Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Cover - The 13th Reality Paperback

I wanted to show everyone this awesome cover by John Picacio for the paperback of Book 1, to be released December 22, 2009 by Aladdin (an imprint of Simon & Schuster). I really love it!



I'm kind of waiting until THE MAZE RUNNER comes out to give an in-depth introduction to this series so that I don't have to do it twice. But here's the short version because we're getting more and more new people to the Dashner Dude:

The 13th Reality is a 5-book series by a small publisher called Shadow Mountain. The first two books are out in hardcover. (Book 1: THE JOURNAL OF CURIOUS LETTERS), Book 2: THE HUNT FOR DARK INFINITY)

Simon & Schuster purchased the paperback rights to the series, so it's now a joint venture. They made the decision to publish the PBs with different covers, but keep the incredible inside illustrations by Bryan Beus.

So, here's the assumed schedule for the series:

Book 1 pb: December 22, 2009
Book 2 pb: February 2010
Book 3 hb: April 2010
Book 3 pb, Book 4 hb: April 2011
Book 4 pb, Book 5 hb: April 2012
Book 5 pb: April 2013

Yeah, I'm sure you have that memorized now. Would've been a lot easier to say they'll come out every April till it's done.

Anyway, if you end up liking MAZE, I think you'll like this other series of mine. It's full of mystery, riddles, action, other realities, futuristic weapons, monsters, teleportation, and things called barrier wands, tingle wraiths, gnat rats, fangen, ragers, shurrics, sleeks - oops, I'm getting into Book 3, better stop.

Well, I guess I explained it in more detail than I thought. Maybe I'll just link to this in a month or so for our (hopefully) many new Duders once MAZE comes out.

I know it's kind of confusing that I have 2 series going on at the same time, but there you have it. Any questions?

In case you missed it on Monday, we got a great review from Publisher's Weekly for MAZE: CLICK HERE to read it.

Lyrics of the Day:

One day, one night, one moment
My dreams could be tomorrow
One step, one fall, one falter
East or west
Over earth or by ocean
One way to be my journey
This way could be my Book of Days

Book of Days, Enya (yeah, that's right. Enya.)

50 comments:

Laura said...

I really like this cover.

Confession... when I saw the first 13th Reality cover in hardback, I thought the kid had a glowing sweatshirt.

Let the goodtimes roll.

KA said...

Very different than the HB cover...I like them both, in different ways. The first is more mysterious, the second more engaging. Congratulations!

The Damsel In DisDress said...

sweet cover.
--Margot

Anonymous said...

Congrats, James. They're both great covers and I'm glad to see 13th getting the recognition it deserves. The ending of 13th 2 is killer and it makes me just itchy for the next one.

Nichole Giles said...

Very awesome. Love the new cover art, it's eye-catching.

And who ever said Enya isn't cool? Seriously, that's writing music if ever I've heard it.

Nichole

PS Thanks for commenting on my blog. =)

Wil S. said...

Wait a min.. 13th Reality is a 5 BOOK SERIES!?!?!? WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!

Uh, yeah, I thought it was a trilogy. Sweeeeeeeet.

I apologize for that maniacal outburst of insane happiness that rendered me completely illiterate, though I think I'll be passing out from excitement now.

Or not. Congratulations, James, you, I predict, will be quite a well known, if not famous author. Within the next year.

Too bad I'm a kid with limited funds, or I would have already air dropped from 3000 feet on top of your house to tackle you for an autograph.

-wil

P.S. Could I send you a first chapter for a concept book of mine, like maybe sometime within the next two months? Just for your awesome opinion.

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

I'm sure it's fantastic! I purchased #1 ages ago but haven't started it yet. I'm waiting for hubby to get home. He'll be home this weekend!

James Dashner said...

Thanks, guys! Glad you like it.

Nichole, wait, what blog post are you talking about? Are you being facetious. Talk slowly so I can understand.

Wil, I'm glad that was such good news to you! I hope I don't disappoint...

Unknown said...

That is a sick-looking cover. I might even like it more than the original. I wonder how the second one will turn out, but that's impressive.

Alyssa said...

Nice cover!

But the main thing I'm exieted about is The Blade of Shattered Hope will be out April! Can't wait for it, SHOCKING CLIFFHANGER at the end of book 2! Can't tell what, though, gotta be a surprise

Vanessa M. said...

hmmm.... nice cover, james. i like them both, but i think i might like the other one a teensy bit more.

ooooohhh sleeks.... sounds like another invention of mistress jane... maybe to get that gold out of her (wait was it gold?) or something to eat tick alive! no that's just too creepy but whatever.

Vanessa M. said...

james, are they going to make any of your books in French?

Yamile said...

excellent! And I love Enya. Her lyrics are beautiful.

Q said...

Enya! I approve. That's one of my favorite songs.

Brodi Ashton said...

James- the new cover rocks.

And Sleeks sound reminiscent of Sleestaks. Like in Land of the Lost. (The original television version, not the lame movie). They were my favorite characters. And yes, I just totally dated myself. And geeked myself.

Maybe I should just delete this comment.

Magenta said...

The paperback cover looks very interesting! For some reason the colors and style reminds me of the Pendragon books by D.J. MacHale. One of my favorite series ever... apart from 13th Reality, of course! ^_~

I think I like the hard cover better, but only because it's been around for a lot longer. I may learn to like this. I wonder what the second paperback cover will look like 0,o...

You've got a LOT of work to do, having a 13th R. book come out every April! And then a Maze book out every October! (Yes, I remembered.) But I don't doubt one bit that your books will be a total success! Keep up the awesome work, James!

Melinda said...

LOVE this cover. It's amazing.

I also love Enya. Yeah. Enya.

Sail away, Dude.

Gavin Chatterley said...

Writing two series at once without confusing people is a pretty big feat. There are insane authors out there that do even more, though. Anthony Horowitz is currently writing Alex Rider, AND The Gatekeepers, all while spitting out Diamond Brother mysteries and random other books like The Switch.

So don't worry TOO much about confusing people. You're doing great.

Nichole Giles said...

Do'h. I was NOT being facetious, so now I'm going to have to figure out who the other James is who really did comment. My curiosity is officially piqued. Hm.

Clearly, I know more than one James--I even have a brother named James--but you're the only blogging/writing James I know. Or so I thought.

It's a mystery that must be solved.
Maybe I have a new fan?

But nevermind, I take back that thanks and reserve it for the James who really reads my blog.J

Don't worry though, I'll still let you be my friend.

J.N. Future Author said...

dude! That really is awesome!!! ^.^ I didn't know that they would change covers for different releases!

(Also: Hailing from Darkhan Mongolia! San Bano!)

Rachelle Christensen said...

That looks awesome! Man, I'd like to have some confusion if it meant I was publishing 2 series at once! :)

Angie said...

I am excited to get to know your books and introduce them to my kids too. I enjoyed meeting you at the conference today. Your presentation was so motivational for me! Thanks again.
Angie Lofthouse

James Dashner said...

Thanks for all the nice comments guys.

Vanessa, yes, MAZE has sold rights in France. Can't wait to see that.

Brodi, then consider me dated as well. I love Sleestaks!

Magenta, yes, lot of work. But at least it's fun!

Christie said...

That's a really awesome book cover... and I cannot wait for book 3 to come out!! Sleeks sound like some sort of lizard hybrid...

Heather Moore said...

I like it better than the HB. Congrats on the lineup! You have your work cut out for you ;-)

Now tell SS to start selling the foreign rights!

Amy Minton said...

Hi James. This is Jakob, and I'm the kid on the cover. I really like seeing myself on the cover of your book. John Picasio did a good job. Maybe you will sign a copy for me. (posted by Jakob's mom)

James Dashner said...

Thanks, Jakob! How cool that you get to be on a book cover. I really like it - so yeah, we gotta make sure we get you a signed copy!

Thanks for stopping by and keep in touch...

Reeze said...

I love the cover and love the book even more! Where did you come up with these ideas?! I can't wait for the rest of the books! (:

Ned

KL said...

Hi! I am reading your second book! They keep me on edge! I can't wait till my friend lends me the third one! Keep um' coming!

Anonymous said...

What are the fourth and fifth books going to be called?

Unknown said...

Dude (James Dashner), ur series (the 13th reality one) is friggin' beast, man. And this is coming from a hard core reader who could finish a 200-300 page book in a day with my schedule (ya know, a12 year old girl still has to go to school). Seriously, I READ. I'm waiting for the Son of Neptune and at least four other books for totally different series

u have a gmail? if so, could u sent me a letter or something? I've always wanted an author as a friend. If ur cool enough to send me a note or something at ledaniat@gmail.com, I'll be so freakin' happy. And I have a few short stories that I would like to share and see ur opinion

Still waiting for the 4th book to the 13th Reality
Peace and The Hunger Games 4evr
Ledania

Anonymous said...

hey. It's after April and I was wandering what the new book was.

Unknown said...

I SO want the 4th book to come out! When will it??? Its a little after April...I want to know what happens to Tick in the Nonex!!! :)

Anonymous said...

It is very different. But, I like it. I would really like to be able to read the next book! But, It doesn't always work out that way. If only you could get it out quicker. I just can't wait for the book.

When I read your last book, I looked for when the next one would come out, but then it said Spring of 2011! I was feeling down for the nexst day. Then I checked more recently and just what I feared, it said "Comming out Fall 2011." I really can't wait for the next book. PS: I expect the new book to be out soon. And if you are wondering how I found this... somewhat abandoned site, the answer is google + possibly fate.

Anonymous said...

Dude its after fall its 2 days tell 2012. Need book 4.

Anonymous said...

It's may of 2012! Where is book 4?

Anonymous said...

Jasmine said.....
I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...


I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...


I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...


I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...


I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for the 5th book. I'm in love with the series. I'm writing a book of my own too. I have 137 pages in my book, and it's pretty impressive considering how young I am. I'm glad you wrote all of these books, or I wouldn't have a favorite author. Thank you for writing the books by the way. Maybe, I'll be a famous writer like you. One question, What is like to be a writer?