The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMerr

[Splync]

A user on Facebook noticed that their copies of this title had creasing around pages 563, 595, 635, and 625. He had purchased five copies and every single one of them had some creasing.

I still have to unbox my copy, but I'm curious to see how many copies were affected. Per the post on Facebook, Mindy checked all remaining copies in the warehouse and they all had the same issues.

Very disappointing, to say the least. But I wanted to share it here as I know some folks aren't on Facebook.

[slayn666]

My copy arrived today.

To be perfectly honest, it's an entirely pedestrian effort and the final product doesn't really reflect the wait nor the cost. There's kind of a he said/she said situation with regards to the bonus features, but even ignoring that...I don't see the cost in the production. I think the rise of Suntup has shined a light on what can be done working with economies of scale in the limited edition publishing arena and some of the old guard really need to take notice and up their game. Outside of being signed by the author, this just isn't on par with the standard Suntup AE, and the cost is roughly the same.

In an effort to offer some positivity, I really love the cover art, the slipcase art, and the stamping on the boards - they're all very striking and fit the story within quite well. Also kudos to the CD team - they weren't able to match my original number request (which I found odd, all things considered), but were able to match a subsequent request which actually worked out better because now it matches my SubPress Vandermeers.

[Splync]

This is bummer. Especially since I went with the $500 lettered edition. I'm hoping that the production values on the lettered edition make up for the lost content.

I hope Jeff actually signed his full name for the lettered edition, as opposed to the quick scribble that made it into the numbered edition.

[TacomaDiver]

This is pretty disappointing. Like Ben said, over promised, under delivered. Definitely not a good idea in any industry or situation.

[Sock Monkey]

I hope the lettered edition works out for you too! Looking at the product description, the only differences I'm noticing off the back are that it would have the marbled end-pages and the tray case as opposed to the slip case. Hopefully, the differences will be more substantial for that kind of money!

Thanks! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. $500 is a sizeable chunk of change.

[sholloman81]

This is bummer. Especially since I went with the $500 lettered edition. I'm hoping that the production values on the lettered edition make up for the lost content.

I hope the lettered edition works out for you too! Looking at the product description, the only differences I'm noticing off the back are that it would have the marbled end-pages and the tray case as opposed to the slip case. Hopefully, the differences will be more substantial for that kind of money!

[Sock Monkey]

Bummer to hear that the bonus material wasn't included. Not blaming anyone as I don't know who's more at fault, but, it it definitely feels like we're getting less than was promised. I just wish that if the bonus material couldn't be produced in the 4 1/2 years of production time that CD would have found a way to replace it with something else (interior art, essay from another author, etc.). Am still happy to have this book as this is one of my favorite authors; however, I was hoping for something extra special, especially at $150 price point which felt high-end for CD back in 2018. Those are practically Suntup AGE prices and Suntup would have included a bunch of art or other extras beyond a new dust jacket and sig.

This is bummer. Especially since I went with the $500 lettered edition. I'm hoping that the production values on the lettered edition make up for the lost content.

[sholloman81]

His comment on Facebook was about not receiving his author copies of the book despite seeing customers receiving theirs. He suggested it may have something to do with Chizar being preoccupied with doing certain favors for King.

VanderMeer did share a little perspective in a comment on my unboxing:

https://youtu.be/-sg9xG7-Mfs

Thanks for sending this link over. I enjoyed your unboxing video for this book. Your sentiments are pretty much mine as well. This book feels closer to an elevated trade edition than a true limited edition, especially considering the price point, which is a real bummer. Also found the author's comments pretty humorous. Hope he gets his books!

[Ben Staad]

Kind of a bummer of a situation. They up-sold, then delayed, and then under-delivered. I don't have any skin in this game but I hate when things like this happen.

His comment on Facebook was about not receiving his author copies of the book despite seeing customers receiving theirs. He suggested it may have something to do with Chizar being preoccupied with doing certain favors for King.

VanderMeer did share a little perspective in a comment on my unboxing:

https://youtu.be/-sg9xG7-Mfs

[jeffingoff]

I don't use Facebook; so, I cannot go see for myself; however, I would have loved to have read Vandermeer's comments about this edition, just to have another perspective. If you do receive a response to your comments and feel comfortable reposting it here, I would love to know what he replies.

His comment on Facebook was about not receiving his author copies of the book despite seeing customers receiving theirs. He suggested it may have something to do with Chizar being preoccupied with doing certain favors for King.

VanderMeer did share a little perspective in a comment on my unboxing:

https://youtu.be/-sg9xG7-Mfs

[sholloman81]

Correct, no bonus content here.

Jeff VanderMeer made another post on Facebook about his frustrations with this edition. I just commented to see if he can shed light on what the bonus content was supposed to have been. Very curious on if he'll reply!

I don't use Facebook; so, I cannot go see for myself; however, I would have loved to have read Vandermeer's comments about this edition, just to have another perspective. If you do receive a response to your comments and feel comfortable reposting it here, I would love to know what he replies.

[Splync]

Wait - the promised "which includes a massive bonus section of TOP SECRET MATERIAL that will be exclusive to this special edition" isn't in the book?

That is BEYOND disappointing to hear. Wow.

Correct, no bonus content here.

Jeff VanderMeer made another post on Facebook about his frustrations with this edition. I just commented to see if he can shed light on what the bonus content was supposed to have been. Very curious on if he'll reply!

[TacomaDiver]

Wait - the promised "which includes a massive bonus section of TOP SECRET MATERIAL that will be exclusive to this special edition" isn't in the book?

That is BEYOND disappointing to hear. Wow.

[sholloman81]

Bummer to hear that the bonus material wasn't included. Not blaming anyone as I don't know who's more at fault, but, it it definitely feels like we're getting less than was promised. I just wish that if the bonus material couldn't be produced in the 4 1/2 years of production time that CD would have found a way to replace it with something else (interior art, essay from another author, etc.). Am still happy to have this book as this is one of my favorite authors; however, I was hoping for something extra special, especially at $150 price point which felt high-end for CD back in 2018. Those are practically Suntup AGE prices and Suntup would have included a bunch of art or other extras beyond a new dust jacket and sig.

[bookworm 1]

Jeff VanderMeer was pretty pissed about the production delays on this volume, so I wouldn't be surprised if he never provided the bonus materials, especially if CD was having difficulties obtaining them earlier.

Then I hope he was pissed at himself for contributing to the delay while CD waited for the extra that he was supposed to provide.