#//I wouldn't mind having more people on the lookout for typos before the final release B')

[a-queenoffairys]

after a long break I'm finally back to working on the chronicles, and I'm now up to book 3 chapter 15. the end feels so close yet so far.

I fell off it for a few reasons but mostly because I was getting bored with the story and it felt like a chore trying to get through it. even just doing a single chapter takes a long time (rightfully so, translation shouldn't be rushed) and combined with a plot that wasn't holding my attention, it was hard to motivate myself to keep going. taking a break was good, and seeing the state of the currently available release, the job really needs to be done. but hey, I have until september to make it before the 10-year anniversary window closes (aaaaghhhh)

some spoilers ahead

and it's a shame because I did really enjoy books 1 and 2. they were a nice cosy story about the gang recounting their story and then beginning to unravel the mysteries of the hermitage and anthea's disappearance, all while xana is working to get closer to them and infiltrate the group, being very careful with the information he chooses to reveal so as not to tip them off or give them an advantage.

then book 3 comes along and it starts off ok. but if I could point to the spot where things took a nosedive, I think it was when xana showed up in humanoid form. there's something not good about the characters thinking of xana as this dangerous, merciless, emotionless computer program that's out to kill them, and xana acting all powerful and evil, but then he just starts dumping exposition and giving his enemies useful information seemingly only to move the plot along. it was weird when he was like "I could kill you right now, I don't even care" to ulrich and then they just go on a gay little stroll around the city together and xana helpfully explains more things with an evil smirk on his face.

it's also around that same time the gang gets split up and there are lots more other characters involved, a lot of them either completely new, or existing characters who've been changed a hell of a lot. and I get it but it feels a bit messy, and the darker tone is hampered by caricature characters.

I don't have much of an issue with the overall plot, I think it's mainly just the characterisation that could have used work. also the handling of the abusive parent stuff uhhhhh

anyway I wouldn't say the books are bad, I just wish they were better :B and at least every cl sequel/adaptation manages to get jim right

#aqof talks #code lyoko chronicles #//anyway if you'd like to read the new versions of the books they're not public yet but you can dm for a link #//I wouldn't mind having more people on the lookout for typos before the final release B') #//and book 3 shouldn't be too far off (I hope)