He’s a Hugo Award nominee. His series has been called ‘one of the more accomplished fantasy series of recent years‘, and it’s got gorgeous cover art. But despite all this, Tor Books just never seemed to have much faith in Daniel Abraham or his Long Price Qurtet. Case in point? They’re not publishing a paperback edition of the fourth (and final) volume of the series, The Price of Spring. Call it a business decision, his books don’t sell enough to be worth the overhead of printing, but also consider that Tor completely dropped the ball on what should be a preeminent series in the genre. Hell, they couldn’t even get it stocked on store shelves. They expect casual fans to buy it when they can’t find it at their local bookstore? I sure couldn’t. What good’s cover art if it’s not on the shelf to catch your eye?

In any case, it’s a frustrating reality of the industry that quality ≠ success. I’m sure Tor will be shaking their heads, and kicking themselves in the ass, when Abraham eventually finds the success he’s worthy of, likely with his next series, The Dagger and the Coin, which they passed on.

So, if you’re interested in reading The Price of Spring, but are waiting for the more affordable Mass Market Paperback, you’re shit out of luck. Buy the Hardcover before it leaves shelves forever (if it hasn’t already, I had to order mine online.) Even better, buy a copy of the omnibus edition of the series published by Orbit Books (who will be publishing The Dagger and the Coin), and support the publisher that will (hopefully) promote his work the way it deserves.