Forest Born paperback and special edition hardcover are out in the world! I'm planning on signing the preorders at The King's English this Friday. It's not too late to order from them if you want a signed/personalized book.
Here's the first page. I wanted it similar in tone to the first page of The Goose Girl. I'm excessively pleased with how it turned out:
Ma had six sons. The eldest was big like his father, the middle boys were middling. By the time Razo was born, all the family’s largeness must have been used up. The brothers called him runt and made him feel that word. He spent winter nights longing for a younger sibling, someone he could call runt, someone he could push and pinch.
Ma was longing too, but for a girl to share thoughts with, a daughter cut and sewn from her own soul.
When Razo was almost five, he and Ma both got their wish. The baby girl was born on a night so hot the wind panted and the summer moon blazed like the sun.
“Rinna,” Ma named her.
“A girl,” said the father.
“Rinna-girl,” said Razo, peering over the side of the cot.
The baby blinked huge dark eyes and opened her mouth into a tiny circle. All desire to push and pinch hushed right out of Razo.
He bent closer to her ear and whispered, “I’m going to teach you to climb trees.”
Man, now I just want to read the books of Bayern again. But no! Not yet. I have to stay focused on NaNoWriMo...
I totally want the special edition. It is gorgeous!
Posted by: Christen | October 26, 2011 at 02:50 PM
I love Rinna!
Posted by: Amber Argyle | October 26, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Oh goodness. I really need to buy this. My other Bayern books have the old covers, and I'm excited to have Forest Born match them now. :)
Posted by: Abby | October 26, 2011 at 02:54 PM
Thanks so much for sharing your talent with the world. :)
Posted by: Rebecca | October 26, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Thank you for answering my question! I was going to cancel my Amazon pre-order and pre-order from TKE, but then I put it off too long and it's shipped! I'm still trying to decide what to do, but I'm glad that option is still open to me for a few more days! So excited to get the special edition. :)
Posted by: Debbie (Celes) | October 26, 2011 at 04:03 PM
I love that page (and well, all of them!). Congrats on the bee-utiful new cover:)
Posted by: Shelby | October 26, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent. I love the Books of Bayern! Tank You again.:)
Posted by: Nashelie | October 26, 2011 at 06:29 PM
I REALLY want that book now...its my favorite of the series. Especially now, with it being personalized and all...
Posted by: Julia | October 26, 2011 at 06:50 PM
that's it...now i'm going to read them all again. and i really really LOVED 'forest born'!! thank you for writing this series and just being a wonderful YOU. <3
Posted by: jen bryner | October 26, 2011 at 07:34 PM
we can pre-order them and then have them mailed? maybe? I really, really, really, really want a signed copy with that beeyuuutiful cover! Maybe two, actually, if I could give one away on my blog. Are you cool with that sort of thing?
Posted by: Burgandy Ice | October 26, 2011 at 07:41 PM
I've already ordered and put in a personalization request! I'm so excited!
Posted by: MelissaPete | October 26, 2011 at 10:39 PM
I just ordered my copy of the hardback from The King's English. I can't wait to get it!
Posted by: melody | October 27, 2011 at 12:05 AM
thanks for writing such wonderful books for our kids (i like the adult stories too.) my daughter, who is now 21, grew up on the bayern books and was so excited to hear about Forest Born in the old style. i just ordered a signed copy for her - what a blessing :)
Posted by: kathy | October 27, 2011 at 11:16 AM
I have just read your new amazing book and i have to say it was just wonderful. Once i started reading it i could not take my eyes off. It was so suspenceful and exciting. I could not believe who was behind the war all along. *i will not say the name for those who haven't read it* Thank you for writing these amazing books. You have kept me reading ever since i finished The Goose Girl.
Posted by: Vanessa | October 29, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Oooooh, looks like it's time to read Forest Born again! Saweeet!
Posted by: Christy Grigg | November 04, 2011 at 05:05 PM
ings do not change;we change.sell your clothes and keep your thoughts
Posted by: Nike Free Running | February 04, 2012 at 12:06 AM