I love my job. Not many people can say that and mean it, but I can. I’m one of the lucky ones. Who am I? I’m the proverbial kid in the candy store, the vampire in the blood bank. I’m an editor at Tor Books. And one of the coolest things I do is discover books like The Emperor’s Blades.
This first novel from debut author Brian Staveley kicks off a new epic fantasy series, Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne. It’s about a murdered emperor’s three grown children, scattered across the world, and their individual struggles against the intricate web of conspiracy, intrigue, and ancient magic that threatens not just their family, but their very civilization.
But the real magic is in the telling. I’m not exaggerating when I say Brian’s novel is one of the most gripping and engaging I’ve ever edited. I’ve been so excited to put this project in front of readers, in fact, that despite being so close to its simultaneous US and UK publication on January 14, 2014, my patience is spent. I can no longer wait to share it. Lucky for me, Tor.com had the cure for what ailed me.
Starting today, two months ahead of its release, you can get a daily serving of The Emperor’s Blades for one week—Seven Chapters in Seven Days, posted here on Tor.com with my compliments. “Just a taste,” as my father the chef used to say, knowing full well that the appetizers he served would make me more eager than ever to start the main course.
So I invite you to kick back and dig in. Sample the many flavors of Brian’s storytelling over the next week, and decide for yourself if it makes you hungry for more.
Happy reading!
A new chapter of The Emperor’s Blades will appear by 9 AM EST every day from Tuesday, November 12 to Monday, November 18. Keep track of them all here. And dig in to Chapter One!
I just wanted to say that I was truly one of the very lucky ones to have one a free copy of this book from Tor. I smoked through it in about a day and half. I thougth it was very well written, great character development, and included some very intriguing departures from most epic fantasy. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Great job Mr. Staveley! And a big thank you to Tor!
I received an advanced reading copy at NY’s Comic Con–signed by Brian Staveley himself–and I am utterly enjoying this book!!! It is a truly great read, for the characters and the writing, not to mention the plot. I find myself thinking “‘Kent-kissing” a la Battlestar Galactica’s “frack”. ;) Glad I can offer vicarious marketing by reading it on the NYC subway. May “The Emperor’s Blades” meet with the success it deserves!
Good afternoon Brian,
I have to say your 7 chapters were the biggest tease. You’ve managed to do in these few chapters what some are unable to do in an entire book. You breathed life in your characters from the first page. These are three distinct voices, fully formed, and dealing with the challenges you set before them. The plot is great as well. It’s not so grandiose that you put the reader off, but it’s engaging enough that you want to keep turning the page. Your writing is fresh and places the reader smack dab in the middle of this world! I will say I was a little disappointed that I did not get one of your ARC’s in the sweepstakes by Tor as I was going to make your book the first book I review for my blog but I guess I can wait till January :)
Good luck on your endeavors as a writer! These 7 chapters have made me a fan of your work and I’m looking forward to this release!
Bravo Staveley and Tor’s editorial team. This is something extraordinary. Epic Zen fantasy. Reminds me of Dune with a Tao Te Ching-like twist.