jed hartman on the new novel (and new order)

[ellenkushner]

But first: although the pub date for TPoTS is not til July 25, and Bantam assured me it would not be available til then, nevertheless there arrived in the mail today an "advance author's copy" of the final, finished book.

It is splendid! - I mean the physical book, especially the interior design, not my writing - that, I leave you to judge for yourself. Tears of joy were shed. I've waited a long time for this one, and I feel a pure and uncomplicated love for it (the text, that is, not just the interior design).

If you're still wondering whether or not to (re-)read Swordspoint first, Jed Hartman has posted a very smart analysis of the order in which to imbibe all the existing Riverside canon in his fine blog Lorem Ipsum.. I do mean for each of the "Riverside" books to stand alone - they aren't a series per se - and each title appeals differently to different readers - that is to say, you don't get the same biscuit in each one. But they are all about the same city and the same family over the years. Like everything else on earth, it's all a matter of personal taste. I do hope you enjoy them all.

Comments

TPOTS

[gentlemadman.livejournal.com]

Dear Ellen,
is this the finished cover for the limited hc of TPOTS or just a placeholder Amazon is using?
http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1931520208/302-5292157-8811229?v=glance&n=52044011

I was wondering if there was any chance for Small Bear to do new editions of SWORDSPOINT and FALL OF THE KINGS? I think the small print if SWORDSPOINT is rather hard on the eyes.

Olaf

[matociquala.livejournal.com]

I want to be that book when I grow up.

Re: TPOTS

[ellen-kushner.livejournal.com]

That's just a placeholder - thanks for asking!

SMall Beer at present has no plans to do another "Riverside" volume - but if TPOTS does really well (and fans beg earnestly), maybe they'll think about it . . . Meanwhile, the Science Fiction Book Club is bringing out a single volume Spt & FOTK - which I hope will have larger type! - see
http://ellen-kushner.livejournal.com/48270.html

[heavenscalyx.livejournal.com]

My wife is currently reading me Swordspoint on our morning and evening commutes. She needed a break from Tiffany Aching and Sam Vimes, so I realized it was a great time for her do Swordspoint (less bellowing!). I've made a couple of independent sallies at it over the years, because she and some of our other family members love it so much, but for whatever reason, I always ended up just not being in the right mindset to get into it. This frustrated me no end, because I adored Thomas the Rhymer.

I'm enjoying the heck out of it. I wrote about my experience of the book in my LJ the other day (yesterday?), talking about the fact that I've watched FAR too much anime, and now had very clear anime-induced images of both Alec and Richard in my head.

But I'll be all set for the TPOTS release!

[aliettedb.livejournal.com]

Damn, you can't preorder it on Amazon France. I hope it becomes available soon.

Sometimes I hate not living in an English country.

[peregrinejohn.livejournal.com]

Geez, I can hardly wait. Fanboyhood is not my normal mode, but I do love Swordspoint and Riverside in general.

Lorem ipsum... heh. Excellent name. I saw a shirt (not live, alas, just in How magazine) with "Lorem ipsum" inscribed on a decorated banner/scroll, like a Latin motto. Great joke, but obscure, and while I really want to track it down, perhaps the most interesting part of wearing it will be seeing who gets it.

Re: TPOTS

[gentlemadman.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Ellen.

Since I am in Germany, it will be difficult to get an SFBC edition. Maybe next time when I am in the US.

Olaf

[queenbookwench.livejournal.com]

I hadn't realized that the new edition of Swordspoint had those short stories in it; all the more reason to pick it up, since I just discovered that I don't actually own it--I thought I did, but I only have The Fall of the Kings and Thomas the Rhymer.

[light-of-estel.livejournal.com]

Ah well it's surprising to find that you have a livejournal (don't know why though), but I have to say it's great as well.

As it is I've been trying to get a copy of Swordspoint for ages and it seems to elude me at every turn...I suppose it is time to stop hunting through local bookstores and resort to the internet. However, I was able to read The Fall of the Kings and I have to say I thought it was a work of genius, I couldn't put it down.

Do let me know if you and Delia Sherman ever end doing a joint project again. (and in the meantime I will dream of a sequel to FotK)

[meritahut.livejournal.com]

Hi there! It was lovely to see the advance copy of the Book Itself at the Kaffee Klatsch and put my grubby little mitts all over it. I was seriously considering snatching it off the table and running for the car. But I couldn't remember where I'd put the car keys, and the inevitable sword fight in the parking lot would have gotten messy.

I can't wait to fall in love with the new book just like Swordspoint and the time-dilating Thomas. Thank you so much for the preview.

Re: TPOTS

[alethea-eastrid.livejournal.com]

If you're really interested, keep an eye on amazon.com. The SFBC editions do tend to show up, eventually, used.

Or you could bribe a friendly American (there are some of us...) to get it and ship it over...

[ellen-kushner.livejournal.com]

O let me count the ways I love you!

I hope you'll love TPoTS, too. See you around KGB -

Re: TPOTS

[gentlemadman.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I will keep an eye on Amazon.com. That much is sure.

Olaf