It's Out!

Warbreaker released today in bookstores everywhere.  Note that it might be in the front of the stores--Borders and B&N are both doing promos with the book--so you might not find one in the SF section if you go there.  And, as always, the west coast tends to lag a little behind the east coast in getting books out.  There will be a Kindle version eventually, though that depends on how long it takes Amazon to get it up, and there will also be an audio version--also impending. 

First week sales are very important for authors.  And so, if you get a chance, I certainly wouldn't mind a link on your blog, website, forum, an email to those you know, or even a good old fashioned in-person suggestion.  In order to facilitate that, I'm going to make this blog post a nice, one-stop place where people can find links and information about Warbreaker.

First, here's a link to the latest creative-commons electronic version of the book, free for download. This is the same as the print edition, which makes it the final version of the book.  Thank you for joining me on the long, three-year ride to producing this book!  If you like this edition, consider grabbing a copy of the hardcover out in stores right now.

Here is a link to the page where you can find old versions of the book. (Scroll down past the rights info at the top.)  I posted this novel chapter-by-chapter on my website as I wrote it, then posted revised drafts as I finished them--all in an attempt to give readers an insight to the writing process.  The most useful things on this page are probably the comparison documents, where I use MS word to compare the old versions with the new versions.  There's a brand new 1.0 to 6.1 comparison document up there.  It's in Word 2007 form, and is well worth finding a copy of Word 2007 to look at it.  The document opens three windows within the same frame and ties them together in a very nifty way to let you scroll down and look at the old document, the new document, and a larger version of the book with lines crossed out and and added.  It gives you a very clear visual way of inspecting the changes I made to the book during the revision process. 

If you're curious, here's a video of Dan Dos Santos painting the cover. 

Here's a synopsis of the book by my editor: (See reviews at the very bottom of the page.)

The capital of Hallandren is T’telir, a beautiful city by the sea, a center of the dyeing trade where colorfully-dressed crowds mill through the bustling streets, and living gods rule in splendor, confined to the gilded cage known as the Court of Gods. Under the rule of the remote, all-powerful God King, they live in the lap of luxury, basking in the worship of the people, accepting in tribute the gifts of freely-given breath, the life-force that keeps them alive and eternally youthful.

But Hallendren did not reach this halcyon state without a struggle, a revolution that left those who rejected it living in austere exile in the mountain realm of Idris. To keep the peace, the exiled royal family agreed in this generation to the betrothal of a daughter of the royal line to the God King. Vivenna, the eldest daughter, was raised from birth to fulfill this commitment, but at the last minute, her wily father, King Dedelin, sends his youngest daughter, Siri, instead. Vivenna is furious about losing the role that terrified her and yet defined her life, and baffled that her father expects poor Siri to cope with the monstrous God King with no training and less warning. So Vivenna secretly flees their small mountain realm to follow her sister.

Siri, in whom the blood of the old kings runs strong, is no weakling herself, but she is shocked to find the city, the people, and even the royal marriage itself are not at all what she expected. Unaware of Vivenna’s arrival in T’telir, she is forced to take matters into her own hands.

And while this royal drama plays out, another newcomer to the city, Vasher, arrives with a sentient sword named Nightblood, and ambitious plans of his own, plans dependent on the unique BioChromatic magic of Hallandren, which uses color to focus the power of breath, plans which will change the world.

In the tradition of his own acclaimed debut novel, Elantris, in Warbreaker Brandon Sanderson has written a supremely entertaining and endlessly surprising epic fantasy in one volume. It is an adventure, a romance, a witty tale of political intrigue, and even an examination of the ethics of divinity and the power of religion. Like all his novels, Warbreaker breaks the mold of conventional fantasy to create a reading experience you will never forget.

Finally, here are some reviews of the book.  I hope that if you look into the electronic version, you enjoy what you see enough to go pick up a hardcover version of the novel.  The book is beautiful, with an excellent cover and design.  I'm biased, but I think it'd make a great addition to your collection!

REVIEWS (As collected by Tor Publicity)

See below for starred reviews, rave reviews—and reviews citing Warbreaker as further proof why Brandon was the best author to complete Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series.

“Epic fantasy heavyweight Sanderson pens a powerful stand-alone tale of unpredictable loyalties, dark intrigue and dangerous magic … Sanderson melds complex, believable characters, a marvelous world and thoughtful, ironic humor into an extraordinary and highly entertaining story.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Sanderson again demonstrates his capacity for handling large and complex themes while creating believable characters … This series opener is essential reading for fantasy fans.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“This very superior stand-alone fantasy proves, among other things, that Sanderson was a good choice to complete the late Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time saga. Sanderson is clearly a master of large-scale stories, splendidly depicting worlds as well as strong female characters … May the author write long and prosper.” —Booklist

“A highly readable and compelling stand-alone volume from the acclaimed author of the Mistborn trilogy … Highly recommended to fans of epic fantasy.”  —The Romantic Times BOOKreviews 4 ½ Stars TOP PICK!

”Not only has Sanderson drawn a freshly imagined world and its society, he has also given us a plot full of unexpected twists and turns ... Anyone looking for a different and refreshing fantasy novel will be delighted by this exceptional tale of magic, mystery and the politics of divinity.”  —Michael Moorcock

“Consistent, engaging and well crafted … a conspiracy novel with hints of slight hints 1984 wrapped in a wonderful fantasy package. Warbreaker is another top-notch novel from Brandon Sanderson – a novel that will likely be one of the top fantasy novels of the year.” —SFF World (http://www.sffworld.com/brevoff/543.html) *Feature front page review*

“This is the first Brandon Sanderson novel that I have read and after completing Warbreaker, I realize that I have been missing out on something special … This is the type of book that is just a pleasure to read and should be soon considered a hallmark in the fantasy genre.” —Robots and Vamps (http://robotsandvamps.com/?p=4720)

“I just finished Warbreaker, and the words that keep coming to mind are ‘That was so good!’ This is the first Brandon Sanderson novel I've read, and it certainly won't be the last. Warbreaker combines highly original world-building with an exciting plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.” —Fantasy Literature (http://fantasyliterature.net/news/new-release/fanlit-loves-brandon-sandersons-warbreaker/)

“With its deep complicated plot, fascinating back story, and new magic-system Warbreaker would already have been an exciting read. But Sanderson manages to up the ante by including some of the best dialogue infused with humor and life that it leaps and bounds above anything he has so-far written and stands high amongst the best dialogue I’ve read in any fantasy series.” —King of the Nerds (http://kingofthenerds.wordpress.com/2009/05/01/review-warbreaker-by-brandon-sanderson/)

“Complex, multi-dimensional characters, vivid settings, excellently written action sequences, a good ear for dialogue, and equal facility with both pathos and humor (and sometimes both simultaneously).” —Fyrefly Books Blog (http://fyreflybooks.wordpress.com/2009/06/08/brandon-sanderson-warbreaker/)

“This is all the stuff of great epic fantasy. Sanderson weaves a complex and fascinating plot, with many twists and turns, two of which took this reader completely by surprise.” —Grasping the Wind (http://otter.covblogs.com/archives/2009/06/book-review-warbreaker-by-brandon-sanderson.html)

“If there is one thing Sanderson does really well, it's write a story that continually unfolds. Just when you think you know what's going on, the story takes a new direction and the characters are given added depth.” —Fantasy and Sci-Fi Lovin’ News & Reviews (http://sqt-fantasy-sci-fi-girl.blogspot.com/2009/06/book-review-warbreaker-by-brandon.html)

“I think this is his best novel yet ... Warbreaker is highly recommended.” —Book Spot Central (http://www.bscreview.com/2009/05/book-review-warbreaker-by-brandon-sanderson/) 

♦ Recent Awards & Honors: Brandon Sanderson’s The Hero of Ages was shortlisted for the first ever David Gemmell Legend Award and received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Epic Fantasy ♦