Unfettered edited by Shawn Speakman

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The order period for Unfettered has begun!

The fantasy anthology features new stories from some of the best in the genre: Terry Brooks, Patrick Rothfuss, Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson, Jacqueline Carey, Tad Williams, Geno & R.A. Salvatore, Naomi Novik, Peter V. Brett, Daniel Abraham, Lev Grossman, David Anthony Durham, Peter Orullian, Blake Charlton, Eldon Thompson, Michael J. Sullivan, Robert V.S. Redick, Carrie Vaughn, Mark Lawrence, Kevin Hearne, Jennifer Bosworth, Todd Lockwood, and Shawn Speakman!

original

Hardcover:
23 Stories
Cover Art:
Todd Lockwood
Excerpt:
Coming Soon
eBook:
Kindle | Nook
ISBN:
978-0-9847136-3-9
Language:
English
Shipping:
May 2013
Signed & Numbered:
Sold out!
Trade Edition:
5,000-10,000 copies

$35.00 — $150.00

Book Description:

You define life or it defines you.

In Shawn Speakman’s case, it was both.

Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hogdkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Shawn quickly accrued a massive medical debt that he did not have the ability to pay. That’s when New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks offered to donate a short story Shawn could sell toward alleviating those bills—and suggested Shawn ask the same of his other friends.

Unfettered is the result, an anthology built to relieve that debt, featuring short stories by some of the best fantasy writers in the genre.

Every story in this volume is new and, like the title suggests, the writers were free to write whatever they wished. Here is the list of contributing authors for Unfettered:

  • The Shade of Allanon by Terry Brooks (a Shannara tale)
  • Imaginary Friends by Terry Brooks (a precursor to the Word/Void trilogy)
  • How Old Holly Came To Be by Patrick Rothfuss (a Four Corners tale)
  • River of Souls by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson (a Wheel of Time tale)
  • The Old Scale Game by Tad Williams
  • Martyr of the Roses by Jacqueline Carey (a precursor to the Kushiel series)
  • Dogs by Daniel Abraham
  • Mudboy by Peter V. Brett (a Demon Cycle tale)
  • Nocturne by Robert V. S. Redick
  • The Sound of Broken Absolutes by Peter Orullian (a Vault of Heaven tale)
  • The Coach With Big Teeth by R.A. Salvatore
  • Keeper of Memory by Todd Lockwood (a Summer Dragon tale)
  • Game of Chance by Carrie Vaughn
  • Heaven in a Wild Flower by Blake Charlton
  • The Chapel Perilous by Kevin Hearne (an Iron Druid tale)
  • Select Mode by Mark Lawrence (a Broken Empire tale)
  • All the Girls Love Michael Stein by David Anthony Durham
  • Strange Rain by Jennifer Bosworth (a Struck epilogue tale)
  • Unbowed by Eldon Thompson (a Legend of Asahiel tale)
  • In Favour With Their Stars by Naomi Novik (a Temeraire tale)
  • The Jester by Michael J. Sullivan (a Riyria Chronicles tale)
  • The Duel by Lev Grossman (a Magicians tale)
  • The Unfettered Knight by Shawn Speakman (an Annwn Cycle tale)

With the help of stalwart friends and these wonderful short stories, Shawn has taken the gravest of life hardships and created something magical. Unfettered is not only a fantastic anthology in its own right but it’s a testament to the generosity found in the science fiction and fantasy community—proof that humanity can give beyond itself when the need arises.

After all, isn’t that the driving narrative in fantasy literature?

Edition Note:

There are two editions of Unfettered to consider.

The first is a leather-bound Signed & Numbered 1st edition/1st printing edition limited to 500 copies and signed by all contributors. It is $150.00. Note: This edition is sold out!

The second is a 1st edition/1st printing trade hardcover that is unsigned and is $35.00. The text for both editions of Unfettered is the same. This edition also includes a blank signature page featuring all of the contributors for those of you wanting to get autographs from some of your favorite writers on your own!

85 thoughts on “Unfettered edited by Shawn Speakman”

  1. Shawn, I may have overlooked what I was looking for or maybe I don’t need the info, but I don’t have a info telling me what number my “Darkthorn” book is so If there is place in the ordering of Unfettered for me to put the same number, I am not able to. Please advise me so I can order my copy of Unfettered; Thank you so much, Shawn. Wayne Palmer, Spearfish, SD..57783

      • Hi, Mr. Speakman,

        First, you’re awesome for putting all of this together. You’ve done an amazing job, and I’m glad the profits are going to relieve you of cancer costs.

        Second, in regards to what you have said here, by “taking care of it” do you mean you are handling the copy number detail for everyone who orders both? Because when I ordered my Unfettered copy a different order came up than my The Dark Thorn order, and I wonder if that ‘number’ is the signed book number or unrelated? I merely want to make sure I’m clear on the subject before it is too late!

        Thank you so much and the very best of luck with everything,
        - C.R.

        • Yes, when people order, I am personally matching up the numbers. The order number you received is for the site, not for the matching sets. :)

          And thanks for the support! Means so much I can’t even begin to express it.

  3. Ok, One S&N copy of Unfettered has been ordered and I begin the long wait. I sincerely hope other Terry Brooks fans will support this worthy cause! Thanks Shawn for making this possible. Cheers and Good Health!

    • So do I, Ghost! Terry’s fans have supported me already and if we can secure the rights to the Allanon short story that was recently only published as an e-book, those fans will support Unfettered without a doubt! haha

      • Terry Brooks is my favorite author ever!! I’m so keen to get all of his books, short stories or ANYTHING, I appreciate this opportunity to get not only a couple of his short works and support a noble cause, but also get a view into other fantasy writer’s minds. I absolutely love Shannara, but fantasy of all sorts intrigues me. So excited to see what Unfettered entails!!

  4. Ordered!!! Come on number #72!! Now the wait (twiddling thumbs).

    Hope this works to pay off your debts, Shawn. Yay for the crappy American health system :-(

  5. Shawn your starting to owe me a lot of books haha.

    But really I love that you let us get the same numbers on The Dark Thorn and Unfettered. I am also thrilled you got so many signatures on both books. Looking forward to them. Can’t wait for the new Brooks book and The Annotated Sword of Shannara either.

    • Hey Slice,

      You are getting a bunch of books! At least they are good books. I’m particularly fond of The Annotated Sword of Shannara for obvious reasons. Out of everything though, I’m excited for people to read my short story in Unfettered. I really screw with vampire history there.

      • OH YES PLEASE, POST AN EXERPT!!! I don’t know if I can stand to wait, until early next year to get my hands on this book, without a little something to tide us over!!! Come on Shawn, PLEASE!!! I must say that you have my imagination running wild, The 1st Vampire, and in the Vatican to boot!!! COOOLLL!!! Thanks, Be Well with Continued Good Health!!!

        P.S. Did you ship my other 2 books yet? I’m on pins and needles waiting to get them!!!

  7. I’m in!

    Great looking cover, all those fantastic authors, all those signatures, bound in leather? It’s a steal at $150! I’m sure you wont have a hard time selling this out. Best wishes!

  9. Got my order in! Now comes the really hard part, waiting to actually receive it! I hope that I get my other books soon, so that I will have those to tide me over, for a couple of days at least!! HA, HA, HA, LOL!!! :)
    Thanks again Shawn, and Best of Luck, I’m sure that “Unfettered” will sell out VERY quickly!! Take That, Collection Agency Goons!!!

  10. Pingback: Short Story Listing for Unfettered | Del Rey and Spectra - Science Fiction and Fantasy Books, Graphic Novels, and More

  11. I’m sold! But I’d really prefer the ebook edition. Any chance a purchase of the trade paperback will entitle us to the ebook as well? Or at least a discount or early access? Hell, I’ll trade you back for it when the time comes :) I’d rather you didn’t kill any trees on my account!

    • Killing trees is what the book industry has done well for centuries! Ha!

      In all seriousness, the eBook will be coming out in February or March 2013 when the hardcover book is published. There won’t be a paperback unless one of the major publishers want to go that road—and with the growth of eBook I doubt any will. Early access is a possibility — maybe two weeks early. I’ve actually thought about that recently. We’ll see. Still a lot to plan when it comes to the release of Unfettered, but we are getting there because of good questions like this.

      • I would love to be able to pre-order the e-book. (I simply can’t stand hardcovers, but I don’t want to forget about this.) Just wanted to let you know that at least one person wants this. :)

          • Can you set up a system to email us when the ebook becomes available? This is a book I don’t want to forget about.

          • Hey Jayowen, it’s simple. Just join the newsletter at the bottom of Grim Oak Press. You will be notified by email every time a post is updated on the site. Since I only update once every few weeks, it shouldn’t be burden on your Inbox but you’ll get the information you’ll require.

  13. Hope I’m not to late! Just ordered my leather bound copies of “The Dark Thorn” and “Unfettered”. What an extraordinary idea Mr. Speakman, with so many of my favorite authors in one book, I cannot wait to read your volume as well as the stories by the other authors.
    Thank you and your companions for providing this opportunity. Wish you the very best of luck.

  14. Hi Shawn,
    Thanks for putting this all together. A truly amazing line up of writers and apparently they are a great bunch of people as well! Hope that this alleviates some of your burdens.
    Do you think Grim Oak Press is going to be transient business for you or something more permanent?
    All the best

    • I don’t know yet, Shahriar. I think it will always be there in form or another. I’ve told my authors that if they get into a similar situation like me — since most writers work freelance and also don’t have health insurance — that I would be here for them in a similar capacity.

      That said, there are a few projects that I want to tackle. My own work will be published here but I’d also like to do some beautiful editions similar to what Easton Press does — just in a “normal size” hardcover. Ever since I was 13, I’ve wanted a beautiful set of the first three Shannara books, and that’s something I’ll be talking to Terry about if all of this goes well with limited stress on me. I’d love to put together an omnibus of Jacqueline Carey’s Sundering set, a similar story to Lord of the Rings but told from the losing side. Other than those, I have no concrete plans whatsoever but it will largely depend on all of you and what you want. :)

  15. Pingback: Unfettered now available for pre-order, features stories by Rothfuss, Sanderson, Novik, Abraham, and more! — A Dribble of Ink

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  17. Pingback: Pre-Order of Unfettered

  18. Ordered unfettered. could not afford the extra shipping to buy the Dark Thorn as well :( . Not sure why it’s so expensive though. It’s probably how the US postal system works. In The Netherlands a package from 1-6Kg or 6-12Kg is fixed price. And thouse books don’t weigh 6Kg together do they?

  19. Hi! I’ve just placed an order, i only found out about this site today. Very excited about unfettered, and love to support a good cause. Need to know though are there still s&n copies left?? My order number was in the the 7hundreds so i’m starting to worry we may have missed out on these already! (since shippings to the UK me and friend clubbed together) this site needs better publicity! I’m a fan of more than a few of these guys and yet today is the first time i heard anything about this on one of their sites(Patrick rothfuss) seems a shame it’s not being shouted about everywhere!

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  22. Bummer to only find this today and miss the Signed & Numbered edition. :( Sure you don’t want to do a bigger run than planned? I’m sure the authors won’t mind signing a few more, har har.

  24. Shawn:

    I went to order my copy of Unfettered based on the email you sent out to the purchasers of your book. However, it won’t let me select and buy. Your email indicated we had until December 1st. Am I doing something wrong?

    • Yes, you are doing something wrong. Not reading my last post on the website. :) Go read it and all will become clear for those of you who ordered The Dark Thorn. Expect an email later tonight or tomorrow morning. All will become clear soon. Thanks for the support!

  27. Pingback: Video: Brandon Sanderson: On Unfettered | Grim Oak Press

  28. Ah man, really wanted that signed edition bad. But alas poor understanding of communication over a phone to have one ordered.

    Well what can ya do, the regular book will still be a good read I’m sure of that.

  29. Hi Shawn,
    Andrea from Italy here… I’ve not personally been through what you did but my daddy has and therefore in the family we all experienced how hard it was to cope with medical treatments, expenses and all that goes with them.

    So I think I can start to understand…

    Good luck and a big hug from oversea… you’ve got a new fan and I really hope my little contribute means something.

    A pity I’ve just discovered your website… sadly I have found out the numbered Unfettered is already sold out ;( however I ordered the trade edition… it hurts me I shall have to look for someone’s speculative auction on ebay or wherever when time comes to get the limited. I ould have preferred giving the money directly to you. :(

    Anyways, can’t wait to read the books! :)

    Cheers and take care!
    Andrea

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  32. This looks like a great book and I look forward to reading it. I hope you will consider making an epub version available when you release the ebook, as not everyone has a Kindle or Nook.

  33. Pingback: Video: Terry Brooks: On Unfettered | Grim Oak Press

  35. Pingback: Unfettered | Shawn Speakman

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  37. I heard about “Unfettered” from Brandon Sanderson’s website, which I don’t usually go to; but I’m glad I did. I ordered a copy, and I’m excited to read it, although I’ve only read the stuff from two of the authors: Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss. Thanks, and I hope your health returns!

  38. I heard about this amazing idea through Her Awesomeness, Miss Jacqueline Carey, and just placed my order. I’m pretty stoked to be introduced to new (to me) authors, and to be reacquainted with past loves.

    The best of luck to you, Shawn! This will be a most excellent ride =D

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  42. Pingback: Video: Peter V. Brett on Unfettered | Del Rey and Spectra - Science Fiction and Fantasy Books, Graphic Novels, and More

  43. I ordered a copy December 1 and have yet to receive it. When might I expect it? I hate to bug you, but it was a Christmas wish for my husband and I am worried I won’t have it in time. Thank you in advance!

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  45. As I have seen in all the previous comments, so many people saddened by the inability to order anymore S&N books.I would have gladly payed the fee or more even to be able to hold such an honorable book with so many amazing signatures!
    Ah well, The Wheel weaves as the wheel wills. If there is at all any possible way to obtain one more S&N books, please let me know. Thank you and I cannot wait to receive my copy of this book!

  46. Pingback: Unfettered: The Anthology is Complete | Del Rey and Spectra - Science Fiction and Fantasy Books, Graphic Novels, and More

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  50. Is there any plan to release this book for Kobo e-readers (chapters)? I have a Kobo e-reader and I would really like to get this book but I can’t afford almost $60 to get it and ship it to Canada.

  51. When will these be shipped out (place my order the 30th)? Not in a particular rush, just wondering though since it says shipping May 2013. Thanks!

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