I’m excited to share with you the cover for The Sixth Strand, A Pattern of Shadow & Light Book Five. Let me know how you like it. If nothing else, hopefully this helps whet your appetite for all things Alorin.
The Sixth Strand will be released on June 15th, 2019.
Happy New Year everyone!
This is fantastic news! So excited. I love the cover. I’ll start my reread in May
Sounds like a solid plan, Gregg. So glad you like the cover.
When is book 5 coming to audible :(:(:(
I’ve got a request into my publisher for this information, Kyle, but I still don’t have a definite date yet. As soon as I do I’ll post to my blog.
I Love the cover and look forward to it being released. I am currently rereading Kingdom Blades. You are one of my 3 favorite authors and I look forward to reading your books for years to come.
Thank you so much, Charles. I’m honored to have achieved such a high place in your esteem.
Is there a relase date for book 5 audiobook ?
Nothing yet, David. As soon as I know anything I’ll post to my blog. 🙂
Love it. Anxiously awaiting the next installment!
Yay!
that is a great looking cover. I am sooooo excited – Book 5 is coming….best prepare my family – I will not be doing anything but reading when I get my hands on this.
LOL, Trish. I like the way you think.
Any word yet with it will be out i just finished kingdom blade and is the best series i have ever read and never want it to end the characters are amazing thank you
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series, Jonathan. The latest update on the book five audible release is here.
Hi Melissa,
I love the title -really excited now. The cover looks fantastic. Will be booking a couple of days off around the 15th of June so I can enjoy the sixth strand. Getting ready for another re-read.
Happy New Year!
-is it too early to ask about book seven 😉
LOL, Jo! I’m not sure if there will be a book seven. There will definitely be a six. 🙂
The first four books are on Kindle Unlimited, is the 5th going to be released there? I read only KU books and it is a very big pet peeve of mine when authors don’t continue a series in KU when the start of the series is KU.
Hi Jo,
Because the series was originally released wide, I have many readers who have the books on other platforms. Each of my new books will first be released across all retailers so that people who read on kobo and Nook, etc. can continue the series. In about six months, I will put The Sixth Strand into KU for readers who began the series in KU.
Just when I thought Christmas was over you go and deliver the best gift yet!
So excited! Was wondering if you have ever done or will do book signings in the UK? Come June I’ll have 5 hardbacks that I would love to get you to sign one day!
Book 5’s cover looks amazing,
Happy New Year!
I don’t really do book signings, Peter, but you can purchased signed copies via my website. Sounds like you already have a set of hardbacks though. I can certainly let you know if I’m ever in the UK. 🙂
Do it would be a pleasure to meet you if you do ever make it over. Will definitely purchase a signed copy of the Sixth Strand from you, and maybe a couple of the others. Good luck completing the book on time.
It would be a pleasure to meet you if you ever did make it over to the UK, meanwhile I’ll be ordering a signed copy of the Sixth Strand from you when it comes out in June.
I’m confused! Very Happy, but confused. A week or so ago, book 5 was due in June 2019, and now you announce book 6 in June 2019!!
Fer real M’Lady??
Can’t wait!
Hi Ken, the book covers posted just before Christmas were not for book five but for a compilation book of the chapter quotes that I’m also releasing this year. Sorry about the confusion.
Oops… Read the post first, contain the excitement.. It is book 5, with a changed title.
That’s only 165 days from today!!!!!
I can’t wait to listen to this story on audible these book,s are absolute masterpieces.
So glad to hear that, David. Thank you for your kind words.
This is great news! So excited to get this. How long is book 5?
The Sixth Strand is about the same length as Kingdom Blades, Mike.
Beautiful cover!! I’m so elated to hear the release date of book 5! You’re series, by far, resonates so deeply within me. Phaedor is one of my favorites and was even inspired to name my daughter after him. Can not wait for book 5!! Happy New Year!
Thank you so much, Valerie. I’m thrilled that you’re finding resonance in my story. It’s one of those great treasures of reading, I feel. I’ve had other readers tell me they’re naming children after the characters, but you’re the first to use Phaedor. 😉 Thank you. I’m sure your daughter will have an amazing life with a name inspired by the zanthyr.
Every few months or so I sit down and look up the many authors whose book I am eagerly awaiting. Patrick Rothfuss is usually the first due to the excruciatingly long anticipated Doors of Stone. James Islington, for The Light of All That Falls, any and all things Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher because I miss Dresden, Brent Weeks and his Lightbringer, and this masterpiece of a series, that took me completely by surprise.
Sorry if this feels like shameless plugs for epic fantasy writers. I mentioned them just to let you know the company you keep in head.
Thank you for the hours enjoyed. Keep it coming!
Thank you, Elijah. I’m honored to be considered among great company.
This is amazing! You are kicking butt Melissa! I can’t wait, although I will on principal. The cover, as alway, is splendid. Thank you for your wonderful story!
Thank you for your support and encouragement, Tony.
Hello again Melissa and happy 2019! Thank you for sharing the cover design of book five. I like that it blends with the other designs. Maybe it’s because five is my favorite number… I’m so excited, I’ve started my re-read last year and am currently in the first third of book three. I feel the need to take this opportunity to thank you for Tanis and Phaedor. I adore them both dearly. I hope we get some more insight into the mysterious Phaedor in future books. Happy writing!!!
I’m excited that you’re excited, Leah. I’m so happy to know that you’re enjoying that time in Caladria with Tanis and Phaedor again. It was a special time in Tanis’s life and has a certain feeling to it that’s fun for me to revisit as well.
I’m so excited to see a release date and this gorgeous cover! I have already read/listened 3 times now and will start over again in May. You have truly built a masterpiece with such complete characters that I love so very much! I find myself standing next to each of them and experiencing what they are going through. I haven’t been so attached to so many characters since Robert Jirdan’s Wheel of Time epic series. Thank you for continually bringing these amazing characters to life for us!
Carol, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m thrilled to know you’re so invested in my characters well-being. I love feeling that way about a story, and it’s very rewarding to know that I’ve been able to bring this world to life in a way that has become special to you. I’m looking forward to getting your feedback on book five. Thank you for reading.
The cover is beautiful. Can’t wait until the June release. Will be book be available with Kobo as previous books were? I hate to have digital copies on different platforms.
Hi Steffie, thanks for your feedback on the cover. Yes, The Sixth Strand will be available on all formats when it releases in June.
I’m into book three of the audio series now and am absolutely loving the story. You have done a wonderful job with all of the characters. At first, I was concerned that their would be so many that it take away the ability to really care for any one character, but now I find myself invested in just about all of them! I commend you for everything you have done to date and will anxiously await the book 5 audio release as I feel I will be done with book 3 and 4 within the next month or so. Any guess on when you would expect book 5 to hit audible?
That’s really great feedback to get, Joe. Thank you. I’m definitely trying to make every character interesting and get you emotionally invested in all of them to greater or lesser degrees. It’s my goal to never have a reader turn the page and then want to skip ahead because they’re bored with a character’s storyline. Keep me posted on how I’m doing to that end as you move through book four.
Book five will probably release on audible towards the end of 2019. Nick is set to record in September. Thank you for listening. 🙂
This is an outstanding series and I look forward to every new release.
Excellent news that Nick will be performing again.
I, like everyone else here, absolutely love this series, Melissa!! I look forward to each new book and each new adventure I get to share with your incredible characters. I am blind, so I’m glad to know when I can expect the audible version of book 5. It’s extremely frustrating for those of us who can’t pick up our anxiously awaited book and read it on its release date, but it gives me something wonderful to look forward to towards the end of the year.
Nick Podehl is an incredible narrator so I tend to go for books he has narrated faster than any other. Kudos on your continued collaboration. Thank you for such wonderful stories within stories throughout this series. I am truly invested in each character and can hardly wait to see where the next adventure takes them.
Thank you so much, Teresa. I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying my series and feel as close a bond with my characters as I do.
I was hoping we would be able to release the audiobook at the same time as the print editions, but Nick is a man in demand! I’m blessed to have him and I definitely think it will be worth the wait.
I look forward to hearing what you think of it towards the end of this year. Thank you for listening.
What a captivating cover!! I am truly looking forward to this release. Each time a new book comes out, I listen to the entire series from the beginning and flow immediately into the next book. I am looking forward to hearing book 1 for the fifth time, book 2 for the fourth, etc, etc. There are so many details, and thoughts to ponder, that I never find myself bored with the story … no matter how many times I’ve listened.
Like others, I check my favorite authors’ websites for updates (some of the same ones mentioned above), but have never gotten the same thrill as I did when I saw your update for the release of book five.
For me, your name tops my Authors List. Your books are filled with depth, and your characters are people I enjoy learning more about. Thank you for creating such a wonderful, intricate place and filling it with such diverse personalities.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Lauri. I truly appreciate hearing how my series has impacted you. It’s always rewarding to know that readers are enjoying revisiting the world I pretty much live in 24-7. 😉
Can’t think of many places that’d be better to live in!!
Will book five be sold as an Audio book or sold on Audible? If so, do you know when this will be released?
The Sixth Strand will probably be released on Audible in December 2019, Misty. Recording with Nick is scheduled for September.
I’m confused and intrigued at the same time by the title. Thought there were only 5 strands! Excited to find out more!
Well, that is definitely part of the mystery of the title, Rahul. 🙂
Will there be an audible release on the same day?
Regardless I’m psyched
Hi Tristan, no the Audible version probably won’t be ready until the end of the year. I’ve been told December to be safe.
I love the series as it’s the best I’ve explored in quite a while. I’m impressed by the size and scope of the universe you’ve created and many of the characters are quite nuanced and very endearing. My singular request would be this- please, for the love of everything holy, delete “arched a brow” and “by way of” from your vocabulary.
LOL, Lee. So sorry. You’re quite right – it’s easy to fall into those habits. I’ll do my best to minimize the arched brows in book five. 😉
Between your writing and Nick Podehls voice acting, I’m absolutely in love with this series. Just wanted to say thank you for all the effort you put into your work.
Thank you so much, Jeff. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series on Audible. Nick is such an amazing talent. I feel blessed to have him as the voice of my story. Thank you for listening!
This is absolutely fantastic news , new book cover looks absolutely amazing .
I finished the last of the audio books last year and they are so so addictive I listened to them all back to back ,I was so immersed in them that I was like a walking zombie with headphones lol can’t wait for the next book just made 2019 even better now
That’s wonderful to hear, Rixxe…I think. Not sure about the walking zombie but I definitely get the picture – LOL. I look forward to getting your feedback on book five. The audio version will probably be released closer to the end of the year. That one is up to my publisher, so I don’t have a lot of say in it.
June cannot come soon enough..
This website looks beautiful! And the new cover is magnetic – drawing my interest to investigate the detail and contemplate what it represents. All very exciting!!
Thank you so much, Barbara!
Love the website! When will book six be on Audible?
Thank you, Robin. Nick is set to record in September (the earliest we could get on his schedule for a project of this size) so my publisher thinks probably December for the Audible release. I wish they could be together, but at least they’re both coming in 2019. 🙂
Fantastic cover! A perfect complement to a rich tapestry of prose I am certain to get on the next installment. Now, I’ll begin rereading from the beginning so I can be ready! I feel like I’m waiting at the table of a 5-star restaurant waiting for the chef to delight my palate.
What a lovely analogy. Very soon dinner will be served. 🙂
Really looking forward to listening to the the sixth strand roll on December 2019 when it’s released on audible
Thank you so much, Susan. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of it!
Will the audio book be released at the same time? I usually buy both together.
Scott, unfortunately not. I don’t control the audio production. That’s up to my publisher. Nick is set to record in September, which means mostly likely a Nov-Dec release on Audible.
Only 117 days until June 15.
Yes, I’m counting.
Patience was never one of my virtues.
LOL, Ken. I really hope to make book five worth your meticulous countdown. 😉
I’m guessing from the title you solved you problem of 5 books 5 strands not being quite enough to fully tell the story you wanted to tell?
LOL, Morgan. There is definitely a hint of that in the title, for those who recalled my conundrum of symmetry. 😉 But it’s also true that there is a sixth strand, so…there is that part, too. 😉
My colleagues are looking at me oddly at the moment because I am happy dancing in my chair… I couldn’t be more excited!! Thank you so much keeping us in the loop and more importantly, actually finishing the next book. I am also glad to hear that Nick Podehl will continue as your reader. The man is simply amazing. You have crafted one of my favorite fantasy universes of all time and I can’t wait to see how the next pieces of the story unfold.
LOL, Richard. I know that happy-dance feeling, and the odd stares. So glad I could bring some light to your morning. Nick is scheduled to record in September, so the audiobook likely won’t be released until December, but my publisher is definitely pushing for a pre-Xmas release on Audible.
OMG! I’m so excited I just excreted some pre-read ☺️
Lovely cover – think I’m going to need to buy both audiobook and hardback. Nick Podel is awesome!
I’m so glad you like the cover, Nicholas. I’m pretty enamored of it myself. Nick is scheduled to record book five in September. 🙂
I’m very excited that your new book will be out soon! I’m almost done with book 4 and was actually starting to feel sad that it’s almost over. So this puts a very big smile on my face!
I love your writing style. Your attention to detail, poetry and creativity is world class. I love Nick Podel as well. What an amazing talent he is. I’m glad you stick with him. Love the new cover and the idea of a “sixth” strand has me juiced! Can’t wait!
I’m honored by your kind words, Juan. And I agree – Nick Podehl is an amazing talent. I’m blessed to have him as the voice of my series. I look forward to hearing what you think of The Sixth Strand when it releases on Audible at the end of this year.
Yes!!! I’m so excited! You tell an amazing story!
Thank you so much, Brett.
I love the cover art, with it’s patterns of light and shadow! June 15th can’t come soon enough. Thank you for the update.
Thank you so much, Michelle. I’m excited to get your feedback on the story.
Any plans to put it on Amazon for pre-order?
Kinda like when you don’t have to remember the date and get pleasently surprised when it arrives on the kindle
I know, that’s really nice to have Amazon handle it for you, Mattias. Unfortunately I’m not going to be doing a very long pre-order on Amazon because their policies end up counting against you with the way they calculate their sales rankings. Maybe set a calendar reminder or sign up for my mailing list to get notified when the book is available for download.
Ah I get it. Signed up for the mailinglist, thanks.
Beautiful cover by the way.
Thank you so much, Mattias. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on book five. 🙂
Hi Melissa,
I am halfway through my reread of book 4. I look forward to the next installment. Do you anticipate additional books in this series after book 5?
Kindest Regards,
Kevin Stumpf
Hi Kevin, there will be at least one more book after The Sixth Strand. 🙂
Hi Melissa,
Do you know if the audio book will be available on the same date as the hard copy? I have a hour and thirty minute commute to work each day and this series has been absolute wonderful to enjoy as I’m driving. Really excited for the next part of it!
Jon it will be later in the year for the Audible release but it should be out before the end of 2019.
Love the Cover
Melissa- I really appreciate how well everything fits together thematically.
-Covers, Story Content, Characters, Names, Web Site…… there is a ”feel” to your world and its obviously not by accident.
Good stuff as always –
B
Thank you so much, Bill. You’re quite right. It is decidedly purposeful, a la know the effect you intend to create. 😉 Thank you for your encouragement and support, as always.
I am just now finding out the release date for this book, and coincidently I’m just about to finish my 3rd read through of the first 4 books. So excited for this book! Your books are amazing and I can’t wait to read book 5.
I’m so happy you’re enjoying my series, Blair. I look forward to getting your feedback on book five. I’m really excited about it, too! 🙂
Melissa, I absolutely love your books!! I can’t wait to read The Sixth Strand and find out if my imagination for where the story is going comes anywhere close to what you have planned. The interweaving plots are so intricate and detailed and I am in awe of how you link everything together! I do have a quick question… I just started rereading the series today and I was wondering if you’ll be coming back to the character of Creighton or the other shades at some part in the remaining story. I don’t want you to give anything away if might spoil the plot, but they were interesting and mysterious characters in the first book. Thank you so much for continuing to write your story, and I hope you get to take some time to relax once the book is released. I can’t imagine how stressful it must be to try and write such a complex story as quickly as you manage it.
Hi Tina,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying my series. It can definitely be challenging to weave everything together. Sometimes I’m not sure how I will ever get the book to form a cohesive whole, but somehow it turns out well by the end. 🙂
We will absolutely be returning to the Shades, and yes, we’ll see Creighton again before the end of the series. I haven’t forgotten about him.
This is easily my favorite series. I love how complex yet fulfilling it is. I just finished my second listening. I love all the different characters. I love the way nick brings the story to life. It’s an amazing composition. I love the system of magic you’ve created. It just works so well. I’m so excited to listen to the sixth strand. I may try to squeeze another listen in before it hits audible. Can’t wait!
I’m so happy to know you’re enjoying my series on Audible, Joseph. I would’ve loved to have been able to release the audiobook at the same time as the print editions, but Nick is a man in demand. I look forward to hearing what you think of The Sixth Strand towards the end of the year. Thank you for listening.
I am awaiting book sequels for about 7 series… and this is tied for first place. Rather than torture myself with constant updates I’ve been intentional about waiting 6 months or so before checking on sequel statuses. It looks like I waited just the right amount of time!
Any idea how soon the audio book will be released?
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my series! The latest update on The Sixth Strand audiobook is here, Timothy.
I was just curious when this edition will be recorded for audible, I love the series and am eagerly waiting for the audio version
Jacob, the latest update on the Audible version is here. When I know more, I’ll post again to my blog and notify my mailing list – so as long as you’re following one of the other, you’ll get the update. 🙂
Will there be a Book 6 soon?
Mostly likely 2021 for a book six release, Naomi.