Elemental: Destiny’s Embers

from JoeUser Forums

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Random House announced its new initiative (see this Wallstreet Journal article) today to collaborate with game developers to improve their in-game stories as well as present those stories in other mediums (books, movies, etc.).

The first result of this initiative comes from Elemental. The universe created through a collaboration of writers at Stardock and Random House is seeing itself presented first in the upcoming book, Elemental: Destiny's Embers (August release date) and then followed up by the PC strategy game, Elemental: War of Magic.

What does this mean to gamers and readers?

For gamers, it means that the quality of the writing in Elemental: War of Magic will be much stronger than it would have been otherwise. This manifests itself in terms of the backstory, the campain, the in-game quests and the general the cohesiveness of the game world.

For readers, it means that the book won’t just be the standard “book based on a video game” fare that often comes across as only vaguely connected to the same world that the game came from.

Elemental: Destiny's Embers is a story I’ve been working on for some years now. With help from Random House’s writing team, they’ve helped me take my early manuscripts and polish them and craft them into a story that I think readers of fantasy will enjoy.

More information:

The book: Elemental: Destiny's Embers

The game: Elemental: War of Magic

 

-Brad Wardell (aka Frogboy)

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134,187 views 42 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

So you actually wrote parts of the book, Frogster?

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

I wrote the book. :)

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Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

If you manage to have it published in my country, I'll be close to believe in higher powers. Lucky me for getting in the future a nice deal of book plus collector's edition fom Stardock? ;)

Very good news about that deal with Random House. Just remember to learn from them so you can do it by yourselves when needed (not that I want Random House out of the business :P ).

*starts humming The Neverending Story at the sight of the cover*

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

Oh wow can't wait, it's been awhile since I've read a good fantasy novel :D

 

Or played good 4X game (Granted, I still play GCII lol)

 

Also article on Kotaku: http://kotaku.com/5482797/random-house-wants-to-write-video-game-stories

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

Nice, and I hope you will make it into a audiobook. And that the book is as good as the games seems to be, once it comes out.

Reply #6 from Elemental Forums Top

This looks fun.....

Reply #7 from Elemental Forums Top

nice, sounds like a good deal from both sides of the transaction. I approve :thumbsup:

Reply #8 from Elemental Forums Top

So this means Elenemtal will have a single player story driven campian? :') I hope it does. Thats my number 1 reason for not totaly loving Sins of a Solar Empire. Its the one thing it was missing. 

Reply #9 from Elemental Forums Top

So this means Elenemtal will have a single player story driven campian?

Yep, they're putting a lot of work into it.

 

Reply #10 from Elemental Forums Top

I'll be buying both! :grin:

Reply #11 from Demigod Forums Top

When's it available? (august) Is it included in the boxed version of the elemental?

Reply #13 from Elemental Forums Top

Frogboy. . .wrote a book? Hell, if Frogboy can get published, I can. (In some sort of alternate universe)

 

Looking forward to it. Should be. . .very interesting.

 

Here's to crazy worlds, crazy bad guys and great plot.

Reply #14 from Elemental Forums Top

F-f-f-ail posting.

Reply #15 from Elemental Forums Top

Frogboy, Care to give any excerpts?

 

Thats my number 1 reason for not totaly loving Sins of a Solar Empire. Its the one thing it was missing.

oh, just cross your fingers for that. 

Reply #16 from Elemental Forums Top

Deluxe edition includes book ftw?

Reply #17 from Elemental Forums Top

Deluxe edition includes book ftw?

Yes, totally, though I'll be buying this book as soon as it hits the shelves. And teaching myself to read I guess |-)  

Reply #18 from Elemental Forums Top

That is very cool.  What an impressive company, led by a great leader.  Wow. 

 

There is hope yet for American business!  Maybe a run for Congress for the Frogster?  It sure would be better than the lazy tu.ds that are running the country right now.

 

Congratulations!

 

Mike

Reply #19 from Elemental Forums Top

You spelled campaign wrong. Just so you know. :grin:  

Reply #20 from Elemental Forums Top

I have already preordered Elemental (retail version). Would it be possible to order this book too, so it can be sent to me in one package with the game?

Reply #21 from Elemental Forums Top

Any chance it would be translated ? Even if I can can follow the discussions on the forums, my english-level in really not enough to read a book.

Reply #22 from Elemental Forums Top

Brad,

 

Any chance you could get Random House to publish a Kindle version of this book as well?

 

Thanks again for everything,

Travitar

Reply #23 from Elemental Forums Top

This is fantastic news.  I'm already so excited for the game, I love lore, I'll be buying this for sure.  Great work.

Reply #24 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting vieuxchat, reply 21
Any chance it would be translated ? Even if I can can follow the discussions on the forums, my english-level in really not enough to read a book.
Reading D&D 3rd Edition books in English helped me with my English (and I was quite bad). :P

Edit: well, I'm still bad but I blame the layer of rust. :P

Reply #25 from Elemental Forums Top

I can't wait to read this book.

 

A short quote from teh book would be great :-)