I’m really excited about this, but I need your help to pull it off!
Starting today (2/13) and running for one week (until 2/20), I’ll be giving away my share of all book sales ($2 for each copy of THE EMPEROR’S BLADES, $3 per copy of THE PROVIDENCE OF FIRE) to the charity Reading is Fundamental. The mission of this group is to put books into the hands of children who would otherwise have limited access. Check out their website here.
Clearly, the books I write aren’t kids’ fare, but I’m excited to put some of my income from the Unhewn Throne series toward this wonderful, important organization. If you’ve been holding off on your purchase, or you need a book to buy for a friend, this is your chance — you’ll know that some of the money is going to a very good cause.
Please share this message widely. Tell your friends, buy early birthday gifts, buy late birthday gifts, take out full-page ads in the Times. Perhaps most importantly, spread the message on facebook, twitter, instagram, and other social media. I’d be thrilled to be able to write a big check to Reading is Fundamental in a couple of weeks.
THANK YOU, and happy reading!
(Two notes: 1) No need to tell me you’ve purchased the books — Tor is tracking that for me, and 2) This applies to physical books AND ebooks sold by Tor in North America — it’s harder for me to get audiobook or overseas numbers, so I’m not including those in the tally.)
Marietha Quixley says:
Darnit… Wish I could help! Just got my ebook in Cape Town, I’ll make a donation in your name then.
bstaveley says:
Thanks, Marietha!
KevN says:
Just finished enjoying book one. Excited to pick up the ebook version of 2. Today. Looks like it’s perfect timing!
bstaveley says:
Thanks for getting in touch, Kevin. I hope you enjoy Providence. Let me know what you make of it when you’re finished…
andrewjbusaAndrew says:
Hey Brian,
I loved Emperor’s Blades and I can’t wait to get started on Providence of Fire. I read the first one when it came out last January, and I’m a little fuzzy on some of the plot details. Is there somewhere I can get a plot summary of the first book? I want to be as fresh as possible going into Book 2.
bstaveley says:
Hi Andrew — Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, there’s no easy wiki for The Emperor’s Blades (I’ve been meaning to do that for a while now, actually.) I was, however, careful in the writing of Providence to try to provide the necessary reminders. In fact, I had a few people who had never read Blades read the opening chapters of Providence, just to get a sense of what refreshers were necessary. I hope that works for you… in the mean time, I’ll keep trying to put together that wiki…
andrewjbusaAndrew says:
Great, that works! I’d re-read the whole thing but I can’t wait to get started on PoF. I’m telling everyone I know about this series!
bstaveley says:
I appreciate it!
bstaveley says:
Thanks for spreading the word! It’s much appreciated. And if you run into a name or term you can’t remember… just shoot me a question here…
Carolyn O'Brien says:
This is such a cool idea! Supporting a good cause and getting great books at the same time. Kudos.
Just so you’re aware, the link to The Providence of Fire in the above article goes to a page that lists the book as being available for pre-order. Obviously it came out very recently, but to avoid possible confusion it might be a good idea to update?
bstaveley says:
Hi Carolyn —
Thanks for pointing that out! I’m headed over the revise the page now…
andrewjbusa says:
Hey Brian,
Just finished up Providence of Fire. What a fantastic book, I really enjoyed it! I can’t wait till Book 3 comes out.
bstaveley says:
Thanks for getting in touch, Andrew! Book Three is coming along well. I have a full draft in hand, and am hard at work hammering on the spots that need some hammering. Just saw a draft of the cover art for the US version a week ago — Richard Anderson (the artist) is pretty amazing…
Chet S.K says:
Hi Brian,
I read both The Emperor’s Blades and Providence of Fire in successive days, quite unable to put my Kindle down for fear of losing the sense of being in that world. I even took ‘sick leave’ from work to finish reading your brilliant books!
The sense of history was quite palpable, as was the pain and struggle of the characters which was beautifully portrayed.
Kaden’s zenlike approach to the obstacles thrown at him, Valyn’s aggressive courage and loyalty…they were both a treat to read. But Adare’s thread was the real treat; the dilemmas she faces are very interesting, and the decisions she makes are even more so. What she does to Valyn in the end of PoF was completely unexpected, and left me unable to sleep for a few hours.
Tan’is was an unexpectedly complex character. I expected him to be some sort of evil mastermind, but his feelings for the Annurian Empire and his place in it were a treat to read. I could almost SEE scene after iconic scene playing out in my mind, so well have you written.
Awesome. Mind-Blowing. These are the only words I can use to describe your works, and I very eagerly wait for your Third Book. I sincerely hope the release date will be advanced by a considerable amount!
bstaveley says:
Hi Chet. I definitely chalk it up in the “win” column any time someone calls in sick in order to finish reading! I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the story, and especially that Adare’s thread is working for you. People ask me all the time which of the siblings I like writing the most, and I’m never able to answer that, but Adare is definitely the one I have the easiest time relating to. I wish I could say that we’re moving up the release date, but that’s not going to happen. We’re still aiming at Winter/Spring of 2016. That said, I have a whole draft in hand, and I’m most of the way through my major revisions, so there shouldn’t be any delays beyond that…