Take to the Sky

In her latest feat of shimmering world building, the author of A Wish in the Dark and The Last Mapmaker spins a breathtaking story of wishes and destiny with both human and animal characters at its heart.

When a bird named Toi is magically transformed into a human by a Speaker—one who need only speak a wish aloud, good or bad, for it to come true—he and his feathered friend, Sura, set out on a quest to reverse the spell. Joining forces with Jet, a runaway searching for answers about his past, they venture down the winding mountain pass toward the city below. Traveling among goatherds and thespians on the eve of a fateful eclipse, they see signs of the war brewing between the mountain people and the lord of the land, who is revealed to be Jet’s father. Some prophecies are so old, they’re written on the bones of the mountain. Will Jet fulfill his duty to his father and follow his fate? And can daydreamer Toi, who’s always been a wingbeat behind the flock, return to his true form and teach himself to soar?

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs