Apple has taken an unconventional approach by releasing a free 11-page excerpt from Rhea Seahorn's upcoming book "Bloodsong of Wycaro". The excerpt, which is part of her romantasy series 'Pluribus', offers fans a glimpse into Carol Sturka's world and provides closure on a plot point that was hinted at in the show's pilot episode.
In a letter accompanying the excerpt, Carol explains that she is giving away this portion of her work for free as an act against capitalism. The move comes after fans expressed frustration over the lack of Raban, Captain Lucasia's longtime lover, on the cover of "Stormshadow", the previous book in the series. The released excerpt confirms that Raban is indeed alive and well after being forced to walk the plank.
The full "Bloodsong of Wycaro" book remains exclusive to Apple Books, but fans can now access Chapter 16, "The Isle of Sanantes". This chapter reveals that Madam Asclepius, a banished healer, may hold the key to saving Lucasia's crew after they've been afflicted with a curse.
This move echoes Apple's previous strategy for Ricken Hale's self-help book "The You You Are", which was made available as a downloadable version in January. The release of "Bloodsong of Wycaro" excerpt has sparked debate among fans about the merits of romantasy as a genre, and we'd love to hear their thoughts - share your opinions on how it would fare as a real book in the comments below.
The next episodes of "Pluribus" will premiere this Friday on Apple TV.
In a letter accompanying the excerpt, Carol explains that she is giving away this portion of her work for free as an act against capitalism. The move comes after fans expressed frustration over the lack of Raban, Captain Lucasia's longtime lover, on the cover of "Stormshadow", the previous book in the series. The released excerpt confirms that Raban is indeed alive and well after being forced to walk the plank.
The full "Bloodsong of Wycaro" book remains exclusive to Apple Books, but fans can now access Chapter 16, "The Isle of Sanantes". This chapter reveals that Madam Asclepius, a banished healer, may hold the key to saving Lucasia's crew after they've been afflicted with a curse.
This move echoes Apple's previous strategy for Ricken Hale's self-help book "The You You Are", which was made available as a downloadable version in January. The release of "Bloodsong of Wycaro" excerpt has sparked debate among fans about the merits of romantasy as a genre, and we'd love to hear their thoughts - share your opinions on how it would fare as a real book in the comments below.
The next episodes of "Pluribus" will premiere this Friday on Apple TV.
. It's definitely a bold move, especially since the full book is exclusive to their platform. The letter accompanying the excerpt highlights Carol Sturka's frustration with capitalism and the lack of representation on the cover of "Stormshadow", which I think adds a layer of authenticity to the release.
. As a fan, I appreciate the closure on Raban's storyline and the cliffhanger ending in Chapter 16. However, as a curious observer, I'd love to see more nuanced discussions about the pros and cons of making exclusive content available for free.
. With the upcoming episodes premiering on their platform, it'll be fascinating to see how fans respond to the new releases and what they hope to see more of in future episodes 
And that's a huge deal, btw! Raban's back, and he's still got it 
.
and what does it say about romantasy as a genre if apple is trying to make us care by giving away free books?! 
now can we pls focus on the chapter where madam asclepius saves lucasia crew?? that sounds like actual good writing not just a cash grab 
This move by Apple is like, so cool 
that's amazing! 
. And now we get to see Raban alive and well 
... I'm so down for more of his storylines 
.
! Can't wait to dive into the full book when it comes out 
. And speaking of which, how do you guys think romantasy will do as a real genre? 
what i think is even better is how it's sparked a convo about the romantasy genre - love seeing fans get passionate about books 
in all honesty, i've never been super into this genre myself (i'm more of an indie graphic novel kinda gal 
. I mean, who needs closure on that plot point anyway? It feels like they're playing with our emotions, keeping Raban alive just to take it away from us again. And what's up with Carol giving away this excerpt for free as a "act against capitalism"? Sounds like a marketing ploy to me 
OMG I am literally so hyped about this 
. And can we talk about Raban's return? 
That ship has always been my fave and now it's finally getting the love it deserves 
. The fact that Madam Asclepius might hold the key to saving Lucasia's crew? 
️ I need more of this in my life! 
and the fact that fans were frustrated over his lack of presence on the cover of the previous book just shows how invested we are in this series 
. also, romantasy as a genre is already super overhyped and overly romanticized... it's all just sappy fantasy nonsense 
.
... I've read fan theories online and it's crazy how invested people are! The excerpt is giving me major book hangover vibes - I'm so down to binge-read "Bloodsong of Wycaro" ASAP 
. It's really cool to see creators use their platforms in such a powerful way. And hey, if this means more people are reading "Pluribus" and discussing it online, then I'm all for it 
.
. It just goes to show that fans have the power, and if you stand up for what you want, companies might listen.
. I think it's kinda genius marketing, actually. Fans are so invested in the story, they'll be talking about it nonstop, and word-of-mouth is always more powerful than paid ads.