[silvercue]

I want to try the Brett books and was just going to buy the Painted Man online when I read some reviews suggesting that it has two versions.

I assumed that they were just different names for US/UK release for some copyright reason, but have read that one was a later release and there are differences in the text, although it is the same story....?

I am rather confussed as I have not come accross this before.....what is the difference and why has this been done?

Many thanks

[Rob B]

The author himself (known as Peat here at SFFWORLD) dropped by this thread (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20642) and gave us the answer:

Both the UK and US versions were edited simultaneously, and except for some Anglicization and the name of the title character, the text is identical. There are some differences in the layout, though, with the UK version having a great map, and the US version having character avatars I drew in the chapter headings to show whose POV the chapter is in.

[chris777]

Ya that's what I had read. Just a different name. Peat confirmed. Cool that he came to the forum. Though likely he just Google'd his book or name, and found the forum and posted. As he had only ever posted in that thread.

[KatG]

Actually, a lot of these authors lurk here, but are too busy to post, unless maybe it's about their stuff or they don't want to interfere with the conversation. Most of them know each other, including the authors who hang here more regularly, and know some of the review bloggers who also stop in, plus SFFWorld reviews get quoted for book covers, so most of the authors know about the forum. I just always assume that they are listening. I've had too many experiences where we'll be talking about an author and they suddenly pop up in the thread.

I'm actually very interested to read Painted Man because while tatoos are common in fantasy fiction, it's interesting to see them get used as the main basis for the story.

[silvercue]

OK, thanks for the replies all.

I have to say I don't particularly like the idea of two versions.....UK and US English is not that distinct......unless of course you make a film called the last AirBender and announce "I am a bender" at the some point....;)

But - why would they main character have a name change? Really don't like the idea of that at all....it is part of their identity. I will go and read his thread/post.

I have ordered "The Painted Man" which I understand to be the UK version.

[Third Eye]

Actually, a lot of these authors lurk here, but are too busy to post, unless maybe it's about their stuff or they don't want to interfere with the conversation. Most of them know each other, including the authors who hang here more regularly, and know some of the review bloggers who also stop in, plus SFFWorld reviews get quoted for book covers, so most of the authors know about the forum. I just always assume that they are listening. I've had too many experiences where we'll be talking about an author and they suddenly pop up in the thread.

I'm actually very interested to read Painted Man because while tatoos are common in fantasy fiction, it's interesting to see them get used as the main basis for the story.

Painted/Warded Man is on my list as well. Rob did a great review on it as did Hobbit. Still haven't been able to get an explanation as to why the need for two different names though. I saw Peter posted a response but it didn't explain the name issue. I know Harper Collins published it first in the UK and then Del Rey in the US.

I have noticed Abercrombie posts here from time to time. What happened to the Bakker author forum? Is that still alive?

[chris777]

I just read Warded Man. And man...it was great. I've had some crappy luck buying books that I've heard were good, and I end up not liking them. But Warded Man was well worth it. Starting Desert Spear tonight!(which i read a review saying it is just as good, if not better than the first)

[Third Eye]

I just read Warded Man. And man...it was great. I've had some crappy luck buying books that I've heard were good, and I end up not liking them. But Warded Man was well worth it. Starting Desert Spear tonight!(which i read a review saying it is just as good, if not better than the first)

I am really looking forward to reading The Warded Man. I didn't get a chance to get to the bookstore this week but it is on my list. I have heard nothing but good things about it. Peter Brett has the slickest looking website as well check it out if you haven't already.

http://www.petervbrett.com/