NEWS RELEASES FROM GRRM--2005:
COMING SOON TO A SHOP NEAR YOU December 26, 2005 Westeros is on the way. The Testor's Corporation of Rockford, Illinois is moving full speed ahead with its plans for three lines of miniatures based on A Song of Ice and Fire. The initial release will be a group of resin miniatures cast and painted in China, and made in the large 1/18 scale. We had originally hoped to have the first figures out in late 2005, but Testor's decided to take a little longer than initially planned, to make certain the miniatures would be top quality. 
The first prototypes have just made their way from China to Illinois, and here's a advance peek. Yes, some of the colors are a little off -- the direwolves should be greyer, and Theon should be in black, not blue. This is just to give you a taste. These are just prototypes, remember. All the little glitches will be fixed before we go into production, so there's no need to write Testor's, or me. In fact, all of you need to do is run down to your favorite toy and hobby shop, and make sure they will be carrying the figures when Testor's releases them early in 2006. SUBTERRANEAN HOLIDAY SPECIALS December 19, 2005 In the holiday spirit, Bill Schafer of Subterranean Press is offering a couple of special deals from now through the end of the year... for the collector on your list, if he or she has been good enough. Subterranean has acquired a small stock of the Meisha Merlin limited editions of A CLASH OF KINGS, with their gorgeous John Howe illustrations. Buy now, and you can get a matching numbered set of CLASH and the forthcoming Subterranean illustrated edition of A STORM OF SWORDS (with art by Charles Vess) for the bargain price of $410. Shipping is included to US addresses. CLASH would be shipped now, STORM on publication. Also, if your favorite collector missed his chance to purchase one of the numbered copies of GRRM: A RRETROSPECTIVE when it came out in 2003, Subterranean will be offering a small supply of same at $175 each. Shipping again would be included. All these books already have my autograph... however, if you would like me to add a second autograph and a personal inscription, Subterranean will arrange that as well, at no extra cost to the buyer. Place your orders with Subterranean Press via their website at http://www.subterraneanpress.com. Good as long as supplies last. THE ART OF ICE AND FIRE RELEASED BY FANTASY FLIGHT  The Art of George R.R. Martin's A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, edited by Brian Wood, was released nationwide in early November and should now be available at a bookstore or comics shop near you. The book is available in both trade hardcover and deluxe slipcased collector's edition, each of 192 glossy pages, all in full color. The collector's edition, with a gold-embossed faux-leather binding and sleeve,is limited to 250 copies. It retails for $99.95, the trade hardcover for $29.95. The Starks and the Lannisters, Winterfell and the Wall, Dany and her dragons, the exotic cities of the east, the Iron Throne and the Seastone Chair, Dunk and Egg, the black brothers of the Night's Watch, the white knights of the Kingsguard, the red priestess Melisandre of Asshai ... they are all here in full color, as depicted by an a stellar lineup of some of the world's best fantasy artists, including Donato Giancola, Charles Vess, Steve Youll, John Howe, John Schoenherr, Michael Komarck, Mike S. Miller, Jim Burns, Esad Ribic, Jamie Sims, Don Maitz, Thomas Denmark, Martina Pilcerova, Mark Evans, John Matson, Franz Miklis, Jason Engle, Chris Dien, Tim Truman, Xia Taptara, Roman (Amok) Papsuev, Anders Finer, Steve Stone, Ted Nasmith, and many more. The artwork includes pieces drawn from Fantasy Flight's popular GAME OF THRONES collectible card game, cover art from various editions of the novels published both here and abroad, interiors and color plates from the limited editions, artwork and covers from THE HEDGE KNIGHT graphic novel, and a number of original paintings and drawing never before seen anywhere. Oh, and there's also a short introduction by yours truly. If your local bookshop doesn't stock the title (shame on them), The Art of George R.R. Martin's A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE can be ordered directly from Fantasy Flight Games via their website. THE CROWS FLY HIGH November 27, 2005 The feast has finally been served, and the crows have taken flight... higher than anyone (including me) would ever have dared dream. 
The American hardcover of A FEAST FOR CROWS was released on November 8, and immediately shot to the top of all the lists, making its debut at #1 on the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller list for hardcover fiction. That shriek you heard coming out of the west a few days back was me in San Francisco, roaring with delight as I got the news from Bantam. The highest I had ever reached on the TIMES list previously was #12, for A STORM OF SWORDS.
A FEAST FOR CROWS also hit #1 on the WALL STREET JOURNAL and PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY bestseller lists, and #2 on the USA LIST (which combines fiction and non-fiction). Amazon, Border's, and Barnes & Noble also had FEAST ranked as #1 in hardcover fiction. 
Meanwhile the British edition, released by HarperCollins Voyager on October 17, broke in at #10 on the TIMES OF LONDON bestseller list for hardcover fiction, and edged up to #9 for its second week on sale.
Every writer dreams of making these lists, and to hit #1... to know your book is the bestselling novel in all of America... well, I still wake up pinching myself. It is not something I could have achieved alone, however. Thanks are due to all the good folks at Bantam and HarperCollins for their faith in the series and their patience with the author, to the legions of booksellers who pushed the books on all those unsuspecting customers, and most of all to my readers. If there was ever a series that has grown through word of mouth, it is this one... so thanks to all of you who ever recommended A GAME OF THRONES to friends, kins, and coworkers. If the crows are flying high, it's only because all of you helped them take wing. CLASH OF KINGS LIMITED EDITION STILL AVAILABLE November 22, 2005  It's not too late for collectors who would like to add a copy of the gorgeous signed, numbered, illustrated edition of A CLASH OF KINGS to their bookshelves. Stocks are shrinking fast, but for the moment this deluxe edition still remains available from Meisha Merlin at its original publication price of $250 (Once the title sells out, expect that price to rise sharply in the aftermarket). This volume is lavishly illustrated by John Howe, one of the world's top fantasy artists, best known for his Tolkien illustrations and his design work on Peter Jackson's films. The art includes a wraparound cover painting, three full-color interior plates (including a fold-out), and a plethora of black and white interior illustrations. Meisha Merlin published the book in a deluxe numbered edition limited to 448 copies, and a super-deluxe lettered edition limited to 52 copies. The lettered edition was sold out before publication, but some of the numbered state remain available. CLASH is slipcased, and all copies have been signed by myself, by John Howe, and by Charles Keegan, who contributed the chapter titles and heraldic sigils. To grab one of the remaining copies, contact Meisha Merlin at orders@meishamerlin.com. SIGNED BOOKMARKS FROM SUBTERRANEAN November 11, 2005 
Subterranean Press is offering free bookmarks to all those who order its signed, limited edition of A STORM OF SWORDS before November 15. For details about this special limited-time offer, check their news page .
The Subterranean STORM is moving rapidly toward completion. Charles Vess has almost completed the black and white interior art, and will soon be tackling the next of the color plates. Bill Schafer has posted some more samples on Subterranean's website for those who'd like a taste. This should be a gorgeous book. SubPress will be issuing it in two volumes, in a deluxe signed numbered edition limited to 448 copies and a super-deluxe lettered state limited to 52. Both will be slipcased, and lavishly illustrated by the inimitable Charles. DUNK AND EGG RIDE AGAIN October 29, 2005 
Good news for fans of THE HEDGE KNIGHT comic and graphic novel. I have just signed an agreement with the DB Pro for a follow-up series, a full-color comics adaption of the second Dunk and Egg novella, "The Sworn Sword."
The novella originally appeared in Robert Silverberg's anthology LEGENDS II, (Del Rey), and picks up the adventures of Dunk and Egg two years after the fateful tournament at Ashford Meadow.
The Dabel Brothers will be releasing the adaptation as a six-issue comic miniseries and later as a graphic novel. Ben Avery will script the book and the art will be by Mike S. Miller. They're the same folks who did such terrific work on THE HEDGE KNIGHT, so I expect THE SWORN SWORD comic to be just as good. Look for it in your local comics shop some time in 2006. MINIATURES ON THE MARCH October 6, 2005 
Work continues apace on the new Song of Ice & Fire miniatures game and the various ranges of minis that the Testor Corporation plans to debut in the fall. Game designer Andy Chambers has delivered his first version of the rules for the skirmish game, and they are now being playtested at Testor's. Meanwhile, the concept artists and sculptors have been busy. Here's one of the latest sculpts to come in: a triptych of Bran and Hodor with Bran's direwolf, Summer. This one is for the large 1/18 scale range, which will be cast in resin and sold prepainted. The sculpt was done in China.  FANTASY FLIGHT TO PUBLISH THE ART OF ICE AND FIRE September 28, 2005
Some say that a picture is worth a thousand words.
If so, Fantasy Flight Games will soon be releasing the equivilent of half a million words about the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and their people and places: a deluxe hardcover collection of artwork and illustration called The Art of George R.R. Martin's A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, edited by Brian Wood. The Starks and the Lannisters, Winterfell and the Wall, Dany and her dragons, the exotic cities of the east, the Iron Throne and the Seastone Chair, Dunk and Egg, the black brothers of the Night's Watch, the white knights of the Kingsguard, the red priestess Melisandre of Asshai ... all of them can be found here in full color, along with much much more. The art book will be released in November, to coincide with the American relase of A FEAST FOR CROWS, and should be available at a bookstore near you, over the net, or directly from FFG via their website at http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/asongoficeandfireartbook.html. 
Fantasy Flight is the publisher of the popular GAME OF THRONES board game and collectible card game, and The Art of George R.R. Martin's A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE will include the very best of the thousands of paintings and drawings done for the CCG, by an all-star lineup of FFG's best artists, including Michael Komarck, Thomas Denmark, Martina Pilcerova, Mark Evans, John Matson, Franz Miklis, Jason Engle, Chris Dien, Tim Truman, Xia Taptara, Roman (Amok) Papsuev, and many many more. The collection will by no means be limited to the card art. Editor Brian Wood has also reprinting some gorgeous and memorable cover art from all around the world: imagery from the British covers by this year's Hugo-winning artist Jim Burns, from the U.S. covers by Steve Youll, several of the gorgeous Croatian covers by Esad Ribic, Donato Giancola's sensuous version of Melisandre from the cover of Dragon, some of John Howe's paintings and sketches from the deluxe limited edition of A Clash of Kings (Meisha Merlin, 2005), and some of Charles Vess's work from the forthcoming limited of A Storm of Swords (coming soon from Subterranean Press). Several of Jamie Sims's concept drawings for the Testor's range of miniatures will also be included, along with covers and interiors from The Hedge Knight graphic novel by Mike S. Miller, Ted Nasmith, and Anders Finer, and the delightful fan art of Jenny Dolfen and Maria Luisa Giliberti. 
And to round out the collection, FFG has also commissioned some brand new artwork, never before seen anywhere: a breathtaking vision of the Wall by Martina, some fabulous new pieces by Mike S. Miller of Hedge Knight fame, a gallery of the Targaryen kings from Aegon the Conquerer to Daenerys Stormborn by Amok, a huge and stunning vision of Winterfell by Steve Stone, original paintings by Don Maitz, Mark Evans Michael Komarck, Anders Finer, Torstein Nordstrand, and last but not least a portrait of Aegon the Conquerer and his sisters by the legendary John Schoenherr, who has been sadly absent from the fantasy field for something like two decades. Oh, and there's also a short introduction by yours truly. The Art of George R. R. Matin's A Song of Ice and Fire will be hardcover, with 192 glossy pages, all in full color. Also available, exclusively from Fantasy Flight's online store, is the deluxe Collector's Edition, with a gold-embossed faux-leather binding and sleeve, limited to 250 pages. The collector's edition will sell for $99.95, the trade hardcover for $29.95. NEW WILD CARDS BOOK SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY September 23, 2005 
The latest installment in the Wild Cards series, John J. Miller's solo novel DEATH DRAWS FIVE, has been scheduled for a January release in hardcover by iBooks.
DEATH DRAWS FIVE is the seventeenth volume in the overall series, and the first new installment since the release of DEUCES DOWN in 2002. A tale of fists, faith, and armageddon in America's heartland, the novel features John's asskicker ace Billy Ray (aka Carnifex), the long-time fan favorite Fortunato and his son John Fortune, and the shape-shifting private dick Mr. Nobody, along with John Nighthawk, the Midnight Angel, and a host of other new characters. If it's been too long since your last Wild Cards fix, be sure to pick up DEATH DRAWS FIVE when it hits the bookshops come January, or pre-order from Amazon.com. BROTHERHOOD LAUNCHES FAN WEBSITE September 19, 2005 The wild and wonderful group of Ice & Fire readers who call themselves the Brotherhood Without Banners have been getting together and throwing parties at worldcons ever since Philadelphia in 2001... and usually the BWB event turns out to be the best party at the con, as anyone who attended any of their recent bashes can tell you. The Brotherhood (do not be fooled by the name, the club has plenty of women too, all of them bright and beautiful) is a great group, and their energy and enthusiasm are contagious... and now they have taken the next step in their conquest of their world, and launched their own offical website here. http://www.bwbfanclub.com The site features all sorts of fun stuff: news about forthcoming events and gatherings, a history of the club and its parties, a photo album (still growing) of BWB members, informative pages by collectors on collecting, a gallery of artwork, a list of all of the BWB chapters throughout the country, links to other fan sites, even a greeting from yours truly. More pages and features will be added in the future. There is also a sign-up page for those who would like to join the BWB and take place in their activities. The site is the creation of David McCaman, aka Lord Lodengarl the Three-Fisted, the BWB's tireless and jovial elder brother and party monster. Lodey, thanks again. I have the best readers in the world.  SHADOW TWIN LIMITED GOING FASTSeptember 7, 2005 Subterranean Press has informed me that fewer than thirty copies of their deluxe limited edition of SHADOW TWIN remain unsold, so collectors hoping to add this one to their shelves should act soon. The book is done and at the printers, and Subterranean expects to be shipping copies within the week. A three-way collaboration between myself, Gardner Dozois, and Daniel Abraham, SHADOW TWIN is a science fiction novella almost thirty years in the making. Gardner began it in the 70s, I took it over in the 80s, and Daniel came along and finished it in the 00s. It appeared online in SCIFICTION last spring, and more recently in ASIMOV's... but this new edition will be special. Subterranean is publishing the novella in two states: a signed, numbered hardcover, limited to 500 copies and retailing at $40, and a super-deluxe leatherbound traycase version of 26 lettered copies. Both versions feature a foreword by the three authors (no Three Stooges jokes please, we prefer to think of ourselves as the Marx Brothers of Sci-Fi), along with a stunning cover and interior illustrations by Michael Komarck. SHADOW TWIN can be ordered off the Subterranean website. SUBTERRANEAN LAUNCHES NEW MAGAZINE July 26, 2005 
William Schafer and the good people at Subterranean Press have more courage than sense. At a time when all of the existing science fiction and fantasy magazines are struggling with declining circulation and vanishing ad revenues, they are stepping in where wiser men fear to tread and launching a brand new magazine.
The magazines have traditionally been the heart of SF and fantasy, the place where new writers break in and journeymen become masters, where the genre renews itself. Our field would be a poorer place without them. The magazines deserve our support, and new ones most of all, so I hope that all of you will give Subterranean Magazine a try. I am pleased to have a small part in this new venture. The first issue of the new magazine includes the full teleplay of one of my old Twilight Zone episodes, "The Toys of Caliban," along with the terrific Terry Matz short story on which it was based. The broadcast version of "Toys of Caliban" (first shown way back on December 4, 1986) was truncated for reasons of time, but Subterranean's readers will be able to enjoy the full script. And remember, first issues are usually very collectible. The debut issue of Subterranean Magazine is only six bucks, and can be ordered from Subterranean Press. ELECTRIC STORY TO OFFER FIVE GRRM SHORT STORIES AS EBOOKS June 30, 2005 
My Hugo-winning novella "A Song for Lya" and Nebula-winning novelette "Portraits of His Children" are among five new ebooks available for
download at Electric Story, for all of my fans and readers who are members
of the post-paper generation.
The new offerings also include "The Lonely Songs of Laren Dorr," my earliest pure fantasy story, and two more SF yarns, the novella "In the House of the Worm" and the novelette "The Glass Flower." Electric Story also offers ebook versions of my novels Fevre Dream and Dying of the Light, and the first three volumes of A Song of Ice and Fire. All of them can be accessed through my author page at Electric Story. WHITE WOLF JOINS FORCES WITH GUARDIANS OF ORDER ON GAME OF THRONES RPG June 22, 2005 White Wolf Publishing and Guardians Of Order have reached an agreement to join forces on the publication of the GAME OF THRONES roleplaying game. White Wolf will publish and distribute the game under its Sword & Sorcery imprint, while Guardians Of Order remains in charge of creation and design. The GAME OF THRONES Roleplaying Game will be available in hobby and bookstores in the fall of 2005, in time for the release of A FEAST FOR CROWS, the long-awaited fourth volume in the series.  "we look forward to working with White Wolf in this joint venture," said Guardians Of Order's President, Mark C. MacKinnon. "The exceptional reputation of the Sword & Sorcery imprint and White Wolf's extensive distribution network together mean we can get this magnificent game to many thousands more of George R. R. Martin's fans than we could have reached on our own. Creating the A Game of Thrones RPG has been a massive undertaking for Guardians, and we have found the ideal publishing partner in White Wolf."  "We've long admired George R. R. Martin's novels and Guardians Of Orders games," said Mike Tinney, White Wolf's President. "As fans, we've been looking forward to this release along with everyone else. That we can help bring it to market is a real treat." This series gets the high-quality treatment it deserves in two gorgeous editions of the GAME OF THRONES RPG: a mammoth 576-page deluxe limited edition in September and a 496-page standard edition in October. Both of these authoritative reference guides and roleplaying games include full-color printing on premium-quality paper, hardcover binding, a poster-sized color pull-out map of the continent of Westeros, and a host of stunning artwork and graphic design by a team of exceptionally talented artists. The standard edition includes full rules for playing A Game of Thrones under the Open Gaming License (using the d20 game mechanics developed for Dungeons & Dragons). The deluxe edition contains two distinct game systems: the same rules as the standard edition and Guardians' own popular Tri-Stat System. It also includes an abundance of upgraded features, such as a foil-embossed leatherette cover, an exquisite dust jacket with art by Mike S. Miller (who did the pencils for THE HEDGE KNIGHT graphic novel), an oversized cloth bookmark, silver gilding on all edges, and an exclusive interview with George R. R. Martin. White Wolf will honor standing consumer pre-sales of the deluxe edition made on the Guardians Of Order website. White Wolf will resolicit the product in both the book and hobby trades, however. "This will be one of the most talked about RPGs of 2005," added MacKinnon, "and we are all thrilled to present this exquisitely comprehensive guide to A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE to roleplayers and George's many fans worldwide. We spared no expense in its creation and worked closely with George to ensure accuracy and authenticity, adding additional background information from his personal notes when appropriate. Every fan of A Song of Ice and Fire" will want this gorgeous tome adorning his shelf. I can second that final sentiment. I have had a chance to look over the galley proofs for the deluxe edition. It's a gorgeous production, and contains a wealth of information about the world of Westeros and its peoples that should be of interest to any fan of the series, even those who are not gamers. SUBTERRANEAN PRESS TO PUBLISH ICE & FIRE LIMITED EDITIONS May 29, 2005 
Collectors take note. Subterranean Press will be publishing the deluxe illustrated version of A STORM OF SWORDS, having just purchased the rights to continue the series of limited editions from Meisha Merlin and Bantam Books.
The first two volumes in the series of limited were issued by Meisha Merlin, with artwork by Jeff Jones (A GAME OF THRONES) and John Howe (A CLASH OF KINGS). The third volume will be lavishly illustrated by Charles Vess. Charles is hard at work on the artwork, and Bill Schaefer informs me that Subterranean hopes to be able to release the book late this year. Here's a taste of what the purchasers will get: one of the black & white interiors, and a color piece. As with the Meisha Merlin editions, the book will be available in two states: a deluxe numbered edition limited to 448 copies, and a superdeluxe lettered edition of 52 copies. Both versions will be autographed by author and artist. The lettered edition will also include remarques by Charles Vess. More details can be found on the Subterranean website. If you've been collecting the volumes released by Meisha Merlin, head over there ASAP to make certain you receive the same number (or letter) copy of A STORM OF SWORDS and subsequent volumes. 
Meanwhile, Meisha Merlin continues to ship their limited edition of A CLASH OF KINGS with its gorgeous John Howe artwork (see the other story on this page). The lettered edition long ago sold out, but Stephen Pagel of Meisha Merlin informs me that he still has a few copies of the numbered edition left. If you want one, email him now. Some readers put down a deposit on copies years ago, but have subsequently moved or changed their email and cannot be reached. If you are one of them, please write Meisha Merlin to claim your number. Also, anyone who bought their copy of the first volume through Amazon should contact Meisha Merlin directly if they want the second, since Amazon will not carrying the limited of A CLASH OF KINGS.
A copy of the Meisha Merlin limited of A GAME OF THRONES just sold on Ebay for nearly twice the issue price, a good indication that these are not only well-made, gorgeous volumes, but ones which will grow in value in the years to come. JUSTIN SWEET TO ILLUSTRATE FEVRE DREAM LIMITED EDITION May 5, 2005 Bill Schaefer has just informed me that Subterranean Press has signed the terrific young fantasy artist Justin Sweet to illustrate Subterranean's deluxe limited edition reprint of my 1982 historical horror novel, Fevre Dream. I couldn't be more thrilled. Fevre Dream is probably my favorite of my older novels, and Justin Sweet's artwork is astonishing. He won the Jack Gaughan Award last year as the field's best new and emerging artist, an honor well deserved. For a look at some of his other art work, check out his own website at http://www.justinsweet.com/ Justin (not to be confused with Darrell Sweet, who is no relation) will be painting a wraparound cover and two color plates, and drawing ten black-and-white line illustrations. I can hardly wait to see his versions of Abner Marsh, Joshua York, Sour Billy Tipton, and the great sidewheel steamer Fevre Dream. Subterranean plans to reprint Fevre Dream in two states. The numbered edition will be limited to 448 copies, and will retail for $125. The lettered edition will be limited to 52 copies and will sell for $300. Both will be signed and printed on acid-free paper. The numbered edition will be slipcased, the lettered will come with a handcrafted traycase. To place your preorder, contact Subterranean. You might want to do it soon. There's a good chance both editions will be sold out before publication. CLASH OF KINGS LIMITED EDITION NOW SHIPPING May 4, 2005 
The long-awaited and much-delayed illustrated edition of A Clash of Kings is on its way at last. Meisha Merlin has informed me that the books are back from the printer, and are now shipping!
This deluxe limited edition is lavishly illustrated by John Howe, one of the world's top fantasy artists, best known for his Tolkien illustrations and his design work on Peter Jackson's films. The art includes a wraparound cover painting, three full-color interior plates, and a plethora of black and white interior illustrations. Meisha Merlin is publishing the book in a deluxe numbered edition limited to 448 copies, and a super-deluxe lettered edition limited to 52 copies. (Sorry, the lettered edition was sold out years ago). Both editions are slipcased, and have been signed by myself, by John Howe, and by Charles Keegan, who contributed the chapter titles and heraldic sigils. The lettered copies will also include remarques by Howe.  Meisha Merlin is a small operation, and at the moment it is a one-person operation, since Stephen Pagel's assistant Lynn just had a baby and is out on maternity leave. Stephe writes, "I am boxing and shipping as fast as I can. There are other things with Meisha Merlin I have to do also, so please have patience. I will not take out any time to answer any e-mails about if I shipped [a] specific book out or not. (I got 57 e-mails today from people wanting to know if I shipped theirs.) For people with a street address I am using the FedEx notification program. They will get an e-mail when their book goes out.... if someone has Thrones and has not got a confirmation of their order for Clash from Meisha Merlin in the past four to six weeks [they should] contact us." I am looking forward to my own copies eagerly. All good things come to those who wait, they say... THE RETURN OF JOKERS WILD April 18, 2005 
Wild Cards fans take note: iBooks has just released a new mass market paperback edition of the third volume in the series, Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild. The story of Wild Cards Day, 1986, the fortieth anniversary of the release of the Takisian virus over Manhattan, Jokers Wild was the first full-on mosaic novel that we attemped, wherein all the characters and plotlines interweave from start to last. The novel stars Fortunato, Wraith and Yeoman, Russian Roulette and Dr. Tachyon, Demise, Sewer Jack, Bagabond, and mine own Jube the Walrus, Hiram Worchester, and Jay (Don't Call Me Popinjay) Ackroyd. The featured writers were Lewis Shiner, John J. Miller, Melinda M. Snodgrass, Walton (Bud) Simons, Edward, Bryant, Leanne C. Harper, and myself. This new mass market is a reprint of iBooks' earlier trade paperback edition, and includes interior art by Tom Palmer and a cover by Brian Bolland.
NEW RELEASES ANNOUNCED BY FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES April 18, 2005 Fans of the GAME OF THRONES collectible card game will soon have two new sets to help them win the Iron Throne. 
The Valyrian Premium Starters will be released in April 2005. This release includes two 40-card decks, representing the Great Houses of Stark, Baratheon, Lannister and Martell. Many of the important figures in Westeros will be featured on cards. including Eddard Stark, Jaime Lannister and Arianne Martell. The set includes 10 brand-new cards and reprints of some powerful rare cards from past sets. The Valyrian Premium Starters will retail for $19.95 and will be available from hobby game stores everywhere, and from Fantasy Flight Games' web store, in April. 
Also coming soon, in May 2005, is the third release in the "Valyrian" block of cards, A Reign of Kings. This 140+ card set will be released in booster packs of 11 randomly-assorted cards. A Reign of Kings will allow brand-new ways for players to challenge their opponents, and add a new cycle of "multiplayer" cards that will keep the competition guessing, as well as a new style of "Agenda" card. It will include new versions of important characters such as Daenerys Targaryen, Stannis Baratheon and Ser Ilyn Payne, and will feature stunning new art by such fan-favorite artists as John Gravato, Jason Engle, Pat McEvoy, Jean Tay and Katherine Dinger. A Reign of Kings will retail for $3.49 per pack, and will be available from hobby game stores everywhere, and from Fantasy Flight Games' web store, in May. For more information on the collectible card game, the GAME OF THRONES board game, or any Fantasy Flight products, visit FFG at www.agameofthrones.com MINIATURES, MINIATURES, AND MORE MINIATURES March 23, 2005 Toy knights, medieval miniatures, and model castles have been passions of mine for the past ten years, as those of you who have looked at the "Knights" page of my website will know. I have work by all the masters, and have even commissioned some of them to paint figures in the heraldry of my own Seven Kingdoms. So you can imagine how pleased I am to announce that soon Westeros will have figures all its own. I have just signed an agreement with the Testor Corporation for not one, not two, but three lines of miniatures based on the world and characters of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE and I'm as excited as a kid on Christmas morning. Testor's will be starting work immediately on three different but complementary products based on the books:
Next will come the 54mm signature figures. Testor's hopes to have eight ready for simultaneous release in January, 2006, and work on the range is already under way.  The wargame and accompanying 28mm minis will be last out of the gate, and should debut in the summer of 2006, allowing plenty of time for design, development, and playtesting. Tom Meier will also be sculpting many of the minis for this range. The game will be designed by renowned developer Andy Chambers of Red Star, Gearwerks Games, and Games Workshop, designer of the eagerly anticipated Starship Troopers game from Mongoose. Testor Corporation spokesman David L. Veres said, "Fans of the popular series have been clamoring for quality products based on the series and we're proud to team with Mr. Martin on this exciting, eagerly anticipated venture." Although plans are in the discussion stages as yet, Testor's is considering some exciting possibilities for their Ice and Fire line, including a dedicated webpage, painting contests, a "figure of the month" mailorder service, and reader polls to allow the fans to help pick the subjects of future miniatures and kits. The Testor Corporation has been manufacturing products for hobby, craft, and home decorating for more than seven decades, since 1929. Testor hobby finishing materials and accessories, plastic model kits, craft paints and supplies, and airbrushes are sold world-wide. Testor staffs large manufacturing facilities in Rockford, Illinois, and Toronto, Canada; molds and packages its own plastic model kits; formulates and packages a broad range of paints and adhesives; designs and manufactures airbrushes and accessories; and employs a well-trained sales staff for distribution of Testor products around the world I will be posting more updates here as plans develop, and from time to time may even show you a glimpse of some of the miniatures in progress. You will also want to keep an eye on Testor's website (http://www.testors.com ) and Tom Meier's Thunderbolt Mountain (http://www.thunderboltmountain.com ). Until Testor's has their dedicated webpage up amd running, fans who would like more information about the wargame and range of miniatures can inquire about the products by e-mailing testors@testors.com. Be sure to include either "GRRM" or "Song of Ice and Fire" in the subject heading. "SHADOW TWIN" COMES TO ASIMOV'S March 23, 2005 
If you missed "Shadow Twin" (the science fiction novella I wrote with Gardner Dozois and Daniel Abraham) when it appeared online in SCIFICTION last June, here's another chance for you to catch the story, which was twenty-five years in the making.
"Shadow Twin" is making an encore appearance this month in the April/May issue of ASIMOV'S, which should be on your newsstands now. This is the special double issue, full of good stuff. Besides our three-way, the issue also features a new novella by Walter Jon Williams, who is writing as well as anyone in the field right now (check out his great ongoing space opera, DREAD EMPIRE'S FALL, if you haven't done so already). So even if you did read "Shadow Twin" in SCIFICTION, run out and get ASIMOV'S anyway. Or better yet, subscribe. The magazines deserve our support for all the new writers they bring into the field. CLASH OF KINGS LIMITED TO SHIP APRIL 11 March 23, 2005 
The long-awaited and much-delayed illustrated limited edition of A Clash of Kings is on its way at last, I'm thrilled to say. Some of you ordered this book three years ago and have been waiting patiently, I know. You have my thanks for that. Here's hoping that when you finally have the book in your hands, you will agree that it was worth the wait. I haven't seen this edition of A Clash of Kings myself, but those who have tell me that it's gorgeous... and much bigger than the first volume, since Meisha Merlin printed it on heavier paper stock.
The book is copiously illustrated by John Howe, one of the world's top fantasy artists, best known for his Tolkien illustrations and his design work on Peter Jackson's films. The art includes a wraparound cover painting, three full-color interior plates, and a plethora of black and white interior illustrations. Meisha Merlin is publishing the book in a deluxe numbered edition limited to 448 copies, and a super-deluxe lettered edition limited to 52 copies. Both editions will be slipcased, and will be signed by myself, by John Howe, and by Charles Keegan, who contributed the chapter titles and heraldic sigils. The lettered copies will also include remarques by Howe. 
The official announcement from Meisha Merlin says, "[The books] will be arriving here April 11th and we will start shipping out to those who have already paid in full that week. If you have paid in full and want to make sure I have updated shipping info, please feel free to email me an address and I will verify that it is updated.... We have received our sample copy here and I must say that it is stunning! The full color fold outs look great! This is a large (3 1/2"-4"'s thick) and heavy book that will probably cost us more than the $30 to ship, but everyone has certainly waited long enough to get it! "
Those who purchased the Meisha Merlin limited edition of A Game of Thrones with its Jeff Jones artwork (now sold out, sorry) will have first dibs on acquiring the same number or letter for A Clash of Kings. Those copies not spoken for by purchasers of volume one will eventually be offered to new customers on a first come, first served basis. Contact Meisha Merlin via their website to get your name on the list. For more information, email them at orders@meishamerlin.com. 02/02/05 SUBTERRANEAN ANNOUNCES "SHADOW TWIN" LIMITED EDITION 
Subterranean Press has announced their plans to release a deluxe limited edition chapbook of "Shadow Twin," the SF novella I wrote with Gardner Dozois and Daniel Abraham.
"Shadow Twin" has quite the history. Gardner began it in the 70s, I took it over in the 80s, and Daniel came along and finished it in the 00s. It came out pretty well, I think... but you can read it and judge that for yourself. SCIFICTION published "Shadow Twin" on line last spring, and the novella will shortly be reprinted in ASIMOV's... but the Subterranean edition will be special. Bill Schaefer is planning to release it as a signed, numbered hardcover, limited to 500 copies and retailing at $40, and also in a super-deluxe leatherbound traycase version. Only 26 lettered copies of the latter will be sold. Both versions will feature a foreword by the three authors (no Three Stooges jokes please, we prefer to think of ourselves as the Marx Brothers of Sci-Fi). Michael Komarck, who did the cover art for last year's reissue of TUF VOYAGING, will provide a full-color dustjacket and full-page interior illustrations in black and white. SHADOW TWIN can be ordered off the Subterranean website 02/02/05 GOO ACCEPTING PRE-ORDERS FOR GAME OF THRONES RPG 
Guardians Of Order is now taking pre-orders for a special Deluxe Limited Edition of their long-awaited and highly anticipated GAME OF THRONES role-playing game. The book is intended to be an authoritative reference guide to the series and the world of Westeros, and will feature over 450 pages of breathtaking colour artwork and detailed analysis of setting, plot, characters, and culture of the Seven Kingdoms. The first 500 copies of the numbered Deluxe Limited Edition will be autographed by yours truly. The good folks of GOO tell me those copies are going fast. As of today, they have sold just over 300 copies, and have fewer than 200 left. So if you want to snag one of the signed books, act now. They are available exclusively from Guardians of Order via their website.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime product," said Guardians Of Order President, Mark C. MacKinnon, "and we are privileged to present this A Song of Ice and Fire resource guide to George's many fans worldwide. We worked closely with George to create a book of the highest quality, and spared no expense in its creation. He personally reviewed the text for authenticity, and has provided us with additional background information where appropriate. It's the perfect companion for aficionados of A Game of Thrones. 
The limited edition will feature premium-quality paper, a foil-embossed leatherette cover, an exquisite dust jacket featuring art by Mike S. Miller (the artist on the Hedge Knight graphic novel), a cloth bookmark, a full-sized colour pull-out map of the Westeros continent, and a host of stunning artwork and graphic designs by a team of exceptionally talented artists. I have seen all of the text and much of the artwork for the RPG, and it promises to be a gorgeous production. GOO has devoted painstaking effort to making this game one that every fan of the series will love... and even those of you who are not gamers may find the book invaluable for the wealth of information it will contain. This deluxe RPG contains two core game rule systems: the popular d20 system, and GOO's own critically acclaimed Tri-Stat System. As a complement to pre-ordering the limited edition, Guardians Of Order is also enclosing a Game Master's Screen and introductory game adventure with all orders. A Game of Thrones RPG and Resource Book (ISBN 1894525841; Product #16-099) is available for $99.95 USD (plus shipping) from http://agot.guardiansorder.com . 01/17/05
HEDGE KNIGHT TILTS AGAIN
The trade paperback collection of the comic book based on my novella "The Hedge Knight" is going back to press. The first edition, from Roaring Studios and Devil's Due, sold out upon release, and was named by Amazon as one the top ten graphic novels of 2004. Now, for all those who missed it the first time around, the Dabel Brothers plan to release a second edition of the trade, collecting all six issues of the comic. The second edition will feature a different cover, and will add eight additional pages of art by the Russian artist Amok, who has been doing portraits of the characters from A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE on his website for several years now. The latest issue of PREVIEWS from Diamond Comics includes an announcement of the new edition. Even if you're not ordinarily a comics fan, THE HEDGE KNIGHT is well worth a look. Ben Avery did a wonderful job of adapting my novella, and artwork by Mike S. Miller and Mike Crowell is first rate. They really make my Seven Kingdoms come alive, and I doff my helm to the whole crew. |