From "Colin Hall"
Subject: Thankyou
Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 18:54:43 +1000
Dear Ms Dart-Thornton,
I needed to write and tell you how much I enjoyed the first two novels of The Bitterbynde trilogy. I don't usually read fantasy, I gave up reading the Hobbit. I saw the Ill Made Mute at the library and I thought 'why not'. Since then I have bought both books and already read them twice. It amazes me how imaginated you are and I'm writting to say thankyou for taking me out my fairly boring life and into another world. I thoroughly enjoyed both books and are waiting for number three, you have no idea how hard it is to wait to finish the story!
From: "Gordon, Shea"
Subject: Your Fantasyland
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 16:12:21 +1000
After reading all the Harry Potter books, I wanted more books like Harry Potter to read. A young lady in Angus & Robertson gave me a list of books, that she thought I would enjoy.
1) Ill Made Mute - Cecilia Dart Thornton
2) Dragonclaw - Kate Forsyth
I went to Big W and was drawn completely to the cover of the Ill Made Mute book with the Windship and Tower. As the young lady said it was hard to get into at first, but I started to understand the storyline and was completely addicted to the characters and world they live in. It was so enjoyable, that I hung out for The Lady Of The Sorrows at New Year and again the cover was captivating. The story was terrific too. It has been a long wait for No. 3 and a sneak glimpse at the cover tells me, it will be a great book like the first two.
In the meantime I have read "Witches of Eileanan" Dragonclaw by Kate Forsyth, and the other five books of that series. They also have wonderful characters and stories.
I hope you write a series of six rather than three trilogy. I would like too see a double trilogy because you cannot get enough of the characters in your books.
I am looking forward to the Battle of the Evernight and counting the days. Goodluck with your future masterpieces!!
Regards Shea Gordon
Subject: gorgeous.
Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 17:39:36 +1000
Dear Cecilia,
i have written a while ago and i am still awaiting the next book to the trilogy.
I have re read them and since have decided that i love your books even more.
I re visited the world you made up and made a part of me. I really felt as though i am on the big journey through out your books.
I am Australian and i am also very picky with my books and you have opened a new world to me and i am now determined to read as many books as i can plus you third book the battle of evernight. Iwould once again like to thankyou for your terrific work and i will always think of you as one of the best authors i have ever known.
Jessie
Subject: A self-proclaimed critic who LOVES your writing
Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 23:17:46 -0400
Just finished The Lady of Sorrows, unfortunately read it first, but I'll still go back and read the ill-made mute...i'm not too fussy about chronology really. Wanted to tell you I was absolutely impressed, not only by your creativity and refreshing imagination, but you're eloquence is literally visual. The beauty of words has always amazed me, and when someone can string them together so wonderfully, it's fabulous.
I'm gushing because I've been reading fantasy fiction since I was like 7yrs old, (I'm 36 now) so I consider myself in the "expert" category! : ) and it can be difficult to find really excellent authors to feed your imagination, particularly if you're a voracious reader like me. (reading is the ONLY past-time I have that enables me to block out everything else and allows the stressed out part of my brain to shut up for awhile ....without it...I'd probably go mad.) and this can only happen if I'm completely absorbed and for that to take place, the book can't just be good, it has to be GREAT. (like when you look up from your book and the house is empty! apparently they told you where they were going, but you don't remember...that's how you know it's great)
So thank you very much for becoming an author and for doing it so well, cannot wait till your next. By the way, if you or anyone else is interested in additional reading, I definitely recommend Guy Gavriel Kay, although he's not as gifted a wordsmith as you are, his books are truly magical and impossible to put down. I'd love to hear what anyone else thinks about him. I'd recommend the Fionavar trilogy, Tigana and A Song for Arbonne, all of which I've read, several times. But, I have to say, anything since then has been really disappointing, it's like the subsequent books are written by a completely different author and do not even begin to approach the magnificence of the other 5.
Whew, guess I had alot to say...sorry to run on. Thanks again. -sue-
From: "nicholas rudko"
Subject: truly inspirational....
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 00:45:17 +1000
First of all i would like to applaude you on your vivid imagination. The Bitterbynde was a god send to all fantasy readers yearning for another 'Lord of the Rings'. I yearn not for another 'Lord of the Rings', but for 'The Battle of Evernight'! Causing nothing but anguish when reminded i have still 2 months to wait.
The Ill-Made Mute, was everything and more. Never before have i become so entranced in a novel. Going above and beyond sheer splendour, the book was impossible to put down. The creature creation left me dazzled far beyond my own wits. I find it mind boggling trying to fathom how you could write the wights of eldritch so finely. Elaborating on their comeliness, yet shrouded in an ora of pure melevolence.
Imrhien, Thorn, Siandah, Diarmid, Muirne. In these characters i found great enjoyment. After indulging in the first book, i had no choice but to seek out the second. i spent 45 minutes with a shop assistant searching. The 'Lady of the Sorrows', was no less than an enchanting delight for my mind. I spent many of the early hours of the morning deeply immersed in this one.
Unfortunately it had to end. Without resolve, i am in dire need of the last of the saga. I tried not to finish the second book. I left it at 10 pages to go. Hoping i would be able to buy the last before finishing. Alas, i am without. I feel a similiar torture to that of the Langothe.
I am eagerly awaiting 'The Battle of Evernight'.
I can't wait. I did resort to finishing the second book. I am depressed to find i need resolve to the unfolding plot, which engulfed me in a land of spectacular imagery.
The writing of these books is something to aspire to. I can only think of writing my own book of fantasy. Your work is a true inspiration to all fantasy addicts.
I hope to read the last of the Bitterbynde very soon.
As for your other saga currently being written i can't wait. I wish you the best with your future writing.
Also, all the best with your upcomng birthday. I hope this finds you well and writing.
Yours sincerely
Nicholas Rudko
Subject: ill made mute
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2002 14:36:22 -0700
From: "Jeffrey Wilson"
I have just finished your wonderful creation, the Ill Made Mute. It has been a very long time since I have read a work of such beauty and wonder. I’ve just now ordered Lady of Sorrows from Amazon. I can hardly wait to consume The Lady of Sorrows and The Battle of Evernight. Thank you very much for sharing your gift with me and the world!
--Jeff
Subject: Poem.
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2002 13:54:32 +1000
From: "Kristie Dannenmann"
Dear Ms Dart-Thornton,
Thanks for your trilogy. I haven't enjoyed a book like the first two in ages. I couldn't put them down, and became a walking zombie for the two weeks that I spent reading them. I really enjoyed reading about music in the books, it was great seeing muso jargon in books that weren't text related. (i.e. Timbre). I play the French Horn, an instrument which I feel has the nicest timbre.
Anyway, the main reason that I decided to write to you was because the morning after I finished "The Lady of the Sorrows" I was feeling quite depressed because I couldn't read the third book. My work mate asked me if the ending was good and so I answered him by writing this poem:
Time is now my burden
That which has sustainethed me
Has been depleted.
I am lost.
I yearn for what is past,
Hunger for the future.
Today, I am but lost.
Time is now my burden.
Thank you for sharing you gift of writing with us, I eagerly look forward to October!
Kristie Dannenmann.
From: "adrienne marrone"
Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2002 19:26:32 +1000
Dear Ms Dart-Thornton
I am a young writer from Brisbane and am primarily interested in Fantasy/Sci Fi novels. I have just completed the Lady of the Sorrows and am eager to get into the third installment.
To me, The Bitterbynde has been an exciting journey into the fantasy genre. From the first chapter I was grabbed by the story and the characters. Your story is very clever in concealing truths about characters and places. I feel this makes for a liberating reading experience.
Thorn's unveiling as the King-Emperor was mind-blowing and made me realise how much I have become attached to your characters. I really love them...
I think your writing is clever and inspirational to younger writers. The trilogy's fresh and unique inhabitants make Imrhien/Rohain's adventure...our own.
I hope to listen to you at the QLD Writer's Festival.
I can't wait for the Battle of Evernight....I am counting the days.
Thankyou for giving me something to aspire too.
Subject: Sweet, Sweet Bitterbynde
Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2002 00:56:45 -0400
Dear Cecilia Dart-Thornton,
I'm an author from Bombay, India. Your first two books have only just begun appearing in Indian bookstores and I read the first one with great pleasure.
I love romance fiction and SFFH fiction alike (among most other genres and non-genre books--a good story is a good story, period) and really enjoyed the deft and artful ways in which you tell your story. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and anything else you write.
I wish you all the best in your career, and wish you many
eons of success
and many critically acclaimed bestsellers.
Best wishes
Ashok
Subject: inspiration
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 14:13:37 +0000
Ms. Dart-Thornton:
I am a fourteen year old from the US, and I am thrilled to have discovered your trilogy! It's truely frustrating to have people stare at you for having to be in that book store for five hours looking for a simple book to entertain yourself with, and I feel like a dug out a million dollars out of a coal mine for finding the first book in your trilogy. I just finished the second, and I'm waiting for the third. Please pardon me if this message seems rather shaky. This is my first time actually being able to email one of my favorite authors. I have started to write a story myself, and I'd just like to tell you that you have been a great inspiration for me, among the few authors that I favor. I hope you continue writing!!
Sincerely,
A fan (Kyoka Hinami)
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 17:52:02 +1000
Subject: book 2003
Thank you for your brilliant imagination and taking me away from my mundane life for a time.
Your writing wakes my imagination and brightens my dreams with beauty and mystery.
I look forwad to your future works with bated breath and in antisipation of future reading pleasure. According to your Web site book 3 will be out in 2003 I can hardly wait.
Thank you again, for the pleasure of journeying with you to these magical places.
regards
Narelle Schirmer
PS I hope more stories are making their ways to your fingers as we speak.
Date: Sun, 07 Jul 2002 23:25:51 +0000
From: "Ariadne Tanaka"
Subject: The Battle of Evernight
I'm itching to know the plot synopsis to The Battle of Evernight. Could you please spare me from my incessant insanity and tell me a little about the third Bitterbynde Book? Is the romance between Ashalind and Thorn going to continue? I love your books and I deem your writing to be one of the best I have ever read. Your writing excels beyond the customary trash found in romance novels and I am convinced that you are an extraordinary writer. The success of your stories are legend to me. Please tell me what you can about the third book? Thank you and keep on writing! The world needs your work!
Sincerely,
Arian
---
Anime Email at AnimeNation.com - Anime Shopping ,Links, Forums, News, and more
From: "lyana najib"
Subject: Love it lots!
Date: Tue, 02 Jul 2002 16:50:28 +0000
Like most of the other readers, I too faced the horror of possibly not coming across another nice fiction until the day I saw your book. I loved the story. The only part I didn't like was that the first part in the "Mute" was a bit slow going. After the pirate ship everything took on a faster pace which I really appreciated that.
Another thing was I felt that there was not enough of Thorn in the second book. I guess I'm being greedy, but I wish that there was more of him. It was funny but when I told my friends about the sweet part about when Imrhein met Thorn after she found out his true identity, well suffice to say that they became late for their appointment because they wanted to know more about the book.
I do hope that the 3rd book will come soon, but I wish that it will come later. Or I'll have nothing to read, well I guess you'll just have to write more , huh? ;)
Lyana
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 16:42:52 -0700
From: "mcolin"
Subject: The Ill-Made Mute
I just finished the first book of your "Bitterbynde" series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a pleasurable read and I would like to complement you on your hard work. I love to read fantasy-fiction and in particular Tolkien and Robert Jordan- and now Cecilia Dart-Thornton!
Thank you so much for these books. I'm really excited about reading the next two- but I think I might hold off on buying the next one for a while because reading your books is such a treat and the third isn't coming out until next year! But I realize that it must take a lot of time and effort to write books of such quality. I just want you to know that you've made my life a bit more enjoyable! Thanks again.
Colin McCarthy
From: "Brooke Funnell"
Subject: Bitterbynde
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 19:34:57 +1000
Dear Cecilia,
As a fellow Australian I love reading and following Australian authors, especially those involved in the fantasy genre. I was given Ill-Made Mute as a Christmas present last year and began reading it before the day was out. I must admit it took me a little while to get into it. But as I read on, I began to admire the skill you used to introduce readers to the world and empire of Erith. Imrhein's learning and understanding of the way the world worked was shared by the readers, as they followed her journey across the land.
The characters were outstanding and I was able to connect deeply with all of them, loving some and despising others as was their role. It contained everything a great book should; love, heartbreak, suspense, subterfuge, danger, lore.
I can't describe how much admiration I feel for authors such as yourself who complete so much research before writing and are able to blend it into the current story seamlessly. I am attempting to write a fantasy novel of my own and I am in awe of the skill it takes to write such a book.
The series definitely rates as one of my favourites and I am waiting desperately for The Battle of Evernight. Continue your awesome work.
Sincerely,
Brooke Funnell
From: "Teren Oodle"
Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2002 14:02:05 +1000
Ms. Dart-Thornton,
Just now, I reached the end of The Ill-Made Mute. I have never been more impressed by any book. The characters are superb, the tales are wonderful, the landscape magnificent. It inspired emotion such as I have never before imagined - I know trully know what it is to want to laugh and cry at the same time.
Thankyou for writing such a marvelous tale. I going out to buy the second right now, for I can't bear to wait.
Sincerely,
Genevieve Rogis
From: "Alicia Fahey"
Subject: Your books rulz
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2002 18:09:48 +1000
Hey My name is Alicia and I am a 14 year old in Australia who reads your books.
Personalily I think your books are wicked I also think that Thorn is a major spunk. I have read the 1st book and am up to in the second where Rohain has returned to the Isse tower. I also think that your book are cool because you can get lost in it as it is so full of detail. I also like the characters in the book which I think should be also made into a movie like Lord Of The Rings (which was also wicked) My 1st number one series is Harry Potter Then your books Lord Of The Rings and the series of Narnia Hope you can reply to this soon, keep writing
Alicia
From: "Merry Killer"
Subject: Applause!
Date: Fri, 14 Jun 2002 01:23:34 -0500
I have been an avid reader of beautiful fantasy since I
polished off the first two books of the Narnia series on the night of my 9th birthday. I was a bookworm as a child, and devoured almost anything I could lay hands on, including my father's college novels! From reading for myself, I progressed to reading for others, loving the reality that the human voice brings to a character. Then, in 10th grade, I was fortunate enough to make friends with a girl named Jacquie who's father is English, and happens to love reading aloud. He introduced me to the magic of Middle Earth, and I did not sleep for about three weeks! Doc Smith kept us entertained for hour upon potbelly-warmed hour with the exploits of Garion, Old Wolf and Aunt Pol, and the years that have passed since then have seen my thirst for good fantasy go unquenched. I have laughed my way through Rincewind's exploits with the Luggage, and thoroughly enjoyed all the other Discworld maniacs, and of course, Harry has brought things a little closer to the 'real' world.
AND THEN THERE'S CECILIA!! A handsome friend that I made through mysterious coincidences gave me a bookshelf and a big box of books, one of which was "Mute"... I had previously seen the book in the shops, but not purchased it, as I was trying to knuckle down to the last semester of of my Nursing degree. Needless to say, the gift was perfectly timed, and not only did my mysterious friend prove to have great taste in books, he also became my dashing date to the graduation banquet! I have now finished "Lady", and am parting with it for long enough to satisfy my handsome friend! Unlike most of your fans, I am glad that the final book of this trilogy isn't released yet, as it gives my some literary hope for the future - I hate feeling like I've read all the good books! Australians all, let us rejoice, for we are fresh and talented!
Love, Kerry x
From: "Melissa Mueller"
Subject: Great, Just Great
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 23:59:42 +0000
Hello Mrs. Dart-Thornton
My name is Melissa Mueller, and I live in Saskatchewan Canada. I'm what I would call an avid reader, and at the age of 17, I came across your book. Now you have to understand that I'm still 17, and I only bought your book The Ill-Made Mute just a few days ago. However I have to say that yours is probably one of the best books I have ever read. Your plot was great, and your characters were fantastic, and I'm not using these words lightly. I fell in love with Thorn, and at odd moments I was so into the story, that I even imagined that I was Imrhien in person.
I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your novel, and am looking forward to reading your next novel.
I would love to hear from you, just to know you got my email, or just to say hi. However I would absolutely love to know how you got some of your ideas.
It would be wonderful to hear from you..........
Sincerely Melissa Mueller
Date: Sun, 09 Jun 2002 00:29:37 -0400
From: "Jenny Kalman"
Subject: Bitterbynde Trilogy
Dear Mrs. Dart-Thornton,
As so many people have said before me, your trilogy is
absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed reading the Ill-Made Mute and the Lady of Sorrows immensely, especially the folklore that you have woven into the story. Some of the stories I recognize, having read a lot of Irish and Scottish mythology, but I really enjoy how you place the stories into a much larger setting. I eagerly await the releasal of your third book, and look forward to other enchanting series to follow.
Sincerely,
Jenny Kalman
From: "<<<*The SpeCtre*>>>"
Subject: The suspense eats at me like the Langothe...
Date: Sat, 08 Jun 2002 21:43:50 +1000
Dear Cecilia Dart-Thornton,
Just this week I finished "Lady Of The Sorrows", and honestly, I can't go through one day without wondering where the story will lead in the final installment. To be honest, I never want to finish the series -- you know how it is; you get your hands on an awesome book and you just want it to keep going and going... Like the consistent pull of the Langothe, I long to re-enter Erith through the pages of "The Battle Of Evernight". Please may the date of it's release here in Australia come swiftly!
Before reading your series, Raymond E. Feist's epic novel "Magician", book one of his incredible "Riftwar Saga" solely took the throne as the best book I had ever read. Now it has an equal... if not a superior... we'll just have to wait and see if the third Bitterbynde novel promises to answer the multitude of questions you left me with at the end of the second volume! I'm dying for explanations, here! Thankyou for creating such an awesome world.
Your dedicated but suffering and deprived fan,
-Andrew Bitto
From: "Hughes, Sean"
Subject: re: the Bitterbynde series
Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2002 15:00:15 +1000
Dear Ms Thornton
I am a 28yr old male with a thirst for fantasy novels.
After reading your first book the ill-made mute with a couple of twists which really blew my mind, I couldn't wait to get my hands the lady of the sorrows. At the moment I am almost through reading this thrilling novel and my head swims with even more questions than I had with the first book as your world unfolds questions get answered but three more take it's place. I cannot wait to read the final book in this series and witness personally a piece of fantasy history unfold before my imagination.
Regards
Sean
From: "matthew hilton"
Subject: Speechless
Date: Tue, 04 Jun 2002 06:38:57 +0000
Dear Ms Thornton
I am speechless. I read "The Ill Made Mute" and i could not believe what had just blown over me. At the age of 13 yrs and me being a male i have a very short attention span to some things, but with your book i could just not put it down. Some nights the time flew away and before i knew it the time was 3am.
I was browsing through the selection of books at my school and my eyes fell upon "The Ill Made Mute". After picking it up and reading the first couple of chapters i could not believe the things you could write. The descriptions of everything from a pebble in a fresh stream to the shadows in a dark forest were captivating. My mind was flowing with images of your story and its characters.
I borrowed the book and took it home that same day. The chapters flowed by and i was scared to read more for the fact that i was nearing the end of the book. I finally finished the book in just 2 days and i am rushing everywhere to get "The Lady of the Sorrows".
Your writing has opened up my mind in ways that nothing could ever do.
Glad your Australian like me :)
Sincerely Matthew
From: "jessie lowe"
Subject: Beautiful- your gorgeous and heart moving books
Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 17:01:43 +1000
Dear Cecilia,
I have come to believe that your books The ill made mute and the lady of the sorrows are the most wonderful books i have ever read.
I don't like reading and the only books i have ever liked are the magic faraway tree stories, Harry Potter and The lord of the rings. You i now have added to my list and i like the most out of all these beautiful writers.
Your books stole my heart and i could never put them down.
I was reading them intill late at night and when i woke up. Your books took my heart and made me think i was apart of the gorgeous story line. You should be so proud of your books because they are surely one of a kind, and never have i been so captured.
Thankyou for delivering such wonderful stories and i can't wait to read the battle of evernight.
From Jessie
Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 13:07:28 +1200
From: "LemurKat"
Subject: An Admirer of your work
I would just have to say that your writing blows me away. So lyrically beautiful, it really stimulates the imagination. Plus I must confess I find Thorn most attractive and I love your takes on faerie tales. I a big fan of these current Australian Fantasy Woman authors (yourself, Juliet Marillier and Louise Cussack), even though I live in New Zealand myself.
Ever planning to come visit your smaller neighbours?
Anyhow, I have so many theories regarding the occurances of book 3 that I await its arrival with bated expectation. I would venture however, to ask a few questions relating not to the books (since I don't want any of the surprises spoiled,even if I want my suspicions confirmed) but to the competition you have on there.
With the map design competition - are you wanting us to elaborate on the map already at the front of the book? Detailing the areas better? Or extending it outwards as well. I realise I'm going to have to pore through the book in great detail to work out the exact locations and so forth. I am an amateur artist, and whilst maps are not my strongest point, the idea of winning autographed books and possibly also getting my name in print interests me greatly!
Now, the settings for the story is very clearly a combination of Australia with some more well-known northern animals thrown in and Celtic folklore. This I admire . .
I am an author myself, and hope to join the ranks of Australasian fantasy authors within a year or so.
Many thanks for a wonderful story, I hope November comes soon.
Angela K-S (Raynflower)
