Just a head's up, for those who haven't been paying attention. The fourth Percy Jackson and the Olympians book, The Battle of the Labyrinth, will be released TOMORROW, May 6th. Advance copies were not released of this title, so there's a lot of excitement among readers wondering what to expect. I think that this will be THE summer reading book for the 10 to 14 year old set (and doubtless will appeal to many older readers, too).
Personally, I'm holding out to buy my copy at Hicklebee's on May 15th, when author Rick Riordan will be visiting. I've been very determined in protecting my schedule that day. But it will be hard to wait... I'm dying to know what role Rachel Elizabeth Dare plays. If I still lived in Austin, I'd be camped out at BookPeople.
Meanwhile, here are some links to keep you occupied:
- The official Percy Jackson website.
- Rick Riordan's blog, Myth & Mystery (see, for example, this post about whether or not the demigods who have different parents are related to each other, and whether it's ok for them to, hypothetically, date).
- My interview with Rick Riordan from last year's Winter Blog Blast Tour.
- Camille's post at BookMoot about waiting for Percy.
- (Updated to add) Susan's post at Wizards Wireless, with a bookseller's perspective on waiting for publication day.
I've been waiting and waiting for this. :) I preordered on Amazon, I hope it comes soon!
Posted by: Becky | May 05, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I put in a preorder at the local bookstore, but hubby said I CAN'T go pick it up tomorrow. He doesn't know how that's killing
memy oldest daughter. I'll have it by the weekend though. (Trying to cut back on spending be damned.) Can't wait.Posted by: Melissa | May 05, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Good luck getting your copies, Becky and Melissa! And happy reading!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | May 05, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Sounds like a must-read!
Btw, a HUGE Mother’s Day Book Giveaway is currently happening on my blog. Hope you’ll stop by.
http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
Posted by: callmeabookworm | May 05, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Ack! I know! I bought my BookPeople voucher, but still know it's going to be mobbed. So if the party starts at 4, what time should I head down there?
Posted by: PJ Hoover | May 05, 2008 at 06:44 PM
I don't know, PJ. I guess it depends on what time school gets out. If it was me, I'd try to beat out the people arriving from schools.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | May 05, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Sounds like Mr. Riordan will have a busy day - he's coming to the Redwood City Library at 7pm on the same day (the 15th). I don't think my son can hold out that long to get the book, though.
You better reserve a copy, he says on his website that booksellers are having trouble getting first editions because the publisher is sold out. Imagine!
Posted by: Sheila | May 06, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Thanks for the head's up, Sheila! I actually pre-ordered 2 copies from Hicklebee's yesterday. It would be sad to get there for the signing and have them not have a book for me, that's for sure. I'm not too hung up on whether I get a true first edition or not, because once I get it signed, I won't ever sell it anyway.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | May 06, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I've ordered my two copies. Going over to pick one of them today. Hopefully the bookplate thing will work. I will be happy knowing my nephew will have "friends" with him on his flight to Australia.
Posted by: Camille | May 06, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Good luck, Camille! I hope the bookplate thing works, too.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | May 06, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Rick Riordan is in my area on Saturday...I'm trying to figure out how I can see him.
Posted by: Vivian | May 06, 2008 at 01:46 PM
I should add, the tickets are first come, first serve, and I want to bring my eldest daughter with me, but I'm not sure how she'll handle the crowd...Sigh.
Posted by: Vivian | May 06, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Good luck, Vivian! It's a tough call, subjecting kids to crowds and long waits. But I do hear that Rick Riordan is worth it as a speaker...
Posted by: Jen Robinson | May 06, 2008 at 03:14 PM
I'm with Vivian on the crowds. The Riordan kids didn't make it past 4:15 at Book People. I forgot to lock the car and while I was taking pictures they were hiding out in there even though it was hot as Hades!
Posted by: Becky | May 07, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Yes, Becky, it sounds like the price of success is crowds, which is tough on kids. I guess for your boys, the chance to see the author is not SUCH a rare event (though I'm sure having Dad away for these book tours isn't so fun for them). But I hope they realize how very cool it is that they helped inspire these books that are having such a big impact on other readers. As, I'm sure, did you. Thanks for stopping by!!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | May 07, 2008 at 05:15 PM