Siri Pettersen's Blog, page 11
February 17, 2021
The Iron Wolf - Launch dates
I’ve had a lot of questions about The Iron Wolf, and when it will be out in different countries. Thank you so much for that! Staying on top of these things is harder than you might think, but this is what we know so far. Please bear in mind that if there is no specific date, we are dealing with rough estimates that might be subject to changes.
Norway: Launched October 29th 2020
Germany: March 18th 2021
Sweden: April 16th 2021
Poland: May 18th 2021
Finland: May/June 2021
Czech: October 2021
Denmark: Autumn 2021
Italy: Autumn 2021
Russia: 2022
USA: 2022
For more details, please follow my publisher in your country. You can find a complete list here.
January 29, 2021
Gorgeous US reviews of Odin's Child.
«Blood magic, blackmail, and battle rock a rich world of fading magic to its core in this internationally bestselling Norwegian epic fantasy. [...] This series opener will captivate lovers of Bardugo’s gritty situations and Pullman’s wide mythic worlds.»
Well, I’m either tripping on a chocolate overdose, or Publishers Weekly in the US actually wrote this gorgeous review of Odin’s Child, comparing it to some of my favourite fantasy authors on the planet. And Kirkus reviews called it an “intricate, engaging novel” and a “promising trilogy opener” that “examines and upends everything its characters believe in, including their world, their history, their faith, and themselves, wile intertwining elements of politics and Norse mythology with a side of forbidden romance.”
If this is an hallucination, let it be a lesson to eat your veggies! If this is real: Thank you to my amazing team in America, who are working tirelessly towards the launch in March. And thank you to my translators, Paul Russell Garrett and Siân Mackie, who obviously did a fantastic job. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.
January 21, 2021
The most loved fanart in 2020
If I learned anything from last year, it’s that nothing will stop people from reading and creating astonishing art! Picking favourites is impossible. Fortunately, I can leave it up to you, so here it is: The fanart you loved the most in 2020. My deepest and most sincere thank you to everyone for putting so much passion into your creations. I am truly honored to have readers like you.
Taking the beak - by Jane Garlic (Czech)
This was your number 1 favourite, and I can’t blame you! It’s disgusting! Ii’s insane! And I love it! Jane “took the beak” as we say in Ymslanda, in this haunting cosplay with special effects makeup. She actually does little cosplays for all her reviews and it’s pretty neat.
Juva’s red hunter outfit - by Siri Eriksen (Norway)
My Norwegian publisher hired Siri to bring Juva’s red suit from The Iron Wolf to life, and this was the stunning result! The outfit was on display at Norli Universitetsgaten, an amazing bookstore in Oslo, and it is now on it’s way to Norli Lillehammer! (If you work in a bookstore in Norway, and want to borrow Juvas outfit, drop me a message :))
Lindri’s teahouse - by Sofia (Sweden)
This beautiful colored pencil drawing was the first throwback I ever did for fanart friday, but I had to. The current pandemic made me think of it. It was a much needed reminder to keep calm, and drink your tea, in a very cute and comforting style.
The Sannseyr sisters - By Jenny Jordahl (Norway)
This was the very first featured fanart from «The Iron Wolf,” created by none other than Jenny Jordahl, the multi-talented writer, designer, illustrator and comic artist! She was recently nominated for the Norwegian «Brage Award» for her children’s book: «What really happened to you?» Jenny is famous for fearlessly diving into feminist topics and what us northerners would call heavy sh*t.
Raven tattoo - by Natalia (Poland)
Yes, there were a few tattoos as well, like this giant raven forearm! It always makes me emotional to see something so dedicated and permanent as a tattoo. I am humbled and grateful that people would want to keep my stories as lifelong reminders on their skin.
Raven Rings cake - by Izabela (Poland)
Then there was this impossible to forget edible fanart! An actual award-winning Raven Rings cake! Totally the coolest corvid cake in the history of caking! This mouth-watering creation won bronze medal at Warsaw Expo Sweet. The surface of the rock is fondant, the raven skull is marzipan and fondant, and I can’t even... Certainly fanart in a league of its own.
Vengethorn tattoo - by Sandra Robertsdotter (Sweden)
Definitely the most meta fanart I’ve seen: It’s a tattoo, inspired by a drawing in the cryptic voynich manuscript. (Spoiler alert) Because in The Rot, Hirka saw a printout from that manuscript, and recognized it instantly as Vengethorn (Hemntorn) a herb from Ymslanda. So it's a real tattoo, from a fictional story, referencing a mysterious illustration, from a real document. And now it's permanently healing the arm of Sandra, who happens to be a brilliant comic book artist and illustrator.
Hirka cosplay - by Dominika Hladik (Czech)
Dominika has created so much gorgeous art, also from The Raven Rings. I don’t think there is any type of artistry she hasn’t tried, and this is her Hirka cosplay. Super cute in her green knitted sweater, red hair and the wolf fang necklace.
Raven born - by Mervey Kivimäki (Finland)
Gods, you guys are giving me nigthmares with your art sometimes! This one popped up on my mobile, and I actually flinched. Stunning work in a dramatic style, imagining how one might become raven born…
January 19, 2021
2020 braggathon: Release the wolf!
2020 is at an end, and that’s the best to be said of it. But it ends with a scent of hope, strong and invigorating as coffee. Mmm, can you smell it? My deepest gratitude to you all, my readers, and my hard-working writing family, for making even the dreaded 2020 an amazing year! Your dedication made all this happen, so let the yearly bragathon commence! First of all: The start of the new series!
The Iron Wolf: A bestseller and my fifth(!) nomination for the Bookseller’s Prize!
The Iron Wolf launched in Norway straight onto the bestseller list. It was nominated for the Norwegian Bookseller’s Prize, was sold to 10 countries before it was out, and the reviews were wonderful and juicy, sometimes borderline indecent! :D But more on that later. I am extremely grateful to you all for embracing the new series and making this happen. Thank you! <3
The bestseller lists
The Iron Wolf launched right to the general bestseller list, and as a fantasy lover, I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to see Nordic fantasy hover between great names in crime fiction, like Nesbø, Kepler and Guillou. It’s been out for three months and is still lingering on the bestseller list for Children/YA. Yay!
The reviews and features
Competition for attention has never been more fierce, so I’m truly lucky to have been featured and reviewed by all the major media outlets in Norway. The Iron Wolf also frequented the various «Best books of the year» and «Book tips for Christmas» lists. But most importantly, the reviews were absolutely gorgeous! Here are some of my favourite quotes:
«Masterly by Norway’s fantasy queen […] This is the book you want to see in big screen production. No one above, no one beside. The Iron Wolf is the start of an historic fantasy so intense and masterfully assembled that it’s almost unbearable. Stroke by stroke, Siri Pettersen paints a picture so rich with fates and connections that you end up standing there, admiring it, long after you finished reading.»
- VG, Kristine Isaksen
«Juicy… erotic yearning… desire and electric tension… cusses that would make Tolkiens dwarves blush…[…] What impresses me with Siri Pettersens story, is the rich detail and consistency in the world she portrays. The city of Náklav is convincingly described, with its greed, depravity, and diverse social layers and customs. She also has a rare visual power of imagination that few writers can match.»
- NRK, Ola Hegdal «Powerful and spine-tingling fantasy. […]
The Iron Wolf is a thrilling novel, at times blood-chilling, and even though the plot is complex, Pettersen never loses drive or nerve. […] The first book bodes more than well.
- Adressa, Ørjan Greiff Johnsen
«Sets the bar high. […] Siri Pettersen’s new series is well written about feeling young, brave and fit for fight. Pettersen lies to our belief, and we feel like the hero in a crucial drama of life and death.
- Aftenposten, Morten Olsen Haugen
Setting the mood with book trailers
My Norwegian publisher, Gyldendal, hired the talented people at Manus advertising to create a series of video teasers for the book, and they capture the mood so beautifully! If you haven’t seen it, it’s right here. The advertising magazine «Kreativt Forum» wrote an article about the making: «Two bloody fangs, tracks in the snow, a glimpse of a crossbow. Those are the small details, from a grand and mighty universe, that get to play center stage.» I even got to visit on set, which was one of the best days of 2020!
Outland edition
I love the geek stores! Every country has one, and in Norway, it’s Outland. Now, when the geekiest store in Norway asks you for the possibilities of a special edition, you say YES! Limited to 400 copies, we designed a special cover for them, in white watercolour. Isn’t it gorgeous? My sincere apologies and tons of love to everyone who ended up buying two copies, just to have both!
A cosplayer’s dream
Aaaaah, I’m dying, this is so amazing! Look at it! Gyldendal hired a seamstress to bring Juva’s red suit from The Iron Wolf to life, and here is the stunning result! Her name is Siri Eriksen, and she combed the book, looking for clues to the design. The outfit is heavy and gorgeous, and has been on display in one of our flagship bookstores. In 2021 we hope to have it as a traveling display, from bookstore to bookstore.
The Raven Rings: Over a quarter million sold!
When I got this news in june, my first reaction was to drop an F-bomb. The Raven Rings has now sold well over a quarter million copies, worldwide. My amazing agents at Grand Agency swear it’s true, it’s approaching 300K, and I’m like... Haha, seriously? This is YOUR doing! I am so deeply grateful to all of you, for making these books available to the world. Thank you. Really. I can’t even...
Geffen finalists
The Raven Rings 2 & 3 were finalists for the Geffen Award in Israel, for «Best translated fantasy», together with... *checks notes* Terry Pratchett, Naomi Novik, Brandon Sanderson, J.R.R Tolkien, and George R.R. Martin. Wait, hang on... *checks notes again* No, that’s... That’s actually right! My deepest thanks to translator Yonatan Bar, and Sial publishing, who obviously did a fantastic job.
German Collector’s Box
Oh, mein Herz! This year, Germany is launching its own limited edition collector’s box! My wonderful German publisher, Arctis Verlag, is creating this gorgeous slipcased edition of Die Rabenringe, with an extra «making of» pocket book, containing my notes and photos, Hirka’s herbal guide and the story of Hirka and Rime. It will be limited to 2500 copies, and they did a superb job with the design!
Lingering on the radio
The covid pandemic has changed how we work, but one of the upsides seems to be taking our time. I did two long format interviews on radio, and really enjoyed spending time in the studio for longer and deeper conversations. The shows were «Drivkraft» (Drive) and «Kulturstripa» (Culture strip), both available in Norwegian, just click the links.
Giving back
There comes a time in every woman’s life, (possibly the midlife crisis?) when the need to give something back to the world, becomes pressing. Some time ago, I asked friends and followers for suggestions on how to help aspiring authors or contribute more in the broader sense of things, and there were myriads of ideas. An outline of a plan is slowly taking form, and my over-ambitious goal is to launch a mentor or scholarship program or something similar in 2021.
I lost over 30 kg!
Totally on the way too personal side, but I have to say it, because my neighbour asked if I was sick! Also, I’m super proud and really WANT to tell you! :D When Norway went into covid lockdown, I called a personal trainer. Spent the past nine months sweating over weights for hours every single day. The lack of cocktails has quite frankly been outrageous, but it was worth it to replace all my lingerie. The feeling is 10/10, would recommend! Nothing like winning the fight over yourself…
What’s up for 2021?
Once you start a series, there’s no rest until it’s done. You are not shy about telling me that you are waiting for the next book. So: if I’m a little hard to get a hold of over the next few months, you’ll have to forgive me, but at least you can be sure that I am writing. I’m also really excited about the US launch of Odin’s Child in march. Everyone: Thank you again, I owe you all the world, and I wish the best year for you and your loved ones. Stay sane and healthy until we ride this one through.
Love from Siri
December 18, 2020
«Sets the bar high»
Norway’s biggest news outlet reviewed The Iron Wolf today, and I never thought I would love to be called a liar in the paper! «Sets the bar high,» says Morten Olsen Haugen in Aftenposten, and continues: «Siri Pettersen’s new series is well written about feeling young, brave and fit for fight. Pettersen lies to our belief, and we feel like the hero in a crucial drama of life and death.» Thank you so much, this was the best way to start Christmas <3
The review is in Norwegian and behind a paywall, but can be found here.
November 26, 2020
The Iron Wolf book trailer!
THE IRON WOLF book trailer was released in October, and it's just the best birthday present I could get! Beautifully created by Manus, who did a fantastic job, especially composing the music. I feel it really captures the mood of the story.
The trailer is actually a long version of three teasers, inspired by the covers, and designed to evoke curiosity. The Norwegian advertising magazine “Kreativt Forum” has an article about the project, (Norwegian) and this is the talent team:
Director: Andreas Bastian Nordberg
Conceptual artists: Siri Skaustein, Håkon Sollund, Line Jacobsen, Øistein Engelsen Fjæra
Director of photography: Marius Aaserud
Composer: Håkon Sollund
Set designer: Maria Telle Brendmoe
November 22, 2020
German collector'sbox in 2021
Oh, mein Herz! Dear Germany, I have the best news! Next autumn, you’ll get your own limited edition collector’s box! My wonderful German publisher, Arctis Verlag, is creating this gorgeous slipcased edition of Die Rabenringe, with an extra «making of» pocket, containing my notes and photos, Hirka’s herbal guide and the story of Hirka and Rime. It will be limited to 2500 copies.
I have no idea when it will be ready for pre-order, or how much it will cost, I just really wanted to share it and give you a heads-up. Look at those covers! Isn’t it beautiful? I’ll let you know as soon as I have more information.
November 11, 2020
New maps for download
I know. Books are small and the maps are hard to read... Or even covered up by the library jacket, as one reader alerted me to yesterday. And sometimes you really wish you didn’t have to jump back and forth to figure out where things are going on.
So if you need them, all the maps from all the books are here for download, including the new ones from The Iron Wolf. Big and juicy and ready for intense scrutiny, so go nuts!
November 6, 2020
The Iron Wolf on the bestseller list
In a short week you made The Iron Wolf one of Norway’s best-selling books, you effing lunatics! Fantasy on the bestseller list, between Nesbø, Kepler, Moyes, Horst and Guillou and such. Dear me, what’s the world coming to... Thank you!
November 2, 2020
The Iron Wolf is nominated for the Booksellers’ Prize!
THE IRON WOLF is nominated for the Norwegian Booksellers’ Prize! I seriously need a drink. This is insane! With Odin’s Child, it was the first time a fantasy had been nominated. With The Rot and The Might, it was the first time for an entire series. Now it’s five times in a row, and they tell me it has never happened before.
I’m so happy that I’d be a health hazard if I was in a public place right now! My deepest thanks to all the wonderful booksellers who nominated me, and to all the hard-working people at Gyldendal Norsk Forlag. And contratulations to all the nominees: Erika Fatland, Helga Flatland, Karl Ove Knausgård, Maja Lunde, Lars Mytting, Olaug Nilssen, Tore Renberg, Zeshan Shakar og Gulraiz Sharif.
