Today is the official publication date for Shades of Milk and Honey
Exactly what we could expect from Jane Austen if she had been a fantasy writer… An intimate portrait of a woman, Jane, and her quest for love in a world where the manipulation of glamour is considered essential for a lady of quality.
“Readers will be disappointed only when they finish this enchanting story, which is suffused with genteel charm. The author’s judicious and effective changes to aspects of daily life clearly communicate how similar but different this world is from ours. With the grace of _Sense and Sensibility_, a touch of classic fairy tale magic, and an action-packed ending, this debut novel by an award-winning short story writer will appeal to fans of Jane Austen, Jane Yolen, Patricia Wrede, Susannah Clarke, and even Jasper Fforde.” –Library Journal
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Powell’s
Bonus Links:
Mary discusses Shades of Milk and Honey on John Scalzi’s Big Idea
Odd historical things Mary learned while writing the book (on Tor/Forge’s blog).
Cory Doctorow talks about Shades of Milk and Honey on boingboing.net
Dan Wells: Shades of Milk and Honey, or, Why I’m going to murder Mary Robinette Kowal
Win a copy! Post a comment on this entry about any of the bonus links, the first chapter, or the trailer above, and be entered to win; winner chosen at random at 12 Noon EST 8/6/2010. (One entry per person. U.S. Residents only. Note: ARC version.)
ETA: If you leave an anon comment and want to be entered, please add your name to the comment. Thanks.
Et in arcaedia, ego. 
I saw the trailer for this yesterday when it was reviewed on Boing Boing. Definitely going to have to pick up a copy!
I’ve been reading Mary’s posts (on her own blog as well as the Big Idea). It has occurred to me, reading about this book and the first chapter, that her “Regency with magic” theme in this novel would fit into the magical realism subgenre that Nancy Pearl was lamenting should not be ghettoized as F/SF on NPR today.
I love learning odd historical bits, too. I’ve never seen a crossed letter before, though I’ve heard of them, so I was glad there was a link to the picture.
And you are my lucky winner! Please email me at jjackson -at- maassagency -dot- com with your name and address and I will be sending off the ARC copy of the book to you.
Oh, this is great! I actually went to the library to put it on hold and was upset because they don’t have a copy yet. Now I don’t have to wait for them to get on that as I asked. 🙂
Never read
I’m soley basing my judgement on this book based off of what the Writing Excuses Guys have said. I trust their opinion and if they say it’s good then I feel I should give it a try.
The trailer is quirky–love it! I’ve been waiting for this book, the trailer only makes my wait more torturous.
I heard Mary read the opening of this book at PenguiCon and immediately fell in love. The Austen styling is perfect and a delight to the ears. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
I saw the BoingBoing article yesterday and immediately added Shades of Milk and Honey to my wishlist! I love the summary I’ve seen and must read the book now 🙂
I read the post at tor.com yesterday and am looking forward to reading the book. I’m a longtime Regency fan and an even longer-time SFF fan, and enjoy well-done blends. By the way, I knew about crossed lines in letters, and about turning the table, but I didn’t know that “hello” wasn’t in use until later.
This is definitely on my wishlist… I like Dan Wells’ description of it as ‘a subtle summer romance’.
I’ve been looking forward to reading this.
Tara Maya
Going meta — I wonder which of the bonus links gets the most attention in the comments here (yes, I was immediately drawn to Dan Wells’ death threat approach).
Interesting approach to the trailer, though I’m unsure about the artist’s treatment of faces. Maybe that’s a reference to the content of the book, though, and that’s why I’m not getting it at this point in time.
That is such a cool conceit! It reminds me tangentially of Poul Anderson’s A Midsummer Tempest, a similar “change one thing” idea. (I always get bogged down in “butbut changing this would have changed that andandand” until my husband gives me A Look. Too much exposure to James Burke as an impressionable youth.)
Likewise only semi-on-topic, I really don’t think “why I’m going to murder someone” is an appropriate post title, even in jest.
This book sounds wonderful and is definitely on my to-read list. Dan Wells gave an amazing review and I agree–I’m completely jealous of the talent and dedication that must have gone into this book. Research is definitely where my own writing falls slack, but all the odd things she learned while researching suddenly gives me a bit more motivation.
The trailer is fantastic. Sounds like a great book!
I read the review on the Scalzi blog and definitely want my copy *NOW*…hmm.. shopping may be required.
ps while not IN america right now I can provide US resident address in case of WIN
I’ve been hearing about this book for MONTHS NOW and am very anxious to read it. You’d just know it’d drop right during a New Book Buying Hiatus for me, though. *^_^*;;
*makes hopeful eyes in direction of ARC*
Hello? I think we’ll give you that one! 😉
Turning the table is very interesting – not sure if it could work today – but would be fun to see if everyone could stay with their table partner for the entire course.
The trailer is beautiful and I loved the way she developed her concept of magic (via Whatever). And Dan did a really good job describing the book (in between the death threats, of course.)
Heather from Tampa
Wow, Cory Doctorow likes it! ^-^
I, therefore, am much intrigued. Of course it sounds like just my kind of thing anyway.
Congrats on the release!
Trailer was captivating.
-Addison
Oh, yay! I do believe I was graciously permitted to read that early-on, and have been waiting for the Real Thing. (Even if this comment qualifies, please don’t bother entering me in ARC stuff — I want to pay for my copy now. O:> )
I have been wanting to read this ever since I saw the first chapter on her blog! (And loved the info about the crossed letter.)
Rachel R
Thanks for the reminder! I enjoy her short fiction, so I’ve really been looking forward to the novel. Going to go check out the odd historical things she learned because I love those types of lists.
Evocative Trailer for a Magical Book
Can’t wait to read this one – the trailer was amazing!
How fun is this?
This book has been on my wishlist for a while and I’m excited that it’s published now. I read the first chapter online, which is why I decided I wanted it. Thanks for the chance to win. newt at imsa dot edu
I would love to hear more of the historical details she learned when researching the book – that stuff is so interesting! I would have beat my head into a wall trying to read a crossed letter, though.
I read the first chapter a couple of weeks ago, and I was smitten. I’m really looking forward to when I can get my hands on this one.
Nice historical anecdotes. I went and fished out “hello” from my manuscript. 🙂 Didn’t need to, since it’s fantasy, but found better replacements.
Hello is not a word! I KNEW THAT! I mean, I had forgotten it, but I definitely had learned that before.
This looks so good. It is right, RIGHT, up my alley.
As a motion-graphics artist, I love the visual style of this trailer. The filmmakers cleverly used actors (wearing profile masks?) and shot low-contrast silhouettes with video. Excited to read this book.
– christine castigliano
(castigliano@comcast.net)
I watched the trailer yesterday and found it mesmerizing. Also, I love the book title.
how delightful! it’s so hard to get close to Jane’s voice – a modern sensibility so often intrudes. I hugely enjoyed Jo Weston’s Austen-style dragons and I shall look forward to this. And the shadow puppetry on the trailer is very well done; a mix of silhouette actors and masks?
Yes. I talk a little about how we did the shadow mask work over on John Scalzi’s Whatever.
Contest
That’s a good idea for a story. I’m always amazed magic systems in most fantasy haven’t always focused on the more practical consumerist applications it could have on life, rather than the explosions. I was excited when I read Scott Lynch’s Locke Lamora and saw magic being used to make sharper knives. And I thought–that’s true. Fireballs and magic swords are great, but a never-dulling cutting knife that can chop up steak and potatoes? Much more practical.
If I win, you can reach me through my blog unrepentantescapist.blogspot.com
Historical Facts
I love reading about history and I know that you learn from the past. It was interesting to read about the shoes not having a left indentation until it’s made by the wearer.
J L Jackson
DreamyCowgirl@hotmail.com
I am usually not a big fan of romance novels but Doctorow’s short review convinced me that this is not what I though it is. I am planning on reading this novel.
I love reading Jane Austin’s novels, and I really enjoy Kowal’s stories. Getting them both in one package — priceless! I can’t wait to read it.
Laura E. Reeve
http://www.AncestralStars.com
This book sounds fascinating! It’s definitely going on my “To Read” list. I love the reference to the crossed letter in the Tor/Forge blog–a friend and I saw the Jane Austen exhibition at the Morgan to which Kovall refers, and we spent an inordinate length of time staring at those lovely crossed letters, trying to read them. It’s intriguing how folks in different times coped with simple hardships.
I enjoyed reading the first chapter.
I am in love…
…with that trailer! Wow! I loved the Gothic feel. And the music…oh hell yeah! Now I can’t wait to read the book!
Wonderful propmotional strategy!
Great teaser to draw us in. I’ll come back later and read the first chapter. — Nancy Flinchbaugh
Trailer Envy
That trailer is so cool! I showed it to my co-workers & patrons (I work in a library). We’ve had a few people put requests in for it already!
“I loved the odd historical things” link. I had no idea that “hello” wasn’t a word in 1814. Very interesting.
Paul
The trailer is superb! Can’t wait to read the book.
Like I wasn’t desperate enough for this book, but the trailer just seals the deal! (I’m not reading the first chapter b/c without the rest I’ll just be a bear!) I’d love to be entered in the giveaway, thanks!
audra, thesibylqueen at gmail.com
Can’t wait to read it!
I love the quirky trailer – I’ve never seen anything like it and I bet the book is going to be just as mesmerizing!
-Miranda Suri
re: Dan Wells link
Mr. Wells, you dare to threaten the lady? This insult to her honor will not be borne! I demand satisfaction! Pistols at dawn!
(Sorry, I may have taken the novel a bit too much to heart.)
I was only vaguely interested in the book (I’d been mixed on Mary’s short stories) until I read the Big Idea post, which has pretty much sold me on it.
I read the first chapter. What a treat, so wonderful like all of Mary’s stories!
I love the shadow puppets
Wow.
Those shadow puppets are really cool. They look like the puppeteer is wearing them, so of course I want to see how to make them.
– John
good
I’m so happy because of the success in hr publication about shades of milk and honey I think that’s something great, but I think I’m happier than Mary when I Buy Kamagra because it’s my fuel and also my wife is so happy with that.