Since so many of you are asking, the Audible version of The Sixth Strand will not release in June with the print and ebook editions.
The data I have from my publisher at this time is that Nick Podehl is set to record the book in September. Based on past experience, this should put the release on Audible at some time in December, 2019.
As soon as I have a definite release date, be assured I will let you all know! If you’re signed up for my mailing list, you’ll be sure to get the notification.
Can’t wait
Melissa,
Is this delay common? I could have sworn that the audible release coincided with the print release for Kingdom Blades (thought my memory is hazy). For those of us who use Audible as our primary means of enjoying your works, this delay is a bit of a bummer. But, I guess why get angry at the wind when it decides to blow.
Hi Michael, I know, it’s a bummer and I’m so sorry. The delay is because I control the ebook and print editions but not the Audible version. It also is based on Nick Podehl’s recording schedule. Even booking him as of August last year, the soonest we could get on his schedule was September of this year. Then there is the production turn-around, which is why we’re estimating a December release. Nick is a busy man!
Nick podehl is one of the best narrators I have come across on all of my ebooks from audible. I have started book series just because I enjoy how good he is. I am not surprised he is so backed up. I can’t wait for this to come out.
Agreed, Dustin. Nick is a treasure. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on book five towards the end of this year. Thank you for listening.
Melissa,
I found your books because Nick’s work with the Kingkiller series with Patrick.
I am completely entrapped within the world you’ve created here. I just finished the 3rd book and originally though this was a trilogy. I am extremely pleased that there is more books at this point.
Extremely well done, I have recommended this series to anyone willing to listen to me.
Thank you so much, Kyle. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series. I feel blessed to have Nick as the voice of my characters. He is quite the talent!
I would love to hear what you think of books four and five. Please keep in touch.
I agree Nick Podehl is amazing. I first listened to the Kingdom Blades and several other series solely because he was the narrator.
You’re not alone in that decision, Susan. Many of my listeners have come to me through Nick’s following. I’m so grateful to have him!
I also started reading your books because of Nick. But the narrator can only do so much for a book. And you books stand on their own. I wish I had more time to sit down and read so I could just get the book. audible is about the only way I have to read right now though.
I understand, Jacob. I wish I could’ve released them both at the same time. At least you’ll have a good Christmas!
Any updates? It’s now December.
Still waiting for the pre-order to show up, Chris. Sadly that’s all I know.
Hello.. First let me say these books are my go to books when in between….. I must have listened to the at least 15 times already…. Please if you can what is the liquor ciri or Siri? Or is it something made from your brilliant imagination?
15 times might be a record, Dean!
Siri is my invention, but in my mind it’s close to a white wine like Pinot Grigio, only maybe a little bit more fermented – crisp, slightly fruity, slightly tart and bright on the tongue – and it’s served very cold. 🙂
Melissa,
I work at a Barnes & Noble where I frequently get to nerd out with customers and recommend some of my favorite books. However, I was dismayed upon looking in our system and realizing that your books are listed as Print on Demand (PoD) only, which is a designation that means we are unable to carry the books in store and instead have to resort to shipping directly to customers. Recently, though, my boss asked everyone to recommend one title to add to a promotional location at the front of our store. She mentioned that we could order books that we felt strongly about recommending. So, despite knowing that your books are listed as PoD, I figured I’d give it a shot. To my surprise, while I was working in our receiving department a week or so later, I opened a box to find the three copies of Cephrael’s Hand that I had shortlisted to the store. I have never been so happy to see a specific book come into the store as I was to see those three. I don’t know how much say you have in getting your books into bookstores like Barnes & Noble, but I wanted to say thank you for providing me with that pleasant surprise. I cannot wait to start hand-selling your books and introducing as many people to your world(s) as possible!
Oh, thank you for sharing your experience with me, Robbie. I’m so glad it worked out to get the books, as it seems a win for both of us. I cannot thank you enough for advocating for my series and bringing my books into your local store. My deepest thanks for your loyalty and your readership.
While it is a little disappointing that the Sixth Strand won’t release on Audible at the same time as the printed book, I’m glad that it’s because you are waiting for Nick Podehl. I came to the series because he was the narrator and would hate for someone else to take over. I’d rather have the delay.
I think we all feel the same way, Teresa. He’s worth the wait.
I couldn’t agree more!! Nothing quite as disappointing as having a change of reader mid-series – – I’d much rather wait (especially for Mr Podehl).
Better to wait then swap readers.
I guess this will be one of my Xmas books 🙂
I agree. I would have preferred to have all of the editions release at the same time, of course, but Nick is the voice of my series. A little longer wait is worth having his talent to bring the story to further life.
I buy audiobooks because of my eyesight (I’m basically blind as a bat )but my daughter prefer’s books. By now Im sure you recognise my name and know I’m a huge fan and have no intention to wait for the December audiobook . My daughter has agreed to read me book 5 for a Hottopic gift card! Of course, I’ll be getting the audiobook, too. I think I’m winning this mom thing.
That’s AMAZING, Felicia! I bet your daughter will do a fantastic job! I can’t wait to hear about it.
If only my 3 year old could read the book to me while I wait on the Audible version.
Good evening from NC.
I fell in love with your books upon a recommendation from my audible app. I am so exited to find out this evening that book five is available. As an avid audiobook listener I recently started Atlas Shrugged, and am enjoying it thoroughly. It occurred to me that there are a few similarities alone the way to your amazing work. I’m not sure if this is the forum to ask the question, and if not please feel free to delete my comment, but are the similarities a coincidence or intentional. I love them both so much and am simply curious. Your world build was impeccable and The Sixth Strand is my most anticipated next-in-series in my library. Thanks again for sharing your art with us. It is worth every bit of praise and more.
I so happy to know that you’re enjoying my series on Audible, Duane. I feel very blessed to have Nick as the voice of my series. He’s such an amazing talent!
At least one similarity (Dagmar/Ragnar) is obviously purposeful. Atlas Shrugged has been one of my favorite books since I was a teenager and I’ve read it many times. It is a critical reason I am writing this series, so it’s possible there are other unintentional similarities also beyond the nod to Ragnar.
I would love to know what you think of book five once you get into it. Keep me posted!
Knowing that December will be like Christmas squared with the audiobook’s release, I will have the time to listen to the first four for a fifth time, in preparation! I have 3 books to go in my 4th listening of the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (and Brandon Sanderson) which I took on while waiting for your book 5. I must say, as much as I love his series and the Sword of Truth series and the Enderverse, and Shannara… I really really love yours. Thank you for taking the time to create it well. I am so looking forward to hearing Nick bring your creation to my listening.
Thank you so much, Mara. I’m really looking forward to hearing Nick bring this book to life also! I hope you’ll share your thoughts on the story with me once it’s out on Audible. Thank you for listening.
I came to this world from Brandon Sanderson’s works and it has not disappointed.
I’m so glad to hear that, Kelly! Thank you for reading.
Hi, Melissa! I bought your other books and Amazon’s Alexa is reading to me as I work in the kitchen! I have already read your earlier books, so this is a re-visit. Alexa does not know how to pronounce the names, but the way you word your story allows me to still get “into” Alorin again. I am NOT recommending this method of listening, just commenting that the story is so compelling that even with a robot reading, it communicates your vision. Wow. Well done!
Nick is worth the wait.
Can not wait I just came across the series two months ago and just finished the last one on aduable. Great series so far
Thank you so much, Josh. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series on Audible. I’m really excited to hear Nick perform book five. It’s going to be VERY fun to listen to!
Have really loved Nick’s interpretation of the characters, especially Pelas (with whom I would run away in a heartbeat).
Sad I must wait so long, but it will be worth the wait!
You and me both, Jill. Pelas is magnificent, but in the long run I think he would break our hearts. 😉
I look forward to hearing what you think of the audible edition once it releases later this year. Thank you for listening!
For a narrator like Nick it’s totally worth the wait. Love this series Melissa, thank you for writing it!
I agree! And thank you for listening, Gabe.
Hi, I can see the new book is available for other devices but cannot see any mention of Kindle. Is the book going to be available for Kindle on release date? I normally listen via Audible but can’t wait until December 🙂
Josh it will be available for kindle, just not available for preorder. If you’re on my mailing list or signed up to follow me on Amazon, you’ll get notified as soon as the book is live.
Thanks for the response and confirmation, I’m now on the mailing list and following you on Amazon, will eagerly await the notification. Love you work, thanks for all your effort and not keeping us waiting too long for the next installment!
My pleasure, Josh. Thank you for reading. 🙂
Very excited, i just finish book four on audible and was sad i was finished. It was a great suprise ti find out 5 was done and released the day i finished 4!
That is serendipitous, Aaron. Of course, the Audible version won’t be out until later this fall, but the print editions are available now.
Simon Vance is an awesome narrator.
So is Michael Kramer and Kate Redding.
Just so you know there are options out there.
Thanks, Craig. Aside from the number of listeners who would be heartbroken if Nick didn’t continue reading the series, I seriously doubt Kate and Michael are any less busy. 😉
Well dang on the audible delay, I am just finishing a re-read/ listen to be all up to date on the new book..
I agree, Mitch. I wish it could have all been released together. Unfortunately I don’t have control over the audiobooks. And even booking Nick in August 2018, the earliest we could get him to record was September of this year. He’s a very busy man!
O, i am truly hanging, to read the follow on, of your story, Melissa Mcphail. I applaud your vision. and love the the run of it so far. weirdly though it was via audible i found your work, and sadly due to them i have to wait. looking forward to getting the next bit.
I hope and believe it will be worth the wait, Daniel, to have Nick continue reading the story. I hope you agree!
Thanks for the update, Nick has done a outstanding job with your books,I cant wait to listen to the Audible version , I think performing your books is his greatest work ,this only reflects how awesome your writing and characters are. I think there are books that are a good read , very entertaining, awesome books but your books I truly love.
Thank you so much for your kind words about my series, Gary. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying it.
I agree that Nick is an incredible talent. I feel blessed to have him as the voice of my series. I look forward to your feedback on book five at the end of this year. Thank you for listening.
This story is amazing and complex, I think this will go along side of The Riftwar Saga for me. I can wait for Nick to do his magic, and it will likely force me to start over from book one as I like to keep the story going and not come back to it later after a period of time. I relish re-listening to this series and will wait patiently! Thank you for all the wordful hours immersed in your story!!!
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my series on Audible, Jim. I think Nick does an amazing job bringing my characters to life. As soon as I have more information on the release date I’ll be sure to let everyone know. Thank you for listening.
Sounds like I’m going to have to start my re-listen so I’m ready for the release. Can’t wait!
It’s going to be a very exciting book to listen to, Beth!
Finished my re-listen, and am now waiting excitedly. Considering getting the ebook in the meantime, but I do really enjoy it with Nick’s narration, I feel like it would be strange to read it myself. Loving the way all the threads are coming together!
Almost there, Beth. The end of the year will be here before you know it. I look forward to getting your feedback on book five!
I have almost finished listening for the second time and hope we get the next one out before christmas (Thanksgiving?)
Wishful thinking, I know. Has Nick started reading it yet?
Hi Nick, Yes he’s finished recording so now it’s over to post production. I hope to know more soon. 🙂
I can’t find you on the Audible store, how can I find it when it comes out?
Nick it’s not listed yet because there isn’t a release date set. When the book is out of post-production and they actually have a release date, it will appear for preorder in the Audible store. Until then, as long as you’re signed up for my mailing list, you’ll get notified as soon as it’s available for preorder.
Cannot wait.
Nick is worth the wait. What an amazing narrator! He does a wonderful job of bringing your awesome story to life. 🙂
I too came to your series because of Nick. I love the way he narrates! Although, not just Nick, but all narrators, do a much better job when they have great books to perform. It might be that they know they will make more money, or that they just enjoy performing better books. Nick does an excellent job narrating your books 😉
I have enjoyed listening to both the characters, and yourself as a writer, grow throughout the series. The series has a great overall plot, but some of the underlying story arcs are very predictable… others, are not, and blew my mind! Thanks for providing me so much entertainment! These books are meaty… I hate burning a credit on a less than 10hr book. Yours gave us much more than that. Overall, I have truly enjoyed the series, nearly done with Kingdom Blades, and am excited that the wait for The Sixth Strand will be so short. Guess I chose the right time to start your series 🙂
One last thing… no more “Raven” hair!! LOL. You used Raven to describe some type of hair over 200 times in book 2. It got to the point where you could hear the Smile in Nick every time he said it.
I’m glad to know I can still surprise you, Joshua. It’s difficult to do with so much fantasy doing similar things. OMG, I guess I need to do a closer review of which words get used too many times! I’m sure you could hear Nick smiling. 🙂
So… it’s November 24th and still no sign of the book on Audible, preorder or otherwise. Is there any more information from the post-production team, publisher or Audible on when the preorder will become available? The anticipation, combined with this mysterious lack of a preorder so close to the release date, is unmaking my life pattern here!!!
Hi Kiera, I’ve asked my publisher rep who is looking into it. I know Nick took a bit longer to record the book than expected. It will definitely be out on the 31st, but the preorder may be delayed. I’ll let you know once I hear back from my author rep.
Any word yet on this?
Its 12/11/19
Still not showing up on Audible for pre-order. BUT is is on Amazon for
Pre-order purchase
Releases December 30, 2019
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082P7LNCK/
Jon, the audible preorder link is here: https://www.audible.com/pd/1774240491
When will the actual hard copy of “The Sixth Strand” be available to buy?
Keith, the book has been in print since June of this year. You can purchase it through my website, Amazon, B&N et al.