Dear Mr Cornwell, I was re-reading Stormchild the other day. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Id be curious to know one detail. Was the Genesis commune in the book inspired by the real-word Atlantis commune? There seem to be some interesting similarities, as well as enough differences to make it plain that Genesis is not a direct portrayal of Atlantis. (Satisfying the lawyers again?) Atlantis began on a desolate island (actually off Donegal), hard to get to, and hard to leave, because a couple of miles of rocks and rip-tides separate it from the mainland. Genesis is based on a desolate island, hard to get to, and hard to leave. Atlantis eventually finished up in South America, like Genesis (but not in Patagonia; instead in Colombia, where, quite predictably, the violence of the inhabitants has caused them a lot more trouble than the violence of the elements). Both communes have a strong ecological bias. Both communes ran sailing boats, which, as communes go, was pretty unusual. Your typical commune seems to be based in a crumbling country mansion. (However, the Atlantis boat has never really become a going concern, basically because none of them have a clue!) Both communes have a charismatic leader (though the leader in Atlantis is female), are sexually unconventional, appear to brainwash their members, and are heavy-handed in their treatment of non-conformity inside the commune. (But on the other hand, as far as I know, Atlantis has never killed anyone). About myself; 59, small boat sailor all my life, ex-member of Atlantis, hence my curiosity about Stormchild . I emphasise VERY much ex, it was a period of three months over twenty years ago, and I have absolutely no wish to re-visit the experience, nor am I in contact with them at any time. They do play mind-games quite alarmingly, but they actually threw me out because I proved a bit resistant and wouldnt go along with the script. Thats unusual. They like to break new members to their world-view as thoroughly as they can, and do not like to let go. I am also the proud owner of an old gaff cutter which was once house and home to me and is now in need of a very extensive refit. Im an Open University lecturer, and do other bits of part-time teaching&& and I like your books very much. I know you are best known for Sharpe, but my opinion is that Uhtred is your finest creation. With best wishes, Yours, John Davies.