional abilities and a rather abrasive nature (in a "don't suffer fools gladly" way) don't tend make friends easily, especially not among their age-mates when young.

I don't think it's all that insulting to say that.

With Val, I think it's also that she isn't really interested in making friends for the sake of making friends - she either gets on with people or she doesn't, and she gets on with the people who she deems worth getting on with or has some sort of interest in.

Seriously though - the one friend around her own age we've seen her with in the series is Fletcher, and... honestly? She treated Fletcher pretty badly throughout the books, including during when she was most enamoured with him (around Mortal Coil).

She made fun of him, she cheated on him, she used him when it was convenient for her, she didn't as much as ever consider sharing any of her secrets with him (considering Fletcher was supposed to be her boyfriend, it's kind of telling it apparently never even occurred to her to wonder if she should try and have a heart-to-heart chat with him about, well, anything even semi-important)...

She's a great friend to Skulduggery. She's a good friend to Tanith, and I think she genuinely cares/cared about Tanith. But with almost anyone else, apart from her family perhaps, Valkyrie comes first for Valkyrie - and not just that, it simply doesn't even occur to her that she'd need to give something, too.

And I really do like her as a character, and I think it's fascinating to see her occasionally realise these things about herself. It also seemed that Fletcher's anger at her in DB got through to her, at least somewhat, plus perhaps with growing up a bit, she might get a little better at that people thing (at least she was much better with Ryan in TEOTW, although her first instinct was still to brush him off as an irritating insect - but then she seemed to realise what she was doing).

I don't think she's a people person in general, though, apart from a few select people "worthy" of her admiration and friendship. And... well, that's okay? Lots of people are like that. I'm like that. Doesn't mean I'd want her as a friend, because, well, I don't think she'd find me worthy, and I don't much care for being used and discarded, but it also doesn't mean I think she's a bad person.

(And all that is about Valkyrie. Who is a character in a book. With special magical powers, saving the world a number of times, and an evil alter ego living inside her. I don't think one can quite make one-to-one comparisons here with real people, including people that the characters are based on.)

Star Inkbright said...

Hear, hear. Nice speech Kribu.

Unknown said...

i am super jealous of NZ/Aussie minions! I am seriously considering moving down under -_-

Niamhy Jay said...

Star, it's just my opinion. I don't like people who act the way she does in real life, so that opinion is going to reflect on characters of the same Nature.
And I'm not saying anything about Derek. He is awesome and I'm sure Laura's a lovely person.
People have different views on things and that is to be expected.
Not Everyone is going to like Valkyrie, but not everyone is going to hate her either.
Sure there are people that hate China, but I love her.
It's all to do with interpretation and point of View.

Niamhy Jay said...

CRYSTAL!!
*hugs*
I haven't seen you in ages!!
How have you been?!

Star Inkbright said...

I know. I was just reminding you, she's a real live person. Kind of.

Star Inkbright said...

Hi, everyone who appeared.

Niamhy Jay said...

Not exactly.
I write characters based on my friends, but when I actually transfer them from real life to paper, that are actually nothing a like because you also have to alter them to the situations which they are in.
*shrugs* Maybe that just happens with me, I dont know.

Star Inkbright said...

Well, a few years ago, before I'd heard of SP, there was a Laura Interview *points to old blog posts* and Laura said she didn't let Derek make Valkyrie do anythink that Laura wouldn't do herself.

Star Inkbright said...

Oh, and I'll probs distonate now. Want to get some writing done.

Niamhy Jay said...

Okay. Bye!!

Anonymous said...

bu-but *sighs.* Ok your Highness. I'll wait. *mutters under breath about God knows what*

Niamhy Jay said...

Hey Luna!!

Star Inkbright said...

*looks at profile pic considoringly*

Niamhy Jay said...

That is such a pretty pic Star!!

Niamhy Jay said...

33 days 9 hours and 31 minutes
Until official release in IRELAND!!

Star Inkbright said...

Hi Luna!

Thanks NJ. But it's only pretty when it's big. *flicks through Google Images*

Star Inkbright said...

*looks at pic again* Now, how does this look?

Star Inkbright said...

No, that one's terrible.

Star Inkbright said...

My waterfall pics are all saved with such imaginative names. *laughs*:

magic waterfall blue
magic waterfall grey
magic waterfall brown

Niamhy Jay said...

Okay I really like that one you have now. Its magical!

Star Inkbright said...

Big, it is SO BEAUTIFUL. I fell in love with it at first sight. But my fantasy waterfall was better, I think.

Star Inkbright said...

Here comes fantasy waterfall blue!!!!!

Niamhy Jay said...

Oh!!

Luciana said...

I'm here for a while.
I could do with getting first, if anyone minds when we get there?
I need to apologize to someone.
And I don't really know /how/...But everyone always compliments my dedications, so...I thought this would be a good way to apologize...

Star Inkbright said...

. . . I don't get how there can be so many beautiful pics on one google images page. It is beyond me.

Niamhy Jay said...

No bother Luce!
Also HI!!
*hugs*

Star Inkbright said...

Hi L!

Course I'll let you get first.

Niamhy Jay said...

Luce, want some help speeding up getting to the bottom of the page?

Star Inkbright said...

Google 'magic wtaerfalls'. The images are amazing.

Luciana said...

Hello.
I feel so goddamn bad.

WHY AM I SO BAD WITH PEOPLE? ¬_¬

Luciana said...

Okay.
So I just apologized to Sam.
Which took a lot.
Now I just need to work out the best way to apologize to Hb...

Star Inkbright said...

*waterfalls

Niamhy Jay said...

Luce what happened??

Star Inkbright said...

*smiles at L* :)

Luciana said...

*smiles weakly at Star* You are one of the few people that actually pays attention to what I say. And, for that, I love you even more. *hugs Star*

He yelled at me. Then I got angry at him for yelling at me for making a mistake. Now I feel bad, because he just apologized. But I am really bad at apologizing...

Niamhy Jay said...

Wanna go on FB and chat?

Also, to fill up th comments to get dedications, what I've learned is shouting out random words is always fun and puts a smile onto the face :)

Luciana said...

Okay, NJ. Kallie is talking to me about it, as well...
I just feel so rotten...

Niamhy Jay said...

I know that feeling.
Also
JELLY BABIES!!

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

morning

Derek Landy said...

Raechel and Avotica- a nice example of a hip throw (and armbar, which also features in KOTW) can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kemcyzbz8j4

And all of you are absolutely right- Val isn't always the nicest person in the world. But then again, neither is Laura. But that's what you have to expect when you're dealing with strong people with strong, forceful personalities. The people who like her LOVE her, and she really doesn't care about anyone else.

Luciana said...

I actually feel sick.
That's how bad I feel...

If anyone says anything about gummy bears I will kill you. Okay? Good.

Morning, Zaf.

Luciana said...

Afternoon, Derek. If you stay, that is...

Niamhy Jay said...

Hey Derek!!
Did you answer my Question??
Do you like Fleetwood Mac??!!??!!

Niamhy Jay said...

Hey Zaf!!
*hugs*
How're you??

Luciana said...

Derek, if you read this...
We want a signing in Sheffield.
And, mind saying hello to Hellboy for me? I kinda made him angry at me...And then he apologized, but now I don't know how to apologize. And he just gave me the biggest ego boost in the world. It was much needed, too. He's a great person and people should recognize him, more.

SunnyClyde said...

Why does it have to australia????? come to leeds cos we LUUURRRVVVEEE you!!!!!!!!!!

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Hi Derek!!!!

Luciana said...

I am terrible.
Why the f*ck can I not apologize to people?
Why am I so complicated?

And why do I have no money? I found another SP book to buy...When my other one arrives I'll have 31.

Niamhy Jay said...

My little cousin lives in Leeds!!

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

I'm laughing hysterically at Taylor. She's sitting next to me and sees Derek's comment going: "Writing guy!!!"

Niamhy Jay said...

Aww that's so cute!!

Niamhy Jay said...

Who here likes Fleetwood Mac??

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

I know right! She's four with the southern accent similar to Billy-Ray. I read Scepter to her and then she loved it.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

What is Fleetwood Mac?

Niamhy Jay said...

Aww that is actually so cute!!

When Aiden, my little cousin in Leeds, is older I'm going to get him to read the Books!!
He is going to love them!!

Derek Landy said...

Hi Luciana- hi Hellboy! Luciana is very sorry for whatever it was she did. Naughty Luciana!

NJ- errrr, not the BIGGEST Fleetwood Mac fan ever, but that's because I don't really know their music. When I first heard of them I was into angry, angry metal, so I never gave them a chance...!

Hi Zafira, and Taylor, and, um, the Death Bringer...

Niamhy Jay said...

Did... Did you just ask what Fleetwood Mac is??

They're an AMERICAN band from the 60s 70s and 80s and they are awesome!!
You are BOUND to have heard of Stevie Nicks, right?

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

I can't help but notice the previous conversations....


Quite honestly, I love Valkyrie's character (could you tell by the name?). I like how she's a straight forward person and she makes clever remarks. That's the kind of person I can get along with well, and the kind of person I like. And Valkyrie's not a wimp - so there's no moaning, no moping around whenever something bad happens. She just gets over it and fights, because she has to.

I mean, yes, it's very wrong to cheat on your boyfriend (even people who haven't dated know that) and I don't agree with her doing it, but I just think that maybe she was just kind of confused... I don't know, I haven't been that age yet. She said she got bored with Fletcher. And yes, that was a bit sad for both of them when they broke up, but Valkyrie didn't get too upset. She just went along doing what she had to.

I understand how some people might think she wouldn't be a nice person to meet, but honestly, meeting anyone in the kind of situation you'd meet Valkyrie in isn't exactly going to be the best. She'd probably either beat you up or have to save you from the end of the world. Neither are good circumstances. And it isn't like Valkyrie's a mean person - she just can be.

I understand how people think she thinks everything is about her, but I don't think Valkyrie feels that way, or, if she does, she doesn't want it to be. I mean, it isn't her fault she's descended to the last of the Ancients. It isn't her fault she's Darquesse. She's just kind of stuck with it. And the reason things would be all about her is because it's a book - everything happens to the main characters.

And hey, if you don't like Valkyrie, what's the point of reading the books? I mean, yeah, there's other characters, but then you have to 'suffer' through reading it from Valkyrie's perspective. No one's forcing you to read them.

Luciana said...

Thank you so much, Derek.
And I now am starting to feel bad for reading pretty much every spoiler there is...

Also, is there any way of getting the Aussie books if you live in the UK, do you know? I am collecting them all...

Niamhy Jay said...

Derek you should their album Rumours is Awesome!!

My dad always says and I quote 'The only Rumours people should listen to is the Album by Fleetwood Mac.'

I love that saying!!

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

DEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK! HELLLOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Derek we found the Death Bringer my nephew Trevor.

Taylor: "Hiiii Derek!!!"

typed that for her but her face lit up. She's currently teasing Trevor that Derek said hi to her. I'm pretending not to notice the arguing

Luciana said...

Anyway, Derek.
How are you, this fine afternoon? That question always seems to be ignored when it comes to talking to you...I think it's nice to check in on how people are from time to time.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

I heard of Stevie Nick. My Dad like plays his music.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Bleurgh, I was a little repetitive in that Valkyrie comment... Darn. I hate when I do that.

Luciana said...

Goodbye.
^My least favourite word.
Seriously.
If someone dedicated to the word 'goodbye' I'd attack them with a soggy cherry flavoured iced rainbow baguette until they start coughing up skittles.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Normal or sour Skittles?

Luciana said...

*realises the in-joke she just said*
*laughs slightly*

*realises she's no longer so depressed*

*happy dances around her kitchen irl*

Luciana said...

Normal skittles.
Because THEY MUST TASTE THE RAINBOW. *shudders* Ew. Worse than baguettes.

Derek Landy said...

NJ, don't worry, I know Fleetwood Mac and I know Stevie Nicks, and the next time I have the opportunity, I'll give them another chance, ok??

Helllllllllo Valkyrie!

And Taylor! (and Trevor...!)

Luciana, I am doing good this afternoon, thank you for asking. Though I may have to get back to work soon...

Niamhy Jay said...

Val I like reading the books and as I have said, I did like her in the beginning.
It just slowly started going down hill

For all we know, she could do something that will make me like her, you have to read to find out.
Also, I may dislike/hate Valkyrie, but I love Darquesse! In a way, I see them as two people in the one body. So when Darquesse is out, she's awesome!
I probably should have said that before, but I'm saying it now.
I have a weird complex view on things I really do, mainly because I try to see it from multiethnic angles.
I hate Valkyrie for this that and the other, but there are times when I do like her. There really is.
I know I am contradicting myself, I know that.
But whatever. Everyone does it at some point, I am doing it now.
I hate Valkyrie over all for reasons I have stated. If you want I can list times when I like her. It would be fun.

Star Inkbright said...

Oh, GREAT. The minute I disappear, everything EXCITING haplens.

@Derek: Yes, precisly my point. Valkyrie isn't perfect. She's realistic. She isn't always kind and thoughtful and all that lot. Who the hell is??? In one of your books, a taxi driver or whatever was telling Valkyrie that he never liked Gordon's books because he liked his "good guy to be, well, the good guy". And like Valkyrie pointed out in fewer words than me, it isn't LIKE that in the real world. There isn't anyone who always unhesitantly does the right thing.

And DON'T you people all come whining at me telling me that that wasn't what you meant and that you knew all of the above already. I'm making a point. Whether the point is 100% relevant to the topic or not is another matter.

Luciana said...

That's great to hear, Derek! I am glad you're good. I'd hate to find out you weren't doing good. I'd make it my mission to make you laugh. *giggles*
*frowns* That's okay! It's great that you came online to talk to us. C: I feel honoured that you said hi to me. *cannot stop grinning irl*
Still annoyed I cannot meet you. ¬_¬ Ellie is going to meet you, though. And some of them are going to the same signing. In Liverpool, I think.
You're going to have fun in Liverpool. :P

Kribu said...

Valkyrie V. Cain - I agree, I don't think she thinks everything is about her, either.

I don't think it occurs to her that it's the way it rather comes off as - especially as there are times (and people) where it's really not like that (saving the world, Skulduggery, her family - she does have people and goals she puts first, just that it's the important people and important goals, not random people like boyfriends she's been together with for a rather long time...).

But yeah. I do like her, I really do - as a character, I think she's one of the best (most realistic, most rounded, if not always most likeable) characters I've ever come across in books, and I've read lot of books in my life.

On the other hand, it's her treatment of Fletcher in particular that makes me think she's not the sort of person I'd get along with too well in real life - and that's with me not really liking Fletcher. It's the cheating thing, I have to admit; casual cheating is something that has never sat well with me.

But then, most people make mistakes, and some people even learn from them. And I was truly glad to see Fletcher confront her with this in Death Bringer, as she did need someone in her life to remind her of other important things (besides being awesome and saving the world every now and then), and that other people have feelings too.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Trevor, "Hi Derek. So if Aunt Erin (me) says I am the Death Bringer is that bad?"

Taylor, "Is it raining?"

Trevor actually knew what to say. Taylor just was giggling now they stopped fighting and are questioning me about everything to do with the Blog.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

AHHHHHHH YOU SAID HELLO BACK!!!! *tackle hugs Derek*




Best way to start off your day: Get Derek to say "Helllllllllo Valkyrie!" to you.

CHECK THAT OFF THE LIST.


Oh oh oh oh! QUESTION! Are you gonna be sending the most recent three books - Death Bringer, TWOTW, and KOTW - sometime soon? Once I get them I'll have 26 SP books...

Niamhy Jay said...

Multiethnic??
Stupid Auto-Correct!!
MULTIPLE!!

Kribu said...

Also, I write too long comments. :-|

*thinks of someone to blame for it...* well, it's the books, isn't it? And the characters? They make me all long-winded because they're so good!

Luciana said...

ALSO, DEREK *huggles*!
Because.
I read spoilers.
And a certain characters appearance made me happy. ^_^
And I hope you know which one I am talking about.
You should.
I hope you do.


Do you like Skittles, by the way?

Star Inkbright said...

And @Ivy: you proved Derek's point. "Those who like her, LOVE her." Good speech. And I ditto the 'of course everything's about her she's the main character' bit.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Thank you, Star :)

Luciana said...

Val is a bit like Marmite...
You love her or you hate her. *shrugs* Or that's how it seems...

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

The strange thing about Nikki is she hates Valkyrie. She's the main character!

Niamhy Jay said...

Who's Nikki?

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

I feel stupid: what is marmite?

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

My friend. She's one of my Elders. We keep the Minions around where we live in line. Though Trevor and Taylor figured out I'm Grand Mage. The fun thing is threatening them with being arrested. I got these fake handcuffs I threatened Trevor with. Told him I'd give him to the Golden God. He bolted.

Niamhy Jay said...

A kind of Spread.
It is one of those things either you love it or hate it.
There's no in between kind of things.

Niamhy Jay said...

LoL

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Oooooh okay that makes sense (sort of).

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

O.o

Is this normal for a four and six year old to be playing 'Skulduggery' well this is entertaining. Trevor is Skully. Taylor...Val. Me I said I was Zafira. I should get them to take taken names.

AndrewTheNerd said...

Hi Derek!

Luciana said...

Every time Derek Blogspeaks my pride for being a Minion/Skuttlebug gets even higher. I know few authors that would take time out for their fans and talk to them like this. The fact that Derek will talk to us without having being made to adds to the perfection that he is.
My love for this fandom grows so much. We are definitely having Blogland Awards next year! *is certain of more BAs*

DEREK SHOULD GET AN AWARD. Derek came second for best dedicator in the awards!

Luciana said...

I love the way I say Derek blogspoke to me and suddenly we get Facebookians here. *laughs*
Yay for Fandom!

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

My sister (who, bear in mind, has dark hair and dark eyes similar to mine) wants to be Tanith. She's reading Death Bringer now, and when she finished reading Mortal Coil she didn't believe Tanith was fully possessed... It made her angry. It was a bit funny.

Star Inkbright said...

*coughs* I don't love or hate marmite. It's okay on its own on your finger out of the jar, but I don't like it in sandwiches. It's nice on toast.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

He said hi to my niece and nephew even though they arent on the Blog. I think that's really kind of him. Especially taking time out of his day just to say hi to us.

Luciana said...

Star...I ACTUALLY LOVE YOU.
You're the exception to the rule! *tacklehugs*

Derek Landy said...

Hi Ink, and Kribu- always great to hear your thoughts..

Trevor, being the Death Bringer isn't bad at all. Almost really.

Taylor... you're odd.

Valkyrie- as soon as I get my box of books shipped over to me, I'll be sending out DB, KOTW and TEOTW to the winners. I REALLY hope I get that box before I head off on tour.

Niamhy Jay said...

EVERYONE LET LUCE GET 1ST COMMENT ON THE VEXT PAGE!!

Luciana said...

I'm not going to get first at this rate, am I? Damn it.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Ok YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Over use of exclamation points....


Oh! Say hi to Amanda! Pleeease? I know you have once, but this time she's, you know, sitting right there. *points*

Star Inkbright said...

Me at 2 pm today: I'm gonna start writing, people.

Me two hours later, aka now: *looks up at clock* Ah. *feels guilty coz I haven't staryed writing yet*

Luciana said...

Awwhh, NJ! *huggles*

Luciana said...

*laughs* Oh, Kallie! *hugs tight* I do love you! <3

Niamhy Jay said...

*hugs back*

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Trevor, "Yes!!!! So I'm awesome. So can I boss Aunt Erin around? I dont care if she Grand Mage."

Taylor, "You funnty Derek!'

I know you want to watch me be bossed around :P I am a Necromancer

Niamhy Jay said...

I'm alright. :)
*hugs Kallie*
How're you?

Amanda Moore/China Sorrows, now Zinnia Batty said...

Hi Derek

Becky Allaker said...

DEREK

I HAVE ARIVED

Becky Allaker said...

aaaand typo, GOOD GOING BECKY.

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