For those of you that have been reading along with the publication schedule, book 1 ended nearly six months ago. That's at least six months since you last saw quite a few characters. Even if you just got done binge reading the series, some characters have been MIA for 500+ pages.

I wrote book 3 with that in mind. But I'm still learning as a writer, and I don't want anyone's enjoyment to be watered down by thoughts of "who was that again?"

So here's a little refresher! We'll go by location and just focus on characters that have a noticeable presence.

The Gift - Rowan is Archie and Nori's Black Jacket sponsor. He has a particular connection to Archie, as he was the key Chef of Petrichor in the time of Archie's Gluttonous grandfather. He founded The Gift to try to right his wrongs, and spent a lot of time traveling the world and appreciating other cultures until he became the impromptu guardian of Chandler, a young girl. Chandler was rescued from Sorghum Ackers, a Glutton of Archie and Nori's making. At the time, she went by Teff, but chose a new name based on chandler blueberry bushes.

Teachers of the Academy - Head Chef Colby is a hard-ass that pushes students, but he shows a more vulnerable side in the presence of the bubbly Head Chef Pomona—what's going on there? It's not exactly clear, but there's something happening. Meanwhile, Head Chef Quince is a Kuutsu Nunan farming specialist with a gentle nature. Head Chef Anise is a bit of a witch with her cackling eccentricities—perhaps her unsettling presence is why she stopped training to be a Veratore, a type of medical Chef. Head Chef Tarragon is a war hero and old friend of Grand King Flambé. He teaches conjuration and bonded with Archie, but he's got a lot of catching up to do to overcome Picea's recent connection with Archie. And finally, we have Headmaster Aubergine, who is always going for a run, has a bit of a manic yet charming energy, and is often too busy behind the scenes to make steady appearances, but he takes over a class every once and a while.

Students of the Academy - Our summer travels left behind two boys and three girls. Benedict is Oliver's closest friend and Archie's roommate, but his defining quality thus far has been his admiration of Blanche—uh-oh. Benedict is good-natured, but that won't make it easy for Archie to break the news. In the other boy's room, we have Akando, a Kuutsu Nunan traditionalist that specializes in heat and has invited Archie to come to Kuutsu Nuna on more than one occasion while doling out valuable cooking lessons. On the other hand, Cress is a bit more of a rebellious spirit from Kuutsu Nuna. Nothing is more important to her than making sure everyone is having fun—perhaps that's why she's always sitting next to Oliver when the gang has late night drinks. Hyssop and Juniper haven't made much of an impression on Archie—they're often too busy cooking for their sponsor, Prince Waldorf. Still, Archie knows that they are best friends, Juniper is quiet, and Hyssop is prone to going into what the class has affectionately dubbed "hyssie fits."

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The Serving Bowl - This cast of characters hasn't been explored thoroughly, but there have been a few that have left impressions. Clover is your friendly, handsome announcer. Gristle is a particularly mean-spirited fighter that wants to fight the "promising" Archie. Pepper Ivy is perhaps the sex symbol of United Ambrosia. And of course, the most notable of the bunch, Tataki Harper. Nori's cousin, Black Jacket, and touted as one of the best fighters in the world. He is a tool of his family's desires, and has done a thorough investigation of Archie on behalf of the Harpers.

The royal keep - Chrysanth, previously known as Stop Him, is a non-Chef guard at the front gate of the royal keep. He's still sour to Nori's bullying, but he's developed an unlikely friendship with Archie. Their relationship was essential for Archie's maturation and the realization of his generous spirit.

And then we have Prince Waldorf. You remember him. He's the worst.

And that does it! Now let's get on to the (WIP) book 3 blurb!

(and don't forget the popularity poll at the bottom!)

Book 3 - The Fading of the Flame

The world teeters on the precipice of change.

Archie and Nori return from Khala with a new wind in their sails. Nori has purged herself of her familial guilt and is ready to explore who she really is while trying to make a home in Ambrosia City. And Archie has achieved his goal in bringing essence back to Sain, forming a budding relationship with Blanche along the way. Now he must navigate new dynamics while pursuing his ambition of fighting in The Serving Bowl.

Julienne has returned from his truffle hunt with more than his prize. After surviving a failed assassination attempt, his stress and paranoia are at an all-time high, made worse by the trauma of witnessing Yarrow brutally kill their assailants. To make matters worse, he has discovered the purpose of the truffle.

Grand King Flambé is dying. The truffle soothes his pain and might prolong his life, but his death is inevitable, and Prince Waldorf is already making moves to secure his future.

The students have returned to Ambrosia City with new skills and new goals, but soon they all must come to terms with the impending death of the linchpin of the world as they know it.

Prologue + chapter 1 will be posted next Monday.

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