Book Buying: Three Pre-Orders I’m Excited About

Since I started blogging, I haven’t bought nearly as many books as I used to buy, but once in a while I’m tempted by some of the specialty presses. Subterranean Press has been a favorite publisher of mine for quite some time, and their books are truly spectacular and worth every penny! A note about purchasing books directly from the publisher versus buying them from Amazon (and other online retailers): I have purchased limited editions both ways, but there is a risk of the book selling out, and the publisher not being able to fulfill Amazon orders. Yes, they cost more directly from the publisher, but if you really want it, I suggest paying full price. Take a look at a few books I’ve recently pre-ordered from Subterranean Press:

This Census-Taker by China Miéville. Lisa at The Tenacious Reader loved this book, and it didn’t take much convincing for me to buy this gorgeous edition from Sub Press. I’m not sure when it’s due to be printed and shipped (sometime this year!), but take a look at that cover! Cover art and interior illustrations are by Vincent Chong, and this edition is signed by the author. You can purchase this limited edition of 750 copies from the publisher for $45.00.

Dust jacket and interior illustrations by Vincent Chong

A boy ran down a hill path screaming.

This running, screaming boy has witnessed something terrible, something so awful that he cannot even properly articulate it. All he can do is run. His story is investigated, but no evidence is found to support it, and so in the end, he is sent back. Back up that hill path to the site of his terror, to live with the parent who caused it.

The boy tries to escape. He flees to a gang of local children but they can’t help him. The town refuses to see his danger. He is alone.

Then a stranger arrives. A stranger who claims his job is to ask questions, seek truth. Who can, perhaps, offer safety. Or whose offer may be something altogether different, something safety is no part of.

In This Census-Taker, multiple award-winning writer China Miéville offers a story made of secrets and subtle reveals, of tragedy and bravery, of mysteries that shift when they appear to be known. It is a stunning work, full of strangeness and power.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. I just received a shipping notice from Subterranean, and I believe this book is on its way to me now! RPO was one of my favorite books of the year in 2011, and I own the original hardcover, but as a book collector, it’s hard to resist different editions of your favorites, so when I saw this cover, I knew I had to have it. Unfortunately, I pre-ordered this several months ago, and it has since sold out. This edition features an introduction from Patrick Rothfuss (!!) as well as a piece of RPO fan fiction from Andy Weir (!!). I can’t wait to have this in my hands:-)

In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade’s devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world’s digital confines—puzzles that are based on their creator’s obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them.

But when Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade’s going to survive, he’ll have to win—and confront the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.

Our edition of Ready Player One will be oversize and feature a cover and interior illustration from the Chinese edition, selected by the author. In addition, we’ll include a piece of RP1 fan fiction by Andy Weir (The Martian), as well as an introduction by Fantasy Best-seller Patrick Rothfuss.

The Days of Tao by Wesley Chu. I’m a huge fan of Chu’s Tao series, and I was so excited to see that Subterranean Press will be publishing a limited edition of this novella set in Chu’s world. (It’s also on NetGalley for you bloggers who have access to NG titles.) This story revolves around Cameron, Jill and Roen’s son, who is now in college. I love that we get to see a continuation of the events from the last book in the series, The Rebirths of Tao. Because this book just went on sale, you can still purchase a copy here.

Dust jacket illustration by Galen Dara.

Cameron Tan wouldn’t have even been in Greece if he hadn’t gotten a ‘D’ in Art History.

Instead of spending the summer after college completing his training as a Prophus operative, he’s doing a study abroad program in Greece, enjoying a normal life – spending time with friends and getting teased about his crush on a classmate.

Then the emergency notification comes in: a Prophus agent with vital information needs immediate extraction, and Cameron is the only agent on the ground, responsible for getting the other agent and data out of the country. The Prophus are relying on him to uncomplicate things.

Easy.

Easy, except the rival Genjix have declared all-out war against the Prophus, which means Greece is about to be a very dangerous place. And the agent isn’t the only person relying on Cameron to get them safely out of the country – his friends from the study abroad program are, too. Cameron knows a good agent would leave them to fend for themselves. He also knows a good person wouldn’t. Suddenly, things aren’t easy at all.

The Days of Tao is the latest in the popular Tao series from award-winning author, Wesley Chu. Following after The Rebirths of Tao, this novella carries on the fast-moving and fun tone of the series.

Limited: 1000 signed numbered hardcover copies

Do you ever buy limited editions of books?