Daylight War Release Dates and The Demon Cycle
There has been a bit of confusion and speculation on the interwebs about my upcoming novel, The Daylight War, so I’d like to clarify some things.
I realize I’ve been promising this post for a very long time. Frankly, I’ve been putting it off because it was causing me a bit of anxiety. I needed to focus on actually writing the book, rather than writing about the book. Thankfully, Meg has really stepped up and kept the blog running in the meantime, posting all the amazing things people send in.
But it’s the start of a new year, and I want to set the record straight as I move into the home stretch, so let’s get right to it…
Not a Trilogy!
First off, the Demon Cycle is not a trilogy. The third book, The Daylight War, will NOT end the series. It was always intended to be a series of five books. A quintet.
This is a confusing point, though, because the series was widely marketed as a trilogy in the early days. It’s an understandable error that isn’t really anyone’s fault, but one that has caused me an ongoing headache these past years.
When I initially sold The Warded Man to Del Rey, they asked about my plans for sequels. I did a treatment for the series showing the full story arc. That treatment was for five books. I noted that while the arcs for all the main characters would resolve in the fifth book, I might continue to write further stories set in the same world with different characters or at different time periods (like The Great Bazaar and Brayan’s Gold).
But I was also realistic, and at the end of my presentation, I noted that if I HAD to close it out in three books, I theoretically could, but really didn’t wanna.
Del Rey hedged their bets (a totally fair move on their part), offering to buy the first three books and see how it went. Several other markets, like the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Poland, etc., quickly followed suit and bought three books as well.
Happily—and thanks especially to you, my fans—the series took off and I never had to worry about what I might need to do to force the story into three books. However, since the initial contracts in so many countries matched the length of the original Del Rey contract, the book media and some internal marketing teams assumed (not unreasonably) it was to be a trilogy. It was widely reported as such with the viral speed of the internet, and has caused wildfires I’ve been trying to extinguish ever since.
I have since signed contracts in the US and UK for another three full novels after The Daylight War. The first two if these will be the final books of the original quintet. The last will be a standalone novel set in the same world with some shared characters. It is plotted out already and I think it will be a kickass book that will appeal to both fans of the series and new readers.
But even with six books to spread out into, the Demon Cycle has grown with the telling. I don’t think this is a bad thing. However, instead of changing my five book plan, I have started doing some spinoff books for the more standalone storylines. These are not necessary to enjoy the main series, but do expand the world and give insights into the characters and their motivations.
In between writing The Warded Man and The Desert Spear, I wrote a novella for Subterranean Press about Arlen during his pre-warded Messenger days called The Great Bazaar. It was meant to appeal new readers, introducing them to my world, while also giving those who had read Warded Man a great bridge into Desert Spear. It also had some deleted scenes from The Warded Man along with my reflections on the writing process that caused them to be cut, a Krasian dictionary and ward grimoire.
I love that little book. After writing The Desert Spear, I wrote a second novella entitled Brayan’s Gold, gorgeously illustrated by Lauren K Cannon, about Arlen’s first (extremely dangerous) Messenger run. Again it was meant for both fans of the series and new readers.
These novellas have gone on to be translated into German, Polish, and French, most of them released in 2011. All are beautiful, illustrated editions that are a great fix between the novels. The original Subterranean Press books are pretty rare and expensive now, but easily available as eBooks in both the US & UK, and a new UK edition combining them both into one book will be printed this year.
I intend to continue writing one novella between each novel. The next, Mudboy, will have a storyline that introduces a wholly new character. It started as part of Daylight War, but got too big for its britches. It’s already mostly written.
The full Demon Cycle bibliography now looks like this:
Novel Quintet:
Book One: The Warded Man (First published 2008)
Book Two: The Desert Spear (First published 2010)
Book Three: The Daylight War (Forthcoming)
Book Four: The Forest Fortress (Forthcoming, working title subject to change)
Book Five: The Core (Forthcoming, working title subject to change)
These five books will close the storylines for Arlen, Jardir, Rojer, Leesha, Renna, Inevera, Abban, etc.
Standalone Novel:
Book Six: Tibbet’s Brook (Forthcoming, working title subject to change)
This book will mostly be about Selia Barren from Tibbet’s Brook, showing her life story and how it affects her decisions in the present as she contends with corelings, Krasians, and the growing power of Southwatch, all while wrestling the demons of her own past. It is mostly plotted and I am very psyched to write it.
Standalone Novellas:
The Great Bazaar (First Published 2010)
Brayan’s Gold (First Published 2011)
Mudboy (Forthcoming)
Others TBD
Pub Date
The next thing I would like to clarify is the publication date. As of this moment, The Daylight War will probably be out February 4, 2013.
This 2013 date has been rumored for some time, and prompted a lot of “Say it ain’t so!” messages from fans via facebook, twitter, email, and the like. I know it comes from a place of enjoyment for my work, and the VAST majority of messages have had a tone of excitement and exuberance that brings joy to my heart. But on some occasions, the exhortations have been… ruder, implying that I should be doing nothing but sitting chained to my desk cranking out manuscripts.
It is fair for people to be annoyed about the current pub date, as the book was briefly available for pre-order on several major bookseller sites with a release date of Spring of 2012, leading many to set their hopes on that date. The shift of almost a year is a pretty big one. Even now, I say “probably” for the 2013 date because in publishing few things are set in stone. Several countries are trying to coordinate a worldwide release date, and it can be a complex thing.
Especially when the author misses their deadline.
Ahem.
Oh, I have my excuses. Early this year my part-time assistant (deservedly) went on to a full time publishing job, leaving me with a lot of administrative work that ate away at my writing time. Around the same time I also had major shoulder surgery that left my arm in a sling for months. I’m told it went well and I will be back to full strength without pain at some point, but six months out I’m still only at 75%, and prolonged or strenuous use leaves me in a lot of pain.
And I spend a lot of time with my three year old daughter Cassie. I know I could put her in daycare or hire a sitter as many people do, but these years before she starts going to school all the time are precious, and I don’t want her to ever feel like daddy didn’t have time for her. We do arts and crafts and build marble runs and train sets. We practice her reading and watch Pixar movies. We argue about what she wants for dinner, bathtime and bedtime. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
But also, in fairness to me, the deadline was not realistic. When I first sold the books, there was pressure from the publishers to turn in a book every year. At the time, I naively told them I could do that, because even though it took me seven years to write The Warded Man, I did that writing part time. Now I would be full time, and should have the sequel out much more quickly.
Eh. Not so much.
I’ve talked about this before. My writing process is a very slow, meticulous one, and sometimes it requires me to stop and unravel a story knot before I can continue. Whether this method is right for everyone is debatable, but it is what works best for me to deliver a level of quality I am satisfied with. I take a lot of pride in my books, and don’t want to knock them out half-assed. I ended up delivering The Desert Spear close to a year later than originally promised, and The Daylight War has proven to be much the same.
That said, I have gotten my focus back, and am knocking out Daylight War chapters left and right these last few months. I am finishing up chapter 19 out of an estimated 27, and I expect to deliver it to the publishers in the early spring, so they will have plenty of time for editing and making sure everything is ready for the ’13 release while I get a head start on book four.
I am getting faster, I think. Warded Man took me seven years. Desert Spear took three. Daylight War is looking closer to two. I don’t know that I’ll ever do a book a year, but I hope you’ll have a shorter wait for the 4th book than for the 3rd.
I can assure you, though, The Daylight War will be worth the wait. Here are a couple of previews:
First up, the excerpt from Inevera’s storyline that was included with the eBooks and UK paperback of The Desert Spear is now live on the Excisions page! Throughout The Desert Spear, Inevera’s motivations, and what she really saw in the alagai hora she cast, remained a mystery. The Daylight War takes you back into her childhood to see her humble beginnings. Read it here.
Next, my spontaneous reading at NY Comic-Con this year, where I gave a peek into Arlen’s newly leveled up powers, and how he and Renna are getting on after the… incident:
All three books are amazing and have kept me completely captivated. I hardly wanted to put them down. The detail in the character experiences and emotions just helps you feel your in there with them.
I can’t wait to see where the story goes and i hope i don’t have to wait too long to find out.
Keep up the great writting and i can’t wait to read the next books.
I just wanted to say that when I finally finished reading the third book, my heart literally stopped. I threw it in outrage. I WAS DESTROYED. But then I calmed and I came to the internet looking for a way to forgive you, and luckily, I came across your site.
There will be five books. Suddenly, all is right with the world. I do forgive you, for nearly giving me an early death at the age of 22, PROVIDED that I get my next 2 books before I do actually pass on. You’re a brilliant writer and I don’t care if it takes you 10 years for the books so long as I actually get to read them.
Thanks for being such a great writer and giving me such a beautiful way to pass the days.
On a completely random side note, after my time in the military I am seriously contemplating getting a ward tattooed on my palm. It’s just so beautiful.
Again, thanks for all you’ve done and all that you will do!
Just finished the daylight war 0= damnn I loved it, thank you so much for the enthralling story you have put me and many others through and still are on! Hope to see the 4th book soon, if anyone knows anything about it, I would love 2 hear it gregorypagan@googlemail.com,, PETER V BRETT U R AWSOME =D AND THANKYOU,,, plusss hurry up =D I cant wait much longer for the forth ;D thanks again!
I have read many sci-fi and fantasy books, and I’ve gotta say, you are right up there with the best, great characters, backgrounds, immersive worlds and a great plot!
I have just finished book 3, and as I neared the end I was thinking that there was too much to resolve and not enough book! I was sad to be losing touch with these great characters, but then it ended, abruptly! I was lost for a few moments, then I went online to this page to discover that we have 2 more books to come! Bitter sweet, the wait for book 4! Thanks for many great hours of losing myself.
Just to say that I, like lots of those above, found myself becoming more and more immersed in your books as I went along. I was absolutely shocked when The Daylight War ended as it did. WOW !
Had to come online and find out if there were more in the pipeline and possibly when. So glad to see that two more are planned.
Hope it’s not too long as I’m now in my third stage of life and hope to finish the series. I have been an avid reader for 60 years and it’s not often nowadays that I can’t put a book down but you did it for me.
Thanks for the brilliance and imagination so far and I remain a devoted fan.
So disappointing that we have to wait this long for book 4. I have recommended to everyone I know not to read the book as I am sure Peter will never finish the series – All promises and no show. He has made his money and all I can think of is that he has either lost interest or does not know where to go with the book.
Pitty the first two books were brilliant and Book three held its own with hints of things to come. – So in my opinion to everyone wanting to read this series – wait until the last book has been published.
Alfred,
Writing is an art form. It’s very rare for a talented writer to produce something so gripping, and so addictive, then stop because he made a few bucks. An artist does what they do, because it’s what they love, and what they’re good at… and their source of income.
Peat has a daughter to look after, and his work on the Skull Throne is well documented via social media.
Get a grip, don’t be a jerk, and be patient like the rest of us.
In response to the last comment, I highly doubt this. If you monitor Peter V. Brett’s twitter feed, he has posted many times on different things he is writing for the fourth book, one of which is a fight scene that he’s apparently been waiting a long time to write. So, in the end, I think you’re being very impatient. There’s a saying. Quality not quantity. Good things take time. Never rush a masterpiece.
Also, if Peter V. Brett didn’t continue making profits, then he might think that no one wanted to read the book and would have no reason to finish the series. So, either you want people to stop buying his books because you don’t like them and are, for some reason, too afraid to admit it, or you’re simply trolling. Either way, you’re statement is immensely flawed, and you should probably go back and consider what you’ve just written.
Sorry if people think I’m just adding to the flames, but really?
I’m not one bit worried. Peat is brilliant and I’m sure all will be well worth the wait!
Quit trolling!
Holy Jeebus…nowadays it seems that no one is happy unless an author publishes the sequel immediately.
No one seems to have any idea how hard it is to write a book by itself, much less multiple sequels. The Warded Man was 482 pages. The Desert Spear was 672 pages. The Daylight War 656. That’s already almost 2000 pages of a story and I expect the Skull Throne will be of comparable length. Keeping all the plot lines straight, characters, avoiding any mistakes in continuity and such over the course of 2000+ pages. Oh yeah, then there’s that whole HAVING A LIFE thing. Let’s put things in perspective, huh people?
Mr. Brett, please keep on keeping on.
Hey Peter! Eagerly looking forward to the next book, please take your time and release it when it’s ready, not a moment before. I’ve been a fan right from the first word and your style and dedication to the art does not go unnoticed.
I have recommended this series to all of my fantasy genre loving, d20 carrying, well read circle of nerds; I’ve more than made up the slack Alfred suggests. Keep up the good work, Peter. We’ll read it too quickly when it comes and will have this same conversation about the next book after.
I don’t care if its 20 years to come! I’ll wait for it!
Fantastic series / just awesome all round 🙂
I can’t even imagine what it takes to put together a novel of this quality, let alone a SERIES of novels that all tie in so beautifully together. It took me probably 10 years to finish reading all of the Robert Jordan novels 🙁 RIP 🙁 with long waiting in between on the publication of each successive story. I can only imagine that POSITIVE feedback will help Peter.V keep chugging away to complete the forthcoming books for us all!
Thx PVB!
Alfred must be psychic to know Peat’s mind! I think Alfred is probably closer to being a psycho or maybe he is just a jerk, jealous of someone’s skills and hard earned success.
Lots of authors getting attacked by jerk-trolls lately. Maybe the CDC should be notified of a possible new troll epidemic?
Mr. Brett,
Thank you. Keep on keeping on.
Dear Alfread,
You are douche.
That is all.
I was very wary of buying your first book, the Warded Man. Since then I have read all of your Demon Cycle. I am overjoyed that there are to be two more books. Whatever your process, it works. Thank you. Knowing it took you seven years to write the warded man gives me hope that I will finish my own novel. Again, thank you. I am definetly now a fan.
just stoped by to say great series… I am patiently waiting on the next books….
to alfred, get a life…. lil treasure troll who lost his treasure…. waiting 1,2,3,even 4 years between books is pretty common…. it is just the nature of things…. look at george rr martin 5 to 7 years between each book…..robert jordan may he R.i.P was the same…. unfortunately he passed before the last book was complete. thankfully branden sanderson did a fair job completing the series…glad he was able to follow RJ’s outline….
peter,
keep on writing, take the time to make it right in your mind. and disregard the trolls…. ( you can always amuse yourself and give them a bit part in one of your books….you know the guy that gets brutaly cored, the one thats remembered for being a XXXXXX (insert your own adjective))
john
So I found this page while looking for info on the next book after daylight wars. Just finished listening to it on graphic audio. You kinda left us up in the air with that ending. OK it was a pun. Sorry. Loving it so far any idea on the time line for the next installment. Not rushing just asking. Thanks
Hey Peter
Just want say these are an amazing set of books and have brought back a lot passion for reading to me. A thing not done since the Harry potter books. Is there any plans you can speak of to convert the series of books to television/film. If not please speak to hbo seeing the amazing work they have done with game of thrones. Is an amazing tale and would love to see on screen. Please share any hints you might have!
Adam
Peter,
I love the series. I have all your books signed 1/1 in both uk and us. Will there be a special edition or pre-order bonus for the Skull Throne?
I live in the Houston area and if you are going to be in Texas for a signing I won’t miss it.
I think we should start a petition for HBO… When Game of Thrones is over they need to tackle the Demon Cycle… Thanks for all the hard work, time and dedication for our entertainment.
Yes! I agree 100% with Ryan Nelson
I’ve only just started reading this series and I already love it!
Provided its done well, this would be an EPIC TV series, up there with the giants like Tolkien’s LOTR and Martin’s GoT.
Please don’t change your style or rush because of a deadline, this series is fantastic.
Dear Peter,
I am torn between telling you how awesome you are, and telling you how much I hate you for killing off my fav. character 🙁 I’ll just go with both. Keep up the great work, hope that the 5th book is just as good as the last. (less characters dying please though)
Just finished Skull throne, excellent book beginning to end. Only disappointed that it ended, can’t wait for fifth and final book. Thanks for all your hard work.
Love your books but please update the site!
I love the series, I have read all the books up to date and I cannot wait for the 5th and final book. Keep up the good work Peter.
Hi Peter, I have just finished reading the Skull Throne, having read the previous 3 in the cycle this year after being introduced to them by a friend.
When will the fifth book be available (The Core), I say somewhere it will not be released till 2018, is this correct – I am on tenterhooks waiting to see how it all ends.
Thankyou Peter for writing such good books. i was on holidays when read them and loved every one of them. After finishing the Skull throne, i was lost and was unsure of what or where i would go for next week. i have become a mother and a wife again after i got my head of your books. But I want to say thankyou.
cheers Sarah.
Hi from New Zealand,
My partner and I love your series, we always fight over who will get to read it first (usually him because I like to savour a book).
It must be difficult to move from your physical world ie you life with your daughter to creative thought. There would be so many twist and turns that your mind can reveal. How to choose which one to take? So many times while reading I can imagine where the book is taking me(I analysis) but I enjoy the journey you choose to take me on!
Take your time writing the final instalment, I love your style, and originality, stay true to form. All the best.