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:
Thanks for the update! I never understood how some authors actually write a book a year in the first place. I’ve been coming up with and refining my own ideas for years now and don’t expect to even start the actual writing for another year or more.
I fell in love with your world with the Warded Man (I like that title better) and through reading The Desert Spear I saw how you grew quickly as an author. Hearing the words don’t just flow off your pen gives me encouragement as my writing style is definitely on the slow/perfectionist side.
Thanks for keeping in touch with us, your fans, through social sites like Twitter and your blog here. I’ve never been one to follow celebrities for a variety of reasons, but recently started reading a lot more to become a better writer and being able to actually chat a little makes my own ultimate goals feel a little bit more within reach.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the quintet.
if only the marble run had a troll with a toll booth.
Hello,
do i understand it right that Mudhoney
will be released after the daylight war?
Thanks Gordon
I meant Mudboy,mudhoney is a band,
stupid fingertipping thing.
yeah, man, thanks for the update. It is so refreshing and nice to have authors communicate to the little people who read their work and who, yes, wait with impatience for the next instalment. I for one would much rather you stay true to your own work and take the time to make it all it can be than be a slave to the powers-that-be and churn out stuff that is less than it could be. So, more power to ya. Now, back to the writing desk… kidding. Hope you have a happy and productive 2012. And 5 books instead of 3 makes me very happy indeed 🙂
Thanks everyone!
Gordon, odds are good Mudboy will be out later this year. An abbreviated version is slated to be part of an upcoming anthology (more on that as plans solidify) and a longer version will likely come out from Subterranean. The novellas are quicker to write and publish, so I expect it will be out before TDW.
Peter – keep up the amazing work and don’t let overeager fans rush you.
If at all possible, I’d love to see The Desert Spear released on Graphic Audio like Warded Man was. I’m 3/4 of the way through that and LOVE their treatments of the books.
I loved reading both books, but listening to the work done by GA brings the books to life in a different way.
Thanks for the update-and definitely no complaints about the timescale-if that’s what is needed for the book to be as good as it should be, I know I’d prefer to wait for it that bit longer. And family is always primary, so enjoy the time with Cassie!
Thanks Peter.
Like so many others, I’m dancing about waiting for TDW. But, as we all know, amazing things are well worth the wait.
I’m completely thrilled to realise there will be five books! I was already mourning a little that it would all end at book three LOL.
And if anyone has a problem with you raising your beautiful daughter rather than being ‘chained to a desk’, they need a coreling up their… you get the idea.
However long the wait, it will be worth it. I just have to live long enough. 😛
Meanwhile, enjoy the time with your daughter. Childhood passes so quickly.
Peat,
We can wait as long as you need Bro. I am a little dis-heartened though. My girlfriend just read the Hunger Games series and the first movie comes out in march i hear. She has also been reading the tiger saga by Colleen Houck and there are plans being made for movie adaptions of those too. Her third book just released in November. I just want more Demon Cycle. Give me more action. More side stories like Brayon’s Gold or One arm and the nightwolves. I loved those. The action that you translate to writing is equisite. The pull you have to Arlen after hearing his story is gripping.
Also, what is the writer’s term that you use to think of names that can be pronounced the same way we usually say but they are spelled differently? Jaik- Jake………Rojer–Roger. I noticed it so many times while reading all of the books you have wrote.
Your books are fantastic and i wish you the best in your writing process. Haste my friend, i strongly doubt you could possibly release anything ( short of a 50 page novel ) that your rabbid fanbase ( myslef included ) wont just eat up like thanksgiving dinner. We all love you man.
Dustin
Yes the Warded Man on graphic audio is fantastic and i pray they release the Desert Spear as well. I mean you made me pull out my 10 year old, practically never used portable cd player man. I even bought a Music Bullet to plug into it to listen to it wherever i was. The music bullet is pretty sweet by the way. Pick up the graphic audio performance of the warded man if you have an itch for the CORE
[…] Brett begründet die Verzögerung damit, dass er im vergangenen Jahr an der Schulter operiert wurde und nach sechs Monaten noch immer Schmerzen habe , plötzlich ohne Assistenten auskommen musste und zudem viel Zeit mit seiner dreijährigen Tochter verbringen wollte. Auch sei er eh nicht der schnellste Schreiber, habe für die beiden Vorgänger bereits sieben beziehungsweise drei Jahre benötigt. „Die Flammen der Dämmerung“ wolle Brett in den kommenden Monaten fertigstellen und danach gleich mit Band 4 der Dämonen-Reihe beginnen – Arbeitstitel „The Forest Fortress“ (Die Waldfestung). Die Wartezeit auf diesen Band werden sich die Fans mit einer Novelle verkürzen können. Beim Schreiben an „The Daylight War“ fiel genug Stoff ab, so Brett. „Mudboy“ soll sie heißen und einem ganz neuen Charakter gewidmet sein, der im dritten Band eine kleine Rolle spielt. Da „Der große Basar“ auch in Deutschland erschien, ist eine Übersetzung zu erwarten. […]
My son is impatiently waiting for TDW, but I’m happy to wait for the quality stories you publish! Also happy to hear you’re not skimping on time w/your daughter. Don’t give up that time for ANYTHING! So important and they grow up so fast! Hope the arm heals completely sooner rather than later. Enjoy the Con!
Thank you for taking the time to keep us all informed. You’re awesome.
Wait – he has time to blog.
Quick, chain him to the desk!
Get the whip!
Must have Daylight War…
Must have precious…
Thanks everyone!
Gordon, I actually have a Mudhoney album from the 90’s.
Paul, Graphic Audio is working on Desert Spear already. I went over all the pronunciations with them last month.
Daniel, I will have you know I mad my writing quota the day I wrote that post. So there. 😛
Hi Peat, take your time and make it right. After all, that’s why we all love the books we have read.
Perhaps more importantly than that, thank you for this post. I can only speak for myself but it’s fantastic to feel involved by knowing what the plans are. You do yourself a great credit by taking the time to write and post this. Your consideration for your fans means the world to us.
Gregor
P.S. the pronunciations you went through with GA would be a good thing to post up if possible for those of us outside the US and Canada who can’t buy it. Next time you talk to them, ask if they can extend their sales to the UK!
[…] Peter Brett robi trylogi? na której zako?czenie trzeba rok jeszcze czeka?? A dupa. Pi?cioksi?g wymy?li?. 03.01.2012 Strid spamuje […]
Gregor, there is an international page on the Graphic Audio site where you can order, if you wish. I know a guy that got it all the way in Oz.
Oh, and Dustin, there is no term for the thing with the names, at least not that I know of. I did it mostly to show how literacy had failed after the Return, and people started spelling things haphazardly, like you see in middle English.
Cool thanks for clearing that up. I never thought of that. I just thought it was whitty….LOL
Any plans for a special edition of TDW? Maybe with artwork like brayon’s gold? Or a little warded spear letter opener? A sweet shiny warded bookmark? I would gladly pay more for such things.
It’s really cool to talk to you by the way. It makes me feel even more attached to your glorious story. Thanx
I think I’ll never understand people pushing artists to release something on a given date. The most awesome and great stuff has always seen the light “when it’s done” and not when some PR department thought it would be best to release. Most astonishing to me are people who refer to themselves as readers and still find it acceptable to push the author of the books they seem to like in impolite ways. Maybe they should take a step back and reconsider why they like the books and whether the quality might be due to the time the author invested. Another explanation for rude remarks might be, that those people are trolls…
As far as I’m concerned, Peter can take all the time he needs, if he promises, that TDW will be as awesome as the other books. 😉
One question that wasn’t answered by the above post: does the 2013 release date affect the British rerelease of “The Great Bazaar and Other Stories”? Are there any updates on when the UK hardcover will hit the stores? (No I don’t want an ebook.)
Cheers,
Drizzt
Take your time with it and perfect it for us.
Although I now have a mighty wait, the only two series I read at the moment are The Demon Cycle and GRRM’s A Song of Ice and Fire..
At least it shall be a nice birthday present for next year (my birthday is mid March.)
I have to say I very much like the titles for the last two books, even if they are working titles at the moment. I think you should keep them!
One last thing, I figured I’d just like to point out that I got myself in to an epic amount of trouble. I started reading The Painted Man to my 6 year old niece, and she was massively enjoying it.. Until her parents found out and didn’t quite approve.. Now she’s begging me for more and I’m unable to read it.
(Just to avoid any ridiculous posts, I was re-wording the bits about rape etc to her.)
Damian
Damian, parents are entitled to decide what their kids are exposed to, but I’m curious. If you were censoring out the adult stuff, what didn’t they like? That it was scary?
Drizzt,
Thanks for the support. The Great Bazaar UK edition will definitely be this year, hopefully in time for my possible UK visit over the summer. Waiting on details and will announce them once they are in. I can’t guarantee at this point that it will be hardcover, but I hope so.
Keep the scimitars swinging.
Hi Peat.
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post!
That was pretty much it, they didn’t like the fact of a story about demons being told to her whilst she is so young. I have promised her that for her 12th birthday I will get her all of your books :).
Just out of curiosity, what in your mind is the sort of minimum age that you think is suitable to read your books? I personally think my parents wouldn’t have minded me readin them from around 12 upwards. (I’m 21 now.) I first read A Game of Thrones when I was around 10-11 and it was my father that gave it to me to read and if I ever have kids I’ll be reading The Demon Cycle to them from around 10ish perhaps.
Hope you’re well and work is progressing nicely on TDW.
Damian
i must say you books are great i have read them both 3 times now 🙂
i think its a shame that its gonna be so ling till the next one but i wouldn’t want you to rush it and not fit everything in. i also think its goo that your not stopping at three books i feel like a lot of series could go on so much longer 🙁
i also feel that its nice to take the time to chat with your fans 😀
i just wanted to know if you were thinking of making a book of wards?? because i would get it
i think that these books would be great to get teenagers into reading because once you pick up one of your book you just cant put it down
Nick
Hi Peat,
I can wait but I will be exploding with excitment opening the cover of that book:) Your little girl is absolutely gorgeous and your right to spend every minute you can with her. I have a 2 1/2 yr old and she is my whole world.
I love the fact that Arlen is drinking Poitin….if that is how you spell it in the book because that is how you spell it in the Irish language……I’m presuming you’ve tasted it and if you havent next time you come to Ireland I’ll find you a bottle:)
Honestly, while I am slightly dissapointed about the 2013 release date, I would rather wait a year than have to suffer having my dreams crushed by a sub-par novel. I would rather this not turn into another Inheritance trilogy. *shudder* Well, best o luck to you and may the dreaded writer’s block stay far away from your workstation!
If I had things my way, I’d be holding a copy of Daylight War in my hands right now, but take all the time you need, Mr. Brett, one can’t rush excellency. And I certainly don’t expect you to give up what precious little time you have with your daughter just to keep me happy. It’s ok, I give you permission. 😉
WARNING; incoming ingratiating statements! Your books thus far have been extremely enjoyable reads, and I have convinced a few others who were staunch non-fantasy readers to give Painted Man (I’m Aussie :P) a go after I had picked it up on a whim, and now they’re more desperate for your next book than I am. Just, please, don’t give into the various pressures urging you to pump it out as soon as possible. Great things take time, and I could wait another four years for your next book if I had to.
But don’t make me wait that long. Or else. 😛
Cheers!
My husband and I think you are amazing and look forward to reading more from you in the future. By far our favorite author. We also can’t wait for the movie! Just wish getting a copy of the Great Bazaar wasn’t so darn hard or expensive….you are awesome and keep working your magical writing talent!
Hey Peter,
I recently finished reading the first two (incredible) novels in your series, and I was hooked from the get go. I have been a big David Eddings (RIP) fan for most of my life, and thought my subservience to Mr. Eddings would could never wane. HOWEVER, you have magic in your writing.
I am an English teacher from South Africa, and have recommended your book to all of my grade 11 and 12 pupils.
Although I am burning for book 3, I know that the writing process is a painful one – the experience of child birth might come close – and I know that whatever you release will be spectacular and worth the wait. GOOD LUCK WITH TDW.
When is the third book comin out they are to adictive
S
Hi Peter,
Am I fairly newcomer to your work but LOVE the Warded Man and pop back here as often as I remember to find out when book 3 is due out. After reading this I must approve that you are taking your time, I had a favourite author and I loved her work but she then started the whole one book a year and they just got worse and worse. Please don’t rush, please take your time and please keep producing the brilliant work you do!!
I am in the UK and will def try and keep looking re:your summer visit (altho I might not be here mysefl haha) if you are doing a signing or something I’ll try and come along!
After reading all this I’ve just decided to re:read the books for I believe the 4th time, you do make my commute so much more barely!
Well cool 🙂 .
Ive been agonizing myself by constantly cheking when the book was coming out. Dont mind how much time u have to take for teh books but i would have appreciated that a serious release had been decided straight out. If your method takes 2 years then telll the fans to expect a book every 2 years. If every 5 than so be it. But not knoing is kinda harsh 🙁 .
Anyways thx for finaly giving us a proper deadline as well as hind sight as to y the book isnt out yet 🙂
Xau
Xau, you are presuming we knew in advance how long the writing would take. This is not the case. Each book is unique and is difficult to predict. Please don’t take it personally.
Hi Peat!!
I’m so glad to see this update- even if it does mean perfecting my patience skills! Writing is an art, and it is something you pour your heart and soul into. That can’t happen fast. No offense to writers who do pump out a book, or sometimes two, a year like Stephen King (who I do enjoy reading), but I think anyone with any sense can see the difference between your books and his. I think rushing takes something from the character development, which is the difference between a good read and writing that draws you in, captivating you completely.
Your books captivate me. Thank you for taking your time and pouring your heart into your art.
~Jessica Griswold
By the way- nothing will EVER compare to these early years with your darling daughter. They grow up way too fast, so spend every second you can with her. =)
Peat,
I purchased both of the Graphic Audio renditions of the warded man. they sent me a signed poster with all of the voice actors on it. I’m going to frame it. i was hoping maybe i could send it to you and perhaps get your John Hancock to really make it a treasure. I have looked and it doesn’t look like your coming very close to Cleveland anytime soon. So please let me know if this is a possible venture. It would mean alot to me. Thanx.
Dustin
[…] So far there is no cover for ‘The Daylight War’ by Peter V. Brett (unless you want the German cover) and no blurb. In fact, the book has been pushed back to be published in February of 2013, but we thought we would put it in here anyway. You can check out on all the details here on Peter’s website. […]
Dustin,
My signature is on the poster already! It’s the one in gold. The rest are silver.
-Peat
No Freakin’ way! Wow…….i feel……..yeah pretty much like a jackass. That’s awesome though. Sweet. thanks man.
Thanks for the update. There’s plenty of awesome fantasy coming out in 2012 and now I have something to look foward to for 2013 🙂 And besides.. Epic fantasy is supposed to be epic.. 5books sounds right
Your publishing story sounds a lot like Pat Rothfuss by the way.
James
Hi Peat,
It seems to me that you write because it is a passion and us avid fans are exceptionally lucky to have discovered your work. The care you put into crafting character, story and scene shines in every page and even with the sometime dubious editing I find with books purchased on my kindle, I have never once found myself wincing at a phrase or thinking the flow has been lost.
I freely admit I am sulking slightly that the next novel will not be out until 2013, however I would much rather wait and read a book that retains all the qualities I love from your work than a book that is flat and devoid of magic because that passion has been lost due to incessant pressure to deliver and not doing the things you love in life.
Unfortunately many of us are a product of today’s lifestyle, we live in a world where our food is fast, information is at our fingertips constantly, music is a click away and you can talk to someone on the other side of the world in seconds, in short, we no longer know the art of patience. There used to be an advert for Guinness over here in the uk, it’s motto seems pretty apt- good things come to those who wait.
Having waxed lyrical for a smidge, I do now find myself in somewhat of a predicament. I’m a super speedy reader with a near stupidly good memory for storylines, chances are if I pick up a book within two years of reading it, within a chapter I’ll remember the entire storyline. This is obviously brilliant for your series as it means every time a new book is out I can reread
*argh silly iphone*
All the previous books and they’ll be fresh in my mind for the new ones, but in the meantime ive exhausted all the fantasy authors I can find that I like. Can anybody recommend any authors with a similar style? I love D&L Eddings, Patrick Rothfuss and the such but found grrm really slow to start. All pointers greatly received.
Leigh
Leigh:
Scott Lynch
Joe Abercrombie
Brent Weeks
CS Friedman
John Scalzi
Mark Lawrence
Myke Cole
Robert Jordan
Richard Morgan
So much good material out there!
I’m trying to find a copy of The Geat Bazaar. I can only find it for Kindle (which I don’t want) or for stupid price. Is there any plan to re-issue it?
There is no new US edition of The Great Bazaar planned, but there will be a UK English edition sometime in the next year that people can order.