The Jeweled Book

Skillfully intertwining multiple timelines, this fascinating novel by USA Today bestselling author Alan Hlad draws on the true story of an ill-fated book to create a tale of obsession, artistry, mystery, and hope.

Dulcie Finch’s promotion at the British Library couldn’t come at a better time. Dulcie, a widowed single mother, has been struggling to care for her daughter, Ava, who is wheelchair-bound with a rare degenerative disease. With Dulcie’s new role as Curator of Bookbindings comes a raise and more responsibility, including caring for the library’s most celebrated work.

The Great Omar, a lavishly decorated edition of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, is one of the most exquisite books ever created, its elaborate cover emblazoned with gold leaf and studded with over 1,000 jewels. Yet for all its splendor, the book is haunted by tragedy. The first version, created by the famous bookbinding firm Sangorski & Sutcliffe, sank without a trace onboard an ocean liner that too was shrouded in superstition: the RMS Titanic. Its creator drowned shortly afterward at an English seaside resort. A second edition, steeped in sacrifice and secrecy, was incinerated by German bombers during the London Blitz.

Dulcie settles into her new role, growing more and more intrigued with The Great Omar—both the exquisite binding and the mystic poetry that lies within, as well as the amulet that is stored with the book and believed to ward off the evil eye. But The Great Omar’s fascination remains potent for others as well, including a Russian oligarch who makes Dulcie a tantalizing, dangerous offer that will bring together the book’s past, present, and future in one fateful decision . . .

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