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:
Hey Peter,
I love the Demon Cycle.( Before I actually called it the demon war series, until’ I surfed the net *shame*) It’s the best series I’ve read my entire life. I love everything about!
I really love the story of Arlen. I almost cried after I finished reading The Desert Spear. Arlen has such a tough life, but that’s the good about the series.
Can’t wait ’til The Daylight War comes out.
Keep up the good work and make the next books become legends!! *thumbs up*
Thanks for the update- happy to hear that it wont all be ending with the next book! Eagerly awaiting any and all you’ll come out with. I’d never read a fantasy novel before your books- my fiancee loves them and about a year and a half ago i asked him to recommend one to me- so he finished the last chapter of Painted Man (aussie edition) and said here read this one. Been addicted to your stories ever since. Hope you make the trip out to Australia again some day- happy writing!
Hi, Peat! Your books are the most phenomenal books I’ve read in years and if it takes you another year to complete the next book in the series, so be it. I’ll be first in line in Phoenix whenever it’s released. Just take your time and write the book you want to write — and enjoy your life and your family while you do it! I hope your shoulder is 100% soon.
Hey Peat, just read the news today about some kinda delay, I have monstered a heap of books recently, but they are not cutting the mustard and the yearning to fill my world with your stories, aah the yearning… An absolute complement to you sir and I will wait patiently. And while I do I might just re read The Warded Man and The Desert Spear 🙂 we all know how many things there are to do with life as well as read and write:)
Thanks for the update… anxiously waiting for the next book…
I loved the warded man…
…loved the graphic audio version
…not a fan of the single-reader audio book
Do hope you will consider a graphic audio version of the 2nd, 3rd and future books. It was really hard going back to the standard audio for the 2nd book after listening to the 1st one in graphic audio.
Keep up the great work…
p.s. …your daughter is deeply entertaining
Peter, take as much time as you need and do not rush just for the sake of ungrateful losers. Being a fan of Martin since the initial release of Game of Thrones, I’ve gotten used to waiting excruciatingly long periods for the next book. With your incredible series, I know the wait will always be worth it.
I have no desire to rush a work of art. I know all too well how the writing process goes, as I’ve been trying to perfect something for rougly 13 years…
I fully enjoyed TWM and TDP, can’t wait to get my hands on the others. I recently obtained Brayan’s Gold, and was heart broken to learn that The Great Brazzar cost sooooo much, but in my mind, that only tells me that all your works are in high demand and gives me cause to obtain them all as quickly as I can before their prices start to climb… And one day… soon I hope I will have The Great Brazzar to add to the collection.
Great work, and I hope your little girl grows up knowing how much she means to her daddy. 😀
Having only recently read the books, I was a little disappointed that I will have to wait for the next in the series. The update here covers everything and I have only the utmost respect for a father who puts his daugther first (Just don’t do a Robert Jordan on us!).
I look forward to reading the forthcoming books and I hope the shoulder is closer to being healed.
Just logged on to see when TDW was due to be publlished. I was planning to take it away on my Easter break.
My jaw dropped when I saw it was not going to be ready until Feb 13.
My eyes twinkled when I saw we were going to get 5 books not three.
I have two daughters wished I spent more time with them. You can always come back to writing the books, but you will never get back missed time with your kids.
I can wait, think I go and reread the John Carter series, been 30 years, but good books are always worth coming back too.
I can(not) wait for the rest of these books!
I picked up the hardcover of The Warded Man at the Borders closing clearance sale in my hometown and I have been addicted to The Demon Cycle since. I am looking at acquiring The Painted Man, in paperback due to the crazy inflation the popularity of your books has. My other dilemma is whether to puchase the rest in paperback or hadcover. Any news on if the rest will be available in hardcover or just paperback? Also, will we in the U.S. be able to acquire the re-release of The Great Bazaar? I love your writing but it’s hard to justify buying a $200 book, especially when I am trying to work through college.
Anyway, keep up the good work, I know you won’t disappoint us fans and I am very excited to read the rest of the series.
Hay Peter i cant wait for The Daylight War in 2013 i will be anxious and waiting for your next book i love your books and i simply cant wait keep up the great and awesome work and i cant wait till then i am possibly your youngest fan sitting at 13 and going 14 the month before you release the daylight war and im loving the series so far so keep up the great work and i will be waiting for your next book
your fan Nathanyal Blencowe
have to say the painted man(as named here in ireland) and desert spear were fantastic. my father loaned me your two books and i devoured them in less than 10 days. looking forward to the next as i’m a little bored now.
regards
HOW DARE YOU NOT SPEND EVERY DAY TYPING. YOU SHOULD DO I UNTIL YOUR HANDS RUN RED WITH BLOOD POURING FROM BLISTERING FINGERS!!!! nah just kidding i’d much rather have a good book next year than something rushed sooner you take as long as humanly possible and we’ll all still buy it as soon as possible.
i just finished reading the desert spear and for the next year i’ll be dreaming up all the possible ways you could continue the story. if the TDW is half as good as the first 2 then it will the third best book ever written ;D
I read forgotten realms as a chilld and the subtle influences here and there in your story telling are the perfect addition. Your world-building is great, althought I’d love an introduction into a junglesque setting and all the new demons that would entail (i.e. vine demons or something) Anyways I really just wanted to let you know I’m a huge fan and I’ve let all my friends borrow your The Warded Man and The Desert Spear regardless of the library late fees. Keep up the good work. -Zack in the US
Thanks Peter. Hope the arm is feeling better. Keep living the good life. I appreciate knowing that you are there for your daughter. All us jackwagons that go to the grocery store on holidays and do other things that make others give up a little peace in their world just need to learn that it is not all about us. Plus the books are good enough that it is worth the wait. Look forward to it.
I’ve read fantasy for 30yrs now,I’ve got to say your two books are up there with the greats in the genre.Life is full of surprises and we can’t predict what’s going to happen tomorrow,so try to ignore the negative posts you’ve received and carry on writing in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Hi Peat,
Firstly, thanks for your amazing books. I love them and eagerly anticipate the rest. 2013 seems a long way away now but I’m sure Mudboy will help and the news that there will be more than 3 books also takes the edge off. I appreciate the effort you’re putting in for our entertainment.
I’m thinking of running my first RPG for my group and would love to base it in your world. I think I’ll use a system called GURPS and I’m going to have great fun trying to stat up the different demons and figuring how to stat alagai hora magic etc. I hope it won’t quite take 7 years for my first adventure (you already did all the hard bit), but like you I want to do it well or not at all so it probably won’t be far off 🙂
Keep ’em coming, I’ll keep buying
Thanks again
Ya know what, Peter? I’m actually happy The Daylight War won’t be released till next February. Gives me time to finish up The Wheel of Time series( got my girlfriend addicted to that one, too). Lol. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to post the update. Love your work, man. Take all the time you need. 🙂
Chris Braz
–Somersworth, NH
The Daylight War will be the warddiest book around!
Also , Mr. Blimes, loved the Troll Toll reference!
Speaking of getting a book published !
My friend finished his first novel and is marketing it!
–> That above line was for you Mr. Blimes!
Read his manuscript! HAHAHA
Peter, I am just grateful to know that the next book is on it’s way, thanks for the uodate.
Yeah, I understand that you have rights to a personal life as well but that doesn’t mean we have to like the fact that the publishing date has been moved forward a year. your books are absolutely awesome.
greetings from the netherlands.
Nathanyal I am probaly his youngest reader
(13 b-day 02/12/1998)
Are you going to make you’re books into movies cos I know I would go to see it.
It would open a lot of peoples mind then there will more readers.
Why does it seem that with so many good series the authors take forever to get them out? This one WoT, SoIF, etc etc.
This is not close to 2 years of a gap but 3 and its a pain in the ass as i dont know if ill even remember to look for the book at that point let alone buy it especially since at this rate your going to take another 6 years to finish the series.
I understand you have a life and i want to make clear that this rage post is simply a reader who enjoyed your book thus far and is pissed about your slow pace.
2 december 1998
Hello,
i must say that your books are really addicting. i mean i started reading them 2 years ago and have already read them 5 times each (The painted man and The desert spear). Was looking in my bookshop almost every day for the last 3 months for ur book and just saw it is going to be published in 2013 🙁
well i may say that only one other book put me so off that i forgot my school and i really cant wait for the next one.
Take your time tho and have fun
“The Painted Man” is by far the better title in my opinion: first and foremost… It sounds cooler, more “lyric hero” poetry-like than “the Warded Man”. Also, “The Warded Man”, for me, shows how Arlen wards his body against demons, and how he cuts himself from others in the same time. But “The Painted Man” does not reveal from the beginning what Arlen will become, and it premonitions (that’s a new verb, totally legit) how everyone (except for Renna) will see him for his paint and not for what is underneath (in good and bad ways). Overall The Painted Man sounds more poetic, less specific to the novel.
I would compare it to Pat’s book titles (which are of course awesome): The Name of the Wind, The Wise Man’s Fear: it sounds poetic, fantastic, strange and beautiful. Most of all, it sounds mysterious: the Name of the Wind, the Wise Man’s Fear: intangible things. In a similar way, The Painted Man sounds like it could be the name of a painting or sculpture (and that’s a good thing :P)
…I’m not sure why I started this rant in the first place. Oh well.
Jim
Absolutly fantastic books found them on iTunes and never looked back, I don’t think it should end with 5 books just keep going pop one out every 3-4 years to keep us happy.i assume that there’s a film in the future please don’t lose your creative book to film makers who need to keep to around 2 hrs I would sit there for hrs for the right film.
Keep up the good work and all the best
So psyched, the quality of your writing an your vibrant characters are well worth the wait. Tried reading so many fantasy books to try and tide me over but not even ASOIAF can match the beautiful world you have created. Thank you for your amazing works of art, from a devoted fan.
Hi Peter, firstly would like to say I love your books. Only read the main 2 so far but will get round the other short ones soon! Just a quick funny story really – I rarely used to read, before your book I had read 2 of Dan Browns books but that’s it, in N.Ireland with my Girlfriend I bought painted man, I didn’t even read the blurb, It was either the front cover/ name or the first edition sticker, that made my buy it but it was fate as now your book is the favourite book I have read and now currently reading game of thrones(which I started coz of your book not the series) Sorry im going on but just wanted to tell you about it being your book choosing me in a funny old way! 🙂
NOO lol ty for post… but to wait for 2013.. be waiting
I no longer plan on reading the rest of the story!
Writing other books in between and taking this amount of time between the books a. You lose all continuity b. tells me you are all about the money!
I stopped reading the wheel of time after book five and i am done with your series now!
I am so excited to finally hear activity! I can’t wait!
This is indeed good news, I follow you on Goodreads and I often think “Oh Peter, please stop reading books and write your next one!” but now that I know you are spending family time; I fully support your delay.
More people should prioritise family time. Kids are great.
I waited 12 years for Diablo III so if Blizzard can delay excellence, so can you.
Good luck and I am looking forward to The Daylight War like you wouldn’t believe!
Mike
You are my most favourite author and I bet the 3rd book will be worth the wait. =)
Hey Peat,
I just finished your novels after reading about your character during the suvudu death match. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the series and can’t wait for the next installment . That being said take your time and do it right no matter what anyone says and enjoy your daughter because they grow up too damn quick mines turning 14 and I don’t know where the time went.
Good Luck,
Jim
Just wanted to say that your books are awesome, and if i have to wait another year at LEAST, I’d be happy. I’ve read desert spear so much that pages are falling out, and I am looking forward to The Daylight War
The Warded Man and The Desert Spear are 2 of my favorite books and I have been looking forward to The Daylight Wars sincd I heard of it. You are a great writer but its sad to hear there will only be about 6 books.
Ive been reading sci fi and fantasy since 1949 Ive followed the evolution of many authors.You sir have started at a very high level and will obviously thrill your followers as your art blossoms,I don’t care how long it takes as long as the delightful quality continues. thank you so much for your concepts as they are new and a delight to an old jade such as myself…..
I think it’s fantastic that you’re not rushing the books and making sure they’re perfect before you release them. The Painted Man and The Desert Spear were easily my favourite books and although I pine after an early release date, I’d rather you work your magic and make it as amazing as the previous two.
Ben
I hope you are able to take as long as you need, so many fantastic series (not just books but movies, TV shows even albums) have fell victim to the demands of “higher powers” or fans, wanting something fast but being the first to strike back when the results are of poor quality because of the rushed nature of the product. I loved the first two books in the series, I think the premise is fantastic and your characterisation and fight scenes are the first I have read that really excited me, since David Gemmell. This weekend I am getting a heat ward tatooed on my chest. Not really :o)
At this point all I can say is ” who cares”. 3 years is asinine
I am late to the party. I got The Desert Spear on a SUPER deal a while back, I think when it was NEW, and then found out it was a sequel!!! I FINALLY got The Warded Man a couple years later (this year). I picked it up and never put it down. I was lucky to be able to move RIGHT into The Desert Spear. It was BLISSFUL reading. I have not had so much enjoyment from a couple of books since the prime of the Sword of Truth series.
I am SOOOO excited to see where your story goes. I am in love with the world you portray and the characters you have introduced. Their stories truly are magnificent. Thank you!
Brilliant work Peter!! i have read “The warded man ” and “The desert spear ” to the point of actually being able to recite the chapters by heart ,further more take all the time you need you cant rush perfection besides the wait will only make the book that much more enjoyable when you can finally plunge yourself into Arlens world . Also cherish the days with your daughter pretty soon she will reach her teens and you will have the thrilling job of trying to contend with a hormonal teenager in your house 🙂 .
Have a good year and happy writing ^^
(excuse grammar or spelling not at my finest at the moment LOL)
I have already figured out the entire concept to his novels, the basic (idea) as far as The Warded Man and Jardir.. When you read the books you learn about the Canon and Everjam (Krasian Religion) and they talk about a “Deliever” in each book.. I have a feeling that Arlen / Jardir become friends again eventually even though of Inevera.. Jardir becomes the Deliever of the South and Arlen The North and both the Canon and Everjam were right, in the time before the plague when men first rose and defeated the demons.. There were really TWO Delievers.. One from the north and one from the south.. Canon / Everjam are both correct and I have a feeling that this is what will bind the people together after the The Daylight War happens between them and the realize that Men need to UNITE to fight the Demons and not cause another plague.. which will lead into his two books… Causing the last book to make Arlen / Jardir turn into that mist form and go to the core and fight the queen of the hive / king.. If you ever read the Codex Alera by Jim Butcher the enemy is similar to the one that Peter writes about in the warded man as far so their way of thinking.. Yet I am super excitied to read the rest.. I read the two books within a week and was sad hasnt done more yet..
Thanks for the update, I will admit I am leery about reading new authors, so I picked up The Warded Man, hoping for the best, but expecting the worst, as I do with any “new” author, but the story sounded cool, so I figured, what’s the worst that can happen. Anyway, I was about a 1/4 of the way through The Warded Man, when I looked up online if there were any other books. I love this story, and read The Desert Spear in just a week. I will admit that I am a bit impatient for the next book, but I can understand why it is taking so long, and I do appreciate that, and the fact that you are keeping us, the fans, in the loop. I look forward to the next book, and the one ofter that, and the one after that, and so on and so forth. Keep doing what you are doing!
I’ll admit it, my heart sank when I read that I’d have to wait a bit longer for the next book, but then I learned you were planning on making five books and not three! More books? Fantastic! I can’t get enough of them and am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If I have to wait for it, then so be it. Your work is completely worth it. As far as life outside of creation is concerned, I’m glad (well, minus the ever impatient page devourer inside of me) that you’re able to enjoy a life outside of your work. Thank you for allowing me to lose myself in the world you have created.
how come the great bazaar and other stories is out of print can’t buy a copy anywhere
I have read the both of your books, The Warded Man and The Desert Spear at least four times each. I have cried and laughed throught both of them. I am absolutely ecstatic that there are five books instead of three. The more I can read the better. I am a huge fan. Keep doing your thing, I cannot wait for the next one. I admit I am a little dissapointed with the realease date but i totally understand. Family and health come first.
It’s pretty exciting to know there’s even a small chance you’ll read this, but hey.
Anyways, I downloaded the sample when I was bored and never really bothered to give it a chance. However, around 100 pages and just… wow.
I’m not even a reader at all. I’m a labourer and never picked up a book in my life. I loved it. The clashing perspectives cause so many thoughts on everything. I love the action in the book, and the fight scenes are described perfectly and easy to visualize. Keep on keepin on, Mate!
Arlen til’ the very end.
Please know that I read (and really appreciate!) everything, even if I don’t always have time to respond.
Nuh, Great Bazaar was a very limited edition print run, but there is a new English version being published in January!