It is with great pleasure I announce my new novella, Perfect Shadow, featuring Durzo Blint. Here’s the blurb:
The Foul, Unnatural Murder of Gaelan Starfire & the Birth of Durzo Blint
“I got a bit of prophecy,” the old assassin said. “Not enough to be useful, you know. Just glimpses. My wife dead, things like that to keep me up late at night. I had this vision that I was going to be killed by forty men, all at once. But now that you’re here, I see they’re just you. Durzo Blint.”
Durzo Blint? Gaelan had never even heard the name.
***
Gaelan Starfire is a farmer now, happy to be a husband and a father; a careful, quiet, simple man. He’s also an immortal, peerless in the arts of war. Over the centuries, he’s worn many faces to hide his gift, but he is a man ill-fit for obscurity, and all too often he’s become a hero, his very names passing into legend: Acaelus Thorne, Yric the Black, Hrothan Steelbender, Tal Drakkan, Rebus Nimble.
But when Gaelan must take a job hunting down the world’s finest assassins for the beautiful courtesan-and-crimelord Gwinvere Kirena, what he finds may destroy everything he’s ever believed in.
—
I’ve had a lot of fans ask for more about Durzo Blint, and much as I love Durzo and as intimately as I know his story, I’ve always resisted. The story’s dark and gritty–and I’m in the middle of a completely different trilogy right now! My brain is full!
But finally I could hold out no longer. Perfect Shadow is the story of how an idealistic hero became Durzo Blint. I had intended to dash off a short story quickly and move on, but I became deeply enrapt with the story, revisiting Durzo and Momma K and the ka’kari and even more minor characters like Scarred Wrable. Not surprisingly, my quick “short story” swelled to a long short story, then a novelette, and finally it bumped right against that novella demarcation–with enough plot and subplot that I seriously considered making the whole thing a novel.
Instead, I’ve kept it a novella, because I want every word to tell. I want to reward re-reading, and I think this story does that. Perfect Shadow does, I think, all I hoped for it to do: 1) gives fans another dose of a great character, 2) allowed me to experiment and stretch myself as a storyteller, 3) gives a ton of Easter eggs for the attentive fans who’ve read and re-read the Night Angel books, and 4) advances the main stories that I didn’t wrap up at the end of the Night Angel trilogy and to which I shall return after the Lightbringer Trilogy. If you can’t tell, I’m really proud of how it turned out.
I’m also excited about how we’re releasing this book. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be able to give more details, but here’s what I can tell you now: Orbit will be releasing Perfect Shadow for all major ebook platforms in June for a mere $2.99.
And for all collectors, I’m very pleased to announce that Perfect Shadow will also be coming in a limited print run special edition from Subterranean Press, signed and numbered by me. Subterranean Press is taking pre-orders now!
*UPDATE: a note of explanation*
I see that there’s been some confusion, some excitement, and even a bit of outrage, strangely enough, about the above. Publishing in ebook only is unusual, so I wanted to explain how I decided to do that. Some people seem to think I’m holding the story hostage or something, and my intent is exactly the opposite.
I knew the story I wanted to tell in Perfect Shadow, and I wrote it exactly as long as it needed to be to tell the story as well as I could, and that is 17,000 words–which is too long to publish in the magazines that do SFF short stories (usually, they top out at 7,500), and it’s too short to be published as a novel. If I had wanted to cash in and exploit you, I would have filled the story with fluff and published it as a novel. But I believe I should always publish only the best I am capable of, so my choices were to cut half the story and publish it as a short story or to wait a number of years, write some more novellas, and publish it in a collection.
I chose a third option: to publish the story electronically. I know from looking at the numbers that a large number of my fans do have e-readers, so this was by far the best way to get out my story to the largest number of fans inexpensively, without making artistic sacrifices that I wasn’t willing to make, or ripping you off.
If I can, I will make the story available other ways in the future, too. And I will announce those when and if they happen. I love the story, and I want to share it with you. So please don’t impute bad motives where none exist–we’re all doing our best in a rapidly changing market!
* UPDATE 2: ‘limited’ vs ‘lettered’ & what are the limits of ‘limited’, anyway?
I’ve had questions about what ‘limited’ means and what ‘lettered’ means. The limited edition novella will be leather-bound, signed by me, and numbered 1 to 1,500. It may have interior illustrations as well. No artist for those or cover artist has been signed yet. The lettered edition is A-Z, and is very expensive, for the super-enthusiasts out there. This will be bound in different leather, have different and more elaborate foil stamping, have a leather traycase, may have more interior illustrations, and will of course be signed. Subterranean has always had the rights to make the lettered edition, but they overlooked that when they put up their initial post announcing the acquisition. I’m sure they would have corrected it once they put up the full post with cover art, and pictures, and more details.
The next thing is something you have every right to be ticked off about. Subterranean is well on its way to selling out of the limited edition–before they even have cover art or anything. In other similar cases they’ve encountered, they find their books on eBay on the day after publication sometimes for four times the list price. So they asked me if they could increase the print run from 1,000 to 1,500. I said yes. If you’re buying this book purely to profit, I’ve just diluted your stock price–and I understand if you’re mad at me for that. If you want a refund, you can email subpress@gmail.com and get it. But against the interests of investors who want to sell the book on eBay, I was thinking of fans who just want to get the book. If they sell out ridiculously early, some fans aren’t going to be able to buy it at all. I mean, heck, the limited edition already IS expensive without someone’s eBay markup. I also understand that a person can be a fan and also an investor… so again, if you’re mad, I’m sorry, and please feel free to ask for a refund. I do my best to write great stories, but I don’t always get things exactly right, and I do my best to balance the interests of my fans and those I do business with, and if I don’t always get things exactly right here either, that doesn’t surprise me too much. An apology and a refund is the best I can do for you.
Yes got a copy! First time I’ve ever bought something like this from an author, excited
. Brent any hints about when the blinding knife is going to be ready? The black prism became my favourite book, I’m inpatient for more other authors just don’t compare.
I was trying to order the book but I kept on getting a server error message, a little angry right now.Does anyone know why that is?
Alright,I was reading some earlier posts and discovered that I have run into the same problem as someone else. My order went through, however, now I have ordered two of the books.I only want one, I do not want to pay 90 dollars for two of the exact same books. I tried to e-mail the site that sells them, but I got a failure to send message.Please,can something be done about this, I only want one book.
You can cancel an order anytime by e-mailing subpress@gmail.com as long as it hasn’t been shipped already. I’d say you have a loooong time for that with this book
Bill will most likely reply to you, he is a very understanding guy.
Hope this helps!
Woohoo! Got a copy!
You have to go back and hit the Update button next to your order after you put it the amount you want… If not it’ll land you with 2
Can you not release it in a Small novel forum. Similar to Debt of bones. Seems the same to me. I dont go in for the e-readers so not an option. I picked up book one of the Night Angel triology and finished it in a night and ran to get the next 2. I like what you write and will give your others a try but Must say I dont think e-reader only is fair and not publishing it in a small book is a cop out. I have purchaced many such books written to fill in the gaps of stories…
Know what would be awesome?
Doing another limited print that’s more affordable in straight up paperback for…oh, say $3-6. That’d be pretty boss.
I mean, y’know…if you wanna.
I’m a big of the Night Angel Trilogy and the Black Prism books. I can honestly say I can’t wait for more books to come out. Durzo Blint’s story is one I look forward to reading more about no matter what format it comes out in. Keep up the great work with such awesome characters.
Just got my self on the list for a signed copy, someone mentioned it was a first for them and thats the same for me from the uk and the postage did up the price quite a bit but worth it if you ask me. Get a quick read and a bit of a collectors item. Look forward to the many other books that you bring out.
PS read the new series book one but did prefer the first trilogy the action and characters i felt where slightly better but wont make a full judgement til the end of this set
keep up the good work.
I love Durzo!!! He’s kinda the more darker version of Halt in the Ranger’s Apprentice for YA. He so deserves the love and affection after serving the Kakari for like ever!!! Durzo’s past would definitely be interesting…So waiting for the second novel of the Black Prism series!!! And I remember BW saying he will continue the sequel to NA when he finishes this trilogy…..two more books to go….two more books to go…..*chanting that time will pass by quickly*…..
He is a darker version of Halt, isn’t he? I didn’t realize that until you said it.
he is but durzo is stonger and halt cares more
Not when you look at personality. All the similarities are superficial – father figures for an orphan, master of said orphan, royalty. Durzo himself is completely different from Halt.
That said, I can imagine him being sort of similar earlier in his life, while before he got so completely disillusioned and sick of life.
Just preordered mine as well….Wish it was gonna be released other than ereader only cuz $45 is a little expensive to me, but it is a collectors item and I want to be able to read the book. Since I don’t own an ereader and never will (I’m more into the actual feel of holding a book and turning the page, etc. etc. lol) so for people like me this is the only option right now to read it, and I’m looking forward to reading it
Can’t wait for the next book after Black Prism I want more!!!
Hi Brent,
Can I ask how the books will be numbered? Will we get a number in the order we purchased them in or will it just be completely random? I’d love a specific number for my copy though =w=
Fuu
Great question–and I don’t know the answer. This is my first time, too!
If you shoot it over to subpress@gmail.com along with details of what you’re looking for, I’m sure they’ll help you out.
WooHoo!! I just ordered my signed copy of Durzo’s story. So excited. I haven’t decided to get an e-reader yet, still thinking about it. I love the feel and smell of books too much, I guess. So I am very grateful that there is the option here of getting the story in book form. Can’t wait.
I am super excited to hear that you have expanded on the story of Durzo! He is by far, one of my favorite characters.But I have to say I am extremely disappointed that I wont be able to read the story or obtain a copy of it. A limited and signed published copy is nice, but it is just that limited. And I do not own or do any e reading so, like I said I wont be able to enjoy the story, and I have a feeling there are countless others in the same boat as me. I hope you change your mind and decide to have it published and accessible to everyone in print so we can all continue to enjoy your stories, because lets face it, they’re amazing!
Most e-books can be read with a standard program and not require a specific e-reader like the Kindle or Kobo and so on.
I’m sure you will be able to download it straight to your PC and read it. It will only be around 90-100 pages, as is the length for most novellas. It can be read in an hour on the computer, and if you have adobe acrobat (which 50%+of the population on this planet does, lol) then you can make it read it to you, like an audio book.
You also have to understand that as an author and a very good writer, he made one of the hardest decisions he could in his career. Sell you short and publish a paperback novel with 300 pages of fluff and 90 pages of real content and call it a story? Or publish a limited novella, personally signed by him on each of those 1000 copies, numbered and leather bound, with 90-100 pages of REAL story minus the fluff, along with an e-version for those who don’t want the hard copy.
Just a thought =)
~Rich
…
Or…
He could have published it as a novella in a not so limited form that doesn’t cost $62 including postage. It is possible to publish something less than 500 pages long.
Also, most of those of us who don’t like ebooks don’t like audiobooks either. We just like books. As in, real books.
…
Or…
If you REALLY like Brent Weeks as an author, you would put up with the fact that it’s an e-book and just read it on your computer/e-reader and suck it up. Your never always going to get what you want in life. He cant please everyone, and thats just that. If you cant put aside 40-60 minutes to read an e-book for an author you like, well, obviously you have a different opinion about his writing then the thousands of readers who are ordering the book and waiting for the e-book.
Of course, you have your own opinion and are free to express it.
I completely agree with Richard. It is accessable to anyone who can post on this forum. If you have this much computer know how, then you can read/listen to it here. Personally I use Aldiko, a free ebook reader on my phone and I love it that way. Portable and easily accessible. On the other side of this topic, I am extremely excited to have a limited edition, high quality, signed copy. While I agree that the story needs to be accesible by fans (and it is electronically) I for one appreciate the collectible nature of it. I read Brandon Sanderson’s Elantris and Mistborn series via Aldiko and purchased signed personalized hardbacks directly from the author afterwards.
…
Or…
BECAUSE I really like Brent Weeks as an author, I could refuse to settle for an e-book and pay $62US just so I could actually have the book. As I did. And hated myself for it, because I was stupid enough to pay that much money for a 96 page book. Because I let myself get ripped off, and I knew it, but paid up like a good little fan anyway. Because Brent Weeks is one of the most amazing authors ever and I will not put up with anything less than a book for his work. So as excited as I am about having this limited edition, leatherbound, signed copy, I am extremely frustrated, because I would have been happy enough with a standard paperback and had to shell out for this. I didn’t pay $63 for a collector’s item; I paid it for a 96 page Brent Weeks book.
I agree with all of you.
It’s true that $45 for a 96 page book is rather extortionate (even compared to the other books by SP, so Brent, given that there’s still some time, please make the final product flash and ornate and just awesome and justified for its price
I suggest adding a velvet drawstring bag as packaging? Lol), but as a die hard fan you can still moan and complain because aside from wanting the whole set of the author’s works, most of us are still either relying on parental charity or working our asses off to pay the rent. We shouldn’t have to compensate a little by drawing from survival funds.
That said, the e-version is the cheaper alternative for those who can’t get the limited edition at all (assuming the story is the real draw). Given it’s the year 2011, any Dick, Jen and Bill should have access to a computer/laptop and maybe even a smartphone. If you don’t have or want to buy an e-reader, those are your alternative readers. You can also print it out for a material copy if you feel better turning pages. Either way, you will be able to read the story, and it’ll probably be read in one sitting, less time the average young person spends staring at YouTube videos.
Hey Tim just a thought. Buy the e-book, save it to word, print it yourself, and then bind it with string or staple it or whatever. that way everyone wins and you can stop whining
Months ago I read the Night Angel Trilogy, and this week I couldn’t resist just looking at it on my bookshelf unread. I had to pick up the first book and didn’t stop until I finished the third. When I got to 241 on book 3 and read how the current Black Dragons wanted Kyler to apprentice Blue, a girl member of the guild, I couldn’t help but imagine what a story would be like if a continuation existed where Kyler actually does take Blue as an apprentice, and the story told through her eyes.
When I looked up your website and saw this I couldn’t help but yell out, Yes! right in the middle of the night which caused my dad to wake up. It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but in some ways it’s even better. I can’t wait for it to read it!
FINALLY
!!!! I was feeling pretty bummed out today after I finished Beyond the shadows for the third time, knowing I’d have to wait ages for the next book in the series, then I saw this. It made my day and I’m super excited 
. Looking forward to the next book in the Black Prism series too.
Also, I just like to thank Brent for publishing this book an ebook format and making this affordable. I don’t know about you guys but I don’t always have the cash to buy books and I don’t really have a local library, so when an author does something like that to help out fans, it means a lot.
Hope more authors follow your lead Mr. Weeks and thanks again.
Ps. To all those who don’t own ereaders… Check out the mobi pocket website from your computer. You can read from your phone, computer, ect. Convenience is great and you can access your own library of books from just about anywhere
. Plus it cuts some costs.
Ordered it today, just please…for the love of God, don’t end this series with a song…..PLEASE DON”T
i love the night angel trilogy they are the best. cant wait till this novella comes out
I’d rather have a book with 90 pages of story and another couple of hundred of fluff that I could afford to buy as a real book, rather than one I won’t get to read at all since I don’t own, can’t afford, and wouldn’t buy anyway, an ebook reader (and hate I reading stuff (as in books, not websites…) on screens anyway.) Was really looking forward to the novella ’til I saw this.
Hey, for those of you who are frustrated by the choices (wait, ebook, or collectors edition), I do hear you. I am working behind the scenes to try to expand the choices. (And that’s really all I can say right now.)
Hey, Brent, I’ve read all 4 of your books and will probably buy PERFECT SHADOW when it comes out for the Nook. I was wondering when we could hear something about Lightbringer #2.
Thank you.
This is why I like you. You try.
NO NO NO NO NOVELLA make it a full novel a prequel tot he trilogy plz plz plz plz
yeah a novella is a cheap prequeal
or make it a separate trilogy
Luv your Books just started to read the night angel trilogy and am hooked
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo yeah
\
even better
Hey Brent, I’m a big fan from Spain and currently reading the Night Angel Trilogy -I’m loving it! Hope you end up making it and give us another choice to buy this new book; the most important is you’re trying though. I appreciate it.
Thank you! I just finished Beyond the Shadows again and it was sorta a buzzkill thinking I wouldn’t be able to read about Durzo anymore. . . He is amazing! He really is a great character, and i feel attached to him. I can’t wait to read this book! I wish it could be a novel, but I’m still just glad I can read more about Durzo
I beg you, try to publish it on paper as well. Not from England, and my only connection to the world of English books is Book Depository. Plus, I don’t have e-reader. =(
Anyway, hope for the best. Night Angel trilogy is my favourite trilogy out there.
Anybody know what the difference is between the $45 Limited edition and the $250 Lettered edition?
ok just clicked on the order link and seen that it says (lettered $250) whats that about?
Yea, I just saw the Lettered edition ($250) too… that and the number of copies of the Limited, numbered, edition has increased to 1500… what’s happening Breeeent~~~~?
Brent man if there is a way you can make this into a book that would be awesome i respect your judgement you know how to get this out the best way but i dont have the ability of getting it from ebooks just yet so let me know if there is another way you are selling this.
Woot! I am excited for this book. It’s a good thing I decided to come visit the site to check on any news with Durzo’s tale; otherwise, I would have never known what was going on, haha.
ok bad news i just got a reply from sub press saying the lettered $250 edition will have the same text and illustraions as the normal edition but it will be bound in leather and housed in a custom traycase. the regular edition $45 which we all bought thinking it would be bound in leather will be hardback but bound in cloth no traycase. he did say the regular would be numered and signed
Maybe it’s an extended April fools joke. Hopefully…… They contradict themselves on their page:
We’ve only been able to secure the rights to produce 1000 signed limited copies of this tale—the only print edition under contract. Given the fact that the individual volumes in the trilogy have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, Perfect Shadow is likely to be in very high demand.
and
Limited: $45
ISBN: 978-1-59606-415-7
Lettered: $250
Length: 96 pages
leads to
Limited: 1500 signed numbered copies, bound in leather
????????????? Incomplete site update? I misunderstood something? Dear God….
Anyway, I’m still awaiting their reply.
I got reply back, the guy says both will be leatherbound but different leather is used for each edition. And Lettered one has a foil stamp on the cover and, as said above, comes in a tray case. Will likely have illustrations.
Is disappoint ._.
But on the brighter side, you can get refunds.
I just got the same reply as well. Both are going to be leather-bound, but the limit was increased by 500 and a lettered edition was added. I guess they upped it to help those who “might” have missed out on ordering it. It might be getting to the point where it is not so “limited” anymore.
Only time will tell! Oh and yes, as Fuu said they do offer refunds. I wouldn’t see why you’d want one though! It’s still the same book, just 500 others will have it as well. Chances are out of that 500, 350 will be book sellers/collectors, so really its not that bad. Lol
Definitely can’t afford a lettered edition…. Want it very much though.
But aside from that, isn’t the point of limited edition: LIMITED? As in it’s rare and, childish as it sounds, makes you feel special if you have it. Grab it before it’s gone etc etc. If they’re just going to make more when people demand it then they should just term it: Intended print number or even Initial print number. Yes, the print number is currently predefine and set and relatively small compared to sale numbers of a normal book but hey it changed didn’t it? For a chance to make more money? Out of hand number of complaints that it’s gone? Won’t know….
I mean the price is the main deterrant for people not buying it but it’s gotta keep the “limited” value in it at least, for those of us who do buy it.
I completely agree. Limited should mean limited. Maybe if enough people who bought it complained, they might lower it back to 1000? Who knows. Haha.
An e-mail should be sent out when the status of a book you purchased changes. That’s all that is really bugging me.
That’s like announcing a book with 5000 copies, charging $45 for it, and then right before it sells out, adding another 5000 copies. Most people bought it because it only HAD 5000 copies being made.
That’s life though….
Richard, Tim, robert, Fuu, and Kevin,
I’ve addressed your questions (and your concerns, I hope) in Update 2 above. I do keep up with the comments on all posts, but had to wait to hear back directly from Subterranean–and I’m also working on writing the next book!
-brent
I totally agree with you there. One of the key reasons it was possible to convince me to buy the expensive limited edition was that it was, you know, a limited edition. Something special. Now, not only is it less limited, but they’ve added a more limited one? It just doesn’t seem right.
Also, they really need an edit feature for these.
Thanks for the update Brent. Helped clear things up a bit, and I’m back to being more excited about getting the limited edition than annoyed at not having a standard choice, or having the edition a bit devalued. Even at 1500 copies, and a new, much more valuable copy which I could never afford, it’s still going to be pretty cool.
OKAY SO I KNOW YOU ALREADY ADDRESSED THIS IN THE UPDATE.
I just really, really want to read it and I don’t have an e-reader so imma whine cuz I’m a whiner. :’( Nor, for that matter, do I even know anyone who owns an e-reader, so I can’t pay them the money for the novella and read it on their screen and save it to their library thingie where they’d see it in a few months and say to themselves, “Oh, how’d that get in here?” and read it and love it and buy all your other stuff and become addicted just like me. That’s bad advertising, y’know. ;D
…:’(
We can be whiners together lol.
hey i dont care im getting perfect shadow its the $45 but its perfect shadow its all that matters
true.i am happy with my $45 edition one, but it made out that the $45 one was the limited edition leather bound one. really need brent info on this because i have an email that says the $45 one wont be leatherbound just hardback bound in cloth. at the end of the day i dont really mind once its hardback and signed, really want it signed:)
well if the $45 is not bound in leather and we paid for the leather at first than subterainien press is going to have one big problem.
brent you need to find out whats going on.
I think maybe they saw that problem and reconfirmed with the rest of us who emailed slightly later than Kevin up there (I did anyway) that it WAS leatherbound… but just… maybe the cheap variety that crackles and peels off??
Otherwise we can call them for false advertising and all.
The $45 Limited edition WILL be leather-bound. It will just be a “different” type of leather.
A number of us have confirmed this with Subterranean Press. If your still not satisfied, shoot subpress@gmail.com an e-mail about your concern. I’m sure they’d be more then happy to give you peace of mind =)
ok thanks but brent should still confirm wtfs going on.
ok dont mean to complain too much, and maybe I’m just cheap. But, isn’t $250 a little bit of a dick move on subterainian press’ part? I mean that over $2 per page that you get to read. $250 I think is more of greed than it is a company doing business. Most companies try and promote that they have fair and honest business and this is like, Apu from the Simpsons completely over charging for products.
Thanks for clarifying things for us, Brent.
I admit I didn’t think much of the “Investor” side of things but only because I didn’t think it would be a significant problem – in terms of the number of books that will actually be purchased with “make profitssss” in mind because anything “limited” will ALWAYS have a copy end up on Ebay or similar, much overpriced – it’s a given. But the thing is, I feel upping the print number by 50% deals a heavier blow to fans (Limited limited limited!!) than to investors. Hmmmm perhaps it’s only to fans who made the purchase BEFORE the change……………. who could have gotten the e-version but didn’t because come on, limited edition! ………………… Fans who would have missed out must be happy for getting another chance to get their hands on it. Aaaaand I went full circle ._.
In other lines, very very excited to hear news of The Blinding Knife ( you did mean this book by “next book” right?)
Even if it’s just you saying “I have been busy writing” 
How did I end up replying to Grant???
I second Tim, we need some form of editing function!
There is a big folowing here in South Africa for all the books. I would love to get the novella as well. Would be quite something to read because of the very interesting character of Durzo.
Must say, there isn’t an author that compares at the moment.
Keep it up
BRAINWAVE !!!!
Here’s what I’m going to do anyway….
I’m gonna get the e-book as I can’t afford the Limited Edition (well, I can, but my wife would cut my danglies off for paying that much for a book!), then I’m gonna print it out on paper so that I HAVE a book – great idea eh?!!
Incidentally Brent, I have been an avid Fantasy Fiction reader for years, and without wanting to blow too much smoke up your talented behind, I have NEVER read anything that came close to the NA trilogy – but I love Ninjas and magic
D (Lego Ninjago too – get some!)
The first book got me used to your style of writing, the second book had me immersed, and the third book blew me away and left me craving more. On behalf of myself any many of the friends I recommended your books to, THANK YOU.
PS – if you’re giving any of these Limited Ed books away for any reason, gimme a holler – hey, if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
It’s a good idea, actually. Maybe I’ll run some kind of contest… Lemme think about that.
I pray to the Gods, that I get a copy if Perfect Shadow. Been so busy with university that I haven’t checked the site in so long and only sent an order through now
On a brighter note, I super amped for book 2 of the Light bringer series! Brent Weeks = legendary author, and each book he writes is a master piece!!
P.s – thank you Brent for creating yet another chance to enjoy the best story I have ever read (Night Angel Trilogy), with perfect shadow, here is me hoping to get a copy!
\,,/(>.<)\,,/
Ok, im confused, is the book still coming out in limited copies or is it just for the e-books?
Hunter, there will be the limited edition AND e-book. (There may be a couple other formats too, but I can’t say anything about that yet.)
thanks
thanks brent, for clearing things up,
cant wait to get my hands on perfect shadow and part two of lightbringer,
(please find a way to save gavin/dazen).
p.s. you re an amazing writer.
Hi Brent
Are you not worried those that dont have an e reader or want to use one will buy counterfeit copies of the book that are bound to surface as the original story was brilliant ?
Well, sure I can worry about people stealing my books. I don’t generally though. First, if someone does steal this and loves it, maybe they’ll buy books from me in the future. Second, I can’t stop people from stealing, so why give myself an ulcer about it?
My priority is to write the best stories I can. Then, as a businessman, I want to get the book out in as many forms as I can so that I can make new fans and satisfy fans who prefer one format or another (I had complaints that Night Angel never came out in hard back, but other people hate hardback, others hate e-books, others love audio books, etcetera). It is business, though, so a publisher has to think they can make money publishing a book a certain way–if people don’t think they can sell a 17k story as an $8 paper book, I don’t blame them. Their experience is that those DON’T sell. And to be honest, I don’t think I would want to pay that sort of price for that small of a book, so I can’t blame them. Maybe they’re wrong, and this story will blow the doors off and sell amazingly well. I hope so! But whether or not it does, I can’t force anyone to publish something.
I am doing things like trying to sell Perfect Shadow in foreign markets. This is rare. (Both the attempt, and such attempts being successful.) Looks like it might happen in my case. We’ll see. Again, I can’t force that. And if I get too wrapped up in worry about how there are inefficiencies in the e-book markets or things like that, that’s just time I’m not writing.
And ulcers. And I don’t want ulcers. So I write, I pitch my books when people let me, I try to treat my fans well, and I write. It’s the most sanity-protecting approach I’ve found to this work. Just doing my best.
First i have to say thanks for your books and sorry for my poor english, i wanna know if “perfect shadow” will be translate to spanish, when and how i can preorder it.
I hope i can get it soon or later because here in Leon u have a lot of fans.
Thx for your time.
GC
Guillermo,
I very much hope so. I do not yet have any Spanish-language deal for Perfect Shadow, but maybe after the London Book Fair (this week) where my agent will be pitching the story, we might get some interest in the next month or so. If it happens, I will let you know here!
Hi, something new for perfect shadow in spanish? your last books were publised b Plaza&janes editorial here in spain whit a 3 fantastic covers https://www.topbooks.es/autores/WEEKS,+BRENT/
P.D: I sell all your books in the shop where i work last weekend
How could you!! Howwww!!!!!
*is really crying*
I want this so bad. So freakishly bad. Yet I want it in my hands. I don’t have an e-reader. I read the Night Angel Trilogy in my bed, and so I want to do the same with this story too. But I’ have to pay $45 to do it?
No fair! Why can’t it be an e-release AND a paperback? Even if it’s some flimsy little thing. I’ve bought books that short.
Is there ANY way it can come out in some form of paperback?
I know you don’t mean anything by it. But still…gah this sucks…
Amber, my reply above to Philip was also intended for you. Basically, I can’t force publishers to do anything. They decide where they think they can make money, and they do that. It is very, very rare for a story of this length to be published as a paperback. (Fantasy is full of fat books, after all, and that makes this look even more slender.) They may well publish a few of my novellas together in paperback form–but I haven’t written those novellas yet! I intend (again, intend, who knows what life will throw my way), to write one long-short story/novella between each book. But that means it’s a few years out, at least.
On the other hand, you should give e-readers a shot. I just bought one a few months ago, and I love it. Sure, there are drawbacks, but they’re getting cheaper all the time, and when you read big fat fantasy novels, it’s nice to be able to hold 6 oz in your hand when you’re in bed, rather than 5 pounds! But I understand the e-book doesn’t give the same feeling. I totally understand the visceral attachment to physical books, too. (shrug)
First, I’m sorry for my initial reaction. There was no real thought process going on there, I was just typing what I felt at that moment.
Next, I want an e-reader. I want an iPad. But I can’t afford that and I don’ want to buy a cheap e-reader now, and then buy the iPad later (besides, the cheapest e-reader is still too expensive for me).
I actually didn’t buy a book the other day (at 1.99 too) because it was too fat. I know that means nothing. But still, I’d pay $8 for a little tiny flimsy thing if it was THIS story. But again, that’s just me and thus means nothing cause you’re right, I suppose
in the big picture it’s a numbers game and that’s what the numbers tell the publishers.
I guess my reaction is because it’s a change. I was used to the paperback form of the NightAngel Trilogy. It was in paperback and thus I created a memory with a real book, with that story, those character and that world. So to have the same characters and world in a different format…If I had started reading it as a e-book, then maybe it would have a different feeling.
Actually, I think I know what this feeling I’m having is. I think your story, even at 17,000 words, is worth more than a $2.99 e-book. I know this is probably not true, but format feels…cheap and of low quality *has to admit she’s never paid for a download before*.
Even if I paid, it’d feel like I stole it.
But if I were you, I’d have the same reaction. Don’t worry about it or it’ll drive you nuts. You can’t please everyone and I understand that.
I wish I could but the limited edition (*was so tempted to put it on her credit card*), Your stories are amazing, and me, who is a picky reader, to get this worked up is a good sign.
Thanks for your brilliant work and I hope this and your next books are successful regardless of the format ^_^
Brent You have sold out your just part of the huge money making machine .
Sure everyone has to make money but to hear you talking like this
wow what a sell out
HAY DIP SHIT!!!! yea hes looking at this from a business stand point but he has no pull with the publishers. he writes them and they put it in to mass production. once he gives them the story its out of his hands. you call him a sell out? reread the reply to phillip than maby you will bite your toung
You know, you might have a better chance of being effective if you typed so that it didn’t hurt people’s eyes to read your reply.
And philip, he does make an ok point. If Brent wants his books out there, he does have to do convince someone it’s worth publishing, and if they’ll only publish it in a certain format, that’s got to be better than not publishing it at all, right?
Wow, so many other responses! I just want to leave a note and express my interest in an audiobook format. I gave up reading books a long time ago. If there is any chance that you can get an audiobook, please, Please, PLEASE! make sure Paul Boehmer does it. He did really good job with the NA series.
And, Thanks for the great stories Brent.
Hey will the perfect shadow be coming out on Audio book format ? I would love to know if it is or not so if I will not have to buy the book twice. And to kinda expanded on what Chris said.
PS. Thanks for the awesome reads keep’em coming Mr. Weeks.
Hey Mike,
Thanks so much. I hope to be able to release more information about all this on Friday. Sorry, lots of behind-the-scenes coordinating going on here.
Hey Brent,
N.A.T is one of the best trilogies I’ve read in a long time, finished all 3 in under a week. I wanted to know if perfect shadow will be available on ebook format outside the US (I’m from UK) because I really don’t want to wait till the fall to read it when I receive my limited edition. As far as I know it is currently only available in the US which is a real let down. Thanks and keep up the great novels, I’m very much looking forward to blinding knife.
Working on it. Was hoping to be able to announce something on this a few weeks ago, but… it’s complicated.
Hi Brent,
Ever since i read The Night Angel Trilogy I’ve been wanting to e-mail you just to let you know that your doing an amazing job.
In a weird kinda of way I’m also sad … because other books just can’t measure up. Why did they have to be so good? I also read The Black Prism and it was, of course, also amazing.
I’m planing on ordering a Limited copy because I just will not allow my self to read it on e-book ( though it does offer a good alternative for those who want to read and not willing to pay, so good idea there) because A Brent Weeks book deserves nothing more than a leather cover and special attention
I also wanted to let you know that the books were perfect in every way. The paperback for the Trilogy was good because they are “small” book and can be carried around while The black prism was big enough to deserve a hardcover.
The Characters were deep and thorough.
I read all 4 books at least 3 times in the time i’ve owned then ( around 4 months)
I have the Trilogy in ebook too just because i always want it with me in case i have a craving… What it happens !
So all that just to let you know that i think your doing an amazing job and that your work is beyond description and nothing less. Ho and reading this page only made it clear to me that you really care about what people think of it so i thought i would let you know what I think.
THANK YOU for the best read of my life and keep em’ coming.
I just found out i cant get it, i asked my parents to pre-order and they said no
i guess i’ll read the ebook but it’s just not the same as a leather copy from a favorite authors.
I leaped out of my chair when i heard about a new Night Angel book. Then I painfully crashed to the cold, hard ground after seeing that I have to pay $45 for leather bound or $100 on an e-reader. I suppose I could give up eating.
Mr Weeks,
Just had to write after reading some of the previous comments….I really don’t mean to offend fans of Night Angel, but really?… give it up! #1-Sub Press responds to emails immediately, my first was answered within minutes, #2-I have been a reader of fantasy since I enjoyed LOTR in the 70′s. For years I read paperbacks because I couldn’t afford hardbacks of the books I elected to purchase, now if I want I can have the hardbacks and on occasion a limited edition. (and everyone is aware that there will always be “things” in life you may want but not be able to afford,— everyone! Some people have to work a long time to reach a point in life to be able to “treat” yourself), #3 As I read above–Do tell–who is posting on here who is doing it without a computer and internet access?…Download the ereader app and you can buy the book much cheaper that a paperback would be..last but not least #4 I am thrilled that your books are popular and well enough received that Sub press has decided to issue one of them. Hopefully this means you are making a reasonable living and will therefore be able to continue writing, and just maybe I will someday be able to afford a lettered edition of one of your books! Thank you