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:
Hello,
I’m glad I finally found out the ‘expected’ publication date of your third novel in this series. i’ve been searching and searching new book releases for quite some time awaiting it. I rarely go to author’s sites to discuss books I enjoy. However, just a ‘guilt’ reminder – some of us are senior citizens and when we’re hooked on a good story line we’re overly anxious for its conclusion. Don’t wait too long – for us each day / month is precious. And, those of us who enjoy reading await with even more anticipation. I understand your reasons but I am still saddened to hear that February of 2013 is still only a ‘possible’ date. Keep at it ! Please ! I have really enjoyed your first two novels. Thank you for the pleasant and exciting readings.
hey just a quick hello to peat and all his fans. im an avid reader of all fantasy based novels and love your work, so much infact that my new wife and i are expecting a little boy and are going to call him Arlen. My wife managed to get u to send your autograph last year for my birthday after a major illness but would also love to know if u plan on coming to the uk (midlands,Birmingham area) in the near future?, so could actually meet up and get all my books signed. hope you and yours are good and keep up the good work, cant wait for book 3. Ian
Hi Ian!
Wow, that is a big honor, though Arlen is. Great name and will serve your boy well. Congratulations!
I am doing a signing/Q&A with some other authors on August 17 in London, and will get around the UK a bit more extensively in February/March of 2013 when Daylight War is out. Details soon!
Thanks so much.
As anxious as I am to read the next in the series, I would so prefer your taking your time to create a great story…sigh…*with a grin*
The warded man always caught my attention in my favourite book store but it took me nearly a year to finally buy and only a few short hours to read. Love your work man and looking forward to the release of your next book. Keep at it
A.
Just read the first two for the 3rd or 4th time, then came here to make sure I had the info for TDW release. I made the choice to sacrifice over half my income to spend this time with my 2 & 3 year olds. Even come bill time, I regret none of it. Others in my field may think I’m nuts…and with a 2 & 3 year old, I AM! But it’s a good crazy. A happy writer is a good writer. Will wait patiently for your next masterpiece.
Absolutely an amazing story!!! I purchased the audio books from graphic audio in a truck stop one night trying to find something different to keep me alert and entertained during my travels as a truck driver. Little did I know that I had just bought something that would make my heart race and my mind find focus more than three pots of coffee and a maxed out aircondisioner lol. Can’t wait for the next book but if it means receiving as much enjoyment as I did with your first two….. I would gladly wait ten! Keep up the fantastic work!!
This was a very interesting update. Although I’m finding hard waiting for the next book, I would like to say your views regarding your daughter is bang on. Make the most of these years, they change so quickly and you are lucky to have this chance to see these amazing years.
Best of luck on all areas of your life, and I hope 2013 comes quickly:)
Hiya, peter glad the book’s coming out in just 4-5 mnths. Going insane trying to hold the urges for the daylight war and see(in my mind of course) Arlen changing his shape into smthng rlly awsme. Mind-Blowing concept, Super-smashing series…n yeah cmpltd the 7th part of ASOIAF like u suggested…on fb…Saket…remember??? prbly not…
anyway , keep up the quest fr r salvation!!!
I really enjoyed the first two books and I am happy to know that the story has another three books before its all over. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Your books are great! I can’t wait for the next one.
I just wanted to say I can’t wait for the new book, the sooner the better, but as the Father of a 3 and a 1 year old I would say you absolutely have your priorities right.
Great to see your third book is comming out in Feb –its my birthday in Feb — so I know what I am getting..Yipeee !!!!
is it true that there it going to be a movie and when is the release date
Thanks for the update. I an used to waiting for quality have been waiting for WoT to finish for 20 yrs lol. Have you cosidered doing a series about kaji (Ithink I got that right) and how he discovred wards in the first place? And became thyde first deliverer.if that ends up being a sorta spoiler Iunderstand if you don’t give specifics 😉 thanks for a wonderful series
i checked and it said its cominhg out in april not january
And try to do the movie of Warded Man’s world. It’s so much better than Lord Of The Rings. Waiting for whole quintet. Keep it going Peter! You’re doing it right!
Hi, I love your books. I also love listening to the audio versions while driving. But I don’t see a release date for it yet.
But I found this audio version at: http://www.oneclickaudio.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=rb.show_prod&prod_id=MP0765
It says it’s an exclusive. Is this for real?
Thanks.
Peter
I received The Painted Man as a Christmas gift and once I started to read it I could not put it down until I had finished it and then immediately went to the bookstore to get the desert spear which I have just now finished. Before I read your books I hadn’t read anything for years. I just want to thank you for all your hard work and for rekindling my passion for reading. I’m only glad that I don’t have quite as long to wait for your next book as your other fans. Keep up the fantastic work
would it be possibe to find a review or a short summary like they have on the back of the book on what the day light war would be about and would the book be released in australia at the same time as other countires
I LOVE YOUR FIRST TWO BOOK CANT WAIT FOR YOUR THIRD ONE
i full expected there only to be 3 books because i couldnt imagine the story and war continuing that far
Does arlen die
Just read the Painted Man, half way through Desert Spear, got Daylight War on order. Having the time of my life immersing myself in Arlen’s world. LIke many others thought this was a trilogy but delighted that there will be 5 books in all. Looking forward to hearing about the movie. Take all the time you need with your daughter-books are great but relationships are even more precious. All the best to you. Stefny
With all the GREAT reviews, I can’t WAIT to begin the series, but am always reluctant to start a series until the whole set has been published. Wheel Of Time has been AGONZING, I cuaght up to the (at the time) current book at book 10, waited for book 11, and then look what happened! (gasp!) But it was well worth the wait. Oh… what a connumdrum. Maybe I’ll start the series when the publication date of book five is announced?
Hi Peter,
I’ve read Daylight War Kindle Edition, can’t wait to buy the book once in stock again!
Have you started on The Forest Fortress?
The Daylight War was exciting and mesmerizing although I never dream Arlen will be normal again. He was better as The Painted Man, other than that, the story was truly enjoyable, I read the book until 4 a.m in the morning (until hubby came out from the bedroom and told me to go to bed or he will confiscated my Kindle – just kidding)
The ending was somewhat abruptly … someone warned about the ending but still it catches me by surprised!
Best of luck for the fourth book!
Regards,
Han.
Talk about a cliff hanger on the 3ed book!!!! cant wait for the next, when is the release date?
Won’t bung this with spoilers, but just finished The Daylight Wars. It was worth every minute of the wait. Rolled like a train on the second half. Guessing book 4 will flow along just as smooth . I was worried about all those strands you created in 1 and 2. Shouldn’t have been, with a skilled story weaver such as you. Thanks heaps. Love your work. I gorge on heroic fantasy and your books are a banquet.
Just finished reading The Daylight War, loved it, but the ending was too much of a cliffhanger, especially if the next book is going to take another 2-5 years.
I don’t mean to sound like I’m criticising but I cannot wait that long for a conclusion. Please hurry with the writing.
Hello,
I am loving the series but have run into a bit of a problem with my hardcopy of Book 3. It is missing pages 483-514! I was right in the middle of a battle scene and then BLAM! nothing. The book stores here in Canada do not have anymore copies and I am desperate to find out the resolution of the battle. (I don’t want to skip forward to 515, seems like cheating:P) Help!!
Thanks, Natasha
I just finished daylight war. It was absolutely amazing, completely kept me enticed the whole time and wantin more with that cliffhanger. I was introduced to the warded man February 2012 and quickly read through that and the desert spear. All of your books have been such a wonder to read and I can’t wait for the forest fortress!! Thanks for writing these books, my favorite series I’ve ever read.
Well I must say I read The Daylight War in just five days after buying it. IT WAS FANTASTIC! Never before have enjoyed a book so thoroughly and I have high hopes for the 4th, you take your time on that one ! I know it will be just as diverse and amazing as the last. One day I hope to write worlds as creative and detailed as yours, you really are inspiring.
Oh and that cliffhanger! Daring to say the least! But it still keeps me thinking about all the possibilities. Well done!
My brother recommended the Demon Cycle series to me late February and I inhaled all 3 books in the space of 2 weeks. Finished TDW around 3am this morning and as Everam is my witness you Mr. Brett are a wonder! Frankly, i probably would have called you names (against my better judgement) if I had discovered your works earlier and had to wait years between books. What can I say, you have stirred the coreling in me!
I am glad I could read all 3 close together. The multiple POvs of the same events, unique system of magic in the tradition of Brandon Sanderson, heart thumping fight scenes and an uncanny insight into the human psyche (and so much more) make your books nothing short of masterful. I salute you sir! I honestly felt like I went off the cliff with the sons of Kaji!
Now off to find the novellas and then i’ll begin again with the GA books and then comfort myself with endless cups of couzi as I earnestly await for Book 4!
ps: Tell the folks making the movie that there will be core to pay if they mess it up!
peter. great books but sadly for us in the uk the audio version which i have bought but have deleted from my files after 20 mins of lwhat is for us in the uk a terrible narration .it may be out of your hands but if joyce could read a uk version i would pay double the price as you and he gave me among the greatest books i have ever had the pleasure to listen too.all my friends agree with me some refusing to buy it on the preview alone. three books i was so looking forward to i will never hear. sorry to be so dispondant its just you are such great story teller up among the best ever but narration is so important with audio books.
I just finished reading TDW and I loved it so much. I sucked in every page with such eagerness. It is so exciting to see the characters develop. The Demon Cycle is one of my favourite series and I am looking forward to the next three books.
Thanks for wirting these books. I love them so much.
Best regards from Germany 🙂
I first picked up the warded man because my dad happened to be reading it at the time. I was soon hooked. These books I think must be my all time faves! I have literally in the last 5 minutes finished the daylight war, and am currently feeling the depressed longing feeling after ending a book you wish you were apart of. I know the day I finnish reading the book 5 I shall probably be deverstated but at the same time over the moon about knowing that I will not need to waith however long till the next book! Please hurry up with the forest fortress I will be trying to wait patiently for it whilst looking for a book half as good as yours. Thank you for such an amazing world I can escape to every time I pick up your books:)
My dad got me hooked onto the demon cycle and a question is burning in my mind: How many demon types are there???? What are they??(I meant two questions.)
When will the fourth book come out?
I loved the desert spear and is waiting impatiently 🙂
Well done Peter!
Keep up the quality and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Loved every minute of all 3 books!!! I’m 2 hours away from finishing The Daylight War, and am very sad its ending. Although I thought it was a 3 book series, and after reading this I feel better knowing theres more to come. I’m hoping since we gave our emails you can keep us posted on The Forest Fortress! I Can’t wait for the reunion of Jardir and Arlen.
Spoke too soon, haha. I just finished The Daylight War, and it turns out I got my Jardir and Arlen reunion! Can’t wait for more.
Hi,
can you sent me a mail if The Forest Fortress is ready in german !?
Thanks
Hey Peat
First- you are my hero. Amazing mind on you sir!
Second-Just finished daylight war and the cliff hanger is unbearable!!!!
And third-Can’t wait for the forth and was really hoping you are considering you turn this series into a 3hour per movie-movie trilogy. Would be awesome!
Keep up the great work mate.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff
previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous web site.
You are the best writer ever and have inspired me to write my own series of books even though im only 13 its going to be hard but i cant wait to be as good as you your books are the best I have ever read in my life
No pressure…. none.
But uhm…waiting on the fourth book.
My friend kept insisting that I read The Painted Man (or Warded..which ever one I find first haha) Finally, I actually sat down to do it and was BLOWN AWAY!! I tore through it like a fat kid does with cake. I got to the end of the third book and was like [SPOILER ALERT] “Ooh. Oh. Oh my! O-wha? HEY! NOOO!!! YOU CAN’T END THE BOOK LIKE THAT!!!” and now I can’t find any mention of the fourth one!!
Absolutely, take your time. I want the same quality as the other three…but I have to know what happens next! Any idea when the round about possible ideal release date for the next one? That way I can read the three again to prepare. 🙂
I have been a patient fan and have been rewarded ,having just finished Daylight War I have to thank you for a fantastic journey.
may I just say my only impatience comes from the terror of not living long enough to read them all , and my last thought being OH No and a rude word, captivated I am.
many thanks
Einfach nur GRANDIOS, bekommt von mir 99%, wobei “Herr der Ringe” 100% hat, also beiweitem besser als “Die Bibel”
It seems I’m a day late and a dollar short. I have already read Daylight War and was doing a search for something similar. I hit this link and had a pleasant surprise.
I thought you should know that my first book by you was The Warded Man! I found this in error also as I was into Charlie Huston and the” Joe Pitt series. Sad I read all of them, I found Warded Man and quickly read all available books in this series, clueless, at the time, it was a series at all. I tend to read on and off, kind of like an addict if you will! I either read nothing for months or years, then all of a sudden I can not get enough and this goes on for months.
My accidental purchase of Warded Man kept me busy. It has been a while and now that I have read all Jim Butchers books…Joe Ledger, another happy accident, I was going to give up as Jonathon Maberry has no new adventures that I found. I like the Zombie stories and his were great, but Corlings are unpredictable, Zombies,…not so much.
I hope the new books are out soon as you have a great world I Just can’t get enough of. BUT…..
Enjoy your life and family now as these days are once in a lifetime and I guarantee I will be back to see what Arlen has up his sleeve next….even if it takes a few years to publish.
Cheers
You have created one of my favorite universes. I’ve been following since the release of “The Warded Man”. I’m really upset that I picked it up on one of my random book hunts. Now I have to wait for the next installment and it’s ripping me apart. I know that you’ve got better things to do than to chain yourself to your text dictation device, but it’s really annoying knowing that if I had discovered this series a few years down the road, I wouldn’t have to wait for the next book to write itself (yes, books write themselves apparently).
ANYWAY. You suck, because I’m impatient and your storytelling is addictive and the universe is really well thought out and fun to imagine. But I hate that the Demon Cycle will only have 5 books :(. Shoulda committed to 50.
Dammit. Write more about this universe please! The science behind the use of wards and magic is refreshing. It’s not just magic being magic because it’s magic (whatever that means).
Can’t wait for your next book. Please post details soon.
Write me back. I’ll proofread for free. I noticed a few mistakes in Daylight War, but I forgive you. It’s hard to proofread your own work when you stare at it for so long.
In the meantime I’ll keep myself busy reading works of other authors. Ones that are in no way superior to you other than they like to write many more books about each of their universes, allowing for more reading and more enjoyment of super cool universes.
Add more books to the Demon Cycle! Or sequel series that shizz! This universe is something special, 5 is not enough!
Hey Peat!
Just wanna say your books are amazing (Yet to read the Daylight war – just ordered online!) – I doubt you still read this thread but on the off-chance you pop in.
I went travelling through Europe last Novemeber (I’m from Australia) and over 6 weeks I read both The Painted Man and Desert Spear and just loved them. Absolutely hooked!
Keep up the great work dude!
All the best.
Luke