It’s been more than a year since we started making plans to finish Book 6. We had some big shoes to fill and the process was daunting. (Victor was not only a writer, but a computer programmer and online marketing pro.) It was very tough at times, and the expectation to deliver something of quality and value weighed heavily upon us. Above everything, we wanted to honour Victor by bringing YOU the best conclusion we could to this wonderful series.
We are pleased to finally announce the release of book 6, The High Council.
(Also available on all other Amazon stores)
DARREN’S LETTER
Below I’ve included a letter from Victor’s brother Darren. Darren was entrusted by Victor to finish Book 6, and he talks about what it was like growing up with Victor, as well as their love of writing and fantasy. I think you’ll find it very interesting!
REVIEWS
We really appreciate reviews, especially on amazon.com. As with every new book, the reviews start from scratch. Thank you, and we can’t wait to hear your feedback.
A MESSAGE FROM DARREN
Dear All,
Well, it’s finally happened, the release of the last instalment of the Royal Institute of Magic Series: The High Council, by Victor Kloss. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about the book and its backstory.
Victor was my older brother, but only by a year. We were very close, and used to do everything together. We grew up on tales from The Lord of the Rings that our father used to tell us before we went to bed, as young as 5 years old. Reaching the age of 12 and 13 respectively, we read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and at that time were already talking about writing a book.
We got into Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer, as well as the first role-playing computer games, such as Daggerfall and Balder’s Gate. We were avid readers of various genres, but we both preferred fantasy.
He then wrote his first novel, Downloaded, but never released it. He continued writing stories and sending them to many publishers – always getting positive responses but not enough to go all the way.
Finally he created The Royal Institute of Magic. There were various agents interested but after quite a significant amount of back-and-forth, we did our own research into indie publishing. He decided to go for it, and I’m sure we can all agree what a great move that was.
I thought you might be curious to know how Vic went about writing this fantastic series, partly because you might find it interesting, but also so you understand that this final book is 100% his book.
Vic used me throughout the series as his primary beta reader. We discussed all sorts of points, from the characters to the plot, cover and name of each book and so forth. With Elizabeth’s Legacy, Vic would give me batches of three chapters at a time, and I would read them and give him detailed feedback. I have read hundreds of fantasy books over the years, and so my input (I believe) was quite helpful.
We did the same on books 2 and 3, but when it came to book 4 onward he gained a lot of confidence in his characters and story. I started reading a quarter of the book at a time, and my feedback became more and more “It’s great” – with minor points made.
The humour in The High Council is very much Vic’s, and the characters are definitely people he would have liked.
When we knew Vic wasn’t going to make it, he asked me to finish the final book of the series. He had plotted the entire book and even written a bunch of chapters. As we had been so close on the series, and I had read it more times than I can remember, he wanted me to make sure the final book was as great as the rest.
I want you, the readers, to know that this is Vic’s book. This is his final book for you. He laid it out in detail, with a great plot, twists and turns, action and fun. You’ll get to travel on this final journey with Ben, Charlie and Natalie in this wondrous world of magic and dragons, spellshooters and dark elves.
He loved to hear from you all, and your reviews and comments meant the world to him.
Although he is gone, you can absolutely write to me if there are any story points you would like to know more about, or if you have questions about my brother. (Please email victor@royalinstituteofmagic.com)
On behalf of my beloved brother, enjoy the final book of the series: The High Council.
All the best,
Darren Kloss
I have so enjoyed this series that I am so sad the journey is over. I want to know more about the high council and the lives of the characters after. I am so sorry for your loss and the worlds loss of such a great author. You did great with the last book Darren. You did your brother proud.
Great series I have just finished book 6 and I really love all six books but I have a couple of question that would be great if you could answerthem the first one is:
Does Ben end up going out with Natalie?
Is there going to be a continue of the Story because Ictid was captured by the High Council and it finishes by ben saying “The Institute will be ready”
Thanks for the book I hope you can answer my questions it would be great
Whish you all the best!
R.I.M
Thank you for completing and sharing the end of Victor’s story. It has to be a difficult task to finish something like this. The memories, I imagine, could be painful. The desire to finish it as he would, adds to the pain, I am sure. I will be happy to let you know what I think when I read it tonight.
Thanks for picking up the baton and finishing the race. I read these a few years back and was sad to not have book 6. Then I found out why – I shared the story with as many as I knew, as to get them interested and helping the Kloss family. I have since turned on dozens to this fine story and most importantly, my kids now know it and are as excited as I am to hear the end to the tale. Thanks for doing this and I wish wonderful things for your family in the years to come as you continue to honor Victor’s memory!