The timing of Books 4 & 5

There has been many questions about The Forbidden Land (TFL) and Skull of the World (SotW) in terms of why doesn't Isabeau appear in TFL, that SotW doesn't start where TFL ends but seems to start where TFL starts and, as well noted by reader Michael A, a passage in TFL (Book 4) actually occurs after a passage in SotW (Book 5)! Some of this is explained in the Author's Notes to Book 4 and Book 5 below.

There is a very good reason for this: Books 4 and 5 are contemporaneous (to quote Kate) - which simply means they happen at the same time. Both begin in winter, move through summer and thence into autumn - one follows what Finn (and Lachlan and Iseult) are doing, the other follows Isabeau (and to a lesser degree, Nila). The books were originally one but ended up being split into two separate stories because it would have been much too big a book to publish (i.e. too thick) and too confusing. Note: mass market paperbacks have a maximum number of pages they can contain without the binding failing, combining the stories would have exceeded this limit.

Kate offers a challenge to readers who have read both Books 4 and 5: at certain points in the two books, the narratives touch. The challenge is to find where the stories touch! A chat topic has been setup for this.

Reproduced below are the Author's Notes from Books 4 and 5 where Kate explains this and a little about book 6 and the end of the series.

Author's Note - The Forbidden Land Book 4

For those faithful travellers in the world of Eileanan who have missed Isabeau in this adventure, do not fear! Isabeau has been pursuing her own destiny while Finn, Jay, Dide and the others have been fighting sea serpents, surviving shipwrecks and helping Elfrida win back her crown. You can read all about Isabeau's adventures in the next book in the series, The Skull of the World.

Much of the action of The Skull of the World takes place at the same time as Finn's adventures, though in a very different part of the world. Isabeau has immersed herself in the life of the Khan'cohbans but she still hopes to return to Lucescere from her self-imposed exile upon the Spine of the World. First, though, she must undertake her journey of initiation to the Skull of the World, where the cruel and enigmatic Gods of White will reveal her destiny to her. On this journey she will face many dangers but, by overcoming them, will finally discover her true Talent. And when she finally does return to her own people, she will find that she is the only one who can confront Margrit of Arran and overcome her..

I hope that you have enjoyed the tale of Finn the Cat, and that you look forward to once again travelling in the strange and marvellous world of Eileanan. To whet your appetite, please find following a brief taste of The Skull of the World.

May Ea shine her bright face upon you!

Author's Note - Skull of the World Book 5

It has been a dark and dangerous journey we have travelled with Isabeau and the witches of Eileanan, and you may be forgiven for fearing it is a journey without end. The three books you were promised in the beginning have turned into six, testing all of your patience and persistence to the limits. This I can promise you, though: the sixth book in the series, The Fathomless Caves, shall be the last.

On reflection, I find this very satisfying. Six is a number sacred to the Coven, being the number of points of the hexagram, the star of power used in the Coven's rites and rituals and, in combination with the circle of power, is the shape of the Key, the magical talisman at the heart of the story.

In the sixth and last book, the visions of flood and fire that Jorge the Seer saw in the very first book at last come to pass. Driven by ancient hatreds, the Fairgean have called upon dreadful powers to aid them in their quest to totally annihilate all those who dwell upon the land. As the time of the red comet draws ever closer, Lachlan and Iseult try desperately to avert the terrible fate the seer had prophesised, testing their strength and love to their very limits.

Meanwhile, Isabeau still has many dangers to face, but the most difficult challenge of all will be conquering the ghosts of her past. For if Isabeau is to heal the land, she first must find the way to healing her own troubled spirit...

May Ea shine her bright face upon you!