Hi Grim Oak Friends,
Today is a special day because we are announcing a new project!
In 2008, when I read an ARC of The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett, I was blown away. It was a fresh look at epic fantasy, with a unique magic system that I instantly loved. But it was the characters who captured me. And great storytelling.
Two years ago, the UK publisher created an illustrated edition to celebrate its tenth year of publication. I own it. I realized though I wanted to do the same but with the Grim Oak touch that could fully realize that dark world of dangerous night and the wards that protect those who venture through it.
I am pleased to announce today that Grim Oak Press will be producing beautiful $100 limited and $400 lettered editions of The Warded Man, featuring art by Allen Williams. That by itself is great news. But that's not all. For the first time ever, the novella The Great Bazaar will be added to The Warded Man where it takes place within the story, making this the ultimate edition!
Here is the wrap around cover art by Allen Williams:
"Having Allen Williams design not only the wraparound cover for the special edition but also the interior illustrations feels like an incredible coup," Peter V. Brett says. "Allen is a master of tactile feel, blending texture with light and mood to create 2-dimensional work you feel like you can reach out and touch. Or more accurately, Allen creates work you worry will reach out and touch you. I’ve loved his movie monster design work for years, and was incredibly honored when he chose The Warded Man for his entry into the Dream Covers gallery show a few years ago. His painting hangs in my home to this very day."
"I’m also thrilled to be working with Shawn Speakman, the Publisher and Creative Director of Grim Oak Press, once more. Via The Signed Page, Shawn was one of the first people in the industry to have faith in my work and help connect readers with autographed copies when I didn’t have the resources to manage it from a NYC apartment. Our first collaborative venture was the Unfettered anthology, which proved his love and appreciation for beautiful books, and ability to corral notoriously individual writers and artists into creating something of lasting beauty. I’ve since watched his work with other beloved creators like Naomi Novik, Terry Brooks, Megan Lindholm and Raymond E. Feist, turning books that had a tremendous influence on me into pieces of art that fill the eyes with a covetous gleam. I rest easy knowing The Warded Man special edition is going to offer the same level of quality to my readers."
Pre-orders will begin on Monday, January 4th, at 10:00 AM PT! Mark you calendars. And for those of you new to Grim Oak Press, signing up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page and following us on social media is the best way to stay up to date on The Warded Man.
I can't wait to share with you The Warded Man as the author has always envisioned it!
Best Holiday Wishes,
Shawn Speakman
Publisher & Creative Director
PS: Allen Williams just launched a Kickstarter for a beautiful coffee-table art book! Definitely check it out HERE!