Ysabel Fan Letter

Dear Mr. Kay,

I have just finished reading your latest novel, Ysabel, and I must say I'm very impressed. The novel is very well thought out and is very compelling. The use of real archaeological sites and locations gives the novel a sense of authenticity while still keeping an element of fantasy. I found all of the characters very engrossing. The most engaging of these characters are Phelan, Cadell, and Ysabel. The sense of mystery that surrounds them really draws the reader into the story. Having said this, I wish that you had delved a little deeper into the story of these three characters. We are hardly given any information about them other than Phelan and Cadell are constantly resurrected to fight for Ysabel, whom they both love. Also, many times throughout the novel Ned's aunt refers to the history of Ned's family. We are told that certain member's of Ned's mother's family have been gifted with the "second sight", but we are never told what the second sight consists of or how it pertains to Ned's role in the events of Ysabel. Ned's aunt also has this unusual gift, and both she and her husband hint at some kind of secret knowledge. Ned's aunt threatens Cadell with the name "Cenwin", and Ned's uncle exchanges threats with a long-dead druid in a long-forgotten language. This isn't to say that the mystery does not build suspense, but more background information would definitely help to give the book a more linear storyline, which would engage more readers.
Another thing that I loved about Ysabel was the witty dialogue between all the characters. All the sarcastic comments really made the book enjoyable to read and relieved the tension created by some of the more dramatic scenes. The so-called "ringtone war" between Ned and Melanie was very entertaining to follow. Other elements of humour, such as Ned's constant needling of Kate about her roommate, Marie-Chantal, and the sarcastic comments that Ned's aunt and uncle trade constantly are also very engaging.
I was already a fan of your fantasy novels, such as the Fionavar Tapestry series, but I found that the themes expressed in Ysabel enthralled me and compelled me to read further. I hope that many books like it will follow.

Sincerely,

Oliver Jones