The Purpose of this Companion

For those of you who have already read any of the books in the Batu series, you already know they don’t require any explanation to enjoy them. Yet it should be clear from even a cursory reading that the series is laced with subtleties that allows it to be read on many different levels. This companion to the series is an exploration of these levels to discover what exactly lies below their surface.

This companion is for all those people who enjoy wandering backstage, mingling with the players, talking to the creators and set designers, and finding out what’s really going on behind the scenes. It’s a window into characters you may think you already know, and a closer look at their world and what it really represents. It is my belief that the more you realize what was hidden under your nose the whole time, the more you’ll appreciate it. This companion provides all the information you need for a greater experience of the Batu world, and a thorough understanding of the author’s objectives.

To that end, this companion includes in-depth interviews with the author, Thornton Sumner. Interviews that reveal the series’ origins, its themes, its characters and the craftsmanship that brought it all together. This insider’s look into the mind of the saga’s author deconstructs and expands upon his creation, allowing readers to see for the first time its true meanings.

The Batu Companion may also be read independent of the series, enjoyed and easily understood by those who have never actually read the original books. This companion provides an overview for new readers, while at the same time its in-depth analysis brings new dimensions not readily apparent for Batu veterans. The Batu saga is one of those works of literature created with the belief that good stories should grow larger and better with each reading. But no matter how many times you’ve read the four books in the series, or if you have yet to discover them, The Batu Companion promises to bring to life a whole new world for all to enjoy.