Hi, Folks,
We really, really wanted to have this book come out in the spring, but life has a way of intruding. While I finished and delivered the book we’ve had struggles with Covid and other issues that have left the publisher upon occasion a bit short staffed. Which has meant a delay in the editing process. So while it is painful for all of us the decision was made not to rush this essential step in producing a book we can all be proud of, and you will all enjoy reading, so the publication date has been pushed back to late August or September. Thank you all in advance for your understanding.
On the upside, the terrific staff have been hard at work doing the copyedits and prep to release the three books of Carolingian series. Lucifer’s War, The Devil’s Understudy, and third title to be determined. Yes, these are reissues, but the novels have been heavily rewritten. First, I’m a much more accomplished writer than I was in the 1990’s, and it’s amazing how when you turn a novel into a screenplay you start to find a lot of the structural flaws in the novel. And yes, we are trying to turn this books series into a TV series so keep your fingers crossed. I’ve got a couple of TV irons in the fire (actually three) and if one hits the rest should fall like those proverbial dominos.
So that’s the update and I sincerely hope you will all hang in with us. The story of Mercedes and Tracy will have its conclusion. It’s just going to be in your hands and on your devices a few months later than we had hoped.
Love this series and still patiently waiting on the fifth installment.
Thank you so much. Boutique publisher had some growing pains and needed additional staff which is why we pushed back the publication date. I’m letting my hind brain try to see what new story I can tell in that universe.
Hell yes! I just picked Currency of War off my shelf for a reread, and had the thought ‘this is just gonna rekindle my hype for book 5, how long do I have to wait?’ Glad to know it’s in the works!
There were some staff changes at the publisher that slowed things down, but things are back on track. My fabulous artist is hard at work on the cover and I’m hoping/thinking it will be in September. Thank you so much for letting me know you are rereading Currency of War. That quite brightened my evening.
Its the Beginning of August.
Any news?
Would you be willing to upload the first couple of chapters as a teaser?
Dear Gregory,
There were some staff changes that have put things a bit behind schedule, but the publisher does intend to release some early chapter, but not until they’ve been through the hands of our very capable copyeditor. I’ll let folks know when that will be happening, but I don’t have an ETA yet.
I know it’s been a hell of a year, and I don’t want to be That Guy, but from a fellow writer who is itching to read the next book, is there any update?
Don’t worry, I became “That Guy” too. My publisher had to hire a new copyeditor and person to prepare manuscripts to be uploaded, but I just sent Steve the Dedication and Acknowledgements so we’re close. I need to go over the edited manuscript (I haven’t looked at it in a long time) and see if it’s still okay, then it will be uploaded. But thanks for checking in, I appreciate it.
Ok
Its November now. Any further news? How is the script review going?
Do you have any cover art selected?
Corrections are made, layout is finished. Final notes on the cover art are being given. I’ll ping my publisher tomorrow to get a definite answer for you.
Has the publisher replied yet?
Waiting on the artist. Trust me, this is as frustrating for me as it is for you — maybe more. š¤£ To be fair the artist is finish off my Wild Cards graphic novel that has been languishing because the first artist just totally dropped the ball and had to be replaced.
Hello Melinda –
I’ve just re-read the four volumes of the Imperial Saga – with great enjoyment – so I’ve not had the prolonged wait for vol. 5 hat perhaps others have. But it would be good to know when you hope/expect the next stage in the Saga to appear and in which formats?
Best wishes
Michael
We are so close. The final touches are being put on the cover art. I’m so sorry for the various delays, but sometimes things just happen to the best laid plans. I’ll ping the publisher and try to get an exact date tomorrow. Thank you so much for reading the books and reaching out to me.
Any news?
Cover is done. Cover copy is being written. I will ping the publisher to find out if that’s done yet. I really hope it goes live before Xmas. I’m sorry this has been delayed, but sometimes these things are just unavoidable.
Hi, I absolutely love your work, but have been unable to buy Imperials 4 and White Fang law anywhere in New Zealand or second hand from overseas. Would you *please* consider Kindle editions? Thanks for your time!
I am so sorry, but when my publisher collapsed I had to get back my books and find a new publisher. I have done so, and they are in the process of making my books once more available on the various platforms, but it’s going to take a little time. I’m going to be checking to get an update on the timing and I’ll keep you posted.
In the meantime Tantor is preparing to record the audio book of The Thucydides Trap — the fifth and final book, and book 4 and White Fang law are available as audio books. If you are looking for a physical copy of both books you can order them from Beastly Books in Santa Fe, and they are even signed.
Thank you for your reply! I will see if I can afford postage! š
I’m so sorry about this. We are going to try to get all 5 books back up as quickly as possible.
Hello Melinda, I hope you’re well. Thucydides Trap is still impossible to find in the UK and we’re desperate to get our hands on a copy! I’ve even chased your publisher to see if they know of any stockists… If you have a moment, will you give them a nudge on behalf of your fans in Europe??
Hi, Helene, so good to hear from you. Unfortunately, my publisher had a complete meltdown and collapsed, so I’ve signed up with a new publisher, but it’s going to take awhile to get all my books back up and available. Here’s what I can do, I can head over to Beastly Books (once I’ve recovered a bit from having the docs yeet out my appendix), pick up a book for you, sign it and send it off to you. You can message me with your address on Facebook or if you want I can give you my email address and you can send it that way.
And I will nudge the new publisher about readers in Europe. Take care and thanks for reaching out.
Oh how wonderful of you… thank you so much Melinda! My dad and I are such fans of the series, he will be over the moon and stars to hear this. I will email you via the contact form right away. Wishing you a speedy recovery from the surgery, lots of love from London!
I’m hoping to feel well enough to drive tomorrow, but if not I’ll just call Beastly Books and set up having the book shipped. And don’t worry about the postage. If you’re inclined to make a donation that would be great, but not necessary.
Any update on when Imperials 5 ā Thucydides Trap will be available on Amazon? Suggestions on how to get a signed copy?
PS. Do you like any of the new Star Trek series? Are you would you consider writing for them?
PPS: Ha!! I should read the comments more carefully the first time. I went to Beastly Books and ordered a signed copy.
Live Long and Prosper,
LTC Noah Nason
I was about to tell you about Beastly Books, but you found the answer.
No, I have not watched any of the new shows for a very personal reason. And I doubt I would be approached to write for any of them. There seems to be a decision not to hire any of the old guard from earlier Trek shows.
Hi!!
I am excited to start reading Imperials, but I also adore Audible. I do not see The Thucydides Trap in Audible yet. Do you plan to make it available on that format?
Also, I cannot find your books for Kindle.
Thank you!!!
āThe Hands That Are Not Thereā captivated me.
My audiobook publisher for this series is Tantor, and I just wrote my editor to find out the status on the release of The Thucydides Trap. I’ll keep you posted once I hear back.
Unfortunately, my publisher melted down and I’ve moved to a new house, but in the meantime all my books were removed from the various platforms so 4 Horsemen can have them formatted to their standards. It’s going to take some time to get all of my books mounted again, but I’ll let you know as that starts to happen.
And thank you for being interested in my work, and for reaching out to me.