Alera

[Priscellie]

I freely admit that I read both books at a speedy clip and will have to re-read to gain the subtleties...but my question is this: Is Alera a kingdom or a planet?

It is a realm that occupies the lion's share of a continent.   They share it with the Icement, who have been walled off a la China, only it's worked out a bit better, tactically, and done a little less damage to the economy.  Alera, though, is the only nation of humans, and the word "human" and "Aleran" is essentially interchangeable.

The continent next door is linked to the one Alera is on via a land bridge which is where you find the Calderon Valley--hence its importance in relation to matters involving the Marat, who live next door.

The world itself is called Carna, but Alerans (like the inhabitants of many large and insular empires in our own history) in general don't spend much time thinking about things that happen beyond their borders.

Jim

So the Marat aren't technically human?  Bwaha!  *adds Alera to list of my fandoms that endorse bestiality*

[ToddM326]

So the Marat aren't technically human?  Bwaha!  *adds Alera to list of my fandoms that endorse bestiality*

maybe they are just more in touch with their animal partners....

[Denitta]

I freely admit that I read both books at a speedy clip and will have to re-read to gain the subtleties...but my question is this: Is Alera a kingdom or a planet?

It is a realm that occupies the lion's share of a continent.   They share it with the Icement, who have been walled off a la China, only it's worked out a bit better, tactically, and done a little less damage to the economy.  Alera, though, is the only nation of humans, and the word "human" and "Aleran" is essentially interchangeable.

The continent next door is linked to the one Alera is on via a land bridge which is where you find the Calderon Valley--hence its importance in relation to matters involving the Marat, who live next door.

The world itself is called Carna, but Alerans (like the inhabitants of many large and insular empires in our own history) in general don't spend much time thinking about things that happen beyond their borders.

Jim

Thanks for the clarification. As I was reading, the question was playing at the back of my mind.

[Mister]

I freely admit that I read both books at a speedy clip and will have to re-read to gain the subtleties...but my question is this: Is Alera a kingdom or a planet?

It is a realm that occupies the lion's share of a continent.   They share it with the Icement, who have been walled off a la China, only it's worked out a bit better, tactically, and done a little less damage to the economy.  Alera, though, is the only nation of humans, and the word "human" and "Aleran" is essentially interchangeable.

The continent next door is linked to the one Alera is on via a land bridge which is where you find the Calderon Valley--hence its importance in relation to matters involving the Marat, who live next door.

The world itself is called Carna, but Alerans (like the inhabitants of many large and insular empires in our own history) in general don't spend much time thinking about things that happen beyond their borders.

Jim

A sketch map would make this a lot clearer (HINT), it would make a nice addition to the home page. Nothing elaborate, something like this http://www.ethshar.com/map.jpg would be fine.


Gene

[ToddM326]

It is a realm that occupies the lion's share of a continent.   They share it with the Icement, who have been walled off a la China, only it's worked out a bit better, tactically, and done a little less damage to the economy. 

I can't remember.  Have we seen the Icement yet?  I know that they are mentioned already, but has anyone incountered them?  Will they play a part in the story?

[Belmonte]

We haven't met them, no, though there was word that they were rallying at one point.  Whether we'll see them, who knows?  (Other'n Jim)

[Valiar Marcus]

Jim usually has a reason for including most everything.  My gut says we'll see the icemen in some fashion before the series is over.